The Savannah morning news. (Savannah, Ga.) 1900-current, 1901-07-24
Does Education Educntes

which agitates the public mind just
now is Should the negro be disfran-
chised?" Another question may we'll
be asked and answer made in the af
firmative, Has a sovereign state the
power to pass upon the qualifications
of its voters? This accomplished it be-
comes the duty of each state to decide
first Does the negro need the ballot?
Second, Does the state need the negro
as a voter and as a lawmaker? We
recall the method by which the duty
of voting was imposed upon the sud-
denly emancipated slave, and the rea-
sons or excuses made for the action
Opinions differ as to the wisdom of
Congress in dealing with the ques-
ton, but there can be no question of
the duty of every Southern state to
decide for itself who shall make its
laws, who shall shape it's civilization.
We may, in this. and in all public
questions Trust the people!" What
ever be the ethics of the question ii is
not probable that the negro will in ev-
cry Southern state be deprived of his
vote. There is a sentimental view
which prevails largely in New England
That If the ballot is taken away, the
negro will retrograde; but their
rant any belief that the question can
be settled there. Conditions differ in
Maine and in Mississippi; each state
should settle matters for itself Should
there be unwise or hasty action, the
door is always open for reconsidera
tion when experience indicates such
need.
But the true reason why there will
not be general Acknowledgement of the
l. -, "a.
hesitate over it's expediency. l am far
from affirming that the negro vote is
always purchasable, but If a man is
in the market vote buying he is not
likely to neglect the opportunity of
conference with those who guard the
interests of the negro. 1T is some
times in an emergency quite helpful to
be able TO appeal to this class who in
many sections outnumber the Caucas-
ian.
We are reminded Of the lad who was
asked What is a lie?" He replied "A
lie is an abomination in the sight of
the Lord" That was the place to
stop, but he having in mind previous
experience added, But a very present
help in time of trouble So the voter
in question can become "a help in an
| emergency"
The INSCRIPTIONS politician will join
| civilization who at distance ignorant
ly passes Judgment: and the ignorant
| will continue to control and debauch
| our public affairs.
There is one safe. partial remedy for
this condition; it lies within the prov
ince of the school-teacher; let every
child have opportunity to obtain a
knowledge of the primary teachings of
the public school; and having agreed
/ I'D hoI 6.aI he
way open for an advance along paths
which will mean all that is desirable in
| med ern civilization. But woe to that
| community which denies the privilege
| of the school to any of its children IL
| ignorance be indeed the mother of
vice 1t has been. and is. a most prolific
motherhood: we need to throw off the
yoke and unite in effort to increase
knowledge. and with 1t will come I'M
! Outstanding.
The returned negro soldier who has
been engaged in extending the area
of freedom in the East, is likely to
prove an element OF danger to the
| peace of the community. He has been
subjected to strict discipline from
| which he is now entirely relieved, he
believes himself to be under the guar
dianship of the United States. and not
amenable to the local authorities, so
his manner often invites attack-Gnd
with the aid of the aloon-keeper there
| is likely to be conflict. If there must
| be war IL would be well for the eau
\ casian TO do his own fighting. TO wear
/ the uniform and to draw the pension.
! The best work OF the negro under pres
ent development Is to be done on the
farm; best for his race. as we'll as for
ours. We may safely withhold advice
| which will do no good. II the negro is
10 receive benefit IL must come from
good example. of conduct, rather than
from even wise council. there has been
too much advice given by those who
are incompetent. In the office OF the
/ Commissioner of Education for Georgia
there hangs a large map OF the state
each county is marked with dots. these
/ Indicate the number and location Of
school houses: there IA great diff
ference. some counties almost covered.
others nearly free from dots! IL would
/ be interesting n the statistician would
definitely learn what results In each
county. briefly. II education effective
In bringing prosperity Does the school
/ teacher bring about social and economic
I cord tions7 Of this ! have no doubt.
I get the doubters are more than the
4 true believers. hence the need for more
4 schools h great
william Riley Boyd
Atlanta. July a. 1901
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