The age-herald., 1901-03-15

.s- -. - first 1t is in the power of the State to ameliorate and finally to overcome; the latter seems to be unacceptable. It is be- lieved, however that deiverance from the first will largely tighten and perhaps in time remove the second. But as yet the past has not demonstrated 1t.
 The Party, the State.
 The Democratic party in Alabama-hap- pily-and yet unhappily for it's grave re- sponsibilities-is the State. This party is charged with the duty and responsibility of determining the conditions under which the burden of the black man will be carried by the white. All that per- tains to his protection in life, liberty and the equal pursuit of knowledge and wealth. the just sense of the white race will give to him. But with rare excep- tions Is 1t conceded in theory, and more rarely still allowed in practice, for him to become an important factor in the gov ernment of the State.
 'Fettered by the restraints of the f1f- teenth amendment to the Federal consti tuition, like other states in the south where the two races have dwelt together subject to it's provisions, there has been an irrepressible confiicts growing out of  suffrage. It is admitted now-all over the country-that its operation has yielded only bitter fruit to the black man and polluted the ballot box so often In the hands of the white man that society has long ago grown sick of its sham and only harmful continuance. In this State wall Is constantly going up from the great body of the people for deliverance by legislation from It's brutalizing and cor rupting effects. While some of the south ern states by ingenious circumvention in their new constitutions (not always to be 'imitated) have escaped, in a large meas ure, the restrictions of the fifteenth amendment. Alabama has endured but chafed under the yoke, although from time to time. through press and people, nightly crying to her leaders for res cue from this body of death.'
 Honest Democrats holding important stations in the State have so differed as to the way and the opportuneness of at tempting this rescue, and the deliverance never came; nor did the opportunity seem so fully ripe as now. It need not and will not be dssembled, therefore, that the supreme purpose of a constitutional convention in Alabama Should one be au- thorized) will be to so reform the suffrage clause of the State constitution as to meet the objections of the fifteenth amendment and yet deliver the State from
 
 and the nightmare of fraud and orrup- ton resulting from attempts by the domi- nant race to control the ballot box.
 Qualifications of Delegates.
 '"The men who shall assemble as dele- gates to deal with the delicate and diff cult question, and to make-and to refuse to make-other changes in your organic law, should not only be your men of training and good equipment for the task, but of high character among the people.
 It seems to be the public sentiment of the State that should a constitution be constructed by a convention of delegates that it should not be declared in opera ton without a referendum back to the voters for a. discussion of its provisions by the people and its endorsement or re- jection by them. How necessary does 1t seem to be, therefore that if the State is to secure ntedful reforms and changes in its fundamental law, that the provis- ions to that end should be so wisely and discreetly drawn and deliberately weigh ed before adoption that the whole work of the convention will meet the approval of the voters. Otherwise, the labor and expense of the convention will have been away.
 If you share these views, gentlemen, which I have only imperfectly expressed, you will also see the wisdom of choosing 
 minded delegates, whose work while compassing its object shall be so prudent ly and wisely done as not to provoke de- structiye opposition to it when the people come to consider it for endorsement. If these suggestions be sound, there may be a necessity with some of you, in the patriotic performance of your duties here today to lay aside personal preferences and 1t may be pledges to friends, and be influenced in VOllr choice of delegates tC represent Jefferson County in the Con- stitutiona1 convention by the inquiry, Does his learning, his character and his experience distinguish him from other available candidates as best fitted for the place? Postpone the time for merely re- warding your friend with your vote to another occasion when the interest of yourself, your family, your county and your State Is less involved.
 Another injunction.
 Remember, also, gentlemen, that you represent today what is recognized as the most populous, the most productive o1 wealth and the most important and influ- ential county In your State. You cannot, therefore, afford to choose a delegation from Jefferson County to the constitution al convention that will be less able and influential and useful than the delega- tions sent up by any other county, for your great interests, as well as your pride, demand your best representatives.
 tfr.r.e r.x, O