Peninsula enterprise. [volume] (Accomac, Va.) 1881-1965, 1901-03-23
Candidates Cards.
To my Fellow-Citizens of Accomacl

To my FellowC Citizens of Accomack:
have been asked by number OF
my friends, if was candidate for
the Constitutional Convention from
Accomack county. | therefore take
this method OF aus wering. | would
esteem it a very high honor to repre-
sent this county in that body; aud If
the people of Accomack think that
am worthy and qualified to repre-
sent them, and choose to elect me TO
that position, | will willingly serve.
| have favored a Constitutional Con
yention ever since the matter was
first agitated; and voted for it, when
| it was defeated, some four or Ave
wears ago. | have also had some ex-
uerience with constitutional ques-
lions, both in legislative and judi
ciAI capacity. | gather from the
papers, and from intercourse with
the people OF other sections OF the
State; that the persons who aspire to
be member of the Convention, will
not. In most cases, enter into a warm,
personal and political canvass for the
position; but that the people will be
| left untrammelled to make their own
selection. But however anxious L
might be to make a personal canvass
of this county, it would be a physical
impossibility for me to do so. l begin
the regular spring terms OF my court
on Tuesday, March 18th, and Will hold
court every week till after the cleo
ton, except the week commencing
Sunday. the 28th of April, there hap
/ - lo five TnaoHaya in that
month. 1t would be absurd for every
candidate for the Convention to-have
his own individual PLATFORM; but L
think it only proper, for any man
who aspires to be a member OF that
body to tell the people some OF the
changes he favors. | therefore give
briefly my views as to some OF che
changes which | would favor, were L
honored with a seat in the Conven-
| ton. :.
LIST. | favor a constitutional dis
| reimbursement of the colored vote;
but would allow all white men to
vote without any property or educa-
tional qualification. Excepting, oil
course, minors, convicts, &c.
| End. favor separation OF the
/ white and colored school taxes. The
taxes paid by each color, to be solely
applied to the support OF schools OF
that color.
Bird. favor fewer elections. There
should not be more than one year,
federal, State or local
4th. favor combination OF some
OF the existing offices in the small
counties. Say win population OF
10, 900 and under combining, for In
stance, the Offices of sheriff and
Treasurer, in such counties.
9th. | am opposed to the leasing or
selling OF the natural oyster rocks oil
the STATE. | favor the placing OF such
a prohibition in the Constitution.
they should be held by the State for
the benefit of all her citizens.
9Th. am willing that the work oil
the Convention shall be referred to
the white voters for ratification. |
CAN not see why about 10000
colored voters SHOULD vote on
the question Of their own disfran-
chisement. In opposition to the work
Of the Convention there would be
this solid vote; the vote of the ele-
ment originally opposed TO the Con-
vention, or any change at all; and at
least some corporation opposition.
these elements combined would pro
badly defeat any new Constitution
at the polls; would render null the
work OF the Convention; and entail
upon tue State, the large expense at
Cenuant upon holding the same.
These views might, and probably
would be modified slightly, after
conference with the members. NC
one man can expect to get everything
that he wishes. In conclusion, re
peat, that If the citizens OF Acco'
mack, knowing my views, honor Inc
by selecting Inc 20 represent then
Ia the Convention; will Willingly
serve; and TO the best OF my ability
try TO protect their interests anC
maintain the standing and dignity
OF this old county.
| am very respectfully,
j. W. II. Blackstone.
Accomack G. h, Va, March IL, 1901