The colored American., 1902-03-29


The trouble with the whole matter is
just this: There are States which re-
strict voters on account of illiteracy and
poverty, who wish to exclude black
voters and at the same time let in
whites, who are legally disqualified
Here is where we enter our protest, and
this is what stirS Mr.. Crumpacker and
the Northern people to action It isn't
that they care for the Negro as a Negro
it is the violation of electoral equality
and the enjoyment by the South of
power based upon a system that is sub
seTsive of honest government. A prin-
cIple is involved
The CoLoRED AMERICAN thinks that if
the South wishes to be fair it should cut
out the white llliterate in company with
the backbone is no better nor should
be more acceptable than the other. AS
was said last week, we are willing to
stand any law that white man must
live under, and to meet any test impair
TALLY applied. If the electorate is thus
reduced, there should be no complaint
If representation is proportionately re-
duced All States and all colorS should
be 'tarred with the same stick"
Intelligence and wealth will govern,
IN any event. There can be no Negro
domination with a fair ballot, for a
Negro who has enough education and
property to qualify him, will safeguard
! his interests by putting the best men
into power, regardless of color Those
fitted TO lead will lead, and the best fit
ted might be white. They have the
same chance we have 1t is our hope
that out of this turmoil will come bal
lot law that will So adjust the suffrage
haS hr0sr h.
gressive spirit of both races can unite for
the common good, irrespective of party,
and that ignorance and vice will be
| forced forever to the rear This is not
time for passion or prejudice. Let us
| reason together. 1t may be that a blood
less revolution is at hand
+ The sensation of the hour is the dec
laration of Register Judson w. Lyons in
favor of Senator Hanna for President,
in the event of the declination of Mr.
Roosevelt to- run in 1904 Since Mr.
Lyons unexpected response to an As
sOClated Press reporter the availability
of Mr.. Hanna has been taken I'D all over
the country, and the latter's friends are
awakening to some arguments that had
not previously occurred to them. 1t will
be remembered that Mr. Hanna is chair
man of the Republican National Com
mrIee, and is likely to remain such if he
VIII consent to serve. Mr. Lyons is
the Georgia member of this committee,
and IT is quite natural that he would
b. firm for his chief councillors pro-
motion, TO whom he owes so much-in
case President Roosevelt should prefer
not to be a candidate Mr.. Hanna is
long-headed and refuses to commit him
Self-the day of convention is too far
Oft for definite announcements from any
one. AT present, Mr.. Roosevelt has the
right of way, and unless something un-
expected happens, he will be nominated
in 1904 by acclamation. Whatever glory
may come by reason of ship subsidy
bills, commerce, reciprocity, foreign re-
latIonS, or what not, although the meas
ures may bear the imprint of other
minds will all rebound to the advantage
OF the Roosevelt administration. No
machine will be necessary to sustain his
banner. If he declines the race will be
an open one Mr.. Hanna will be the
tlrSt choice of many, because he has the
public confidence, is sound on all busi-
ness propositions, is strong with labor,
and he keeps his promises to everybody
Negroes and all. Mr. Fairbanks comes
next, and with Roosevelt and Hanna out
of It, the Hoosier Senator would be an
easy winner. The situation has been
cryStallized after this fashion by Regis
ter Lyons frank utterance, but no fric-
ton follows. AS the matter stands to-
day, wlse-acreS swear that the strong
est combination would he Roosevelt a1d