The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1902-01-26


Editor of The Times:
Sir,-It is 10 be noped that the state
1nent in your Sunday cation given ~
Messrs Class and Lindsay, relative TO the
work of the Constitution Convention Will
discuss much of the criticism Of that poaS
which has been INDUCED in by many
been much opposed to u convention, De.
licFing that all constitutional reforms
needed could be effected by the LeSisia-
ture submitting TO the people for Their
sanction such reforms as an organic Ia"
required.
But when it became evident that the
convention advocates in the Legislature
would never submit such amendments
and that u convention was the only means
left us to secure needed reform, IKE very
many others. l voted for 1t, believing at
the time it would have to grlpple with
some OF the most difficult and dangerous
problems that over confronted any similar
body in our entire history. IN taet, ina.
history and developing new and strange
conditions, more rapidly than during any
like period OF cur existence So
THESE new conditions III our social NJ
lustrial and educational life, demand INC
most matured and deliberate thought III
framing a Constitution adapted 10 IN, iiie
new demands: and any who expected 'tntS
I to be done IN a day or month We're nah-
ing unreasonable demands. The making
of Il Constitution for a rapidly Srowi;.ls
people surrounded by unprecedented IN
dustral conditions, is n hcrcllean tash-
We have a mixed population, Il large per
centage Of which was ,nyes6s f r. lss dM
when wholly unprcparcd for the great &c
SponSibiitT.
In this fact may be found the beginning
of most of our woes and to correct Inc
wrongs of this great crime against both
races. in the face of the inhibiuons OF the
Federal Constitution is Il task Whlcn
might well staggcr the bravcst and wisest
Many of our people seem 10 have con ? !
ceived the idea that the connection OF inls
lii tim a.
was the sole purpose for which the con
yention was called and in their desire 10
accomplish this end have grown lmpa a.
tient at delay. They ignore other evils 10
be corrected or benefits to be gained ny
changes in the present constitution
One promise, in calling the conNen1 l,2n
certainly the work SO far cone si"os
promise that this will be largely accom-
piished. Any one who Will care1uily fead
tho statement referred to, must pc CON
WINGED that the convention has done an
excellent work in this. direction ana ITS
admirable work on this and other mes
franchise will finally and in the NOT re-
mote-fut1ue. he satisfactorily adjusted
But upon this question Of the franchise
we must not expect that body to do the
impossiblc-a great obstacle in the shape
of The Federal Constitution stands as an
ins,rperablc bar to the accomplishment
of what many seem TO desire, ma melE, me
elimination of the negro vote without At
the same time eliminating some OF the
white vote. The new Constitution on TINS
question must be so framed that 1t Will
pass unscathed. the most rigid scathinis
Of the United States Supreme Court Al
ready initial steps have been taken IN
the United States Congress TO test the
validity OF some of our Southern States
Constitutions on the ground that they
violate the fifteenth amendment. of the
Federal Constitution-, Any act which does
not apply alike to all or which is justly
amenda bic to the charge that it discriml-
mates against the negro, will ultimately
prove TO be "A dead letter. Tho utter
elimination of the negro from the right
TO the franchise can be accomplished only
by a repeal of the fifteenth amendment
and this generation may not look for that
act of repeal. This subject requires the
wisest, most prudent and cautious delihe-
ration Discussion and much of 1t Will
help in its elucidat!on. Let us then not
omplan of too much discussion. for by
it light is shed upon the most difficult
ana harassing problem before the body
1t needs all the light i; can get and when
it comes into the full light 1 have no
doubt it will fearleSsly frame a franchise
law that VIII bear the TEST Of the most
rigid scrutiny and life from the old State
TO d very large extent, the burden of the
most oppressive weight and the gloom of
the darkest cloud that ever rested upon
il. H.