The times dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1903-1914, 1903-02-08
THE NEGROES WITH HAYES.

We print elsewhere n letter from the
Rev. W. II. Moses, colorcd, pastor Of one
OF tho largest colored Baptist churches In
the Valley OF Virginia and moderator Of
q colored Baptist Association, In which he
says frankly and honestly that the ne
groes throughout the State are with
Lawyer James H. Hayes In tho fight
which he is making to upset the Consti-
tuition.
Several letters Of protest have been
sent to The Times Dispatch for publica-
:ion, some Of them written by coll
ored preachers. and while not questioning
their sincerity. we feel sure that the Rev
w. II. Moses expresses the dominant sentt-
ment Of the colorcd race In Virginia. He
has been in and out among his people,
he has collected money to pay to Law
yer Hayes and Lawyer Wise to prose-
cute this case, and he knows whereof no
speaks. 2
We admire candor and honesty wher-
ever we find 1t. ana to that extent, we
admire this preacher and clleerfully give
place to his letter and to the argument
which he makes in behalf Of his race.
1t is surprising to us: however. that a
colored man of this character, evidently
man Of good sense and conservative
man, could have persuaded, himself and
should be trying to persuade his people
that it would be good thing for the ne
gro race to have the present Constitution
overturned. For our part we believe that
1t would be scarcely less than a. calamity
to the black man to undo the work of the
Constitutional Convention and to restore
the situation as it existed previously, es-
peclally as this would be accomplished
through the effort Of tho negroes them
selves
The Fifteenth Amendment has proven
to be veritable curse to the negro race
and was responsible primarily and In
great degree for most Of the clashes
that have occurred between the races.
The negro was thus forced into the rough
and tumble Of politics. he permitted HIM
self to be led by designing men, and moth
ing but trouble has come to him from
this source. a few pitiful offices have
been doled out to him from time to time
by the Republican party but even these
have been a curse rather than blessing.
Our correspondent admits that the race
problem in the South must be solved, II
solved at all. by the people of the South.
and It had been far better for both races
If the North had never interfered What
has been done cannot be undone, but the
Southern whites have now determined
to take the matter into their own hands
and resistance on the part Of the blacks
cannot but do harm.
Our correspondent complains that the
whites continually state their case in
such q manner as to show that they have
no respect for the negro side of the con-
trovcrsy." That is stating the case
rather harshIy. but it Is fact that tho
Southern whites do not admit that there
are two sides to this question. They
know that they are right, they know
that 1t is absolutely necessary to draw
the line. they know that any sort of mix
ing up, socially Of politically, cannot but
AaAAhS ~ odDASS l11Gy h1AoW L1lht StlS COu1SG
that they are pursuing Is best Tor both
races, and SO they will not listen to any
proposition that smacks Of compromise.
1t Is best as It is and tho negro Is very
foolish If he does not SO see 1t.
The negroes are not entirely disfran-
chised under tho new Constitution. Those
who own property. those who can fairly
measure up to the qualification required
under the understanding clause. are admit
ted to the suffrage and others Will be ad
mitted from year to year as they show
themselves qualified. Only those who
pay no taxes and those who by their own
confession are unable to give a simple
explanation Of the fundamental law OF
the land are excluded. This provision is
stimulus, or should be, to the black
for the exercise of the great privilege OF
voting. and when he shows himself fit
ted, he will be permitted to vote
We have given much study to this
question and the most thoughtful and
patriotic men Of the South have studied
it and by almost unanimous consent
have come to the conclusion that this
suffrage clause of the Virginia Constitu-
ton is wise and expedient. and the only
practicable solution; and II the constitu-
ton stand there will be less friction than
ever. But If the Constitution fall we
shall have to go over the whole program
again. for as sure as fate some sort OF
device will be found to prevent political
conditions that existed In this State for
nearly forty years. II the negroes think
that they know better than the wlsest
and best Of tho whites. let them proceed
but 1t is a presumption, and sooner or la.
4 ter they will discover their mistake.
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