The Montgomery advertiser., 1903-09-27
AN UNwIsE PROJECT.

The Advertiser has hitherto taken no part in the discussion of Senator Car mack's avowed intention to introduce at the next sesSon of Congress a resolution or bill to eepeal the fifteenth amendment of the Federal Constitution. We can see no possible good that would result from such move at this time. The only ef- feet would be to create and intensity sec tional wrangles and bitterness. and 1t must be plain that we have had and are now having enough of that without i'm jecting a new cause for it.
 It is undoubtedly true that among the most intelligent and conservative think CTS of the North there is a growing con- viction that the amendment was wrong in spirit and has been distinctly hurtful in practice. Whatever may have been the reasons for proposing 1t in the first place, and whatever may have been the causes which secured its adoption, are immaterial. It is practically a dead let ter, a ''brutum fulmen," so far as the South is concerned, and is not likely to do much harm, but there is an old adage to the effect that it is best to let sleep ing dog lie. And in this connection it may be interesting to quote the language of Senator John Sherman. in discussing public measures during his service in Congress. He said:
 It is a question of grave doubt whether this amendment, though right in princi- pie, was wise or expedient. The declared 4N. anarx .ki al ar.fgr ero to the negro race. The practical result has been that the wise provisions of the Fourteenth Amendment have been modi- fled by the Fifteenth Amendment. The nullified by the action of most of the States where the great body of this race live and will probably always remain. This is done not by an express denial to genious provisions, which exclude them on the alleged ground of ignorance, while permitting all of the white race. however ignorant to vote at all elections. No way Is pointed out hv which Congress can enforce this amendment. If the prin- cipie of the Fourteenth Amendment had remained in full force. Congress could have reduced the representation of any State. in the proportion which the num- her of the male inhabitants might bear 10 the whole number of male c'tizens 2l years of age in such States. This simple remedy easily enfoc ed by Congress. would have secured the right of all per sons. without distinction of race or color. to vote at all elections.
 Senator Sherman was a statesman of no little prominence and influence, es- pecially in the Republican party. and his conclusions are entitled to consideration. But whether we do or do not agree with him as to the relative force or operation of the fourteenth and fifteenth amend ments we may as we'll look on them as part of the Constitution and make no ef- fort to have either repealed. The time may come. and we believe 1t will, when a movement for the repeal of the fifteenth amendment will originate in the North. and then there will be some prospect of success. There is none to be hoped for if the South initiates the movement. and the only effect, in our opinion, will be to arouse a sentiment which Is fast dying out, and precipltate a discussion which
 will be of no good to the country or the Democracy. Carmack will do well to bury his bill before Congress assemblies.