The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1905-04-21
THE SUFFRAGE AMENDMENT.

Opposition to the suffrage amend
nent is assuming definite proper
tion and arrangements are being
made throughout the state to carry |
on bitter contest. 1t is said that |
in many of the counties, the Repub-
Leans will make no nominations,
preferring not to take chances on
allowing negro voters to mark their
ballots for candidates, this insuring
that their votes will count against
the amendment. On the other hand,
the Democrats are stirring themselves
and as they will look only to the
educated classes for support the work
of the local press of Maryland will
probably be the n:ost effectual means
of presenting the arguments that
will be offered in its favor. The
Democratic State headquarters will
also circulate literature so that the
work will be kept up all along the
line from now until election day.
Accessions to our side are being
made every day as people commence
to understand the provisions of the
proposed law, the fairness of each re-
quirement readily making converts.
During the last four months, misrep-
reservations have been made by the
Republican press, and the opponents
Of the measure have also written
public letters that are calculated to
mislead even an intelligent person.
The most popular point to make is
that the judges of election can reject
all the ballots that they do not see
proper to receive. In point of fact,
nothing is further from the truth.
The only requirement on election
day is the fact that the voters name
is on the registration books. If
there, no one can interfere with his
franchise. The provision of the law
does not apply to any person above
the age of 81 years except he be
foreigner or negro. In the former
class there are many desirable citi-
zens, who will have to give a reason
able demonstration of their intelli-
gence before their names can be en-
rolled. 1t is freely admitted that the
last ten years has brought into this
country, very Objectionable element
of Russian Jews and like classes who
do not become Americanized except
for the purpose of selling their votes.
The provisions of the proposed con-
stitutional amendment will dis
franchise many of these and every
friend of good government will admit
that this is desirable change.
In Hartford county, the law will
apply to very few persons outside
of the ] 400 or 1900 negroes. The
foreign element here is almost entire
ly composed of worthy citizens,
about equally divided between TIE
two parties. There will be no reason
to discriminate against them so long
as they show the proper require
ments of good citizenship. Ofcourse
there will be a great many of the
negroes that will be disfranchised.
This is the main object of the law
and those who do not want to see it
done should vote against the amend
ment.
Looking to the future, this legisla-
ton contemplates raising the
standard of citizenship. After the
next general registration every voter
coming of age will be compelled to
undergo the educational test. The
public schools of Hartford county are
open to all. There is no excuse for
ignorance when an education can be
obtained without cost.
An educational requirement has
been in effect in several states for
nearly two generations. Notably is
this the case in Massachusetts. The
result has been a stimulation of the
desire for knowledge, consequently
the people are we'll educated. The
law in effect carries compulsory
school attendance, as the ambition
to participate in affairs of state is
inherent in our roll and if this is a
necessity before any one can become
voter, a premium is thus put upon
the requirement of knowledge. If
for no other reason, this amendment
should be adopted so as to help the
good work of our public institutions
where an education can be had for
the asking.