The broad ax., 1912-10-12

NuIIifeafion Of the War Amend
msnts to Tire constitutiOn-Tho In
Production Of Jimer0W Laws
The. fifteenth amendment TO the
federal constitution extends the right
of franchise 20 all citizens Of the
United States. II also declares that
this right shall not be denied or
abridged by the United States or BY
any state on account Of race. color or
preyiOus condition Of servitude.
Claiming that the government has
failed to carry out the provisions Of the
above amendment and the two preced-
ing II with respect to the rights Of the
colored people, Bishop Alexander
Walters of New York says:
"As was to be expected, the south
opposed this legislation. Its training
and traditions were all against the
political equality Of the black man,
and It found it dificult to adjust itself
70 the new condition. Notwithstanding
the opposition the good work continued
Public and private schools were es-
tablished and the black man encour-
aged to protect himself by the use OF
the ballot.
81 might add here in support Of the
enfranchisement Of the freedman that
a voteIess citizen is a greatly handi-
capped one-a pariah in the COM
munity. Especially is this true when
such a citizen is a member OF
weaker race. This state Of affairs con-
tinued until 1876. when a change
came about. The Republicans had
nominated Rutherford B. Hayes Of
Ohio for the presidency, and the Demo
cratic party had nominated Samuel
]. Tilden of New York for the same
Office. The election was in doubt, and
It was finally settled by a commission
Of ffteen-five justices Of the supreme
court, FIVE senators and five members
from the house Of representatives
'sThe dispute was settled in favor Of
Rutherford B. Hayes. who was de-
clared president Of the United States.
II was asserted that a deal had been
made between the north and the south
by'which President Hayes was to with
draw the troops from the south, per
hitting home rule TO obtain. The Ne
groes were loud in their protest against
the dicker. They saw in IT great sor-
row and tribulation to the freedmen.
The federal troops in the south had
been their protection and guarantee In
the use of the ballot. etc. Their re-
moval meant the overthrow Of the Re
publican administration in the south
Things were ia a chaotic state for
awhile. Kukluxism was rampant, but
gradually this state 81 things passed
away, and when lynchings shall have
been a thing Of the past the last veStige
Of this regime shall have disappeared
It came our turn TO protest against re-
strictive legislation. such as the cur
tAilment Of political power. the nullih-
cation Of the war amendments. the in
PRODUCTION Of jimcrOw laws. etc.
'The Republican party had gone as
far as it thought it wise to go in the
way Of legislation; hence it looked on
with indifference while the Negro was
being stripped of the privileges and
immunities which the grand old party
had given him. The American republic
can never be an ideal one while some
Of fits natives born and worthy citizens
are eanied their political rights slaran-
teed them by the constitution.
The tendency Of the age is toward
democracy-true democracy, the democ-
racy that recognizes no color or creed,
but worth only. This leaYen Is at work
and is as sure to result in the political
emancipation Of the black man as the
sun shines The late Justice Brewer
said, The Negro viii surely come into
possession Of the franchise In all sec
lions Of the country Mr.. Henry Wat
terson, editor Of the Courier-J Journal.
Louisville, KY, one Of the foremost
leaders Of the Democratic party-s0
fact, fits oracle-says, "A new genera,
don Of blacks has come upon the
scene and they win finally be allowed
their political rights"
"a distinguished Democrat said re-
Gently, The Democratic party Is pre-
pared 10 give TO the black man an he
merits.' The Negro Is in possession Of
intelligence, properly and character.
Surely these entitle him TO the ballot
Congressman Sulzer Of New York in a
recslt speech said: Equal rights TO al
and special privilege to none Is the fun
damental principle Of democracy. and
TIE application OF this principle 70 qnes-
tons a. they arise win solve them al
IN the interest OF the plain people Of
our country. Il seems to me Il should
b the constant effort Of colored men
ln season and ont Of season to keep
this great principle 10 the front
~on 90 doing al the people. without
regard TO race. religion or previous con
elt5ou. shall be equal before the law
) ana TIE door Of opportunity under the
star q hope Of free America ever n
main open TIE sentiment IN favor Of
tbs IDEA Is growing apace Throughout
TIE country and means much for ne
fnturs welfare q America Democracy
has No preIudlcs against any race. bal
wants % help an soria and condition.
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