Newspapers / The Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, … / March 3, 1907, edition 1 / Page 10
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i i: mi: n mines :aii.M's famous Mrrriai. X. t r ting; FiLstfe to din . Mi-rUwr In on : October ' 12th,, 17, Jiihi lTior to the Convention Called liy Congress, In tho Effort to Give lis liluiny tlio Amx-arance of An 1 nual bjr ue reoplo the ,-JOn rrniH-hineinciit, of the Scgro the Chief Mutter at Iue Invited to AUJrcsa Meeting at Itak-lfth- Call e by tho J'eoplo of the Hlate to Consider the I lot Course to' Purttuc, i Governor Graham, JMng Una bio to Attend, Gives Ilia Countrymen the juencnt 01 Mia sago Wlmlom. t Under tha provlona of the Andy Johnaoa plan of reconstruction (6hcn was said to have had the endorsement of President Lincoln) North Carolina reorganised Its State government with' the provisions aa to suffrage unaltered Crom. data of , J$l.-, j , r, , . . t In 1867 Contrresi overturned the measure, paid no attention to amnesty sranted by President Johnson, enacted new lawa as to pardons, disfranchised nearly all racers of the Bute or na tional roveromenU prior to 1861 who had sympathized with the Confeder acy, enfranchised the negroes, and ' pearance of approval by the people, provided for an election by the new voters -for a convention to frame a constitution. .Thare was no convention called by the Conservative or Democratic party In the State to agree upon action In the campaign. Apart from prlvuto cor respondence there was little confer ence. Each county acted for Itwlf and the nominee made his own platform. The election was to be held in No vember. Many good men thought op position to Congress useless. Politic ians thought the proper course was to organize to control the negro vote. Slany county conventions were com- i posed of whites and negroes. Borne parties called a meeting to be held In Raleigh on October 12, to consider as to the bent course to pur cue. Prominent persons were Invited to address the assemblage. Not being able to attend, Gov. Qra 1 nam sent a letter. Upon its publication polltloal mutters r-saumed a definite ' shape and the "color line" was adopt- ed as fundamental plank In his plat form Jty almost every candidate of the wMte people.. This was not solely because Gov. Graham had advised it, but because the course advised was that this white people had individually almost unanimously thought was the proper one and gladly ha Hod the op portunity to support It with their votes. Perhaps on more occasion than I any other political leader of the State, ; he formed his opinion upon pending questions of Importance when express ed the sentiment of a large majority of the people. Perhaps something else might have occurred to occasion the same result tout the history of the times prove fihat the publication of this letter wu the foundation of the adoption of rtie principle, "While men must rule orth Carolina." As those who pawed through the times of reconstruction read this let ter to-day much of it seems to have bad the truth of prophecy: i 4 Hlllsboox) Oct. 10, 1867. Gentlemen: 1 shall be unable, by I reason of engagement! of business, to I be present at ttin meeting of the con servative poopln of Wake on the 18th 1st, and to address them An the topics involved , In the approaching election In Accordance with the Invitation re ceived from you a few days since?. I rret this, both because of the pleasure I should have derived from a free communication, with so.lntelll gent an assemblage of cltlsona of the State on the duties of the present time, and because the topics In quest tlon are too numerous and uggentty to he treated satisfactorily In a letter, without unbecoming tedlousnesa ; , I was pleased In observing that such a meeting had been called. In the opinion of some, with whom I have conversed, it was supposed there -had been too great delay among conserva tive citizens In communication to gether, In the face of very active ex ertions to form a party adverse to them and to the best Interests of the State, In which It was sought to com bine all the colored voters by appeals to prejudice, passion' and hopes of unlawful gain. 1 have not been much disturbed by apprehensions of this kind. The white population of North Carolina, by the census of ,18(0,. out numbers the black In proportion of two to one, or, thereabouts, and, after deducting all who are disfranchised under the military acts of Congress, the mnjority of the former will stand to the latter somewhat in that propor tion. The white population, which has been heretofore the depository of the political power of the State, is as faithful to the constitution of th United States aa It ever; was or as that of any other Stateof the Union is now, but they have an Intelligent! comprehension of their rights and duties as electors end as citizens and, even without much consultation or concert, will, in my opinion, cast a majority of votes only in favor of such measures and candidates as will best promote their safety and happiness. To the military authority, which has been established over them-, they yield a ready obedience. Even where it mry supercede their ancient and cherished laws and usages, they bow before It and make no issue. But, by the law when an Issue Is presented to them, to be solved through an election, it Is naturally to be understood, as the term Imports, that they are to have their choice, to vote either upon measures or candidates as each Indl- vl dual voter according to his views of the public interest or his sense of duty may prefer. The bill of rights of the State, from 1776 till now, proclaims that "elec tions ought to be free." It Is a note worthy fact that In France, where, so far as elections are allowed, universal manhood suffrage prevails, under the first Bonaparte In 1804, and under the third in 1852, a republican form of government was converted into a monarchal or despotic one, through the ceremony of an election, and by the vote of the people approaching unanimity. Theso results were, of course, attributed only to the Influ ence of duress and fear. But In Eng land and Amerlca'sueh Influences are not allowed to operate, and like bribery or fraud would render an elec tion void. According to our theory, If the elector at the polls shall exprens. not his own sentiments, but those of some other, person or authority, the election Is but Itself an Idle form. An election with us, therefore, Is an occasion for serious thought. In quiry, unreserved consultation and free discussion; and our suffrages are accustomed to be given, according to the convictions of our minds, effected through such means. In the election now before us, the electors ore to vote "For a Convention or Against a Convention," and, at the same time for delegates to represent their counties In convention, provid ed the affirmative vote shall be suf- I fident, aocordtng to the jrrovUori of the law. 6uch convention, If cuJied, to deliberate on the formation of a constitution, In which there shall be a provision, "that the elective franchise hull be enjoyed by all such persons that have the qualifications for elec tors In the present election;" that is, all the male, citizens of the State, 21 years old and upwards, of whatever race, color or previous condition, who ihave been resident .of the State one year to the day of any election, ex cept such as may be disfranchised for participation in the rebellion, or for felony, at common Jaw." I make this quotation with, care, tor the pur pose of collating It In my subsequent remarks, with . the quallftoations of voters In some' of the leading States now represented Jn Congress, whose members have shown ' extraordinary zeal In prescribing lrs terms to us. . Never, heretofore. In America has the election franchise been extended to new ' classes of voters, except through the' agency of conventions chosen by those who have enjoyed It exclusively before. Congress by acts under consideration,' has extended it to all males of t"ne black race 21 years of age and upwards, with ho other qualifications than tnose aoove recit ed; but only a far, however, as re gards the present election. And, ac cording to my recollections, It was stated In the debate on these acts by Mr. Feseendon, of Maine, certainly one of the ablest and most experienced members of the Senate, that no per manent regulation of this measure could be constitutionally established in a State without the sanction of Its people; and 1 think the correctness of the remark was acquiesced In by the subsequent action of Congress. Congress then,. has. provided that In Che present election that the black i race, with no other qualifications than already stated, shall yote. That was tnelr act. If it shall be so provided that they shall vote In sul future time, the -act will be ours. It is not sought to be disguised, that Congress desires that we shall so provide, and It is strongly Intimated that representation in Congress will not be allowed us until it Is done; but It is still left to the people of the State as represented In convention to be deliberated upon and decided, and no more momentous question was ever presented for the determination of a free people. The inquiry cannot ' be excluded from our consideration. If we could, whether, under the constitution of the United States or any republican or ganisation, a constitution of govern ment for the regulation of the Internal affairs of a State can be forced upon a people against the wishes of a ma jority of qualified voters, by distraint or duress 7 A constitution or govern ment, says Macauley, which will fit one State or people will not fit an other; any more than a coat by the measure of Appono Belvldere may be expected to fit all the human race. And the very idea 6t republican gov ernment pre-supposes, that the peo ple themselves can best Judge as to the fundamental law under which they shall live, as well as the enact ment from time to time by their Leg islatures. This proposition la most clearly stated In Washington's fare well address, when he declares "that the basis of our litlcal system Is the right of the iile to make and to alter their constitutions of govern ment." North Carolina does not seek to have a voice in the question as to whether the Japanese, Chinese or any Asiatic race shall exercise the elec tive franchise In California; nor ooes she claim the right to Interfere in the domestic regulations of any sis ter State of the Union. On the other hand, she makes her appeal to the people of ell of:.- r ; ' it i to c,n- is to hor, wlUJ.) tiio limits of ti.rir common con.n itutlon, the powers of control and thrm.i only, which thono States assert for themsclvos. But throwing out of consideration the question of-the right of the peo ple of a Bute, to frame their State constitution according to their own conceptions of the public good, is the measure proposed expedient? Will It promote the general welfare to confer the right to vote In alt popular elec tions on the negro race, with no other qualification than those i In contem plation? Is It not perfectly manifest that It will not t The representative republics of this county, with tnelr written constitutions, their divisions oi power rnto legislative, executive or Judicial departments, and their intro duction to people to participate In and decide -upon the rights and the inter ests of society, as voters and Jurors, are looked for In vain in other coun tries of the world, and are founded upon a certain standard of virtue and Intelligence v In the constituent body of electors, without which they can not be maintained. "Who among us be lieves, that the great mass of the blacks recently in a state of slavery come op to the standard of. virtue and intelligence,' and . are fit to be made self-reliant electors? In such - condi tion as to knowledge and morality, the extension of the right of suffrage, to them Indiscriminately, Instead of dis tributing political power, among , a greater number of citizens, will In fact concentrate In fewer hands: and designing individuals will but enlarge their own power by using them to vote, not their opinions, but those of the men who control them. Already we nave learned they have been ex tensively organized into secret socie ties and leagues with a view to be votd en masse, and under thq influ ences of prejudices carefully Instilled into them, In opposition to whites, who were former masters or may now be owners of property. To elect such a class to be permanent voters, as is now proposed to us. will be to make a revolution tending to anarchy, and to hazard, in my belief, the long con tinuance of any stable government. Foreigners are barred out from the right to vote for five years after set tlement here, by our naturalization laws; In order that they may become acquainted with our Institutions and capable of taking part In their admin istration, and must prove during that time they have behaved as persons of good moral character and are well disposed to good order and happiness of the country. The freedmen as a class are less informed than foreign ers and less capable from want of ed ucation and early instruction. But, it may be said, there Is little disagreement among ourselves on this question, but Congress has required it of us, and, in the event of non compliance, the most direful conse quences may be expected. Thts is an argument, which I am not disposed to pass by, or to treat lightly. I think some misapprehensions prevails in re-' gard to It. Congress certainly has de nounced no penalty on such delinquen cy. In any of the thTee acts of recon struction. After providing for the es tablishment of mllltivy governments In the ten Southern States the "flrsl of these acts goes on to declare that: "When the people of any one of said rebel States have formed a con constltutlon of government In con formity with the constitution of the United States, in all respects, framed by a convention of delegates, elected by male citizens of said State, 21 years old and upwards, of whatever race, color or previous condition, who have been residents In said State for one year, previously to the day of suc.4 t' . " 1, r t S'lll I I I 7 lj f I- f i .' ':;.. i;" n a ,1 "WfiPti such coniit't .:'.n a'.aJl pro vtde that the elective front lib fchiUl be enjoyr-d by all surf prxoiii as have qualifications herein Mat I, for electors of delegates;" and when cer tain other things shall occur, (as furthor recited In 5th section,) "said State shall be declared entitled to representation in Congress and Sena tors and Representatives shall be ad mitted therefrom, on taking the oath prescribed by law," This . is the only provision touching the subject matter under consideration and its only Inti mation Is. until there is a fulfilment of the requirements the military gov ernment shall continue.... There has been threatening declarations made by different members of Congress and certain presses have teemed with ful minatlons against all who should hes itate in taking Immediately the steps proposed, but Congress, ; as . a body, has established no penalty and made threat The first reflection which oc curs on hearing these announcements is, that it would be a harsh measure and savor of Injustice to require peo ple to vote in an election, and; then punish them for voting for the candi date,, (whether , man or measure) :bf their choice. And further it would still be more unjust to punish the pjople of North Carolina for failure to make a constitution- and establish a basis of suffrage which Pennsylvania, Ohto, New York and other great and leading States of the Northhave refused, and still do refuse, to establish for them selves," though w!th far less cogent reasons than prevail . -with us? The constitution of Pennsylvania, as rj-or-dalned in 1831, regulates suffrage In. these words: or:;"' v-' "In elections by the citizens, every white freeman of the age of 21 years, having resided dn this State one year and the election districts where he of fers to vote 10 days Immediately pre ceding such election, and within two years paid State or county tax which shall have been assessed at least 10 days before the election,' shall enjoy the rights of an elector." That of New fork .provides that "Every male citizen ot the age of 21 years, etc., shall be entitled to vote, etc. But no man of color, unless he shall have been a citizen of the State for three years, and for one year taext preceding every election shall have been seized and possessed of a' free hold estate of the value of $250 over and above all debts and Incumbrances charged thereon, and shall have been actually rated and paid a tax thereon, shall be .ntltled to vote at such elec tion," etc. That of Ohio, as follows:. "Every white male of the United States, of the age oi 21 years, who shall have been a resident of the State one year next preceding the election and of the county, etc., in which he resides, such time as may be provided by law, shall have the qualifications of an elector and shall be entitled to vote at all elections." Since the passage of acts of Congress on this subject, an amendment has been proposed to the constitution of Ohio by the Legislature and submitted to the vote of the peo ple, so as to admit colored men to the right of suffrage on the same foot ing with white-men; and after a most FOR BILIOUSNESS AND SICK HEAD ACHE! Take Orlno Laxative Fruit 8yrup. It sweetens the stomach, aids digestion and acts as a gentle stimulant on the liver and bowels without Irritating these or gans. Orlno Laxative Fruit Syrup cures blllousnoss and habitual constipation. Does not nauseate or grin and fa mild and pleasant to take. Remember the name Orlno and refuse to, accept any substitute. B, H. Jordan St Co. 1 ' ! i ii i ( r v i t . ) r ! ... n jnen of t:. io.ii)itiit parly i , f,:.t ( Utn, t tvtu . 1 to us, as I write,- tl.st It h;i.i tu n re jected by on overwhelming majority (50,000.) Now, wlil there t, any pun lnhment attempted upon the people of that State for refusing to extend the right of suffrage to the negroes? If not, is any to be reasonably apprehend ed upon the people of , North Carolina, if they shall come to a like determination for reasons far more powerful and controlling? If any pen alty is'to be Imposed, should It -not rather toe upon these States where the negro is not numerous and has been a freeman for generations, if not be-t fore the foundation of the State (as in Ohio,): than In this State,5 where they constitute one-third of the popu lation, and the generality are neces sarily, from their recent condition of slavery, in the grossest Ignorance? It is derogatory to the Congress of the United States, to presume, - that for a negative rote on, this question, which would be but a respectful remon strance,1 they, would think of visiting the electors of a State with punish ment; and if, in the excitement of the fever, they should, their constituents in the great States already mentioned as well as others, who manifested no disposition ' to ' make - the - coveted change, If their body of voters, would be quick to perceive that what la ours to-day may become theirs to-marrow; that precedents accumulate and con stitute law and that, as their repre sentativeaxahalt have done to. .others, so may It be done to them. HOWn ever, this may be the change propos ed la in a fundamental article of the. State constitution deeply affecting the security, safety and peace of society, ( f I 1 . ; !:. (111(1 111! I nllovMii UI1 lit. t. i ii it i i t : i :,(.; "i ...c to our ro-ivk:- Hons of duly. Tin vl.'divo fwm-ltli.e Is not neccKnary t the protection of any of the rights or Immunities to the freedmen before the law, By the pres ent constitution and the bill of rights which has stood untouched since 1778, the free colored man is now and al ways has been, entjtlod to all the guaranties as to life, liberty,' and se curity of property, which are vouch safed tp the white men as much as to women, t minors and adulta of the white race, who have not pald publla taxes. The question before us Is, there fore, not one of protection to him, -but. whether he la qualified fori the, exercise oi political power here, wnicn is denied to him in so many States worth, I have np prejudice the colored, race. As a member legislature in years gone by, for their liberation on all nrooer plications , according to . , the ',ptato or law: in t nA-nmctie nr mv nrfiri. .: ' slon I aided several of them Jn es tablishlng thelr,,clalms.lto freedom against white men holding them as ' slaves, and prosecuted and. defended v meir Deration ji recorameuaca n the Legislature in a published commu nlcation, in. reply to inquiries to cer- 4 tain of its members., promptly to con-I ?" cede to them .the right to testify-in 7 the courts of Justice, which "was done. i-wisn tnem, now, an the happiness , and prosperity which can. flow, from an , upright and virtuous ; course of life ' - ih iiicir now vuuuiuuu. jam u ib Duller ior tnem ana tor us, tnax.ine elective franchise shall remain as heretofore,;: . iny States. . e against t - kasi et tie ubi ve vv a 'r voted iroper ?ap-; Really High- Grade Candy Superior merit abne can win the appreciation of those accustomed to the luxuries of jif e. v r The unstinted approbation accorded NunnalTy's Candy, emphasizes the superiority of its quality. Made of the finest selected materials, by ex- perienced candy makers, and under strictly sani tary conditions, it is the .purest, as well as the finest flavored candy ever sold. For Sale by WoodaU ft ShepparO. N The LtttleLon dmpany Our lines of Spring Merchandise in every Department are very complete. With few exceptions our prices are as low as last season, notwithstanding the sharp advance by the manufacturers in almost every line of desirable merchandise. We advise an early in spection, as our present stock will have to be re placed at very material advanced prices. COAT SUIT DEPARTMENT Spring Suits, Separate Skirts and Jackets in the most desirable materials and attractive styles. Handsome Suit in Black Chiffon Panama, made Eton, in jumper efTec; trimmed in pipings of silk, with Persian vest; pretty paneled and plaited skirt, finish ed with buttons. Price $40.00 Eton Suit in Xavv Blue Taffeta, with extended shoul der effect; trimmed in white and black braid and but tons; full plaited skirt. Price $25.00 Eton Suit of dray Panama, with fine stripe of black; ,1" A fi i 'l ! 11 I -ii irimineu in si raps or material, pipci in omck, with a touch of gilt braid; plaited Skirt. Price . . . $17.50 SEPARATE SKIRTS A complete line of up-to-date Skirts in all the popular materials and most attractive styles, in Voiles, Pana mas, Melrose, Black, Blue, Brown and Fancy Plaids and Stripes; from $6.50 to $18.50 SPRING JACKETS FOR MISSES and CHILDREN Lightweight Jackets, box and half tight fitting, lined and unlined; pretty Beds, also Fancy Stripes and Checks. Prices from . . $4.50 to $10.00 We have a few Suits of Fall and Winter stock that, wc are selling off at prices that are interesting to those who would like a good suit for little money. SILK PETTICOATS Do not fail to ee our line of Petticoats in good quality of Taffeta Silk, made with deep flounce of knife ? plaiting and bias nifties; Black, Blue, Gray, Green, Garnet and Brown. Special prices, $139, $650, $8.50. f (Warranted all fine Silk). Cream Brilliantine Skirts, made with plaited panel t ': and tucks; also with straps of material and buttons, , v Fdronly .. .. , $3.98 DRESS GOODS Our first Spring showing of Colored Wash materials consists of Figured Batiste, Print Warp Organdie, Mull, Lawns, etc.; all new 1907 patterns, crisp from the manufacturers. Price the yard 10, 15, 25, 39, 50c. SPRING WOOLENS 45- inch Gray Shadow Check, one of the new weaves. Price the yard $1.00 52-inch Gray and Tan Mixed Suiting, with garnet thread to produce the plaid effect. Price the yard . $1.00 SKIRT MATERIAL 46- ineh heavy Herringbone Stripe Worsted for. Sepa rate Skirts. Price the yard . .. .. $1.00 WOOL BATISTE 50-inch Wool Batiste for Spring Suits. Colors, Cream, Garnet, Reseda, Navy, Bed and Black and White. Price the yard . . .... .... .... 50c. BLACK DRESS GOODS We especially call your attention. to ' our line of Im ported Black Voiles. Price the yard 75c., $1.00, $1.25, $150, $1.75 WHITE GOODS' Positively there is nothing desirable in White Goods that wc cannot show you.- Another shipment of that fine French Nainsook, at . .. . . .v $3.00 per bolt WHITE LINEN , ; 36-inch Linen Lawn, sheer, light weight; the most de sirable one that wc have shown for the money. Price the yard . . . v. vv 25c. No. IjOOO-Hion't forgot this popular "number, at', least two blocks ahead of everything. Price the yard; 35c. COLORED LINENS1.' ' ' y Solid Light Blue Linen, delicate, pretty shade ; war ranted pure Linen. Price tho yaroV ; , . . ... 25c. CHECK LINEN , ; Red and Blue Cherk Linen for children's dresscssome thing that all mothers are interested in. Price tho yard . . ;. ; ,. w-,. V.v 25 and 30c. WHITE SHRUNK UNEN Shrunk Linen for suits and waists, positively will not shrink any more. Price , the yard ; . 45c. LADIES' FURNISHINGS NEW 'NECKWEAR. Embroidered Turnovers, Stocks, " Windsors, Hem stitched Organdie Collars and Cuffs, etc. Price, 25c. to $1.00 LADIES' BELTS - Wash, Silk and Leather Belts. Price . . . 25c. to $3.00. RIBBONS The swellest line of Ribbons that has -been shown in the city of Charlotte; all qualities, Plain and Fancy, up to $2.00 per yard. CARPET DEPARTMENT Full line of Spring Carpets: Ail-Wool Ingrain Carpets ... 5S "5 i5P Brussels Carpets 65 to 90c. Velvet Carpets 90c- to $1.65. Axminster Carpets $!-15 to $1.35. 9x12 RUGS a. Wool and Fibre 9xf2 Rugs ' Brussels 9x12 Rugs .... $16.50 to $18.00. Axminster 9x12 Rugs 25'5? to f'S?' Best American Wilton 9x13 Rugs . . . $35.00 to $40.00. v ; ' ,v CURTAINS , v ; f'j'v;' New line of Laco 'Curtains, all styles $L00 fo 40.00. J New stock of C3iinavMattingsv.: At -Full line of Printed and Maidjinoleums. $1.00 to $3.00.; ,v Great assortment 'of Trunks ,.,'f $2.00 to $30.00.; All Ca-7s made and laid without extra;. charge. v ..CROCKERY ; DEPARTMENT ' Sales are increasing in- this - department more rapidly " " than any other, simply because we have the - right -; stuff at the right prices: . - - ;. . . AJ i"- I Dinner. Sets from ; . , ;t. ' i . ; .; U Vf J5.00 to $75.00. ? Hand-painted China Platesand Salad Bowls from , . , . . . . . j;v . i 75c. to $3.50 ach. . . :. v LAMPS - v; .;' . Everything imaginable in -Lamps; from a Plain Glass to t ; :. an Electric Portablo.1 I '.'fc- ' ". .X-.- : .: , v, -r. . '': '; ,' .-.r' ;., -r .-ti, ,i . ; ' -U ! 1 '4 i i h if r j ! i 8 ii n H 1 mB LITTLE-LONG GMPANtf I "V lr '-
The Charlotte Observer (Charlotte, N.C.)
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March 3, 1907, edition 1
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