Desoto Times

HERNANDO, May 8, 1890.

COL. T. B. JONES, J. A. LAUDERDALE, W. J. JOHNSTON. Committee &c :

GENTLEMEN:--Your note informing me that the Alliance of DeSoto County, had appointed you as a committee to notify me that the Alliance had expressed a preference for me, as one of the Delegates to represent DeSoto County in our State Constitutional Convention, also requesting me to become a candidate before the Democratic party for the nomination has been received. I thank the Alliance for their kind expression of preference.

The position of delegate to our Constitutional Convention. is one of great responsibility. The questions that will come up before that body, are of vital interest to the white people of the State. I regard it as a great compliment, to be thus endorsed without solicitation on my part, by so respectable a body of my fellow-citizens. If I would consult my own feelings in view of the responsibility of the office, I certainly would decline so important a position; but if the Democratic party of DeSoto county believe that I can do something to avert the evils we are threatened with by having a negro majority in our State, and will nominate me, I promise that I will go to the convention and do all within my power to continue white supremacy in the State. The great and leading question that will come before the convention, and one that overshadows all other questions is, how can the white people of Mississippi who are in a minority, control the destinies of the State, in the face of the unfriendly legislation that a radical majority in Congress now threatens us with. I have faith in a Constitutional Convention-I have faith in the assembled wisdom of our State. I believe that the white people of Mississippi will continue to control the destinies of our State, I believe they will do it honestly without the violation of any law, that a radical majority in Congress can constitutionally pass. It will be done without depriving a single man from voting, if he desires to do so. This question is now racking the brains of the best talent of the State. It would be presumption in me, or any one, to say that he had a plan that the combined wisdom of the convention should adopt in preference to all other plans. If I am your delegate, I will give my earnest and hearty support to that plan which, in my judgement will give to the white people of the State honestly, permanent control of the political destinies of the State, provided it does not disfranchise any one on account of property or educational qualifications.

In 1884, I canvassed this county with Rev. Jobe Harral. He taking the position, in favor of a change in the constitution to elect Judges by the people, I opposed it. I have no reason to change my views on this subject since then. I would favor a change in the public school age, say from seven to sixteen years. Nine or ten years is long enough for the people to be taxed to send children to public schools. It gives a longer time to the colored child to learn to work and less time to study philosophy, mathematics and astronomy.

I favor a constitutional provision prohibiting our State officers, who are the custodians of money, or who control a large amount of patronage serving but one term. Our money would be safer in the hands of a Treasurer who would have to turn over the books at the end of four years, and account for the money that passed through his hands. Our Governor in dispensing of his patronage would not have a motive to appoint men who, would be active in his re-election.

I again tender to you and the body you represent, my thanks, for your kind expressions of preference.

Respectfully
SAM POWEL.