1901: Letter From Glenmore, Part II

Need to catch up? Click here: 1901: Letter From Glenmore, Part I

~

In 1901, Virginia’s newspapers were filled with discussions about the creation of a new state constitution. Correspondent “Observer,” whose lengthy letter was published in the Appomattox and Buckingham Times, represented the opinion of at least some citizens in Buckingham County concerning the need for the white population to secure control of the government. He wrote:

Our people, like all Virginians, or politicians in a mild way. The new constitution is much discussed, and all the white people want white supremacy insured by a proper and constitutional elimination of the ignorant Negro vote which can readily and easily be done by both property and educational qualification, which will not apply to include Confederate soldiers. With practical unanimity are people demand this property and educational qualification — that is to let every man vote who pays taxes on $200 with the property of any kind, real, personal or mixed, or who can read and write the English language. The Constitution must be submitted to the people for their ratification. The solemn pledge of the Norfolk Democrat Convention to this effect must be carried out in good faith.

On a less controversial note, Observer moved on to discuss land values in the Glenmore neighborhood:

Our land is slowly rising in value and tracts can now be sold it is true at a low price but the same places have hitherto for many years been unmarketable. Our detractors state that our land is peculiarly well adapted to the use of fertilizers. This is a slander for we have some of the very best land in Virginia. One of our largest farmers having made some time since by actual weight slightly over a million of pounds of excellent hey, mainly timothy. What farm in Virginia is there that can beat this? Our highland under proper cultivation produces remarkably well; clover is easily raised and there are few better sections for fruit to be found anywhere.

~

For much more about Virginia’s revised constitution, visit the Encyclopedia Virginia:

“Virginia Constitutional Convention (1901–1902)”

Coming next: 1901: Letter From Glenmore, Part III