Skip to main content

Baton Rouge, LA, June 26, 1919.

Gov. Thomas W. Bickett,
Raleigh, NC

The proposed nineteenth amendment to the Federal Constitution simply adds the word “sex” to the fifteenth amendment. Our southern states have been unanimously opposed to the fifteenth amendment, and if we now ratify the nineteenth amendment, we will be stopped from opposing the enactment of force billed by Congress in aidof negro political equality, which will inevitably lead eventually to a struggle on their part for social and other equalities. I believe that welfare of the negro is best subserved by the domination of an absolutely white government, and he should not be encouraged to enter political strife that after all will result in the white race assorting its superiority and its will to rule.

In my opinion the southern states should give the women the right to vote through the state constitution, and then vote solidly against the ratification of the nineteenth amendment. I sincerely trust that you will be in a position to join me in asking this recommendation to our respective legislatures

R G Pleasant
Governor of Louisiana
8:40 AM June 27