Mass Action, Agitation Protest Seen as Solution to Bermuda's Constitutional Ills

MR. E. T. RICHARDS, M.C.P. ENLIGHTENS YOUNG PEOPLE ON COLONY'S CONSTITUTION

A FRANK AND LIVELY discussion of the constitutional ills of Bermuda took place last night at a public meeting held in the Lecture Room of St. Paul A.M.E. Church, Hamilton.

Mr. Richards gave the audience a clear and detailed insight into the workings of Bermuda's constitution. He climaxed his talk by declaring that whatever constitutional reforms were desired, they were possible within the framework of the present constitution - but they must be brought about by the people themselves.

Protest Action Urged

"I do not think you have to be a revolutionary, or go around throwing bombs about to get reforms. But you can within the limits of the present constitutional authority press forward of the things you want," Mr. Richards said. He suggested that little groups like the Y.P.D. and other organizations holding meetings here and there, and individuals writing letters to the Press and others exploiting other means of protest could create the climate for changes.

When Mr. Richards got through answering questions about how plural voting and syndicate voting takes place in the colony, and of course how the vast majority of the adult population were entirely unable to vote, a couple of Americans in the audience had to shake their heads in amazement that such extremely archaic methods were still practised in this Hemisphere.

The Rev. T. Foster, pastor of St. Paul Church said he used to think that the poll tax in Alabama was bad enough weapon to obstruct people from exercising their civil right. "But after hearing Mr. Richards talk I have come to the conclusion that the people there are blessed, when compared with these here in Bermuda. He said that at least in Alabama if one could hustle up the money to pay the tax, one could vote.

Another member of the audience was Mr. Harold Barton, a prominent New York Republican political leader, who is vacationing in Bermuda as a guest at "Archlyn Villa." He suggested that the only solution to the problem was consistent "agitation, protest and mass action."

Mr. Harrison, who described himself as a former British subject from Dominica, told the meeting that if mass meetings were held in churches, schools, clubs and people everywhere got together and asked for changes in the constitution "they will change it because they are afraid of mass action." Comparisons should be made between what was happening in Africa, Georgia and New York, he said.

Don't Be Afraid to Offend

"Do not be afraid to offend white people - and I am sure you will offend some coloured people too," Mr. Harrison stated. He also told the meeting: "don't get the idea in your head that every white person is against you.… you are part and parcel of this community and should agitate for what you want," he added.

One lady in the audience asked Mr. Richards whether he would agree that it was the duty of Members of Parliament to initiate the desired constitutional reforms.

Mr. Richards replied that those M.C.P.s who favoured a change in the franchise were the minority in the House and not much could be accomplished unless political associations are active. The people should realise that this movement has got to come from the people. A man was put in the House for specific purposes, to watch the trend of affairs. It was a sacrifice to be there and to serve on committees of the House, he stated reminding his listeners that an M.C.P. was only paid 24/- a day.

However, he added while he was there the political organizations should do the activating from below. The M.C.P. should not necessarily organize these things, but he should belong to the organizations and when asked to speak, he should speak. As long as the people desired changes and demanded them strong enough, they will get them.

A gentleman in the audience asked whether there was anything in the Bermuda constitution which said that a person may be refused admission into a hotel, theatre or restaurant.

Mr. Richards replied that in 1930 an Act, the Hotel Keepers Protection Act, was passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor giving hotel keepers the right to exclude guests from their premises. When that Act became law, it became a part of the constitution, he said. He added that he was chairman of a joint select committee now studying the Act.

A teacher asked about the restrictions placed by the Department of Education on the writing of letters to the press by teachers and their participation in political activities.

Mr. Richards stated that was a matter which the Bermuda Union of Teachers could very well take up and make representation to the Department if it was seen to be unjust and restricted the freedom of expression an ???of the teacher to the community.

Syndicate Voting

Asked to explain how plural voting and syndicate voting was practiced, Mr. Richards explained that in order to vote at all one must have property assessed to the value of £60. For every other £60 the property may be assessed, someone else could vote on it. If for instance, it was assessed at £1,200, 20 persons could vote on it. In other words a man, his wife and their four (?) children or 18 strangers could vote on it, provided it was duly registered.

That was syndicate voting Mr. Richards said, illustrating that "the most notorious case of syndicate voting was "unearthed" by the late Dr. Gordon when he was purported to run in Devonshire in 1953. About 50 persons registered on one property there to block him.

Plural voting was possible when a person had property assessed at £60 in more than one parish or electoral district. If one were able to own such property in nine parishes, one could cast nine ballots in a general election, and likewise a syndicate could operate in more than one parish.

Last night's meeting was presided over by Mr. Erskin Simmons and was one of a series which have been presented for some time by the Y.P.D. of the Church.

The Bermuda Recorder, January 28, 1959 pg 1 & 6