The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1846-10-03

SrEECH OF MR.. BEBB-.DTSSENT OF
THE WHIG PRESS-A GRAND SCREW
LooSE-BEBB'S DEFEAT CERTAIN.
We rejoice at the renewed evidence
which every day brings, the determi
nation OF the people of the State to con
denim the measures advocated by Mr.
Bebb and the whig party. Never sine.
parties have been organized, has any O
them put forth and advocated measure.
which find 50 little favor with the peo
pie as those now advocated by the
wing party, so called. Not conten
with contending before the people, and
in the face of common justice and com.
mon honesty, that the present tax law
is equitable and fair--than which nc
| proposition could be more absurd; they
are, almost unanimously throughout the
State. by their presses, and more par.
tlculary by their candidate for Govern.
or, advocating the repeal Of all the laws
of the State making any distinction on
accountof color. As the result ofsuch
proceeding, no one can fail to fear
the worst consequences. What can
hinder the people of the State from
complete inundation by the useless, toll
worn slaves of the masters of Virginia?
Repeal the laws, and what shall keep
our poor houses from being glutted, and
our county treasures from impoverish-
ment?
We propose to give the substance
OF speech of Mr.. Bebb, at McCon.
nellsviIle, and then an extract from the
Portsmouth Clipper, leading whig pa
per, whose editor deserves much credit
for his open course, on this as we'll as
several other subjects. After reading
the speech, let no man say that the
whig party, if placed in power, do not
stand pledged to repeal the black laws.
Dodge the question as best they may,
The whig papers in this part of the
country must be held to the issue.
Mr.. Bebb held forth as follows:
My CoUNTRYMEN: lfthere is any one
subject that absorbs my time and al
tention more than any other, it is the
ABROGATlON OF THE LAWS
MAKING A DISTINCTION ON
ACCOUNT OF COLOR. NY coun-
trymen-my Liberty triends--to you
| appeal for assistance to carry out this
great work of reform. 1t is a reform
which above all others should meet and
does meet the attention of every true
American.
"Why should we deny to our color
ed brethren those rights and immuni-
ties that are granted to US. 1t Is de-
clared in the declaration of Indepen-
dence, that GALL MEN are born free and
equai," and being equal, all men wheth-
er black or ,Ohiie, should have the same
rights guaranteed TO them by the laws
of our State. The law by which Me-
GRO CHILDREN are prevented from
enjoying the benefits of our common
schools, and being placed on par with
white children, should be repealed.
The law that compels negroes to give
security for their good behavior, should
be repealed. The law that prevents
them from giving testimony in our
courts should be repealed. In word,
ALL LAWS making distinction on &c
count of color should be repealed.-
These laws would have been repealed
blythe last Legislature, but after con-
sidering the issue had never been made
before the people. il was thought best
to defer the matter until next winter,
and in the mean time was to make
the issue. And now, My Countrymen,
| come before you with the following
inscription upon my banner:
"THE UNCONDITIONAL RE-
PEAL OF ALL LAWS MAKING
A DISTINCTION ON ACCOUNT
OF COLOR"
"When | made this declaration in the
northern part of this State, the locofo.
cos stated that l dare. not make the
same declaration south of Mason's and
Dixon's line, but when spoke in Gin
cinnatia few days since, | there pro-
claimed to the world the same doc
trines that proclaimed on the Wes-
tern Reserve, and the vast multitude
made the air ring with their shouts.
"But, My Countrymen, shall have
no vote in This matter-nor neither
have the veto power. ALI can do,
i'll am elected, is 10 recommend the re-
peal of the black laws in my message.
| am the first candidate for Governor
who has ever taken the stump, and de-
clared himself in fauor Of The repeal Of
The black la,cs, and should | be defeated
| can return home to my family and
nave the pleasant consolation Of know
ing. that | have done my duty to my
fellow man andaespecially TO the poor
Africans"
The following entire article from the
Clipper, shows conclnsively that the
wings Of Southern Ohio cannot vote