True American. [volume] (Steubenville [Ohio]) 1855-1861, 1857-05-13
The Question Of Citizenship. p.--0pin
ions Of Jefferson and Jackson.

Judge Taney, in deciding that negroes
have no "rights," and are race fit only
to be oppressed, not only runs counter
to the views Of the Fathers Of the Re-
public, but the Statesmen Of later days,
and even The idols Of the so.called De-
mocracy Of the present time. Jefferson,
whose name is mouthed oflenest by that
party, justified open war with England to
protect their "rights." 1t occurred thus:
After the engagement between the
frigates Chesapeake and Leopard, of the
Capes Of Virginia, on June 22d, 1907,
in which the former struck her colors,
four men were taken from her by the
British captain Of the Leopard, whom
he claimed as deserters. Two Of these
men, John Straben and William Ware,
were negroes and both born in Maryland.
In the proclamation issued shortly after.
wards by President Jefferson, excluding
British vessels Of war from American
waters, he said.
"This enormity was not only without
provocalion or justIfable cause. but was
committed with the avowed purpose OF
taking by force from ship of war of the
United States part Of her crew, aud
that no circumstance might be wanting TO
mark its character, it has been previously
ascertained that the seamen demanded
were NATIVE CITIZENS of the Uni.
ted Sates."
Jefferson knew something Of the Con.
stitution, and is still professedly venera'
ted as the father Of the Democratic party
But his views of the Constitution. natu
raj rights and democratic principles were
the antipodes Of those now maintained BY
his degenerate disciples.
Gen. Jackson, also, to whom by tht
way belongs the questionable honor o
elevating Judge Taney to his present po
sition, held different opinions. While
the immense British force vas approach
ing Louisiana, during the war Of 1912
tina, gallant soldier and distinguished man
learned that among its ranks were regi
ments Of colored men, and he very natu.
rally wished 10 excite the sentiment o
loyalty in the bosoms of the coloret
5 people of that State. The conditian o
affairs was such that not man coul
> be spared from the American side.
r The Government at Washington ha
left New Orleans utterly without defense
and the General had 10 avail himself {
: all The m cans within his reach to get tc
gether force strong enough to make re
sistance with something like chance j
c favor Of success.
On the 2lst Of September, 1914, h
issued from his Headquarters at MObil
It an address "To the Free Colored Tnhal
Q itants Of L ouisiana," in which he said:
:, "Through a mistaken policy you hay
. heretofore been deprived of parlicip;
y ton in the glorious struggle for nations
rights in which our country is engaged
Z This shalt no longer exist" y
: GAS sons Of freedom you are callt
: = upon to defend our most ineslimab
!. blessings. IFS AMERICANS, your count
: looks with confidence for valorous SUI
, port," &c. -
Of .Your country. although calling {
your exeriions, does not wish you to eI
10 gage in her cause without remuneratir
ID You for the service rendered." &c.
Iy In another part Of his address, he sa
o, To them. lyon will. undivided, recei
= !. the applause and gratitude Of your cO''
!. trymsn." Again, he says,"To assu
q. you Of the sincerity ofmy intentions, al
th my anxiety TO engage your iHUatAG'
serpices 10 OUR country, have co
municeted my wishes to the Governor
: Louisiana" &c.