, 1862-09-05
GbI :GrttuuG.


HAA1A Ak1a sVAU1Hk1S VOTER
One-1hird of the whole voting popula-
lion Of the Union is in the army, or will be
when the old regiments are filled up. Shall
more than one million Of our most patri-
ohc citizens be distranchised this fall, be-
cause their country has called them to
the tented field to fight for the preservation
of The Onion? This is d very grave ques-
tion. The soldiers hare an exceedingly
deep interest in the result of the fall cleo
7;ons-deeper, in fact, than any other class
Of citizens They confront an enemy in
front but how shall they meet the enemy in
the rcar? The soldiers demand vigorous,
energetic war policy. They want no falter-
Jug on the part Of the government until
Tic rebellion is utterly crushed out, cost
what it may. A million Of citizens have
testified to their desire for resolnte, un-
compromising war policy, by taking their
lives in their hands and going forth to fight !
for the Union. We repeat the question
a1e these nen 10 be distranchised at the en-
Euing elections? 4 new Congress is to be |
chtsen-Legislatures in many States are
to be elected. If the tories get control Of
1lc next Congress- an attempt will be made
to force the government either to consent to
q division Of the Onion, or to humili-
ating submission to the rebels If the
soldiers are allowed to vote, there is no
chance OF the tories getting possession of
The government Of single State, or of
<lectipg ten members OF Congress north of
4Iason and Dixon's line. But if one mil
ZION Of war voters are ruled out, the
chances Of the tories are immensely in-
creased. tits not necessary for them to
carry more than two-6fths Of the North
ern congressional districts, as they expect
10 make up the deficit from the semi
1niouis:s Of the border States, who viii
set with them. Once in control of the
11ouse Of Representatives, not a dollar
would be voted for the prosecution Of the
war, Unless coupled with some Infamous
proposition Of surrender to the rebels.
Extra sessions Of the leg islatures of Min
a,cstta, Wisconsin and Iowa have been
called. It Is understood that tile question
OF soldiers vot1ng will be brought promi-
u,ltly before those bodies. Wisconsin
Will shortly have $4,000 Of her citizens in
Tit service Of the Union. There is moth
ing in the State constitution to prohibit
lrr soldiers from voting, II is proposed
10 authorize the governor to appoint an
adequate number of commissioners to
1isit ilc Wisconsin regiments, and, with
7Ile permission Of the War Department,
take and record their votes for State and
return If the same to the Secretary
of Stale; the votes tn be counted aud cred
tied to the candidates for whom they were
cast, The young State Of Minnesota will
Dor has called the legislature together for
the purpose OF providing for the defense Of
The State against the Indians, and to pass
the necessary law authorizing the citizen
soldiers 10 cast their. ballots against the
enemy in tie rear, as well Us to cast
bullets at The enemy in front. The same
proposition will doub,lessly come before
The Iowa legislature ow in session Iowa
will socn have u, 600 Of her citizens in tue
b<la who ought not to be distranehised
What steps should be taken to secure tht
right Of voting this fall to the 100000 citi
zens ot Illinois who will be enrolled anon.
1hcir country's defenders before elcctio
day This is an exceedingly i'm
portant question, and demands seriou
consideration A technical constructio
nf our State constitution excludes our sol
dicrs from protecting themselves throus7
tie ',allot~tox from the frc-in-thc -rca
tories. Cannot some means be devise
whereby the right to vote may be secures
TO them? The Republicans and Wa
Democrats will certainly favor the prope
Eilinn. The tories only will interpose OF
iectioDs. We submit the matter to til
wise men, and would like to have the
opinion Oh the question Can the soldic
OF Illinois be allowed to vote foE Congress
men or State officers, at the ensuing n
vcmbcr election?