The Alleghanian. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1859-1865, 1864-07-21

home-cut off from all communication
scarcely informed at the time on the issues
of the political campaign, were able and
entitled to exercise the right of the fran
chIse, is 1t not fair to suppose that citizens
OF like intelligence, engaged in the same
service OF the government within the
limits Of its authority, distant only a few
miles from home, conversant with all the
issues involved in the political contest, in
daily communication with their friends,
and in perusal also OF journals discussing
the questions at stake-is it not fair to
suppose that such men are entitled to the
exercise of all their political rights p
on this subject, will seek to evade the re-
sponsibility of such question. This is
proven by the judicial history already at
| tached to this question. When it was
deemed expedient, as it was undoubtedly
considered by the Democratic leaders then,
the elective franchise was extended to the
absent soldiers in Mexico; but in the
midst OF war wage6 by the upholders of
an institution from which the Democratic
leaders derive all their strength, George
w. Woodward, a justice of the Supreme
Court, and lately the candidate of the
Democratic party FOR Governor, juGicially
denied the soldiers the exercise of the
elective franchise I; denied our brave de-
tenders the right almost in the same
breath in which he declared the right of
the States of the South to rebel aud secede
from the Union Fair men can see no
difference in an American solder voting
in Mexico, while fighting beneath the
Flag of his country, and the same soldier
citizen under the same circumstances vot-
ing in rebellious State. Time nor place,
within the limits of free government, or
in the service thereof, cannot influence,
should not be permitted to affect the
rights of freeman. The government
which is not able to insure him these in
herent rights is unworthy his support
The authority of a free government which
seeks to degrade freeman while periling
his life in its defence, is despotism more
fearful than that which denies all right to
to the governed. 1t is not possible that
such a government can last. At some
period in Its history, if the rights of its
defenders be disregarded as the Democrat
ic leaders now deny the right Of the fran
chise to the soldiers, it will need arms to
protect it both from foreign and domestic
foes, and perish eventually, an object too
mean for defence.
In advocating the soldiers right to vote,
the loyal men of Pennsylvania are sustain
ed by faith in the fact that his service is
such as to secure him not merely all the
rights he enjoyed before he entered the
army, but increased dignity and power at
the hands Of the Republic. The enemies
of this great principle oppose it only for
reasons of expediency. There was time
when the Democratic leaders claimed that
the army was largely and even almost
wholly composed of their partizan follow
ers. When they were most clamorous in
insisting upon the recognition Of such
claim, the supporters of the principle, OPP
posed politically to these leaders, were
most earnest and even persistent in its ad-
vocacy. To them it was a principle of
justice too sacred to be disregarded-too
noble to be rejected-too important in its
relations to the very genius and Vitality
of the Republic to be denied to all the
people thereof, alike those who risk the
perils of battle In its defence and those
who run no danger of life, limb or prop
erty In the service of the Government, and
who still claim its highest immunities and
most sacred privileges.
On the second day of August, ensuing,
this question will come practically before
the people of Pennsylvania. We do not
doubt the result of the election as to the
acceptance or rejection of the soldiers
right to vote. But We would be false to
the party which we represent and recreant
to the creed which we adore if we failed to
avow in advance our approval of granting
this great right to our brave defenders
Pennsylvania has many thousands of her
citizens now in the army. They have all
gone forth inspired by a sublime faith in
the strength Of a free Government. to crush
wicked conspiracy, and does it become
US, while enjoying the halcyon blessings
of peace at home, while the limbs Of our
soldiers are VET with their own blood,
and their weapons are dripping with the
gore of traitors, to say 20 them, Z" You
haze forfeited your citizenship ; you are no
longer icorthy Of participating an the control
Of u free Government .yOtor positions must
be acith the Slaues Of the ,South.anaong the
disgraced and degraded OF Gods children !w
We cannot believe that the people Of
Pennsylvania are prepared to send such
message to their fellow-citizens in the
armies of the Republic. We cannot be.
lieve that so foul disgrace awaits our
war-worn but still intrepid heroes. The
hearts of the great majority of the people