Journal of freedom. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1865-186?, 1865-09-30


ted States, fixing the basis of representa-
ton in the lower house Of Congress on
the number of voters and not of inhabi-
tants. In the course of recent speech on
this subject, he made use Of the following
remarks:-
, Let MS look into this matter, and espe-
cially ask the attention of any Democrats
4 who may be present, for want them to
answer whether there is anything anti
Democratic or anti-Republican in this
proposition. By the present three-fifths
rule, supposing the slaves still to remain
in bondage, the following were some of
the results:
Maine, by the census of 1860, bad a
population of 626, ,959, and this population
was allowed five representatives.
Alabama had population of 526,431,
lust 100, 900 less than Maine, but she was
allowed, under the three ffths rule seven
members-two more than. Maine.
Vermont had population of 314, 1856,
upon which she was allowed three repre-
sentatives.
South Carolina had population of 291,-
395-2O,00O less than Vermont, and upon
that, because of the large number of her
slaves, she was allowed six representatives
twice as many as Vermont, though Yer
mont has the greatest free white pepula-
ton.
Pennsylvania, with population of g.
1856, is allowed twenty-four represent
tatives; while North Carolina; South
Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Florida,
Mississippi and Louisiana, all combined,
have an aggregate free population of q
S29,785-1O,OOO less than Pennsylvania
alone-and yet they are allowed thirty
nine representatives. fifteen more than
the same population in free State.
But let the Constitution of the United
States stand unchanged, slavery being ex-
tinguished, and what will follow! Why,
that the other two-ffths will be represents
ed, and how many of these are there in
the slave States? 1,580,2l2 more will be
represented, VIXEN you come to add the
other two-fifths. This will give to the
South, in addition to the great advantage
healready has, fourteen more votes in
Congress. Then the Southern States /
have mentioned in Connection with Penn
sylvania will have fifty~votes in Congress.
to her twenty -four, while having only the
same voting population.
By the adoption of the amendment to
the Constitution that l propose, it is true
that it may become q aquestion with the
people of OHIO whether they will, in case
the South enfranchises its black popula-
ton in order to get representation for
them, do the same for the colored people
For myself, / am willing to meet, the
South on this ground. If they can afford
to give the ballot to their millions, surely
we can afford to give it to our thousands.
But this is question for the future, ,and
Ishall not discuss it now. Let us amend
the Constitution so as to make it to the
interest of the Southern States to have
their negroes vote, if they think proper.
In the process of time, as the negroes be-
come educated and fitted for the right OF
suffrage, if they wish to widen their repre-
sentation by giving them the right to vote,
we'll and good. But, until they do that,
they must stand where they do in regard
to representation.
This is the platform upon which pro-
nose to stand. | shall not discuss the
auestion whether we shall force upon the
rebel States negro suffrage. will not dis
,cuss the question whether we shall allow
them to vote in any Of the States.
would simply so amend the Constitution
in favor of freedom and in favor Of equal
representation, as that these people shall
see it to their interest to let every inteIll
gent lover of freedom vote, and give them
the privilege of 80 doing if they choose.
. In referring to this matter, the New
York .EUening Post, remarks as follows =
0The proposition has this merit; it re
,a+aa to NO 1caass, but is based upon
,rr;nc;nIe ef general application. 1t ls IN
tended to correct, ana 30 prevent nere7'ie g.
very serious evil. The States have, 1y
general consent, the exclusive right 70 de
fermine who, in each, shall enjoy tn'
privilege of voting. It would not be easy
to take this right from them and transtel
haps, if it were practicable; would II @ oe
advisable It has been suggested tna
Congress may DECLARE who shall be elect
ors for President and Members OF Con
gress but this would be to leavea matte >
open to frequent. and arbitrary change
which should be once for all settled =
Moreover, the exercise of this right woalt
be of doubtful authority, and in sucn INA
portant affairs it is better to have ~
doubts then the acquiescence OF the Peo
pie is hearty. If nothing is done, then
part of the people of any State may
any time disfranchise the remainder, an
yet have the benefit Of their residence, o.
their enumeration as part of the represen
1atlve population.
tEThe nronosad s1,s+ayo will s+ilI leave