Daily State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1865-09-15

Negro To he Used IN Set-off TO TN e
Cath oiics-rEe inevitable Results
Of Enfranchistng Centrabands.
The following letter is from a Presbyterian
divine to the New York Observer:
We are told that the negro is entitled TO equal
political rights. as the reward Of his loyalty, be
ca of the noble stand which he has taken in
our national struggle He has almost invariably
been found Oh the side OF the stars and stripes
He has ssccOred our prisoners. and betrayed our
enemies he has fought side BY side with our
sons and brothers; and none has fought
more molly, more brayely. Having defended
our rights, Outlines with the most fearful sacri-
fee. shall we now refuse him a share ia those
rights3 Shall We deny him the poor privilege
Of votingl
l know that this argument has appealed most
strongly to our helrts IL has been almost ir-
resisnble We have felt such admiration for the
devotion Of these poor blacks We have been
filled with so much gratitude for their timely
aid. that our better judgment has been well
nigh silenced. and the heart has almost conquered
the head But ask any Intelligent citizen: L.
the argument sound? Because a man can fight
we'll. does il therefore follow that be can vote
welll Do the qualities that make good soldier
necessarily make good voterl Is there any
connection between the tWo2
But we are told again that right and Justice
demand that the prescription OF color and race
be abolished amata loss TO imagine where
this demand OF right and justice has been dlscov-
cred. Is il in our Constitution! How then is
IL that the trainers Of that Constitution never
dreamed that 4 contained such demsnds One
would suppose shat they were we'll fitted 10
understand the meaning Of the Constitution a.
wesre. How is it that this right was not discov
cred half century ago? How is il that il es
caped the notice of Washington. a Webster, q
Clay! The truth Is. the Constitution contains
no such demand.
But perhaps the advocates Of this policy refer
TO the abstract of right and justice, as laid down
in the higher law of God, which they truly saw
is above all constitutions and human enact
ments
But l ask. in what book, chapter or verse of
Gods word do they Hnd this rightf Does the
Bible anywhere. either in its letter or spirit de-
mand universal sufrager Does prophet. or apos-
tie. o. Christ, anywhere tell Us that We have no
righi 10 form a Government without bis policy
Does even the golden rule. in its broadcast, full
est Interpretation, require to take any such &C
toni It's teachings are, that in every relation OF
life, as individuals. or societies, or Governments,
We are to seek the highest good of our fellow
men equally With our own; and that We are to
endeavor TO advance their true interests by all
the means in power. Bat il leaves the car
rying out of these principles 10 the Christian
judgment and conscience of every man aud Of
every nation. The question still remsining-and
the Bible does answer it's universal suit.
frsge best and wisestl Is il adapted 70 secure
the greatest good to allr
But il il still further said, that though the
Constitution or the bible may make no such de
mand, yet the fundamental principles of our
Government require that We allow the negro TO
vote A leading Western journal assures Us that
cit has been the theory of our Government that
every man 10 be governed has the right TO
take part in the election Of those by whom he
Is to be governed | suppose the idea here il
that nc one ought to be compelled TO submit 10
laws that be mas had no hand in making But
how Is II known THAI this is "the theory OF our
Gosernmentl' | know of no better wav Of
learning the theory of any government than by
examining its practice. And here the whole
history Of our nation is opposed to the sdyo-
Gates OF this system. The foreigner. Just as
soon as he sets foot upon our shores, is subject
TO our Government aad laws. aud il be breaks
these laws, We punish him; but do allow hin
TO votef Have We not perfect right even 10
say that be shall never voter
Some Of our States have declared that no man
shall exercise the right of suffrage Who cannot
read and write And vet those States have not
hesitsted TO govern these men. whom they have
deprived Of this privilege Will any one say
that such States as Massachusetts, have been Tor
getiul of the principles of true republcsnisr q
Indeed. If the advocates of this theory would
but carry il out TO It's true results. il they would
be consistent with themselves. they must allow
all the women OF our land TO vote, or else free
them forever from the restraints Of law and
authority. For | fancy none will be bold enough
TO contend that when our Declaration OF Inde-
pendence prorounces call men created equal 3"
u means TO exclude the best and most intelli-
gent portion OF the human family.
Ii the women OF America, With AL their loyalty
and devotion 70 our 4 ~ and 10 our Government
after all they have done and suffered SO gladly in
the cause OF truth aud right, with all their edu-
cation. and rehaenent. and sleyatiOu: II they are
excluded from the tailOt box. II this Is right aud
lust, II this IN accordance With true republc-nism
and equality, II this not opposed TO ''the theory
OF our Government. let no man dare 10 say
that IL 10 wrong aud unjust 10 withhold th, privi
legs iron those Infinitely less fitted 10 euioy il,
Womsn - taxed somsn = governed woman i
compelled 10 submit 20 our la~s' Aud vet she
is NOT allowed TO vote
Who. among al these philantrophists of to-
day. raised bis voice sgsust this grant in
stance Of oppression prescription and iuiusticef
Let Us At least be consistent with ourselves. and
not assert With one breath what ne deny with
the next
The only question. thea, j. l. il expedient 10
sdopt universal suffrage the Law Of our land
Ii slavery Is what &C have ALWAYS been taught il
vas The sun Of all villaiuies:" il its effect has
been 20 degrade and deoase its victims-soul,
mind aud body-and 10 reduce them almost TO
level With the beasts Of the field: II il has done
ali that human Ingenuity and cruelty could do 10
blot on, God's image; IL IL has tended TO DESTROY