American citizen. [volume] (Butler, Butler County, Pa.) 1863-1872, 1865-07-19
COMMUNICATION.
For the American Citizen
The Elective Franchise.

one of great political Importance, and bids
fair to be the next political issue, / have
presumed to entertain your readers with
a Few things relating thereto:
At present, about four millions of
human beings have had the chains and
shacklos broken off, and to-day stand
forth american born citizens" soldiers,
and freemen, and as such, justly entitled
to all amenities and privileges thereof -
Ever since the breaking out of rebellion,
they have been the earnest trus,y friends
of the Government, by day or night, dill
gent and devoted; enthusiastic in their
expressions of joy at the advance of our
banners and brave armies, and very fre-
quently imperrilling their lives, to assist
escaped prisoners Of war or our guides,
or advanced columns of our forces-to
the point of destination. Moreover, they
have fought and bled F.; suffered and died,
for the perpetuation of our Government
and liberties. And now they stand wait
ing to see whether the Government will
admit them to its privileges, after such
conclusive evidence of their faithfulness,
or turn them over to the tender mercies
of former masters, returned rebel soldiers,
officers &c, to abuse persecute and
legislate against them, and render their
condition as odious and extremely un-
pleasant as possible To see whether we
,o'W nor give over our prejudice, and
jealousy, and treat him as a man, friend
and helper.
1t is now argued, that he is ignorant
and not capable of properly using the
elective franchise. We answer; 1t was
as streniously argued that he was unfit for
a soldier, and terrible howl, north and
south, was made over the terrible expert
ment But trial has solved the problem
and proved the quaking prophets the
victim of some strange halluciuation.
So now his qualification to vote or ca
pacity to use the elective franchise, is
still an experiment, let it be made, and
we await results. The man who has
been so constantly faithful and loyal
amid the most discQuraging circumstan-
ces, amid the preaching Of so much false
doctrine aud base fabrications, will not
now listen to their suggestions, arguments
or appeals; when their projects have fail
ed, the mask stripped off, and they stand
before them in all their naked dcfornlity
Nay we will not listen now, you told us
the Yankees would ca us, would murder
every man, woman and child. Destroy
all property,and were worse than heatbeps.
That Lincoln was a usurper, tyrant, &c,j
we did not believe it then; now we know
its false and we cannot vote ioryou now,
and against our own interest. Again tn c
poor whites of the South are still more
ignorant than the negro, and fully as de-
based and from their ranks have gone
forth the great mass of the rebel sold
iery. They have been the constant dupes
of the Southern leaders; and always had
their vote under the Constitution They
will have it yet-are rebels at heart, and
will vote with the planter as usual No'o
shall zee gtce these men (poor whites }
greater priajIcges, than the men who are
unquestionably loyal and right for the
Government.
What is the voice of justice, reason,
right, and prudence? Is it safer for US to
trust our enemies with the invincble
ballot than our tried friends? Who can
not determine 2 Does it not seem strange
that such question should be sprung
upon US; yet this is the question of the
hour. And in it are issues of no mo-
mentary character, or small importance,
to the free union of the United States.
When those issues are ready for develop
ment, if living, we may be heard from
again. But for the present let as dare to
do right, BY giving the freedman an
equal chance in the race of life an equal
advantage with all those who are less 10y
al, and fully as incompetent to use the
elective franchise as he. And in the Ian
guage and faith, of our lamented late Presi-
dent: beliere that right makes might /:
and while the path of duty is always the
path of safety-dare to do oar vliole
duty, leaving results in the hands of a
Benefcient Providence. PIONEER.
GGE~ A Charleston letter says; The
praise of President Lincoln sounds more
and more grateful to the people of this
State as his character becomes known,
and they cannot be repeated too often
Said late rebel officer: 4Ihe North
did not know him, and the South knew
still less of the best friend she had in the
United States" On the other hand the