The weekly Ottumwa courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1857-1872, 1865-06-29
The Suffrage Question.

1t is very generally the opinion OF tho
Republicans of this part of the State, SO
far as we are advised, that the introduction
OF the suffrage question ntopolitics at this
time, by thelate State Convention, although
correct in the abstract, was premature, in
expedient and uncalled for. This opinion
is held by those who would favor. mt the
proper time, the striking out Of the word
white, as well as by those who might vote
against it, upon the naked issue. The
feeling is worry general that the party had
enough on its hands to carry the State for
the amendment of the Federal Constitu-
ton, and to keep up our majority and in
crease it, upon the various delicate and
important issues growing out of the close
Of the rebellion, and Intimately connected
with reconstruction, and demanding i'm
mediate solution. They think that mas
much "a three years will be required to
perfect the amendment, that it might, with
out any sacrifice Of principle, without
working any injuryto the negro, and prob
ably with better ultimate prospects of
fair discussion and correct decision, have
been postponed to more convenient sea-
son. They also think it wrong, and dam
gerous assumption Of power, for n conven-
tion to foist upon a party they represent
an issue not previously called for and de-
manded by those they represent. or the
members Of the party generally. These
Republicans are earnest men, devoted to
freedom, and trueas steel to the Union; but
they are also practical men, and rather ia
vorable to laying out just rs much work
as can be well done and then doing it.
But while this is true. and while we SYM
pathize with honest convictions on this as
well as on all subjects. we have too high
m opinion Of the good sense and sound
Judgment and patriotism of the Republic
cans OF this part Of the State to suppose
for moment that they will permit this
unexpected and premature action of the
State Convention to interfere with their
votes upon the other great and vital prin-
ciples and measures to which the party is
committed and in which they believe.-
They will not permit that glorious organi-
cation which first threw itself into the
breach i'm opposition to treason and in do
fence Of liberty and Union, to be broken
up by differences upon a single point, now
that its services are more than ever re-
Quired to restore peace, tranquilize society
and reconstruct erratic and disorganized
States.
Tho naked issna is sin,r1.,t~ ---,rrr.tt I,
vote of the people the question Of striking
the word white from the Constitution. after
and only when two successive Legislatures
have decided to submit that question to be
voted upon, when every man can vote for
or against it al he pleases. We are very
confident that the Copperheads are calcu-
lating without their host when they imag-
inc that rebels and their sympathizers are
to get into power over the ruins Of the Re-
publican party, disrupted by internal dis
sensions. No. When the time comes we
confidently expect to see the party rally
around the banner so ennobled and rem
dered so glorious by triumphs in the To-
rum and in the field. They will vote for
Legislators who will send Republican to
the Senate, who will sustain the Enamel
patton Proclamation, and throw the weight
and influence of Iowa in favor Of the
amendment OF the Constitution of the ITni-
ted States, and who will hold the State
firmly where she has stood all through
these years Of trial, sacrifice and sorrow
on the side of the Federal Government. the
Union of the States, and the honor and in
tegrity of the Nation.