Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1865-09-01
SPEECH By GENERAL sCHENcK.

In a recent speech in Portsmouth, Ohio,
General Schenck said -
at no other representative Of the people
makes the proposition before me, pledge TO
you my promise that early in the next Con-
gress will propose this further amendment,
that from this time forward, for all the States
alike, the Constitution Of the United States
shall be so changed as that representation
shall be founded upon voters, and not upon
population. Applause.
" Let us look into TO this matter, and es-
pecislly ask the attention of any democrats
who may be present, for want them to an
swer whether there is any thing anti-dem
cratic or anu-republioan in this proposition.
BY the present three ffths rule, supposng
the slaves still remain in bondage, the follow
ing were some Of the results -
Maine, by the census Of 1860, had pop
ulation Of 626 $50, and this population was
allowed five representatives.
" Alabama had population Of 500, ,43l,
just 100 600 less than Maine, but she was al
lowed, under the three-fifths rule, seyen mem
bers-two more than Maine.
" Vermont had a population Of 3l4,399,
upon which she was allowed three represen-
tatives
" South Carolina had a population Of 29l :
$3.50 600 less than Vermont, and npon
that, becau.e Of the large number Of her slaves
she was allowed sir epfesentatives-lwic as
many az Vermont, though Vermont has the
greatest free white population.
Pennsylvania, with a population of D.
S49 266, is allowed twenty-four representa-
tves while North Carolina, South Carolina,
Georgia, Alabama, Florida. Mississippi and
Louisiana, all combined, have an aggregate
free population Of $500, 7S5- 900 less
than Pennsylvani a alone-and yet they are
allowed thirty-nine representative fifteen
more than the same population in a free State.
" But let the Constitution Of the United
States stand unchanged, slavery being extn-
guished, and what will follow? Why, that
the other two fifths will be represented, and
how mauy Of these are there in the slave
States? l,5S0,2l2 more will be represented,
when you come to add the other two ffths.
This will give to the South, in addition to the
advantage she has already mas, fourteen more
votes in Congress. Then the Southern States
have mentioned in connection with Penn
sylvanis will have fifty votes in Congress to
her twentyrfour. while having only the same
voting population.
BY the adoption Of the amendment to
the Constitution that propose, 1t is true that
it may become question with the people Of
Ohio whether they will in case the South en-
franchises its black population 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. II tney
can afford to give the ballot to their millions,
surely we can afford to give it to our thou
sands.
" But this is question for the future, and
/ shall not discuss it now. Let US amend the
Constitution 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 become educated and
fitted for the right OF suffrage, if they wish
to widen their representation 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-
pose to stand. l shall not discuss the ques-
tion whether we shall force upon the rebel
states negro suffrage. | will not discuss the
question whether we shall allow them to vote
In any Of the states. | would simply so a.
mend 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 intelligent lover of freedom vote,
aud give them the privilege of so doing if
they choose"