Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1865-1869, 1865-06-23
TBF EyFR4NCHISING ACT.

The following is a copy Of the "sct prescribing
means BY which persona who have been disfran-
ehised by the third Article of the Constitution
may be restored to the rights Of voters II viii
be remembered, that the said article DISTINGUISHES
eli persons who "since the Isl day of January,
1854" have voluntarily given aid or assistance,
in any way, 70 those In rebellion against the gov
eminent of the United States for the purpose Of
promoting the same In the exercise OF the
power granted BY the Constitution, the Legbla-
ture has removed this disability; and now all
qualified voters heretofore identified with "the
rebellion" and not excluded from the amnesty
proclaimed by President johnson with the ex-
ceptlon Of those embraced in the $4,000 clause,
can appear before notary public, or other per,
son authorised TO administer caths, under the re
stored government, and recover the right OF sut-
frage, by taking the prescribed oath. He also
becomes eligible 10 Office, unless he has held
Of6ce under the so called Confederate Govern
ment. or under any rebellious State Govern.
ment or has been q member Of the sO-cal.ed
Confederate Congress, or member Of any State
Legislature in rebellion against the authority OF
the United States" excepting theTe'rom couuty
officers
Whereas in the opinion OF the General As
sembly, the time has aniyei when il would be
safe and expedlent 70 restore TO the rights Of
8srs certain persons who are disfrsnchised by the
provisions Of the third article Of the ConstitU-
ton Now, for the purpose Of SO restoring such
PersOns,
Be il enacted BY the General Assembly OF Vir-
ginia, That every person possessing in other re-
spects the qualifications OF a voter under the
Constitution and laws OF the State, who has ia
kan or shall hereafter take the oath prescribed by
the Amnesty Proclamation OF the President OF
the United States OF the 29th OF May, 1865, which
oath "a In the following words 10 wit 81 do
solemnly swear ,or sidrnl in the presence OF Al
mighty God, that I will heaceforth faithfully
support, protect AMI defend the Constitution of
the United States ana the union Of the States
Hereunder, and that viii, in like manner, abide
by and faithfully support all laws and proclama-
tons which have been made during the existing
rebellion with reference TO the emancipation Of
slaves (" and an cath TO uphold and defend the
government Of Virginia as restored by the Con
venton which assembled at Wheeling on the
18th Of June, 1861, in the following words Il
do solemnly swear Tor AFFIRM that viii uphold
and DEF end the government OF Virginia as re-
stored BY the Convention which assembled 81
Wheeling on the IIth day Of June, 1851" shall
be entitled and qualified 10 vote for members Of
the General Assembly, and all officers elective by
the people, subject always 70 the laws In regard
TO voters and voting, not inconsistent with this
act Provided, however That the persons eU-
cluded by the terms OF the said proclamation
from the benefits thereof excepting those em
bracsd in the 18th class OF such excluded persons
shall not be entitled or qualified 70 vote as afore-
said unless psrdoned by the President as pro
yided for by said proclamation.
> This act shall be in force from its passage.