Daily State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis, Ind.) 1861-1865, 1865-03-08
PARIS G. DuySIyG
FRANCIS T HoRD,
THos r COBB,
A. G. DowSKY.
Remarks of Senator Hendricks on
Giving Negroes the Right OF Suf-
frage and EI-vating them to Equai
Political Rights with white Men,
made IN the Senate March 2, lS6j.

Mr. President. ike the senator from Wiscon-
sin, have not been insttentive observer of
the proceedings of this nights session. The dis
cordant elements of the republican party are ex
hibiting themselves here; and | venture the
prophesy that like exhibition will be Witnessed
over the country within very few years.
But four years ago, at the Chicago conyen
ton. when Mr. Lincoln was nominated for the
presidency, a solemn pledge was made to the
people OF this country that that party. when it
came into power, would not undertake to inter
iere with the institutions of the states. AS soon
as the disturbed condition of the country gave
the pretext for il, the undertaking was CON-
menced; and now, when in the judg ment of some,
it has been accomplished, there comes up grave
question, what is to be done, and what is TO be
the political condition OF the four million negroes
when they are set free? And upon that ques-
ton the real strife of to night has been witness
ed That is the subject, and it need not be dis
guised. 1t is growing out of the dscordant
elements of the party that now governs the
country.
The democracy here to night have favored the
consideration OF the resolution that's before the
body. We have not sought to defeat legislation.
And how does it come that in the harmonious
majority we see this clash of arms in the hands
of its rnagnates; not with US! We are content
to be the quiet observers of the controversy.
welcome the strife as harbinger of the return
TO these principles that will yet save this coun-
try.
am ready to GO on to night in the discussion
of this measure. and am ready to vote against il
tonight; or rather to abstain from voting, if the
gentleman from West Virginia Mr. Van Win
kle,) does not get here IL he is here on Mon
day shall be ready to give my vote, after q
very few remarks upon the resolution
But, sir, the lessons of to night have been in
structve. There is strife here and il is not a
strife between gentlemen. Senators are too hon
orable to have personal controversy. 1t is a
strife of principle. and the question is what is to
be done wi h the four million negroes when they
are set freel There are senators upon the re
publican side who feel that it is very trouble
some question That is the tronble here to
night. Ii Is not whether particular measure
shall be considered; but that very thing; and
think the democracy will eventually have some
gains from gentlemen who will not 90 the ex
treme doctrine.
The senator from Massachusetts Mr. Sumner
Is determined that none of these states shall ev-
er be heard in the halls OF congress until the
men who speak from those states speak the voice
OF the negroes rs well as Of the white men
Other senators say that shall not be We demo
Gratis are unit upon that question. We believe
in the sentiment OF the illustriOus senator for
merly occupying a seat in this body from Hi
nOs, that this government was made by white
men for white men. and we expect to stand by
that idea. Let the controversy 60 on. The
senators snd the republicans over the country
who wish to elevate the negro to an equality
political and social, and civil and legal, with the
white man, will have their controversy with sen
ators and republicans who entertain sentiments
with the senator from Wisconsin, who does no
believe that the condition of the negro in the
south is such entities him to control the legis
lation and policy of This great country.