New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1866-06-19
An ALTERNATIVE PROPORTION.

We think the time has come when it is possible
to agree plan for the readmssion of the Southern
States which shall not violate any principle cherished
by the Republican party, nor necessarily create any
dissension in its ranks Until the resolution proposing
a constitutional amendment had passed both Houses,
that pending proposition presented obstacle to the
adoption OF any Independent scheme. That, how
ever, is secured; and while it is before the State Legs
latures for their consideration it may be possible to
pass such an alternative measure will secure all the
ends proposed by the amendment, without involving
the delay which the amendment and its ac-
companying measures may require. We have
supported the passage of that resolution through Con-
gress in good faith, and have rejoiced in it,
adoption; not because thought perfect, nor be-
cause we had no other to propose, but because it
seemed to us essential that should all agree on
something, and an agreement could only be had by
mutual concessions In order to help the passage OF
the amendment TO the best of our ability, we have
waived-though never abandoning-our own platform
of Universal Amnesty-Impartial Suffrage Those
who do not agree to that platform have had the op-
portunty to put their own views before the people for
adoption or rejection as a constitutional amendment.
We think we have a right to ask in return that our
views should now be allowed hearing and be put
to the test by which all such measures must ultimate
ly stand or fall
The bills which Mr. Stevens and Mr. Kelley have
presented to the House embrace all the points we
care to have covered; but we would unite them in
one measure by rejecting parts Of each, and con-
densng both into one brief enactment, as follows;
Bh enacted &c. II shall be lawful for the Governors and
them OF the eleven States lately in Rebellion to call
Conventions to form State Constitutions and to srder cleo
to be held for members Of such Conventions The Con-
sut!ons framed Conventions shall DO submitted to
vote Of the people OF each State In all elections held
der this act all male persons shall be entitled to vote who
are 81 years Of age aud have resided In the State six
months next preceding tho election. Any Constitution
ratified may be presented to Congress- provided il does not
deny TO any person. race color previous
dton equal rights before the law including tho right Of su
frage when any Constitution presented shall receive tho
approval Congress the State adopting 1t shall be declared
entitled readmson and representation Congress aud be
fully restored to all its rights duties and obligations and Its
representatives duly elected under such Constitution shall be
admitted upon their admission the President shall declare
general amnesty all persons in such State liable to pona
ties account Of the Rebellion.
In other words, We would offer to each State
lately in rebellion the option of immediate admission
upon condition Of granting equal rights to all her eit
gems. We would impose disabilities neither upon
White Rebels nor Black loyalists. We would not re-
quire the ratification of the pending constitutional
amendment, nor OF any other amendment We be-
leYe in peQQarpgy-the genuine, not the sham 9rtcle