Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1866-06-16
rhe R.DyhI,c.u Platform of ls0S.

The Republican Platform OF ASoO'
1t is very probable that the Joint Resolu-
tion proposing an amendment to the Con-
stitution of the United States, which has
Just passed Congress, will be adopted by the
Republican State Convention, which meets
IN this city in few days, as their platform.
We infer this from the fact that the Radi-
Gals will largely predominate in that Con-
vention, and because Radical journals are
recommending that it be made their plat
form-journals that have scathingly de-
nounced everything like atemporizing pol
icy, or of giving to President JoHNsoN's
policy even implied approval. In view OF
this. it may be well enough to take, the pro-
posed amendment up and look at 1t. The
first section is in these words; s"-
"ARTIcLE -, Section l. Az persons
born or ndi,rdlized in the United States, and
Subject 20 the jurisdiction thereof are cit
izeIls of the United States, and Of he State
,oIlerein then reside, No State shall make
or enforce ann latcs echich shall dbridge me
priuileJes and imnlunities Of citizens Of the
United States, nor shall any State deprive
any person of life, liberty or property, with
ont due process of law, nor deny to any
person within its jurisdiction, the equal
protection of the laws"
This section puts White and Black native
born and naturalized White and Black on
a political equality. 1t makes them "citl-
zens of the United States and of the State
wherein they reside" By express terms
the Black is made as complete and as full
a citizen as the White. That no doubt
whatever imay be thrown over the subject,
1t is particular to specify that 'nO State shall
make or enforce any Iars lotteh shall abr'dge
The prfuileges or inlmunities of citizens Of the
United States.n This has particular refer
ence to making voters out OF the Blacks.
When this amendment shall be adopted, II
adopted it shall be, no State can deny or
withhold from a colored male adult the
privilege of voting, no matter whether It's
Constitution shall contain prohlol-
tory provision, or whether any OF Its
laws shall prohibit it. Wherefore de-
clare Whites and Blacks co-equal citi-
zens, and as such entitled to "the same
privileges and immunities," il such is not
the intention? That this has not reference
simply to an "equal protection from the
laws" is manifest from the conclusion OF
the section, which says: "nor shall any
State deprive any person of life, liberty or
property, without due process OF law, nor
deny to any person within its jurisdiction,
the equal protection of its laws" What
ever, therefore, belongs to the White citizen
of the United States, in virtue of his citl-
zenship-the privilege of voting, the privi-
lege of holding Office, the right to life,
liberty, property and the equal protection
of the laws-each and all will belong to the
Black man, if this amendment shall be
adopted. Its object is clearly this. 1t will
not simply make voters out of the Blacks
in the South; but it will make voters out
of them here in Ohio aud in every North
ern, Eastern and Western State. The Re
publican politicidnS-Radicals and Conser-
vatives-may harmonize on this proposed
amendment as a platform; but when voting
time shall come they will probably ascer-
tain that a large portion of the rank and
file in tAeir party-the men who never ex-
pect office; but who rate their privilege OF
voting so highly that they will not share
it with Black men at the bidding of set
of politicians who act out the idea that
their party followers will justify, approve
and indorse whatever they may decree
under alleged party necessity. II the Re-
publican Convention next week shall
adopt this amendment as their platform,
beyond a doubt the Democratic party will
carry the State at the election in the fail
Mr.. SHELLABARGER in voting for it, and
for Negro Suffrage in the District of Co.
lum5ia, has sealed his political fate. Never
more will he be Congressman from this
District.