The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1866-11-08

| There are always, even III tlls couu
try, where the right of suffrage il
most widely extended, large numbers
who do not vote at all, whose interests
nevertheless, are cared for, and whose
numbers, being computed in the ap
portionment of representation, wider
the foundations of the representative
assemblies. Such are all persons un
der twenty one years of age, female q
all ages, and unnaturalized foreigners
Why are they not permitted, TO vote
And not being permitted, why ere
they counted in fixing the ratio OF
representation They are not allowed Q
vote, because they are not supposed 10
be sufficiently instructed in political
economy and governmental affairs 70
be entrusted with the elective fran
chise. They are computed in the
same community with those who do
vote, having interest in common with
them and their influence ought to be
felt in shaping the laws by which their
rights of life, liberty, and property are
to be determined And although they
do not vote, their influence is felt and
shall represent them.
1t is not true, as is constantly al
legged, that the relative strength OF
the States which were in rebellion will
be increased by the results of the war
if they are now allowed representa-
their interest are cared for precisely
because they are counted in fixing the
relative weight of the communities TO
which they belong in the Legislative
assemblies, although their voices arc
not directly heard in determining who
ton in the national councils. The
present ratio of representation is adj
iusted by the census of 1860, aud
cannot be changed until after the
census of 1870. Till that time, there
fore, the relative strength of the
several States of our country must
remain precisely as it was under the
census of 1860 After the census of
1870 the positive and relative strength
of the Southern States in Congress
and the electoral college will both be
diminished, even if the non-voting
black population be included in the
basis. In 1860 three flfths of all the
black population of the Southern
States was counted. The census Of
1870 will show the whole of the non
voting black population to be less
than the three tifths of 1860.
Nor is it true that q vote in the
South will outweigh vote in the
North, if the non-voting negro popu |
lation be included in the basis of
representation.
Then he comes to the much talked |
Of Sd section in which we of the South /
are so deeply interested, and says:
"The third section of the proposed /
DISTINGUISHES the great
majority of the educated men of the
states which have been in rebellion,
and excludes them from any partic-
patton in the affairs o the State and
governments, the entire control of the
government of those states will be
placed in the hands of ameagre minor
Ity of the men not at all qualified for
such contol, and they ,as a general thing
not of themost intelligent and capable
classes.
And in summing up the different
Mr.. Browning observes !
can see no good to result from the
amendments. / see much
evil. We had better adhere to the
'orm of government which our fathers
gave us. 1t is, in my judgment, the
most perfect political production Of
human wisdom and patriotism. For I
of a century it secured L
IS unexampled prosperity and happi-
hess, and at the end of that time, ena.
)led us to meet and overcome the
most stnpendous rebellion in the histo- ,
y of nations. Why change it? For I
twenty-five years we have hardly
,nown that we had a government
When we did know it, we knew it on
Y by its beneficence; and it has shown
tself as strong as capable
4 successful resistance to the fiercest
nd most desperate assaults that It is !
'ossible to make upon a government, /
Why change it just as it has vindicated a
Is power and glory, and lifted us to
n eminence among the nations of the
arth weneyer till now attained?
The Radical press does not pretend =
} criticise Mr.. Brownings views as I
logical or erroneous, but assails him 7
Or presenting to the world great truths /
'hich they think may operate mis-
heiviously. The letter, we think, {
i'll prove mischeivious to the Radical :
arty in the November elections, and !
herein lies the secret Of the Radical I
rade against it. In the meantime let
; remain quiet, obey the laws to the 1
cry letter, be fair and liberal toward =
he negro and see what is in store 2
n us. q
The Indian war has commenced on {
lie Plains Red warriors have been 2
depredations near Mount 4
edgwick, and the United States cav I.
nv have gone IN pursuit Of them p
{ last accounts ponies, wigwams, :;
ID few Of the Indians had been COB N
ed up. y