Western sentinel. [volume] (Winston [i.e. Winston-Salem], N.C.) 1856-1886, 1866-04-06
The Presidents Veto.

The Presidents Veto.
The President has just shocked the
nerves of Congress with another veto mes-
sage, the subject this time the "Civil
Rights Bill" The veto is entirely too
lengthy for our columns, but we furnish
below a synopsis which will enable our
readers to understand the nature of the
enactment, and the Presidents obiectionst
EDS. SENTINEL
By The first section Of the bill all per-
sons born in the United States and not
subject to any foreign power, excluding
Indians not taxed, are declared to be citi--
zcns of the United States.
This provision comprehends the Chinese
Of the Pacific States, Indians subject to-
taxation and the people called Gypsies,
as well as the entire race designated as
blacks, people of color, negroes, lnulattoes.
aud persons Of African blood Every in
dividusl OF these races born in the United
States is, by the bill, made a citizen Of the
United States. It does not purport to de-
clare Or confer any other right Of citizen
ship than Federal citizenship, and does
not purport to give these classes of persons
any status as citizens OF States except that
winch may result from their status Cltl-
zens Of the United States.
The power to confer the right of State,
citizenship is just as exclusively with the
several States as the power to confer the
right OF Federal citizenship is with Con-.
gress. The right. OF Federal citizenship
thus to be conferred on the several except.
ed races before mentioned is now. for the
first time, proposed to be given by law.
a in &
| ton against large numbers OF foreigners,
and in favor of the negro, to whom, after
long years of bondage, the avenues to-
freedom and intelligence have now been
suddenly opened. He must Of necessity,
! from his previous unfortunate condition Of
servitude, he less informed as to the natnre
and character OF our institutions than he
who, coming from abroad has to some ex-
1teDt at least, tamiliarized himself with the
principles OF government to which he vol-
unfairly entrusted life, liberty and the
pursuit OF happiness. Yet it is now pro-
| posed by a single legislative enactment, to-
confer the rights OF citizenship upon all
4 persons of African descent born within
the extended limits of the United States,
while persons OF foreign birth, who make
our land their homes, must undergo =
! lprobation of five years, and can only then
1 BECOME citizens upon proof that they are
J! Of good moral character, attached to the
principles of the institutions of the United
j States, and we'll disposed to tne good order
4 and happiness of the same. ,..q4.s ..2g,ssI I
In reviewing these sections of the bill,
he says II it be granted that Congress
!, can repeal all State, laws Discriminating
!, between whites and blacks, in the subjecs
covered BY this bill, why. it may be asked,
J may not Congress repeal in the same way
: ali State laws discriminating be. and Of
I fee F Congress can declare by law who
? shall hold lands, who shall testify, who
!. shall have capacity to make contract in
! la State, then Congress can, by law, also
: Isdeclare who, without regard to color OF
? race, shall have the right to sit juror, OF
: as ajudge, or to hold any ether office, and
!, finally, to vote in every State and Terri
Z tory of the United States. S .s.sf 4 :, .'q.a
! ) AS respects the Territories, etley come
Within the power4of .Congress-for, as &c
! them, tie law making power Is the Fed
r eral power ;lbut, as to the States, no SIM
Il liar provision exists sessing in Congress
e the power TO make ru!es and regnlatic4,