The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1866-01-13
overnment in the yet unquiet regions of the

of political equality Incorporated with our
very existence, or must We surrender it in the
hour Of the nation's triumph, to the caprice
OF men who, by four years Of desperate war,
attempted to destroy the Constitution, thereby
acknowledging that in spite Of our greatness,
the Government has ceased to contain in
itself the means Of its own preservation.
States in their individual capacity must
meet this vital issue by bold and decided
action. Indications are not wanting that the
people Of this State will pronounce upon it
their calm aud intelligent judgment. We
have stricken from our statutes the Infamous
laws enacted in our early history, which de-
MED the free negro, or the hunted fugitive,
the right ~ tread the free soil Of Iowa. And
1t is reflection no less gratifying, that the
men through whose truculency to the slave
power this black code was adopted, have
long since been consigned to their political
graves Our present just laws reflect the
liberal and humane sentiments of the people.
We acknowledge that black men have some
rights which are entitled to respect. They
testify in our courts, they have the right of
immigration and exit, they hold property,
enjoy the benefits of our common school sys-
tenn. and are otherwise protected
In the darkest hour Of the late struggle for
the Union, seven hundred of these black citi-
zens stepped forward to fill the quota Of Iowa
under the Presidents call for troops. No
class or people contributed so many soldiers
in proportion to their numbers. The regi-
meut thus formed, proud of the noble State
whose name was bore upon their flag, served
faithfully and fought bravely. Receiving the
highest commendations for their good disci-
pline aud valor, they we're honorably dis
charged at the close of the war, and are now
among US. Their history belongs to the
State Their flag, torn by the storms of
battle, has been received from their hands
and deposited among the cherished memen-
toes of the war. Many of them have ami-
lies, own property, and have long been among
our industrious and quiet inhabitants Have
we that degree of moral courage which will
enable us to recognize the services of these
black veterans, and do them justice? Antic-
ipating your friendly consideration, they have
forwarded a memorial to your honorable
body, asking that you take the necessary
steps to secure them the right of suffrage.
Shall we assume the responsibility of denying
this request, while the many thousands who
sympathized with the rebellion, giving aid
and comfort to the enemy, are allowed to
vote and hold Office under our laws?
Disclaiming any authority as the organ of
others, and speaking only for myself, / de-
clare II as my deliberate and solemn conyic.
ton that the prayer of this memorial should
be heard and granted.
Political equality, the object sought to be
attained, is a vital principle Of the American
Constitution as clearly exemplifed by the CO.
temporaneous acts Of the men who framed il.
For IN their day, freemen enjoyed the right
OF suffrage without regard to color, and if in
any locality distinction existed, it was
marked exception to the general rule No
danger was ever apprehended from this i'm
partial dispensation Of the elective privilege.
With proper safeguards TO The purity OF the
ballot box, can perceive no danger in making
loyalty to the Constitution and the Unlon. the
basis Of suffrage, adding thereto the qualifca-
ton of intelligence. But, whatever condi-
tons may be deemed expedent, the grayest
of policy demand that we make
them applicable TO all classes, ignoring the
tyrannical distinction based upon nationality
or color.
Desiring no fundamental change in our po-
lltical system, we seek only practical acoui-
escence IN those immutable principles which
an enlightened patriotism. intensified by the
ordeal of civil war, has indicated as the only
true foundation of the American Union
For these reasons, and because the end
cannot otherwise be attained, | earnestly
press upon yolr attention the expediency Of
proposing an amendment to the Constitution
for striking out the word white from the
article on suffrage, in order that. in due time.
this much agitated question shall be submit
ted directly to the people, for their ultimate
and final decision.
Every vestige of this atrocious institution
must be forever obliterated from the land |
No relic or memento should be left TO remind |
posterity that the stars of our national en-
biem ever shone upon such monstrous crime |
We cannot ask others to adopt this stern |
principle OF impartial justice, If we reject it in
our own State. Before We assert that the |
freedmen ofthe South should be invested with |
equality of political rights, let us chasten our !
selves, placate our own animosity, and thus
illustrate the sincerity of the con
'ictions we profess to cherish.
The recent political canvass in this State
vas characterized by thorough and compre-
lensive discussion Of this subject by the oppo
ing parties, and, while the result may not be |
airly construed as direct endorsement of
rec suffrage, it can nevertheless with entire
accuracy be taken as popular demand for
he submission Of the proposed amendment
o the people.
Boldly assuming the vanguard in this great
truggie for equal rights, and deliberately
'hoosing our own path, whatever may be the
Iction OF the surrounding States, our history
8 bondand security that we shall take no
backward step. Among the first in the dead
y breach for the Union, and with her tents
till standing on the field, the courage and
fidelity of Iowa are place forever above sus-
,icion. In all the great West her star is
Imong the brightest, and he flag among the
,roudest.
| herewith transmit q copy of the joint
esolution adopted at the last session of
congress, proposing an amendment to the
forever abolishing slavery and
voluntary servitude within the United States,
'hese resolutions, having been ratified by the
equisite number of States, have become q
art of the Federal Constitution, forever, as it
ray be hoped, divorcing our land and people
rom this national sin. Let us trust in the
infinite God, that slavery, with its manifold
rimes, has been consigned TO the sleep which
hall know no waking. An era of honor, of
eace and unity, has dawned upon our land.
IS our fathers witnessed the birth of freedom
mid the thunders of war. go il has been bap-
zed at holier font in the blood OF their
hildren. The conflict of years was finally
arrowed to the sublime struggle Of an hour,
nd in that hour after years of grief was the
iumph of the bondman-the consummation
{ perfect liberty. Hopeful of the future, and
rote :ted by law, the American slave may
ow tread the land of his nativity in all the
,nscions pride Of . freeman, realizing the
illness of the sublime truth that cali men
ere created equal, and endowed by their
reator with the inalienable rights of life,
berty, and the pursuit of happiness" No
ore shall he be driven by the masters whip
ON the home of his childhood and the graves
his kindred, : hunted fugitive seeking the
ION of liberty beneath the shining stars of
% North.
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