Columbia democrat and star of the north. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1867, 1866-07-18
The Geary Leaders attempting
to deprive the People of a
voice in the Government.

The Harrisburg Cameron Teyegrdph is
using its utmost endeavors TO force Gov
Curtin to call an extra session of the Legis-
lature ito adopt mot to adopt or reject
the Rump amendment to the Constitution,
so as to secure negro suffrage at the earliest
possible period. 1t charges that the Gov
ernor was favorable to it before his late visit
to Washington, but intimates that, since his
return from the Capitol, he will give the dis
union crew no satisfactory answer upon the
subject 1t states that a committee of the
leading Geary disuniOnistS called upon him.
about the 4th inst, andapplied ''the screws"
but got no answer affiTmatively or negatively
much to their chagTin and that of the ne
gro organ-even though, it is stated, it was
promised that all the negro suffrage aud
equality members had promised to come to
Harrisburg to do the business at their own
expense.
There is no doubt that the Geary leaders
the late spectators in the necessities Of
the Government-are willing to promise to
bear their own expenses (which would not,
however, cover one fourth of the cost of the
session. in order to secure the adoption of
that party measure before the people can
hare an opportunity TO endorse or condemn
n. The power and plunder which it is ex-
pected they will gain through the disfran-
chlsement of negroes Is considered by them
as more than a sufficient compensation for
their personal expenses. In their anxiety
to accomplish their object they do not seem
to care that, if the Rump amendment should
be adopted, Pennsylvania will lose one Rep
resentative in Congress unless the word
white is struck from our constitution. Of
course, however State influence and power
Is of no consequence to the leaders of fac
i 4
ing of all the reserved rights of the States
and of individuals in consolidated central
despotism to be managed and directed by
New England
When the Legislature (which it is now in
sisted by the Geary leaders shall be called
together) was elected, no amendment to the
Federal Constitution i0ds IN contemplation.
Consequently not q single member Of either
branch IS competent. to represent his pe0pke
upon d,gy amendment 1t is highlynecessa-
Ty, in all questions relating to general public
policy, and more particularly, as in this case.
in a matter affecting the fundamental prin-
ciples of Government itself, that the People
should be consulted and their decision made
the JuStS Of oH action. Nearly two years
have elapsed since SOME of the State Sena-
tors were elected, and nearly one year has
elapsed since others of them and all the MEM
bers of the lower branch were chosen. I'm
der ordinary circumstances few of them
would be reelected, and many, In fact have
already been replaced by re-nominations.-
These facts make it apparent that the people
look upon the Legislators whom it is propos-
ed to call together as already dead officially
They no longer reflect the wishes of their
constituencies and are not competent to act
for the People. Notwithstanding this, how
l.. l..
revive that defunct Legislature, and thus
preUent the rOters of the State from hdring
a roice an O. fundamental change ta the Fed
eTut Government.
Are the people prepared for this? VIII
they cast their votes for the candidate of a
faction of plunderers who are wrestling away
their rights; insulting their intelligence and
manhood, and attempting to trample them
down into the most ignoble political servi-
tude We hope eand trust that the freemen
of Pennsylvania have not lost their ancient
jealous care of rights and become ignoram-
uses and cravens.
1t is to be hoped that Gov Curtin will have
sufficient regard for the rights and preroga-
tives of the people to enable him to resist
the appeals of Geary and his friends. In
the hope that he will resist and will not
call the defunct Legislature together, we
enJom upon the people in every Legislative
and Senatorial district to select candidates
who shall reflect their views upon the issue
involved in the Rurnp amendment to the
Federal Constitutions Make the issue plain
and distinct-.for and against negro suffrage
and equdlity-for that is its true meaning =
Elect no man without distinct understand
ing upon tins question. = Patriot 6 Union.
will you have Inecatsup2' asked a
gentleman of Aunt Prucilla at a dinner ia
bic. Dear me, no." she replied with a
shudder II nj fond of cats in their place,
but | should as soon think of eating dog