The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1866-02-10

On The vote on the Ounstitutlonal amendment,
BASIN representation on the voting population,
Messra. Francis Thomas and John L. Thomas Of
Maryland voted 8 A ye and Mr.. Phelps Nay q
From The remarks Of oar member, Hon. John Il.
Thomas. on the question, we make the following
extract
BY the provisions Of the amendment OF The
committee il il only when the franchise is de-
MED or abridged on account of race or color that
all persons of such race or color" are excluded
from the basis. Now, we do not exclude such as
took part in the rebellion on account of their
race or color, but on account of their disoyalty,
without regard to race or color, so that all such
persons are still counted as q part of the basis
just as though they voted.
In conclusion, Mr.. Speaker, / desire to say
that am fully alive to the fact that the vote i
am about to give will cause TO be heaped upon
me all the bitter venom and vile abuse Of the Sc
cesh press of my city and State. Task no favors
from them and expect none. IL L received their
friendship | should begin to suspicion that
was not = acting in the strict line OF my duty y
in standing firm and true to the cause which |
expouse and which they oppose. 60.
When consented to run as the candidate oil
the Union men Of my district for this body,
told them that lift became apparent TO me that
the professions of our southern brethren were no,
sincere, that they were trying to get back into
the Union under false pretenses, that they had
the rebel still ranking in their hearts, / would
reserve to myself the right, while | took them by
the hand, to stand trne. to my country. ~
Sir, am convinced from what has transpired
in Virginia and elsewhere, and even in my own
State that the only difference between the men
who twelve months ago were defying the consti-
tuted authorities is, that then they had arms in
Ahosn hos Is ot.d nr In, AL thar
have neither, but the disposition to have both
ay, sir, they have the determination to seize hold
of the politicalpower, and 10 use it if possible
to punish those who have made them submit &c
the laws. t.. ~ ....
. have been too true in my devotion TO my
country in the past 10 consent that their unhal
lowed hands shall again be allowed to seize the
helm of the old ship of state.'' Four years oil
carnage and blood has taught me who the friends
of the Republic are, and in their hands I hope
it may remain.ig1 ILL ien. 3X9B
do not know, sir, whether my course in this
matter will beIindorsed by my constituents o,
my State. If it be, then i shall be gratifed &c
know that the sentiments have uttered have
been the reflex of their loyal feeling. If such be
not the case, shall at least have the proud salts
faction of knowing that my course here to-day
has been prompted by no other motive than q
conscientious conviction of a duty owed to my
country and 10 posterity. / 9wond rather retire
from these Halls covered all over with the curses
and anathemas Of the whole people of my State
feeling that had acted and voted in so recon.
structing this Government as that hereafter nc
power exerted by the South can ever disturb the
harmony of the Union, than to receive their
praises and hallelnjahs,l knowing that | had
Yielded /" one jot or title" of the full measure
of the solemn responsibility expected OF every
MAJ ~