The evening Argus., 1866-04-28
CIVIL RIGHTS BILL-"GETTING ON"

Tho New York Tribune exults oyer sne re-
cent decision by the circuit court ~ Aa'as-
cite, Indiana. that the civil rights act super
sedes the oods of that state concerning 'ne NO
groes-that the negro is a citizen OF 'ne oni'-
ed States, though the constitution ot inoiana
says he ls not. "We are eridens'y 9e1'an9 on
says the Tribune. 1t is some comfort, how
ever, to know that we have yet such barrier
to radical progress as the supreme court De-
fore which the constitutionahty OF the ecs
y f1f DO tos.ou as III early DAY. oesefsi IN
terestinp cases under it have lately occurred
in Baltimore, which will soon bring the quss-
tion of state rights before the courts OF that
citv. The frat WAS that of colored gentle
man taking seat among white passengers
in ono of the railway cars and, refusing to
20 to the front platform, where his race bave
always had the privilege of riding. he was
required to leave. Before taking his depar-
ture, he noted down the number OF the car.
The same night another negro applied for a
ticket for himself at the office of the Holiday
street theatre, and, being refused, created
such disturbance that he was conducted to
police station, and the next morning sent
TO Jail by magistrate The third case was
that af a thirsty citizen of African scent
who entered saloon and called for drink.
The proprietor was uncivll enough to refuse
the liquor, when Sambo made his appearance
before the police authorities, demanding pro-
tection, and claiming that. as a citizen OF the
United States, he was entitled to the same
privileges as white men. Neither the officers
nor magistrates could afford the protection"
asked for, and Sambo retired in great dis
gust.
The Washington Star suggests that the
radical aiority in congress, in their eager
ness to establish perfect negro equality-so-
eial, legal and political have defeated their
pet scheme by their own hssty and imperfect
legislation, in the very section OF the country
which il was intended to effect. 1t thus shows
its inoperasiveness until congress adopts the
views of the president, as to the status of the
southern states:
'sThe execution of the law is intrussed &c
the judiciary OF the United states, which ju
dietary IS not organized In the excluded
states, and Chief Justice Chase says canno,
be organized until congress prepares the way
by appropriate legislation. The radicals
must abandon part of their policy if they
wish to Insure the complete success of the re
mainder. Thus the readisst way TO make
the civil rights law operative in the southern
states, and to bring the rebellion to trial
will be to adopt the presidents policy of 9
speedy restoration Of the relations of the elev
en- states now held as territories. Territorie.
do not have the benefit of the federal jndicia
~, according to Chief Justice Marshall, whs
said: "These courts then are not constitu
tional courts, in which the judicial power
conferred by the general government can bs
deposited. They are incapable of receiving
it."Thus the law is immediately operative on
ly in the northern and border states, in mos
of which its strict enforcement will give bu
little satisfaction. This is particularly th.
case in those states which, like Connections
are opposed to negro suffrage, and thos'
which, like Indiana, legislate against the ne
gro. The legal contests certain to snsue viii
doubtless strengthen the opponents of th,
radical policy, and will, we fear, in the ent
cause reaction fatal to the best interests o
the cofored people.