Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1867-03-04


lIenced the Republicans in the Legisla-
res of Ohio and Michigan not to submit
I vote of the voters of these States an
nendment to their State Constitutions
iping out all distinction between Whites
nd Blacks in the matter of voting, it is
ear that their refusal to do so at this time
calculated to render more odious to the
nth the Republican Congressional de-
and that until they shall disfranchise
cir leading Whites and make voters out
the Blacks, they will be held subject to
ilitary power. If our Northern, Eastern
I'd Western States were to blot out the
;isting political distinction between
hites and Blacks--we mean in the States
aere the Black population amounts to
nnsiderable-it would be an open declar-
ion that our people have no prejudice
;ainst the Blacks, and that they look upon
em as well qualified as are the Whites to
rect, control and administer Government.
lie refusal of our Republican legislators
do this, is tantamount to declaration
lathe Blacks amongst us-Blacks who
:" ng ago were released from condition of
!, avery, and who are looked upon gener-
ly as possessing more intelligence
ID a higher order of intellect than
ne Slaves just recently set free
.-are not fit to participate in the high
flee of Government. Nothing, then, can
more clear than that the Southern Blacks
-e not in fit condition to assume the dis
iharge of governmental affairs. Yet the
raw of Congress which divides the South
INTO five Military Districts assumes that
le Blacks and few Whites in the South
re abundantly qualified. That the mass
t the Southern Whites should resent such
sumption rs natural, because they cannot
egard it otherwise than as subjecting them
harsh, goading and degrading punish
tent. 1t may be replied that the South
{ rn Whites are objects on whom there
tould be visited harsh, goading and de-
rading punishment. Suppose we admit
his for the sake of argument, there yet re-
lains the question to be asked and an
wered: "Will we not ourselves suffer
ON such punishment? 1t is not likely
lat the Whites of the South-the men OF
rain, of character and driving genergy-will
18th heart engage in such business
nder Military and Negro rule as
will contribute to our business prosperity.
through War and Radical Congressional
gislatioD, our section of the country has
zen deprived of market that gave us
lore than one-third of our business. This
lakes very considerable difference with
5. We recognize that difference in the
frNf h1,cf in fhn
.uent hard times.
There seems to be running through the
linds of Republican Journalists and poll
'cians an idea that something should be
one to infuse new life and activity into
L kinds of business; but as to how this
Iould be done they are not agreed. Some
ry out: Amend the Tariff law and In
rease the rate of duty on importations and
aereby enable our manufacturers to in
/ rease their productions and realize
{ wing profit" Others cry out: "Don't
!; lcrease the Tariff; the duties are already
90 high; the shipping interest is COM
letely prostrated, and shipbuilders have
Othing to do" Others clamor for an ad-
/ Istment of the Finances. A higher rate
# duty at this time will not serve the
. manufacturer. He wants a market-he
ANTS customers. Comparatively speak
lg, there is no demand for either domestic
'.r foreign fabrics. For the last six months
= he merchants in New York city have not
one anything like paying business, and
) ne prospects for a profitable spring trade
IRE not encouraging. The people are buy
Il
here used TO be our most profitable mar
ct, is suffering from widespread distress
{ 'rdering on starvation. A Tariff, pro-
{ ibitory in its character, will not remedy
; his. So long as there shall be no demand,
ariffs, or no Tariffs, will not help business
n to its feet. This will be understood
i fter awhile. To secure the needed market,
ilr Southern market must be restored in
I its fullness, in all its completeness
Then this market shall be thus
i stored, the West will once more
.rosper as of yore. Our taxes must
paid. The public debt and its accruing
interest must be paid with scrupulous
lelity. So long as our Southern market
i Iall be cut off, this will be so burthensome
. to cause us to cultivate the most primi-
we and austere economy. The South
irosperous, happy and contented, in the
ay Of reviving our prosperity, it would
= worth all the Tariff laws, and all the
1rreney adjustment, that could be de-
ised.4 Will Military and Negro rule, such
$ has been provided by the Republican,
arty in Congress, over the protest of the
'emocratic members, reinstate prosperity,
'ntentment and happiness in the South Fl
it will not, and it is reasonable to sup-I
)se that it will not, then is the legislation
,ost pernicious, and it calls for the repro 4
ition of the people through the BALLOT
OK at the very first election that shall oc4