The Emporia news. [volume] (Emporia, Kan.) 1859-1881, 1867-10-11
TO THE VOTERS OF KANSAS.

The Legislature of the State has, in it's
wisdom, presented TO you for action three
distinct propositions to amend the Consti
tuition of our State: One to strike from
it the word "white," thus enfranchising
all male citizens of the age of twenty one
years, without respect to color. Another,
striking out the word "male," thereby en-
franchising all aUOnaen of the age of TWEEN
ty-Cne years, without regard to color.
The third, restricting the elective fran
chise to loyal persons"
The propriety of presenting these CUES
tons at this time, or the motives that &C
tualed the individual members of the Leg
islsture in presenting them, are not ques-
tons for discussion now. 1t is enough
that they are presented, and that it is the
duty of every voter IN the State to give
them the consideration due to grave prop
ositions, affecting the fundamental law of
the State, and touching the future honor
and power of our young Commonwealth.
The responsibility of deciding for or
against each of these proposed amend
be averted nor evaded. It must be met.
Desiring for ourselves. and for the good
pane OF Kansas, that it be met usefully,
intelligently and conscientiously, the un-
dersigued citizens and voters assembled
in Lawrence, for the purpose of consult
ing and organizing, feel constrained. by a
sense of duty to ourselves and the State,
to address you.
We believe the word "white" should
be struck from the Constitution, aud no
longer be allowed TO stand as an impesch-
ment of the intelligence and patriotism of
people who, by their resistance to OPP
preston, and their fearless conflicts with
political wrong, have won tho confidence
and esteem of all mankind. We believe
the cOlored man is entitled to the ballot
| by every reason and consideration upon
which rests the enfranchisment of white
men.
We believe the word ''male' should
be stricken from the Constitution, because
its presence there is in violation of the
great principles that underlie all just civ
| il governments, because it is subVersige
of the highest political and social interests
of society. We believe its removal will
make our State consistent with itself, and
in harmony with the genius of our sys-
tenn of Government. which clearly aud
emphatically eontemplstes the voice of
all governed in the laws that govern. It
will equalzs the honors and responsible
ties OF all that are subject to legislation
aud correct the evils arising from a want
of more universal representation at the
ballot box. 10 short, We believe every
valid reason for the enfranchisement of
male citizens, applies with equal force and
Justice to the enfranchisement of female
citizens.
We are in favor of disfranehising men
who, by disloyalty and treason, sought
to destroy the government to which they
owed allegiance, believing that by these
acts all political rights are justly forfeited,
and that they no longer have q right to
a voice in the laws that are to govern
loyal men-at least during probation
sufficient to show return to loyalty and
unTeserVed allegiance.
Believing this, we appeal to you, ask.
ing careful consideration and fearless ac-
ton upon the Arguments that urge US al
to one and the same conclusion-a con-
clusion sustained by the dictates of reason
and conscience, even with many nominal
ly opposed to the amendments very few
| of whom have the hardihood to attempt
vindicstious by argument, Of go anomal,
Gus a position ss that of frss men il the
full enjoyment Of Republican govern
ment, and at the same time seeking TO
deprive their fellow citizens of such inal-
ienable rights and exalted privileges on the
frivolous ground of sex o. color.
If any evidence, beyond a-cenzietion
of right and justice. Esrs needed 70 SIS
tain Us in the principle herein aYoEed. OF
/ in the necessity and propriety Of our sp-
i peal 70 you, It Wouid Be found ia the char
ester of the opposition aFraySd sgains!