The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1867-09-07
The Basis Of American Liberty.

In viewing the provisions of the new Con-
stitution, and feeling indignant over its at
tack upon the public school system, the
peoples money, and its championship of
slavery, we must not lose sight of greater
reason against its adoption. 1t is that the
American idea of universal liberty, universal
justice, and impartial suffrage is nowhere
recognized. This is grave objection, and
one that should be carefully weighed by every
thinking man. In the light of a just inter
probation of the national spirit and the gen
eral Constitution, this new State Constitu-
ton is strongly anti-republican. The nationl
will is that every freeman in his right mind
shall be member OF the American family,
and entitled to all the rights and privileges
of citizenship, regardless of the color Of
his skin. In other words, it is that man.
hood shall be the basis of American liberty.
This will Of the people will conquer every
obstacle the slavocrats oppose to it. 1t has
possession Of the South, the West, the
North it rules the continent, and it is in
vain that Maryland Democrats attempt to
set back the spirit of the age. 1t is not only
the spirit rthe present but also ofthe passage
The fathers of the Republic originated the
doctrine of the equality and political broth
erhood of man. Jefferson, Franklin, Ham
ilton, Adams, and hosts Of others pro-
claimed the principles of republicanism to-
day. These principles were not successful
tb,,, rooa r,I nyu1tont clouo Il III
them from public gaze. But they have lately
been brought forth refreshed from their
sleep, and ready to win glorious victory for
the cause of progress.
Inthe light of manhood suffrage, of equality
before the law, of fraternity before the world,
how can any one imagine this new Consttu
ton to be even with the present times p
The truth is, it is lingering relic of past,
stale, oligarchcal IDEAS. Ideas and prin
ciples having no application to the present
being not fitted for better future, have no
claim for adoption by our people. They
should be cast aside and something nobler
and higher looked to rs guides to right
thinking and right living. We ask firmly,
what right is there in any man, or set ofmen,
to exclude from n voice in the organic law
any person because of his race or color. Ii
will not do to claim that the poerer gives the
right. That poor argument has been almost
abandoned for ages. There never has been,
since The emancipation Of the slaves, and
there never will be again, n valid reason why
all Geemcn should not have the right Of suf
.tragc. All the so.called reasons have been
simply diatribes against the unfortunate ne
gro and appeals to prejudice against him.
And IL is all because the ingenuity Of man
can find no such reason which will be
consistent with q state of civilized So
ciety and a republican government. This
is n land of political and actual freedom,
and must i, imperfect while denying to any
portion of its citizens equal participation in
all its doings. IF it does less than that, it is
a republic only in name.
But it is our desire and intention to escape
from the reproach Of having sham repub,
lie. We will have one in form, and spirit,
and actually. Not ono where portion OF
the people rule, but where every man equally
participates in self government and the
privileges of society. Where every one
votes as he pleases, and does as he pleases,
so far as not to interfere with others rights
to do the same. These are part of the re-
quisites Of a pure republic, and are what
every man should strive for who values pros.
nnrity and insticr.