Brownlow's Knoxville Whig. [volume] (Knoxville, Tenn.) 1866-1869, 1867-11-27
The alabama convention.


The Alabama State Convention is giving
the lie to the sneers and assertions which
are hurled against it bv the enemies of Re.
publican reconstruction. 1t is hardly nee
essary to say that the reports published in
the Democratic sheets afford no basis from
which correct Judgment can DO derived
The real reports of the proceedings show
them to be marked with dignity and broad
views, and the kindest feelings towards all
No restrictions or disabilities are soupht 10
be imposed, with any view further than 10
secure the fabric of freedom and eoualitv
against overthrow by the casual predomi.
nance, in future elections of the rehel
ROTATING elements. Doubtless the de.
bates afforded frequent examples of awk-
ward use of language, ungramatical senten-
ces and mis- pronunciation, but the ideas Of
the speakers are right, and show enlighten.
ed judgement, laudable motives, and chart
table hearts which would do credit to any
convention.
The franchise law adopted by the con-
vention is liberal in the extreme We give
it below:
Section l. Every male person born in
the United States, and every male per-
son who has been naturalized or has legally
declared his intention to become citizen
of the United States, twenty-one years old
or upwards, who shall have resided in this
State six months next preceding the cleo
ton, and three months in the county in
which he offers to vote, except as herein
provided, shall be declared an elector, pro-
vided that no soldier or sailor or marine in
the military or naval service of the United
States shall hereafter acquire residence by
reason of being stationed on duty in the
State.
Sec. 2. 1t shall be the duty of the Gen
eral Assembly to provide from time to time
for the registration Of all electors; but the
following classes of persons shall not be
permitted to register, vote or hold office:
First-Those who, during the rebellion,
inflicted, or caused to be inflicted, any cruel
or unusual punishment upon any soldier,
sailor or marine employed, or citizen of the
United States, or who in any other way
violated the rules of civilized warfare.
SecOnd-Those who are, or may be, dis
franchised by the proposed constitutional
amendment known as the Fourteenth Ar
ticle, and the act Of Congress passed March
2, 1867, except such persons as have aided
the plan of reconstruction as proposed by
Congress, and accepted the political equali-
ty of all men before the law Provided,
the General Assembly shall have power to
remove the disabilities incurred under this
last clause
Third-That those who shall have been
convicted of treason, embezzlement Of pub
lie funds, malteasance in office, crime pun
lshable by law with Imprisonment in the
Penitentiary, or bribery.
tOurth-No idiot or insane person shall
be permitted to register or vote in this
State.
Sec 3. All persons before registering
must take and subscribe the following oath
L do solemnly swear or affirm that /
Will support and maintain the constitution
and laws of the United States and the con-
stitution and laws of the State of Alabama.
that | am not excluded from registering by
any Of the clauses in section two of this
article; that l will never cOuntenance or
aid In the secession of the State from the
United States, that accept the civil and
political equality Of all, and agree not to
attempt to deprive any person or persons
on account Of race, color or previous con-
dition of any political or civil right prive- !
lege or immunity enjoyed by any other
class of men; and furthermore, that | will |
not IN any way injure or countenance in
others any attempt to injure any person or
persons on account Of past or present sup |
port OF the government of the United |
States, or the principles of the political and !
civil equality of all men, or Of utilization
with any political party.