The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1867-07-29
Republican Doctrines Ably Set Forth.

RepUbllChn OOCtHAheS ABLY set fOEth'
Tux speech of Senator Frelinghuysen before
tbe Republican Convention recently held in
Trenton, though comparatively brief one,
contains some of the best thoughts upon the
subjects of equal rights and of the elective
franchise that have lately found expression.
He places the doctrine of equal rights upon
tbe broad basis of the unity of the human
race: and this unity he asserts to be at the
foundation Of Christianity itself. He says:-
"The doctrine OF the unity OF the race is essen
tIal to the maintenance of the true relations or
the race to God and to the maintenance of the
true relations of man TO man. II this unity be
admitted, If we all have one origin, one nature
one law, one ransom, one destiny. Ihen an
society which are essential te development
elevation, and happiness, essential to protec-
tion from oppression and defense from lmposl'
ton"
The ballot Mr.. Frelinghuysen considers
essential to enable a man to enjoy that ''pur-
suit of happiness" which the Declaration of
Independence asserts to be the 'inalienable
right" of all men. "How," he asks, "shall a
man in this country pursue happiness who has
not the ballot By it alone he challenges the
consideration and courtesy of society; by it he
asserts and defends his rights and vindicates
his manhood. Let it be known in this land
that no German or no Italian can vote, and
their nationality is at once degraded; they and
their children would feel it and bow down
under it; they could not strike a bargain for
a days labor but the overbearing superiority
of their voting employer would be impressed
upon them. And the case is the same with the
oOlored man"
The ballot is also an educator. 1t causes
men to think, to reason, to discriminate. The
voter becomes national juror to decide public
issues. "He learns how causes far removed in
their workings affect his very home. He
learns the importance of knowledge. His
reason works. His mind is enkindled. He
discusses with his associates. The desire for
information, as well as a manly pride not to be
thought ignorant, prompts him to learn to
read, and practise the acquisition. He sees,
too, that his children learn. The mans whole
status is changed. The newspaper and the
open Bible make him citizen, make him more
q man."
Nor is it just that he who pays taxes, does
military service, and obeys the laws should be
denied all voice in the Government. "That is
not democracy" adds Mr.. Frelinghuysen,
''where there is a privileged class, be their
title to the privilege the possession of money
or land, or be it blood. The only true demo-
cracy is government of all, by all"
After aptly answering the common objeo-
tions which are urged against manhood suf-
frage, and alluding to the generous terms
upon which we have extended citizenship to
persons of foreign birth, the orator closes with
the following eloquent words:-
1--WE are now to take another stride. The
colored man. born and reared in our midst, ac-
ouainted with our habits, and with the spirit of
our Government If not with the letter of our
law, having proved himself loyal and brave,
extends his hand for privilege. We have tried
the experiment OF the ballot under circum-
stances less favorable, and IL has proved a sue
cess. We cannot withhold 1t from him. Say to
every miser of liberty, stand backl he is an i'm
continent will TEEN with myriads of peopl
elevated by the influence of liberty, of educa-
tion, and of the Gospel and, connected by tele-
graph and ocean steamer with other lands, the
pulsations of the great American heart will, /
hope, give freedom and religion TO the world"
The Republicans of New Jersey have placed
themselves upon the foundation of truth. The
doctrines so ably expressed in this speech are
the doctrines of pure democracy, and are
bopnd to be universally adopted in this coun-
try. Agitation, discussion, and public en-
lightment will make them speedily dominant
in our sister State.