The tri-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1866-1868, 1867-02-09

1t will be observed that the amended bill
differs in several respects from the North
Carolina bill, in its machinery, but the oath,
which is the gist Of the measure, is preser-
we'd. We trust the oath aoiW not, in any ecent, be
altered or omitted. We are satisfied, from our
knowledge of the South, that it is the best
oath yet devised. Provision should be made,
however, in the bill for Furnishing those who
may succeed in taking it falsely.
Another very important improvement is,
that Mr.. Stevens amended bill extends the
oath not merely to ofice-holders out TO 00ters.
We have conversed with many Unionists, and
heard from Others, since our return from
Washington, and it seems to be the general
wish of our loyal people that unrepentant
rebels should be excluded from the ballot
box, and that loyal men only, without re-
gard to color, should be invested with the
ballot. If Congress would do its work
thoroughly, and would extend adequate pro-
lection to the loyal whites and blacks OF the
South, let it by no means omit this oath !;
but let the oath be test of suffrage, with
out regard to color. This we believe to be
the unanimous wish of the Unionists of this
State, as we'll as of the cotton States, as
shown by the Address of the Southern Re
publican Association, which We publish to-
day. So -
MR.. STEVENS BILL FOR THE READMIssIoN OF THE
SOUTHERN STATES.
TBy Telegraph to the Tribasne]
WASHINGTON, Dec. 2l.-The following bill, In
troduced into the House last session by Mr.. Ste
vens, "To enable the States lately in rebellion to
regain their privileges in the Union," has been
amended considerably, and in its amended form
will be called up for action by Mr.. Stevens in
few days:
A Bill to enable the States lately in rebellion to
regain their privileges in the Union.
Whereas, The eleven States, which lately formed
the Government called the "Confederate States
of America" have forfeited all their rights under
the Constitution, and can be reinstated in the
same only through the action of Congress; there
fore, g.. 81.
Be it enacted By the Senate and House Of Represen-
tatives Of the United States Of Anaerica IN Congress
assembled, That the eleven States lately in rebel
lion, except Tennessee, may form valid State
Governments in the following manner:
SECTION 2. Ind be it further enacted, That the
State Governments now existing de tdcto, though
illegally formed in the midst of martial law, and
in many instances the constitutions were adopted
under duress, and not submitted to the ratifca-
treated free republics, yet they are hereby ac-
knowledged as valid governments for municipal
purposes until the same shall be duly altered, .and
their legislative and executive officers shall be
recognized as such.
SEC. 3. Ind be it further enacted That the ten
States which were lately in rebellion and have not
been admitted to representation in Congress, shall
hold elections on the first Tuesday of May, 1867,
to choose delegates to convention to form
State Government. The Convention shall con-
sist of the same number of members as the most
numerous branch of the Legislature of said State
before the Rebellion. 1t shall meet at the former
capital of said State on the first Monday of June
of said year, at u O'Clock noon, with power to
adjourn from time TO time, and shall proceed to
form State Constitution which shall be submit
r hn la n oh 1s he ypnfjn inn
shall direct, and if ratified by majority of legal
votes shall be declared the Constitution of the
State. Congress shall elect Commission for
each of said States, to consist of three persons,
who shall select or direct the mode of selecting
the election Of officers for the several election dis
tricts, which districts shall be the before
the Rebellion, unless allotted by said Commits
sion. The officers shall consist OF one Judge and
two inspectors of elections and two clerks. The
said officers, together with all the expenses of
the election shall be paid by the United States,
and said expenses shall be reEeli by said State or
Territory. Each Of said officers shall receive IS
per day for the time actually employed. Each of
the members of said Commission shall receive
50, 600 per annun, and their clerks $4,000. The
Commission shall procure all unnecessary books,
and boxes, and to make all regulations
to effect the objects of this act. The President
of the United States and the military comman-
der of the district shall furnish so much mil
itary aid as the said Commissioners shall deem
necessary to protect the polls and keep the peace
no elections should be held in any of said late
States the day herein fixed, then said election
shall be held on the third Monday of May, 1867,
in the manner herein prescribed. Returns OF all
such elections shall be made to the said Commits
sioners, whose certificates OF election shall be pri
ma Jdcie evidence CT the fact.
SEC. 4. Ind be it further enacted That persons
who shall be entitled to vote at both of said cleo
tions shall be follows: All male citizens above
the age of 81 years, who have resided one year in
said State and ten days within the election district
SEC. 5. And be it further enacted, That the word
citizen, as used in this act, shall be construed to
mean all persons Except Indians not taXed) born
in the United States, or duly naturaliZed. Any
male citizen above the age of 81 years shall be
to be elected to act as delegate to s'id
SEC. q. AnCl be it further enacted, That all per-
sons who, on the 4th day of March, 1864, were of
full age who held office, either civil or military,
under the government called the Confederate
States of America" or who voluntarily swore al
legiance to said government, are hereby declared
to have forfeited their citizenship and to have re-
nounced allegiance to the United States, and shall
not be entitled to exercise the elective franchise
hold office until five years after they shall have
filed their intention or desire to be reinvested
with the right of citizenship, and shall swear al
Iegiance to the United States and renounce allie
glance to all other governments or pretended gov
the said application to be filed and
oath taken in the same courts that by law are ali
thorized to naturaliZe foreigners. Provided, how
ever, that on taking the following oath the party,
being otherwise qualified, shall be allowed to vote
and hold office
81, A. B., do solemnly swear, on the Holy
Evangelists of Almighty God, that on the 4th day
of March, 1864, and at all times thereafter,
would willingly have complied with the require
ments of the Proclamation of the President of the
United States, issued on the Sth day of Deem
Der, 1868, had safe opportunity of SO doing been
allowed and that on the said 4th of March, 1864,
and all times thereafter / was opposed to the
continuance of the Rebellion, and to the estab-
of the so-called Confederate Govern
ment, and voluntarily gave no aid and comfort
thereto, but earnestly desired the success of the
Union and the suppression of all armed resistance
that will henceforth faithfully support the Con-
stitution of the United States and the Union of
the States Hereunder"
SEC. z. And be it further enacted, That no con-
stitution shall be presented to or acted on by
Congress which denies to any citizen any rights, |
privileges or immunities which are granted to
any other citizen in the State. All laws shall be
impartial without regard to language, or
former condition. If the provisions of this Sec
ton should ever be altered, repealed, expunged |
Or in any way abrogated this act shall become |
void and said State lose its right to be represent
ed in Congress.
SEC. 8. And be it further enacted, That when |
ever the foregoing conditions shall be complied |
with, the citizens of said State may present said
approved by Congress, said State shall be |
declared entitled to the rights, privileges and |
mmunities, and be subject to all the obligations
and liabilities of State within the Union. No |
Senator or Representative shall be admitted into
either House of Congress until Congress shall |
have declared the State entitled thereto.
The N0RTH-CAROLINA STANDARD ! |