Delaware tribune. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1867-1877, 1867-05-09
NUMBER 10.

civil, but neglected 10 establish political
rights. Mr.. Sumner properly asks it to com
plete its duty by establishing both
What need, then, Of an amendment of the
Constitution
Suppose both civil and political rights 10
be duly decreed by act of Congress. We
shall still ask for the amendment. We can
not help considering that all the rights Of
American citizens, whether civil or politi-
cal, are on IL stronger foundation when writ.
ten in plain and direct terms in an amended
Constitution, than when, as now, they are
inferentially deduced from the pore vague
statements of the present Constitution by
explanatory and supplemental acts of Con
gress. II is to make assurance doubly sure
that we have asked, and shall continue to
ask, for such an amendment. Moreover,
we do not agree with our distinguished
| friend that such an amendment could not be
triumphantly and speedily adopted. On the
contrary, we believe the country is amply
ready for it. This opinion we share with
Mr.. Greeley
But, whether an amendment is needed, or
not-and whether it can be passed, or not
we 70 heartily for Mr. Summers bill. Look
at the bill. It is as follows:
"Whereas the Constitution of the United
States abolshes slavery everywhere within
the jurisdiction thereof, so that all consttu-
|
territory in aid Of slavery, or growing out
Of the same, are null and void; and where
as the same Constitution, in another pro-
vision, recently adopted, declares that no
| State shall make or enforce any law which
shall abridge the privileges or immunities
of citizens of the United States and
whereas, also, Congress is empowered by
| appropriate legislation to enforce these sew
eral provisions, which cannot be done with
| Al. -. .,l.. ,tt
zens who have been slaves, OF who are the
descendants of slaves, OF who are deprived Of
equal rights by reason of race or color; and
whereas, further, it is expressly declared in
| the Constitution that the United States shall
| guarantee to every State in the Union re-
publican form of Government, and it is plain
that any inequality of rights is inconsistent
with republican form of Government and
the promises ofthe Declaration of Indepen-
dence. Now, therefore,
ssBe it enacted by the Senate and House of
Representatives Of the United States of
America in Congress assembled, That every
citizen of the United States, although he
may have been slave, or is the descendant
of slave, or by reason of race or color is
deprived Of equal rights, shall in every State
and Territory, have the right to vote at all
elections for members of Congress, for
presidential electors, for Representatives and
Senators to State or Territorial Legislatures,
or all State, County, City, town, and other
offices of every kind, upon the same terms
and conditions, and no others, as white citi-
zens are and may be allowed to vote; and
every provision of every State and territor
ial constitution, statute, and ordinance
| which is now or hereafter may be enacted
and every custom and principle oflaw here
tofore recognized in any State or Territory
contrary to the foregoing provisions, are
hereby declared null and void"
Now, whether the above be constitu-
|, tional amendment or an act of Congress
or one, or botli-it is just expedient, and
} Indispensable; it is equal in its operation.
North as well as South il provides one and
the same beneficent law for the whole land.
Shall it be adopted? If we could speak with
a hundred tongues they should all cry
Amen.
The negro now has less law on his side in
Connecticut than in Mississippi. Congress,
reassembling in July, ought to provide for
| against giving the negro his civil rights but,
| when the deed was done the whole land ac-
uuiesce,i:a,- There was similar outcry against
giving him his lyolitical rights; but, once
given, there will be genera Of
the gift. Ii negroes who have been brought
up in slavery are allowed to vote in the
South, why shall not negroes who have
been brought up in freedom be allowed 10
vote in the North?
Not only is Mr.. Summer right as to the
power OF Congress in the present case, but
long ago he was right as to the power Of
Congress to govern the unconstitutional
States as conquered provinces. He then
stood almost alone in the Senate in an opin-
ion which he has since seen adopted by his
brother Senators. We trust his compeers
will agree to his present bill. We hap
pen to know that Thaddeus Stevens
who, even when sick, is more well than
most men-is preparing, on his sick bed an
argument in support of Mr.. Summers plan.
We happen TO know, also, that Chief Justice
Chase agrees with Mr.. Summers view. Let
the midsummer Congress adopt the bill asa
Fourth Of July measure. Its passage will
thrill the country. 1t will hoist flags, pull
bell-ropcs, light tar-barrels, and fire guns.
1t will rekindle the glorious enthusiasm
which followed Abraham Lincoln's Decree
of Emancipation.
Blow bugle, blow Set the wild echoes hying."