The Tiffin weekly tribune. (Tiffin, Ohio) 1859-1868, 1868-01-16


coutrary,the new policy, If 1 may call
it 20, has been found so consistent
with justice to ahe negroes aud the
interests of the whites, that no one
certainly no party--in Ohio would
bo willing to abandon IT,"
An effort to secure TO all citizens
equal political rights was made in the
State constitutional Convention Of
1851. Only thirteen, out Of ono
hundred and eight members in that
body, voted in its favor; and il is
probable that less than one-tenth of
the voters Of the State would then
have voted to strike the word "white"
out of the Constitution.
The last General Assembly submit.
ted to the people a proposition to
amend the State Constitution so as
to abolish distinctions in political
rights based upon color. The pro-
position contained several clauses not
pertinent to its main purpose, under
which, if adopted, IL was believed by
many that the number of white citi.
zens who would be disfranchised
would be much greater than the mum.
Der Of colored citizens who would be
allowed the right of suffrage. Not
withstanding the propositian was thus
hampered, il received 216,997 votes
or nearly forty-fve per cent. Of ali
tho votes cast in the State. This re.
suit shows great progress ia public
sentiment since the adoption of the
Constitution of 1881, and inspires
the friends of equal political rights
with confident hope that in 1871,
when the opportunity is given to the
people, by the provisions of the Con-
stitution, to call constitutional Con
vcntion, the organic law of the State
will be so amended as to secure in
Ohio to all the governed an equal
voice in tho Government.
But whatever reasonable doubts
may be entertained as 10 the probable
action of tho people of Ohio on the
question of an extension of the right
Of suffrage, when a new State Consti-
tuition will be formed, l submit with
confidence that nothing has occurred
which warrants the opinion that the
ratification by the last General As.
sembly Of the Fourteenth Amend.
mont to the Constitution Of the Uni
ted States, was not in accordance with
the deliberate and settled convictions
OF the people. That amendment was,
Of the nmplest discussion, upon an
issue distinctly presented, sanctioned
by large minority of the people. If
any facts exists which justiiies the
belief that they now wish that the
resolution should be repealed, by
which the assent Of Ohio was given
to that important amendment, it has
not been brought to the attention of
the public. Omitting all reference to
other valuable provisions, it may be
safely said that the section which sc.
cures among all tho States Of the
Union equal representation in the
House of Representatives, aud in tho
ELECTORAL Colleges, in proportion to
the voting population, is deemed of
vital importance by tho people of
I Ohio. Without now raising the
4 grave question as to the right of a
/ State to Withdraw its assent, which
has been Constitutionally given to a
proposed amendment of tho Federal
Constitution, | respectfully suggest
that the attempt which is now max
ing, to withdraw the assent of Ohio
to the Fourteenth Amendment to the
Federal Constitution be postponed
until tho people shall again havo an
opportunity to give expression
TO their will. In my judgement,
Ohio will never consent that the
whites of the South, a large majority
of whom were lately in rebellion,
shall exercise in tho government OF
tho nation as much political power,
man for man, as the same number of
white citizens Of Ohio, aud be allowed
in addition thereto, thirty members OF
Congress and of the Electoral Col.
lcges for colored people deprived of
every political privilege.
In conclusion, | am happy to be
able to adopt as my own tho senti
ments so titly expressed by the Speak.
er of the House Of Representatives of
the present General Assembly. |
sincerely hope that tho legislation of
the General Assembly aud the ad.
ministration of the State Government
in all its branches, may be character
lied by economy, wisdom aud pru-
dence--that craftsmanship, patriotism
aud philanthropy may be manifest in
every act, and that all may be done
under the guidance of that Providence
which has hitherto so signally pre-,
served and blessed our State and
Nation.
At the conclusion Of tho delivery
Of the inaugural, the oath of Office
was administered to Geu. Hayes by
Judge Day. Chief Justice of the Su-
preme Court.
The Governor was then conducted
to tho Executive Office, where no was
visited bY a large number Of our
prominent citizens and those from
abroad in attendanco upon the inaug-
uration ceremonies.
Gen. LEE was then conducted to
the Senate Chamber aud af,er reoeiv,
ing tho oath of Office from justice
White, Of the Supreme Court, he was
introduced to the Senators by Lieut.,
Gov, MoRirney, who said:
"SENAroRs; My term of Office, as
prescribed by the Constitution of
your State, is now closed, l thank
you for the uniform kindness aud lib
erality you have manifested towards
me during the brief term have pre-
sided over your body.
~ now introduce to you, as my
successor, General John G. Lee, in
whom you viii fnd an able aud faith
D 4 n