Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1868-07-21

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Ear anv such purpose is clearly forplooen
ar, ,,h;cI, ia termed an amendment IS not
really an amendment, but clause violating
the instrument which it purports to amend.
And vet such provision defles the statute
books of West Virginia, and is permitted to
have all the bihdingforce and efficacy OF
law legally enacted.
Before the abortion of this hostile clause,
the constitution contained no provision to pro-
hibit the exercise of the elective franchise
by any white male citizen who gave In his
adhesion to the general government, and ac-
cepted the results of the war. All were Cit
liens, and entitled to the privileges pertain
ing to citizenship, until this so-calied amend
ment stepped between them and their rights
and made them; instead ofroters, only tax
payers to support the corruptions OF the gov
ernment in power BY its provisions th'so
who had participated in rebellion were placed
under condemnation; and remained SO, be,
cause the general, government against winch
they had Offended, failed to interpose'ior their
relief, the President postponing the exercise
Of his constitutional prerogstive of declaring
general amnesty. But since it has pleased
him, rs the representative of the power against
whom the offence was committed, to declare
an unconditional pardon, those who have
been under the ban of prescription are re-
| stored to all the rights, privileges and I'M
munities which they enjoyed. before the OIL
fences were committed, and among these are
included the right to have voice in the cleo
ton of their own rulers.
By some it may be commended, that the
State having exclusive jurisdiction of the
question of suffrage, and being the power from
which is derived the right of franchise, can
abridge that right whenever the interest OF q
certain party or clique may make it expodlent
! to dose. In other words, that tho power
comforting right, may with IMMUNITY destroy
=. such right Such a doctrine wouid DO dam
perous, because under its operation, no vested
right would be secure. A mans privilege to
exercise the elective franohise'is his property
and as such, as sacred from the touch of the
States authority aud power, as any other
vested right f4property. He may destroy ii
himself, by failing to meet his obligations as
citizen, but the State cannot destroy it
The most radical will not contend that, under
the amnesty proclamation of the President
those who participated in the rebellion, are
not RENTED to their eondttion as citizens of
the United States. If then, they are citizens
of the United States, how can State destroy
or impair. their rights as citizens? Certainly
not by the enactment of any &C post facto
provision.
Having thus shown, IS VIC trust salts
factoriy, that the right to vote belongs
legally to every white male of sound mind
above the age of twenty-onc, we now venture
some advice. Claim the rights guaranteed
to you, and demand your right to vote, without
regard to the illegal restrictions sought to be
placed upon you. If you are denied, be
prepared to enforce Jour claims, and let the
issue come, whatever it may be. Ifyou deem
it proper to register do so, but spurn the
obnoxious oath which was only invented for
periurers who can be counted upon to CO.
operate with the party in power. The radi-
cal party has done, and is doing all that it
can do to precipitate revolution, and as that
seems to be their game, let thea,' have it.