Public ledger. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1865-1893, 1868-11-21
Universal Suffrage.

An effort is meditsted, we believe, to
perfect and adopt constitutional
amendment, defining and fixing the con-
ditious of the right of suffrage, through
out tho Union. The New York Tribune,
the most accurate reflex Of Radical senti'
ment at the North, hopes that it may be
made and prevail, but warns those who
engineer it that they will fail if they
make it one-sided and partisan. The
Tribune ardently desires the complete
anchisement of the blacks; but very
sagely believes measure looking to this
end alone will encounter a resistance toe
formidable to be overcome. 1t may and
probably will com mand in Congress the
requisite two thirds Of each House, but
it will not be ratified by the Legislatures
of three fourths OF the States.
The Tribune, therefore, offers these
significant suggestions, which Tennessee
Radicals, who style themselves Republic
cans, would do well to read and ponder
we'll:
Make your proposition broad and
comprehensive-enfrsnchise all who are
now DISTINGUISHED because of rebellion as
we'll as color-and we may confidently
hope that Virginia, Mississippi, Texas,
with, possibly, Maryland and Kentucky,
also. will vote to ra,ify. Not merely to
remove the ban from the rebels of West
Virginia, Tennessee, etc., but to enable
them to send to Congress the men OF their
choice rather than those whom Congress
will accept--they may be induced to
give such measure hearty support.
1--WE propose no truck and dicker.no
compromise. We urge the entranchlse-
ment of the blacks because it is just, be-
nefcent and wise; we urge the enfran-
chisement of the rebels for the same res-
son. There are men among them who
deserve no favor, as there are blacks land
whites. too incapable of exercising in
telligently the right of suffrage; but we
cannot adapt general provisions to indi-
vidual cases. If it be deemed essential
to swear every person thus enfranchised
not to use his restored right to deprive
others of the same, just set your swearers
at work; but we do not think is is neces-
ssry. There are free States that long
held out against black enfraDchisement
-as, indeed, several still do; but we can
not recolect single instance of State
enfranchising her colored men after an
earnest struggle, and sfterward disfrsn-
chising them. Enfranchisement, once
fairly carried over organized resistance,
is carried forever"
The following is Substantially the plan
proposed BY the Tribune for final sd-
justment. :,
|. Restrict naturalization to United
States Courts and Commissioners.
2. Print official records Of the names
of all persons naturalized, with the date
Of their naturalization respectively.
3 Allow any foreigner who swears
that be is now an actual resident of the
United States, expects to remain so, has
committed no crime other than rebellion
or treason, and tenders a hearty, exclu-
sive allegiance to our Union and its
| Constitution, to become a citizen at any
time, without exscting a preliminary
residence or declaration Of intentions.
4. Accord the right Of suffrage to
every person who has been naturslized
not less than eighteen months, and who
svears that he has meantime committed
no crime known 10 our laws.
5. Punish as felony the manufacture or
use Of illegal certificates Of naiuraliza-
ton and all voting or attempting to vote
BY immigrants not qualified as aforesaid.
Such a Constitutional Amendment, il
thinks. would be ratified, and would
powerfully aid General Grant in secur-
ing general and lasting peace.-Ndsh-
rifle Banner.