New-York tribune., 1868-01-20
GAG LAW IN TIE LEGISLATURE.
Prom The Ohm STATE Ionrral

The extraordinary ruling of the Speakcrof the
House upon the preamble LEFT te room to doubt mat
Withdraw the assent OF Ohio to the Constitutional
Amendment. through both bodies under whip and gag
IL must have been OF great urgency that
could have forced the speaker TO risk his rep
uaton as parliamentaran upon the absurd decision
that preamble with much matter and so many sec
not dvisble. IL "a not To be supposed for
moment that person Of such large experience in para
mentary bodies should have made such decision I'm ig
norance The exgency Of partisan service could alone
have led him 10 sacrifice his pride OF knowledge to such
all absurdity.
PROTEST or THE UNION MEMBERS OF THE
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES.
The following is the protest of the Union
members OF the State House OF Representatives against
the passage Of the resolution resembling the ratification OF
the Fourteenth constitutional Amendment:
The undersigned Union Representatives, most earnestly
protest against action OF tho majority OF this body
fescndng the resolution passed by tho former Legrla
tnTc the legality Of which action We seriously doubt
whereby the proposed amendment to tho Constitution Of
the United States known the Fourteenth Article,
ratified and the manner In which the same was accom-
plished, because,
First In the late Congressional election, l6 members Of
Congress Of ~ elected TO that body. by ma
iority of more than 1900 the direct issue presented
in said proposed amendment after having being thor
oughly examined and clearly understood, the people
thereby integently adopting and ratifyng said article
ip Ali lie hearings and have since by vote other
wise indicated change In their opinions AS 10 lis JUS
tce or necessity. .
Second: Ry repeating the amendment whereby the
Constitutional Amendment in question was ratified by
this State majority OF this body virtually and impedy.
II not directly declared that all persons born or natural
ized into the United States and subject 10 tho jurisdc
ton thereof not citizens of the United States and
states wherein they reside that states ehal make or en-
force laws which shall abrdge the privileges OF citizens
OF the United States may deprive persons OF life, lib
erty or property without due process of law or without
thecqual protection OF Law.
Third. ii removes all disability from persons becoming
Senators and Representatives In Congress. eecng n
President and vcePesdeni or holding any Office civil
or military under the United States or any State, who
were recently engaged in instruction or rebellion against
the Government, Notwithstanding they may have pre-
v0uy taken oath members 0f Congress or as officers
Of the United States OF any state In any and all their
various departments - .
Fourth II allows the validity OF the public debt OF the
limited States ~ authorized by law, including debts l-
cured by the payment Of pensions and bountics for sup
trc.sug nsurrection rebellion 10 be questioned and
removes all disabilities the part OF Congress OF the
states To assume pay any debt or obligation Incurred
,u said iuslIrrectiOn rebellion against the United
statrs or claims the loss of emancipation OF slaves
Idb The resolution resembling said amendment TO the
Constitution OF the United States by which ONO ratlneu
the same was passed by majority OF this body under
h spur gag of the previous question, thereby pre-
Venting the friends and supporters of the amendment
from uterng word in its favor or their constituents
composing the aggregate for Representatives and Sen
atoIs a majority Ui ho votes OF the state being heard
by their representatives on the floor OF TINS House
against such action . -, - -, A.,
Far these and other reasons, IN the name OF the
constituency We represent. make thls protest. ana ask
that II be entered ia The journal of the House
signed by all the Republican nrniDefS'