The state rights democrat. [volume] (Albany, Linn County, Oregon) 1865-1900, 1869-12-24
OREGON WANTED.

Without decided improvement in
the situation, the friends of the 18th
Amendment must soon abandon all
hope of its adoption. Not even fraud
In Indiana or force in Georgia seem
sufficient to accomplish the result
The very latest returns show that the
Radicals have lost the Texas Legisla-
ture. A few extremely sanguine per-
sons may choose to think that it made
no difference which party carried the
Assembly so far as it was TO effect the
amendment. Indeed the Republican
paper at Portland apparently convinced
itself that there was no percephble
difference in any particular between
the Hamilton and Davis men. This
Is good philosophy for the defeated
but it is deplorable sense. The only
Southern election, we believe, In
which the amendment was not made
an issue, was Virginia. Even Virginia
has not ratified and whether it will do
so Is becoming quite problematic. II
that State shall become satisfied that
her action is to accomplish the amend
ment or defeat it that she holds In
her own hands the destiny of sc states
as well as her own If her vote ac-
quires this new significance, she Is
most apt to reject it. We expect this,
yet We do not rely upon it. The best
informed upon that subject seem to
think that the Ohio Legislature will
reject the Amendment At all events,
it Is most absurd to expect the vote
Of New York and Ohio to both be rec
orded for 1t. One having already
rejected and the other adopted It, the
inference IS irresistible that one State
Is Just as competent to revoke its ac-
ton as the other. If Ohio can recon
slider her rejection-as she is not ike
II TO do, New York can reconsider her
ratification. And while upon this part
of the subject we can't do better than
to quote from the Springfield Republi-
can, inasmuch Is that paper states the
matter very clearly, and, being the
leading Republican paper IN New
England, may arrest attention in quar-
ters that different authority cannot
reach. The Republican says
It is likely to be, after all, very cIese matter
with the disposition o. the 18th amendment. tt
final ratification threatens 70 depend upon the Ie-
gality Of q state reversing its approval. The
Judgment Cf the Republican press and Of the ad-
minisfration has generally been, that when state
had once approved il, 10 sabscaueDt IeeisIature
could change the verdict. But really, there is a
very nice quegtion involved here. IT, while the
matter s still pending, a state that has once re-
Jected the amendment may alter its mind and ae-
eept - Why may il not equally "a veil 20 back
the ot1er way, and reject after accepting it? If
i-e question may bo indefinitely LEFT open should
not the final ratification Of the amendment depend
upon tie concurrent approval Of three-auar:ers of
the states? There Is certainly enough in this
view Of the question 10 justify careful legal dis
cussi0n and We pTeEume IL the fata az the
amendment depends upon how It is decided, Il
viii have 10 go TO the courts for settlement The
new Democratic Legis ature IN New York win
probably reconsider the approval Of its Republi-
can predecessor; and On the legality Of this ac-
ton, or its acceptance by the authorities at Wash
Ington is quite likely to depend the success Of the
amendment.
The loss of both New York and
Ohio will defeat the Amendment
The loss of either with that of Texas
still defeats it. The Radicals are not
all sleeping in that ''fooPs paradise
that hr. Greeley talks about. Many
of them understand the vital import
ance of securing just one more State
and desperate effort will be made 70
secure the approval of this State
Oregon is badly wanted. The key to
the position may be held by as and q
realization of these facts u necessary
that We may properly estimate the inn
portance that attaches to the election
next June.