The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-04-13
The Fifteenth Amendment.


ginia, Mississippi, and Texas to return to the
Union on condition that their legislatures
ratify the fifteenth amendment to the Consti-
tuition, has become law, and will undoubt-
edly accomplish its objects. There can be no
doubt those States will ratify the amendment,
for 1t simply imposes on the Northern States
negro suffrage, which the Northern States have
already imposed on them. While, therefore,
it does not in the least affect their own political
condition, it gives them an excellent opportu-
nifty to pay off the Northern States for what
they deem an act Of gross oppression, in their
own coin. Human nature, and especially
Southern human nature, must have greatly
changed, If they do not eagerly embrace it.
But we confess we do not like this method
either of admitting these States or OF amend
ing the Constitution. II ia q departure both
from the original aot of reconstruction, and
from the fundamental principles of our Gov
eminent. The Reconstruction law laid down
certain acts and principles as conditions Of re-
admission for all the States that had engaged
in the Rebellion. A requirement to vote for
this amendment was not among them. It is
now added as new condition. Senators
Trumbull and ConkliDg both Justly denounced
it as violation of good faith. and departure
from the original principles Of the whole policy
of reconstruction.
But as q means of amending the Constitution
1t ia open to still graver objections. We say
nothing of the character of the constitutional
amendment itself, which certainly is not
beyond criticism. But it ia to be passed, II
passed at all, by the vote of the people, In
theory at least. But this new measure leaves
the people no voice in the matter, no freedom
OF action whatever, and without such freedom
OF action all pretense of vote is sheer
mockery. They are to be coerced into voting
for the amendment. by sot of Congress. They
are to be excluded from the Union, not because
they are not loyal, not because they have
failed to do any act indicating their fitness to
return, or to comply with any of the oondi-
tions originally prescribed, but because they
iail to join in forcing negro suffrage upon the
| Northern States. II the Constitution is thus
amended, 1t will be the sheerest folly to talk of
It's having been done by the will of the people
or by the action OF the several States. 1t will
more and nothing less.
This amendment to the Reconsideration act
Will add greatly to the difficulties which sur
| round the peaceful settlement of tba whole
question, and eventually involve the country
In embarrassments quite as great as any from
which II has escaped. II is the work of Mr.,
Morton, one Of the Senators from Indiana. and
Is another illustration OF the reckless and nm
eorupulOus temper with which he pursues hia
political ends. II Is very generally understood
that in his own State, Indiana, az well "a In
Ohio, New York, and perhaps some others OF
the larger and moro powerful Of the old States,
the sentiment OF the people is opposed to the
amendment. In neither OF thsm would its
friends venture to submit 1t to the popular
vote. The object Of Mr.. Morton's amend dment
therefore, was to dispense entirely with the
votes OF these States by ooercing the Southern
States which are seeking readmission to tbs
Union TO vote In Its favor, and thus rendei
the votes of the others needless. By this de
] vice the amendment may bs adopted. Bat I