Clearfield Republican. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1851-1937, 1869-09-29

to offer, but If there are any Other
topics you would like to discuss,
will join you freely"
read over to him the commence
ment of our conversation, as given
above, which seemed to meet his ap.
proval as correctly reported in sub
stance. Then turning to me, he asked
tNow, what further questions are
there in your catechism Z"
A voLLEY AT THE FIFTEENTH AMEND.
MENr.
Reporter-The Republicans do not
rcfer to the Fifteenth Amendment in
their platform for this canvass. Is
not that amendment in issue in the
contest
Judge Packer = The Republican
party seem to treat that as settled
question so far as Pennsylvania is
concerned, refusing TO let it come
before the people for their determine.
tion. | have my own opinions us to
the manner in TO which that amend.
ment should have been passed upon.
think an amendment like this,
which virtually changes the Consti
tuition Of the State, should have been
presented 10 the people of their appro
val as provided in our State organic
law, and should have emanated from
a Convention called on the application
of the Legislatures oftwo thirds ofthe
Sc, ernl States as provided in the Fed
eral EOnstitntion a question OF such
vital importance should be determined
by the people, or by their representa-
tives elected for that purpose. The
question of suffrage is one that the
original founders of the General Gov.
eminent wisel y refrained from deloga
ting to it, jealously retaining il with.
in the control of the several sovereign
States they represented That control
has never been delegated to the
General Government Tho assump.
tion of it by the National Legislature
is an arbitrary exercise of power,
subversve Of the whole principle upon
which the Government was founded I;
and so fearful was the Republican
party that the people of the Northern
States, whose loyalty had never been
questioned, would believe that they
intended this gross innovation on
their rights, that in their platform
adopted by their National Convention
at Chicago in 1865. they declared that
the question of suffrage in the North
ern States was to be determined only
by the people Of the respective SlateS.
And yet they never have permitted
the people of any State to pass upon
the question, except in the South,
where they have made tho adoption
OF negro uilrago condition precedent
to their representation in Congress.
A SLIGHT EVASION.
Reporter-Thc Southern States
having adopted this amendment, as
you intimate, under coercion, ought
the negroes in those States TO be de-
prived Of the ballotY
Judge Packcr-The question of
suffrage as | have said, belongs to the
people Of the States respectively and
while Alabama has no right TO in.
tcrfere with Pennsylvania in deter
mining this matter, Pennsylvania has
no more right TO interfere with
Alabama. One State has no right TO
coercc another into the adoption or
the rejection of such a measure, either
by the opinion Of its people or the
votes of its Senator's and representa-.
tives in Congress
FEMALE SUFFRAGE.
Reporter-ls female tuffrago aeita
tod TO any extent in Pennsylvania? !?
Judge Packer-But very little, and
with no apparent earnestness. The
women of this State, so far as my
knowledge extends, abstain entirely
from any action on this question.
They prefer to I'll the measure of
Solomon's description of virtuou.
woman, that "Strength and honor are
her clothing. She openeth her mouth
with wisdom, aud in her tongue il the
law OF Kindness. She lookcth well TO
the ways of her household, and eateth
not the bread of idleness. Her chill
dren arise up and call her blessed
her husband, also, and he praiselh her.
Her price is far above rubics !"
THE EIGHT.HoUR LAW.
Reporlcr-Are you in favor of the
Eight Hour Labor law
Judge Packer-I favor all move
mcnts that tend to the amelioration
of the laboring man, and they have
my most cordial cooperation. As l
said in my letter OF acceptance, "hav-
ing earned my bread by the labor of
my hands during many, and | may
add, the happiest years Of my life, and
owing whatever possess (under the
providence of God to patient and |
honest toll, | can never be unmindful
of the interests of those with whom |
my entire life has been associated"
JUDGEPAoKER AND RosEcRASs's LETTER.
Reporter-Have you read Con.
Rosecrans's letter declining the Ohio
gubornatorial nomination.
Judge Packer-l have not The
pressure of my private business, to
which is now superadded the burden
of a canvass of this great State, have
precuded any attention on my part
TO affairs not connected with these
objects
Reporter-I have here a copy OF
that letter, which | will read TO you,
II you care TO bear IT,
Judge Packor-How long is III
Rcporter-About two columns Of
this paper,
Judge Packcr--I hardly think II
will be profitable in US to spend so
much time as that would consume in
a matter that does not concern me or
The politics of this State Besides,
time Is passing rapidly. II will soon
be Sunday, whom l cannot talk
politics
won TALK on SUNDAY.
Reporter beg your pardon if /
trespass on your time, sir.
Judge Packcr-l am perfectly will
ling TO spare you - much time asinay
DO necessary TO discuss questions
relating to the campaign in this State,