Delaware tribune. [volume] (Wilmington, Del.) 1867-1877, 1869-01-14

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the Constitution, and nullifies the plain pur-
port of the Guaranty clause.
Here is where it seems to me there is the
most fearful admission Of power to the sepa-
rate States, and the plainest reason why we
cannot accept, for a moment a suggestion
that no more explicit language than the
Guaranty clause, is necessary, in order to
protect the suffrage. Article w, which we
have patiently and carefully analysed, stands
without force or value in the presence of the
later enactment in Article XIV.
Our careful examination of the original
Constitution, therefore, is valueless, except
as it serves to show us the intention of its
trainers, its truly republican spirit and pur-
pose, and to convince us, now, of the su
perlative error we have made in our latest
Amendment. But, being convinced Of this
error, there is, most surely,a plain work be-
fore us. We must remedy d.! We must
remedy II sufficiently and eifectually. To do
this, new amendment is necessary. A
positive fault existing in our highest law
can be cured in no way but by the exc:sion
of the diseased section, and the insertion of
sound one
This, think, is common sense. To such
conclusion, beg the whole Republican
party speedily to come. Nay, Ibelieve that
they are already there. Let us, sir, con-
cude that if we want to be right If we want
to do justice if we want TO ground our Re-
public upon a basis that will endure; Wc
must ne,oiy amend The Constitution, By
preventing, in plain terms, any thief
State or National, from steating The
american citizens Eight to Vote!
Instead of an expedicnt, this is finnlity.
Instead of patching upon the sands, this is
building upon the rock.
The Nation asks for Peace. believe we
ask it, not less from the torturcs of armed
conflict, than the pangs which result from
outraging the principles by which our Re-
public exists. We want the question OF
Suffrage settled "Lct us have Peace upon
that, also.
therefore suggest to the Congress, a res
olution something like this
RESOLVED, &C., That upon the approval
Of three-fourths of the Legislatures of tho
several States, the following shall be inserted
| in Article H., of the Constitution of tho
United States, instead of the Second section
| thereof;
"Section g Representatives shall be ap
portioned, [Sc. &C., ending with the present
first sentence And every sane male per
son, of the age of twcnty-one years or up
ward, born within the United States, or du
ly naturalizcd, excepting Indians not taxed
shall have the right of suffrage, and shall moi
| be deprived of it except for Rebellion against
the United States or other crime whereof ht
shall have been duly convicted; nor be re
strained of its full and perfect exercise ex
cept that each State may prescribe as quail
fications for voters at all elections held there
in such conditions as shall fix residence and
secure taxpayment, applying equally to all.
This Amendment includes oil the guaran
ties that the American citizen needs, cxccp
the protection of woman suffrage. Th
time is not now here when her enfranchise
ment is possible. | therefore have not at
tempted it. But the time is here for the fin'
accomplishment OF the great work which tn
resolution suggested will cover. The tim
is here the opportunity 10 .'ra with prca
things possible to he done.
Let us, then, for the sake of human right
here and elsewhere for the sake of our wa
suilerings, to the sequent legislation o
which, this properly and necessarily belongs
sensible men, and earnest statesmen fo
the sake of Peace based upon Justice; let u
Finish our Great Work! | am,
Faithfully Yours,
HOWARD NJ. JENKINS,