The democrat. [volume] (Weston, W. Va.) 1868-1874, 1869-09-20
TIE. MYTH AMEN DAIENT.

The radical leaders have trick OF atiec.
ling to believe that the rati6cation Of the
Fifteenth Amendment is inevitable.
They know that it is very doubtful
whether it will ever be ratified. But in
oder 10 encourage their followers, they
asu'ae an air of confidence. Really, it is
an easy matter to dispel the illusion which
possesses the minds Of zone people on this
su'jec,.
ltten States refuse to rytify the amend
ment, it cannot become part Of the Con-
s,'utiou. Five have already rejected it
--namcly: New Jersey, Delaware, Ohio,
Georgia and Kentucky. Maryland and
Oregon have Democratic Legislatures,
which will reject it rs soon as they assem-
be- California has elected Legislature
which will rcjcctit, as the people of that
State arc violently opposed to Chinese en-
1ranSHIsstleut. lepichst hhs ciCctcu u
Legislature overwhelmingly Democratic,
which will. beyond doubt, reject it.
Here are nine States certain against the
amendment. But one more is required to
dcteltit. Rhode Island has thus far re.
fuse to ra.ify. Minnesota bos done like
wise. Virgins, Mississippi and Texas
Will not ra,i(y except under comTnlsion,
Nevada, Kansas and Missouri ratified I'M
perfectly, and Indiana unconstitutionally.
These facts furnish good ground fur hepc
{, the opponents of tic amendment, and
afford great cause of alarm to its projec-
tors. The former have reason 10 be con-
iilcns rather than the latter; for but a
single State is required to defeat the
amendment. while Counting Indiana,
Aissopi, Kansas, and Nevada rs having
ra,iieLD regc.. St!tcsrnust yet ratify in
oriar to make tia ,rt oftlle Consultation.
The people Of this State. lefraudcd. insul-
It'd, and lcdel by the Ircachcroas con 'uct
Of the last Legislature in attempting 10
ratiry the Amendment without referring
tile question to popular arbitrament a. the
polls. will find, in the faets just recitcd,
sl,c s,rouges. incentive 10 vigorous aud de-
termined action for the recovery of their
stolen rights. But one State is required
to foil the desperate conspirators Sho have
sold our bir,l-Gght..
l;ut one State is required to save The
control Of the elective franchise to the
people But one State is required to sta;
the. work Of the reckless rcyoluionsts
who are now striving to change our form
q! government.
Can We brook the thought that history
wi'l record the fact that Legislature,
elected us their servant, made itself their
master and took into its own hands the
power 10 establish the rule Of suffrage, a
power which belongs 10 the people alone
Shall our descendants read that our rep.
rcspntativcs were rccrcalks and We toe
cowardly torebukc their recreanry? For
shame. no. lie: our protest agains! the
iniqaitous action Of the Legislature 60 OH
record il oul b,llos Let us vote for
oily such candidates for the Legislature as
are pledged TO undo the infamous work Of
las, winter. What are party ties that
thcy should bind US when the honor and
dignity Of the Colnnonw wealth. and the
rights and liberties Of The citizens require
that they should be looscd? They are
wisps Of straw; they cannot coniinc the
patriotism of All intelligent and virtuous
people. Come shake of these miserable
political handouts, aud with free hands
and willing hearts help US recover the
great popular right to control and regulate
the elective franchise. Forward for the
light and for victory