Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1869-09-16
pendleton and Equal Rights.

Occasionally, very SOUND lueas are eA-
pressed in the Congressional Globes re-
port of Democratic speeches, If you look
carefully for them. To illustrate this,
we annex an extract from one of the
reported speeches of an Ohio representa-
tive in 1853, Hon. G. H. Pendleton.
His friends ipsist that this gentleman
always stand by his record. There may,
therefore, be some basis for current ru-
mors that he looks now with a kindly
eye npon the proposition to throw the
ballot open. to all Irrespective of race or
color. Mr.. Asa Packer takes SO much
pleasure in eoneurring with his Ohio
friend in every other political question.
that we must regret, for the sake of
Democratic harmony, his disapproval of
the doctrines of this speech. 1t is plain
that our coal-mining, tax-dodging mon
eplist has not yet packed his carpet-bag
for the new Democratic departure.
When the hill was before Congress
for enlisting negroes into the army of
the United States, upon the 3lst of jan
uary, 1858, in speech reported in the
Congressional Globe, Mr.. Pendleton spoke
as follows:
"If these black troops are to stand on
an equality with the white troops Oh the
battle field and at every point of danger,
and in all the other relations of q Sold
ier's life, ard at every other moment
they are to be marked by a degrading
and ignominious isolation, how long
will you be able to maintain discipline
and order insyour army-I do not say
contentment and zeal and aiacrity-
among these troops?
.And whats do you propose to do with
these black soldiers after they shall have
returned from the battlefield? Gentle
men have told US that these enlistments
are found necessary, in order that the
United States may be made suhieieatly
strong 20 accomplish the work it has 10
do. They tell us we are in the very cris-
Is of the war They tell us that now is
the time to- put forth our hole power
or else the result fine struggle is in
doubt. They tell US that the white race
alone SO far as its strength has yet been
developed, is not entirely competent to
render to the Union and the Constitu-
tion an assured victory. And they tell
US that these celered men a.e ready
Will lucaA Sb1ShS a. hiiS ohA eASli Slo
hearts TO maintain the supremacy of the
Constitution, and to defend the integ-
rity Of the Union which in our hands
to.dayis imperiled. q ID
l9ssWhat Is that Constitution? 1t pro-
riaes that every child ofthe Republic,
every citizen of the land, is before the
law the eauato every other. Itprovides
for all of them trial by jury, free speech.
free press entire. protection for life and
liberty and property.
1T goes further. II secures to egGy
citizen the right to hold office, the right
to dspfre to every Office Of egea
.cu bst sacsich The Gope,7iaaeast is carried
a0s,. ssEaFs.q qa0as culied on to do military
,9tttu.efesfBsais required TO take up arzllS
al ks aefease, is by sts prorisioas entitled
10. rote, and q competent sosptro'st for
erera Office In the Government.
you now say to these black men,
come to the defense of this Constitution.
Come aid US TO maintain its supremacy.
Come aid us to. uphold Government
which is thus beneficient to all its child
rem, Suppose your utmost hopes are
realized; suppose they come, and that by
their aid you are successful. They will
come back with your victorious hosts,
following the banner of the Republic,
aoattie.worn and manned and Scared.
What will you do with them? Will
YOU consign them again to political in
feriority, to social isolation Will you
agaip deny to them those privileges
which are guaranteed to them by the
Constitution which they have helped to
maintain?o