The workingman's advocate. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1864-1877, 1870-05-28
THE FREEDOM OF THE BALLOT.

Deeming it both unnecessary and
unwise to mince matters, we inugurate
our comments with the irrefutable as
sertion, that the much Wanted freedom
Of ttire iDAGfOt IN this country, 10 In plain ]
unvarnished, unadulterated Saxon, a.
swindle. There Is no country on Gods
vast footstool, under which the work.
ingman cannot with less danger to
himself, exercise, after the manner hie
conscience dictates, the functions Of
bis citizenship. The capitalist, whose
money gives employment to others, ii
as completely the master Of their Politf-
cal sentiments, as though he were somb
unseen and sl-potent power in theq
minds. 1t is certainly unnecessary 10
enlarge upon this part Of our theme.
Facts are stubborn things, and facts
convincive of the truth of our solemn
assertions, are all around and about uts,
in most profuse abundance. In variohs
states, and at various times, spasmodic
efforts have been made by few well
meaning reformers, to obhterate this
gigantic evil, but without avail. The
Government itself, in whatsoever kands
it may be, refuses to employ even a
laborer, no matter what claims he may
have upon the people for disinteresSed
services rendered them, if he be not
in entire sympathy with the party in
power. And political leaders do hot
hesitate to acknowledge that the object
in exercising such strict surveillance
over the bestowal of governmental pa
tronage, is to perpetuate power, in 9TH
er words, to entice men into the support
of their party by brides. Represents
tive Kelley. a few days since in the
House, while explaining the provisions
of the Consular and Diplomatic Aprro-
piation Bill, took occasion to say that
he saw no cause for woLder in the
vast Democratic gain at the recent
New York election, as the Government
had been careful to bestow all its
patronage in that State upon lad
herents of the Tammany Democracy
The same day there was under consi-
Iteration in the Senate, a bill to enforce
the Provision of the Fifteenth Amend
ment, since passed. Senator Pool
wanted the bill 80 amended, as to pre-
clude the possibility of those evily! in
clined, influencing the votes of coldred
men, either by threats, or brides, and
in response to his suggestion an add
tional section was made to the bill, Of
which the following is an extract
Sec. 8. That if any person shall prevent, hin
der, control, or intimidate, or shall attemRt 70
prevent, hinder, control, or intimidate aDyper-
son from exercising the right of suffrage, to
whom the right Of suffrage is secured or guaran-
teed by the Fifteenth Amendment to the Con-
stitution of the United States bv meanA al
bribery, threats or threats of deprivin9 auch
person OF employment or occupation. Oh of
eiecting such person from rented houses lands.
or other property, or by threats Of refusink 10
renew leases or contracts for labor OF nv
threats Of violence to himself or family. kuch
person 90 offending shall be deemed guilty! Of a
nisdemeanor, and shall upon conviction theleof
be fined not less than five hundred dcllaps or
be imprisoned not less than one month, anh not
more than one year, or both at the direction of
the court.
1t will be obser we'd that this applies
only to those who derive their right to
vote from the Fifteenth Constitutional
Amendment. Yet, it is ostensiblS an