The Elko independent. [volume] (Elko, Nev.) 1869-1872, 1870-01-05
Female Suffrage and Negro Suffrage in the
II Rtnts Of Nevada

Female Suffrage and Negro Suffrage IN the
a STATE Of Nevada
The Legislature Of the State of Nevada al
its last session agreed to two proposed amend
ments &c, the Constitution. One of these
read as follows:
The Senate. the Assembly concurring.
hereby propose that Section one of Article
two of the Constitution Of the State of Neva.
da be amended BY striking thsrefrom the word
,chite wherever il occurs therein"
Passed Feb. "a. 1869. -......
The other reads:
The Assembly, the Senate concurring. pro-
pose the following constitutional amendment
Section one of Article two Of the Constitution
of Nevada Is amended by striking therefrom
the word mG!e vhereSoever j; occurs therein "
Passed March S. 1869.
These proposed amendments have TO be
agreed to by the next Legislature, and Z TIE
Legislature next chosen should adop, them, i,
will be the duty Of said Legislature 10 submit
them to the people, and if majority at the
polls raiify them. they will become part OF
the Constitution of the State.
The people will therefore, indirectly have
the question to decide at the next election OF
members of the State Legislature. II tina;
Legislature should refuse TO approve the
action Of the last Legislature, it will end
the matter without direct vote of the people
The proposition is to strike out the words
rhits and D,d!e-in other words, to make suf.
frage free thing for everybody over twenty.
one years of age.
There can be no doubt as to the position
of political parties on the question of admit.
ting negroes TO the elective franchise. The
party which proposed that measure in the last
Legislature will support it by endeavoring to
return members to the next Legislature. Of the
same sentiment, if the matter has not been
removed beyond the reach of the people be-
fore that time by the ratification of the Elf,
teenth Amendment. The Democratic party
will of course oppose it.
But what is TO be done about the other pro-
posal? Is that too to be made a party ques.
ton? But short time ago the proposition
would have been hooted at, for no party could
have been found to advocate il; but the times
have changed; and it is question now wheth.
er any party, Us an organization, will attempt
To oppose it. The elective franchise has been
debased so often and extensively by Congress
sional action, that suffrage has lost the value
It had when it WAS esteemed an honor and a
privilege to participate in an election. pro-
found disgust has been growing up at this
degradation Of what was once the proddest
boast of AN American citizen. The Democratic
element, particularly, are becoming very much
disposed to let unlimited suffrage have its own
way, and run itself into the ground as rapidly
as possible.
If the word white" is to 60 out. the word
male" ought to so with it. II suffrage is to
be thrown open Unfortunately to negroes,
Cinnamon, Kanakas and Indians, the intelli,
gent white women Of this State should be en-
titled TO much consideration. at least. The
advocates for female suffrage in Kansas. a yenl
ago, found their main support among tn,
Democratic voters as they have also recent,
in Wyoming Territory. They may find i; her,
in the same party.