The Evansville journal. [volume] (Evansville, Ind.) 1866-1870, 1870-04-02
DesDerateIy DemOralIzed,

Desperately DemOraliZed,
The Courier is fearfully democrat
lied. We know no other word that
at all conveys an idea of its condi-
ton. We quote its two leading edi-
rails, knowing that a large number
of the JOURNAL readers will other
wise fail to realize the enjoyment we
have experienced in them:
The FIFTEENTH AMENDMENT-ITs
RATIFIoATIoN-ITs EFFECT.-The
long expected proclamation of Secre-
tary Fish has appeared, and was pub
lished in the Courier yesterday, an
nouncing the ratification of the
Fifteenth Amendment by tWenty-nine
States. In the number we observe
that Indiana is counted. 1t is we'll
known that the ratification by this
State is fraudulent and voidable; but
without counting Indiana the new
article has secured the number of
States, and military districts Uhich
Ouqht to he sovereign States, necessary
to insure its final ratification. Ii is
to all intents and purposes a part of
the supreme law of the land.
In yesterdays Courier, the editor
expressed the opinion that there
would be no attempt by the radicals of
Evansville to vote the enfranchised
negroes at the approaching Spring
election. When we gave expression
to that sentiment we were not advised
that a private telegram had been re-
ceived from Washington announcing
that the work was perfect, with a view,
of course, to our April election. But,
understanding that such is the case,
we are now disposed to accept the
situation in view of the coming cleo
ton. Ii the official notice of ratifica-
ton and the laws for the enforcement
of the new article are received in time
for next Mondays election, we sup
pose people will generally acquiesce.
The additional article to the Fed
eral Constitution read as follows:
ACT. Is. SEC. 1. The rights of citizens
of the United States to vote shall not be
denied or abridged by the United States
or any State on account of race, color or
previous condition of serVitude.
SEC. 2. Congress shall have power TO
enforce this article by appropriate legisla-
tioD.
We are not advised that Congress
has yet enforced the article by APP
propriate legislation" In other
words we do not know Of any law
that has been passed by Congress, to
give this Amendment to the Consti-
tuition practical force and effect. Ger
tilted copies CT such a law, passed by
Congress, will be necessary to give
the Amendment validity, for without
such a law, there would be no penalty
provided for the refusal of a negro
vote, or to punish illegal voting.
Even the jurisdiction of the courts
might be questioned.
But that appropriate legislation"
will be enacted speedily, there is no
doubt. The hour has very nearly ar
rived when we shall have to admit the
colored man to the polls. He will
vote By our sides; sit in our jury
boxes; attend our public schools; sit
at meat with the white man at hotel
tables; will exercise the same rights
| accorded to white men upon steam
boats and in railroad cars, and in all
places of entertainment and amuse-
ment. If he is refused these privi-
leges by those in charge, he will ap-
peal to the courts, where his white
adversary will be confronted by col
ored jurors, and in a little time by
colored judges.
This IS the Fifteenth Amendment.
We opposed the adoption of that
Amendment with all the vigor, energy
and talent we possessed. When we
saw that it was adopted we proposed
to accept it as an accomplished fact
in advance of the formal proclamation
of the Secretary of State. For so
doing we were denounced and derided
by nine-tenths of the Democratic
press of the State. Now, we mas
accept the accomplished fact WHETHER
WE WILL OR MOTT We are powerless
In the face OF the strong arm of the
government to have 1t otherwise.
The position the Courier took two
months ago is our individual position
to-day. We thought we were right
then and we think so yet. In the
management of a public newspaper,
we do not believe that an editor
should look only to the present, but
that the great future should be held
in view. But we acknowledge the
right ofthe majority of our own party
| to control the sentiment Of the party,
and we shall never be found factious.
When the Courier fails in its whole
strength. to uphold Democrats and
Democracy, we shall merit Demo-
cratic censure and not before. 1t
may be bestowed but it is undeserved.
The Fifteenth Amendment is adont.
ed. If the laws requisite to enforce
it have been passed, it ought to have
a practical effect. Let the Republican
party have the advantage that the
Amendment will give them. It is
their hard earned right.
In future Democrats will OF course
understand that the negro is a voter.
AS a Democrat, we preferred not to
stand in the pathway of his progress.
The person that always seeks to enter
the back door of a house is some
times in danger of being kicked cut
as an intruderl This applies to po-
Gtical parties, as we'll as to individu-
ais.
Democrats who live 10 communities
where thereaTe very few, or no negro
voters, may not sympathize with per-
sons who have hundreds of them on
all sidesl and hence they freely abuse
those who are-not so fortunately situ-
ated as themselves. But they should
remember the old adage, which is