Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1871-04-05

prevent the abuses which local and sectional
feelings may create to such extent that they
interfere with the equal exercise by any person
or persons, of rights and immunities possessed
| by them as citizens of the United States. such
power should exist somewhere, and 1t can not,
until education has created public character
strong and universal enough for ensuring the
universal exercise of all rights by all persons,
without let or hindrance, exist outside of the
general government.
VOICES FROM THE NEW SOUTH.
Next to Mr.. Hoar and taking rank with the
most brilliant of the speeches, is the one delv
cred on Saturday by the colored representative,
Mr.. Elliott, of the western district of South
Carolina. As legal argument it was designed
as reply 10 Mr. Kerr, and was, l am assured
by some of our ablest lawyers, so complete
reply as to the powers of the government to en-
sure its citizens protection, as TO exclude any
further need of attempting to controvert the
arguments of the legal leader of the democracy.
There has been so much SAID about Mr.. Eli
otis antecedents that it is worth while to quote
from the biographical skeleton our friend, Maj.
POore, inserts in that useful compound he edits
-luC NOuSTcSSlOudi OlCIiOhdiSs HUI IL luC
brief mention:
"Robert Brown Elliott, of Columbia was
born at Boston, Massachusetts, August 18th,
1912; received his primary education at private
schools; in 1858 entered High Holbom acade-
my at London, England; in 1858 entered Elton
college, England and graduated in 1859; stud
led law and practiced his professions was
member of the state constitutional convention
of South Carolina in 1885, was member of the
house of representatives of South Carolina from
July 6, 1868, to October %, 1870; was appointed
on the 25th of March, 1869, assistant adiutant
general, which position he held until he was
elected to the forty second congress as a repuh-
lican, receiving 2O,564 votes against 1897
votes for J. L. Brown, democrat"
In the foregoing is not mentioned the fact
that Mr.. Elliott has been both editor and print
er. He learned and practiccd both in Massa-
chusetts, having been, if am not misinformed,
on the Charestown Advertiser in some sub
editorial capacity. At any rate, he is able and
competent, thoroughly self-possessed, one of the
best parliamentarans on the floor, and as he
has already shown, a man of far more than
average oratorical and reasoning powers.
OBJECTIONS TO AND PROBABLE FATE OF THE
BILL.
The measure grows stronger every day, so far
as relates to remedies at law and before United
States courts for the outrages existing and con-
stantly being perpetrated. Objection has rested,
to phraseoogy more than to intent, as to the
first section. Mr. Wizards substitute is re-
garded as more clearly defining the object
sought. By his bill, in its two first sections,
persons made the victims, in any way, Of con-
spiracy to deprive them of the equal protection
of the laws or of the equal exercise of privileges
and immunities as citizens, have remedies in
civil action for damages, as well as in criminal
process and trial for punishment; bat the acts
to be tried must be done in pursuance of con-
spiracy to do certain things for the object
named This seems satisfactory to the most
determined stckler on the republican side.
The other point rests with the military clause
of the bill. Some claim that there is no need to
legislate, the president having the power to
enforce the laws and suppress domestic violence,
under laws now existing. The answer to that
is, that the president and his advisers do not so
regard it. But this general objection rests upon
special ones-chiefy opposition to the suspen-
sion of the writ of habeas corpus and proclama-
ton of martial law. We hear but very little
said now of inability to act in a state until called
by governor or legislature.
The suspension of the great writ" is the chief
stumbling block in many minds, unwilling to
believe in the truth of the reports which come
to us on every breeze. The truth will be found
when thoroughly sifted, as it is to be hoped it
will be, to be much worse than anything ever
yet given to the public.
| So far as can judge, some strong bill will
pass-iu the main, probably, such one as Mr..
Wizards substitute, which you have doubtless
published, in its legal remedies taking the idea
| that only when the states fail to enforce laws
and protect citizens in their equal rights can
remedy be had in the federal courts and by the
general government, and in its extra-judicial
powers, proceeding upon the assumption that
state of affairs exists, which, if unsurpassed
at once, will lead to extended rebellion, and al
ready assumes an inSurrectionary character.
That some bill will pass seems no longer mat
ter Of doubt. OBSERVER.