Semi-weekly Louisianian. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1871-1872, 1871-10-08
nan FEOa 4 SPEECH OF GEO. =
Fl "a 1WELL, IT CLEVELAND. SEPT. 70.

nrN5cRATIc POSITION on THE
AMENDMENTS.
Two facts are clear First, that
10 convention denounces the
,s,ps by which the amendments
-. adopted ; and, secondly, that
~. amendments are dependent
their efficiency upon the legis-
lion Of Congress. In one particu-
r,r only does the convention ex-
rrsss is approval of what is con-
ll.irsl in the amendments, and that
,r,val is found in the sixth reso-
, ~ in which they advise uni
..,.,l amnesty under 14th amend
.,.,t That amendment. in its first
.,.,ion. declares "All persons
IN or naturalized in the United
S.,ta, and subject to the jurisdic-
top thereofare citizens ofthe United
c,,,as and of the State wherein
they reside. No State shall make
~ enforce any law which shall
obrilse the privileges or immuni-
H., ofcitizans of the United States !;
INV shall any State deprive any
,-r.,n of life, liberty, on property,
ri.boat due process of law, nor
Jeny to any person within its juris-
d,,ion the equal protection of the
Ars."
Sgch is tie manifest justice of
asnchts enumerated in this sec
.ao. and such the security afforded
naturalized citizens, as well as
,o,bo,e born in the United States,
tat il is difficult to understand the
,ronpl on which the convention
withheld its approval of these pro-
visions.
The third section, to which the
sixth resolution relates, provides
that mo person shall be a Senator
or Representative in Congress, or
Elcctor Of President or Vic-Presi-
dent, or hold any Office, civil or
military, under tho United States,
or under any State, who, having
previously tiken an oath, as men,
Der Of Congress, or as a member of
any State legislature, or as an ext
catiye or judicial officer of any
State, to support the Constitution
Of the United States, shall have en-
ggel i'll Instruction or rebellion
asllHSt the same, or given aid or
COMFORT to the enemies thereof
The Judgment of the convention is,
INT Congress, under the last clause
tthis section, ought to remove all
disabilities, and this without any
discrimination as to the individual
Charter or conduct of those who
are embraced within the scope of
th' Constitutional provision. Con-
g-,s has already relieved large
-Haber OF persons, and it will soon
rmOve the disabilities of all but q
nail class.
The number who will be deprived
+ their rights for long period of
tine Is very small; but that excep-
I5us should not be made against
.asons who held high civil and
positions in the government
4 the United States, and afterward
became specially responsible for the
REBELLION, and for the mode of car
Tng it on, but that they should be
admitted at once to all the privileges
If citizens of the United States, is q
View Of public duty which is not |
likely to be accepted by the men
Vop-rformed service in the field |
oniAepart of the Union, or by the
iHelis Of those who sacrificed their
lives ior the country.
lie fourth section of the 18th
leldment declares valid the pub
lie debt, including pensions and
o'nhes for services in suppressing
ae -hsurrection. 1t also puts it out
VI The power of the nation, or of
Ay State, TO assume or pay any
IaH Of tie obligation incurred in
I'D Of inSurrcction or rebellion
''InSt the United States, or any
olln Tor the loss or emancipation
VI slaves. These guarantees are
ESSENTIAL to the peace of the coun-
W and to the preservation of the
t'''l' credit. 1t is worthy of no
avg ulat the Democratic Convention
W '''lS State had not a word to say
a 'eAalf Of these propositions. But
"''l section is the one to which
party entertains the most Sc