The Cambria freeman. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1867-1938, 1871-07-01
The Ninth Resolution.

While all the Democratic papers in the
State, without single exception. recognize
the eminent fitness of the nominees of the
Harrisburg convention, and give them an en-
thusiastic support, opposition has been man
ifeSted in certain quarters to what is known
the ninth resolution of the platform
That resolution is in the following words:
Resolved, That we recognize the binding
obligation Of all the provisions of the Consti-
tuition of the United States as they now exist,
and we deprccate the discussion of issues
which have been settled in the manner and by
the authority constitutionally appointed.
Although much might be said about the
inexact and bungling phraseology of the con-
cluding portion of the resolution. against
which we enter our protest. the substance
Of the resolution meets our approval. One
would suppose from the excited tone and
temper of those who find fault with it. that
this resolution was the peculiar offspring of
the Harrisburg convention, whereas in point
of fact precisely tho same sentiment was
embodied in the platform of the Virginia
conservatives two years ago, and on which
they defeated the Radical party and elected
Governor Walker. 1t has, therefore, a re
spectacle pareutage.
In the address to the people of the United
States by the Democratic members Of Con-
gress at the close of the last session, some
weeks before the Harrisburg convention, the
ull scope aud meaning of the ninth resolu-
tiou were expressed and urged upon the
Democracy of the Union for their acceptance
They deemed it wise policy, and so thought
the Harrisburg convention. Since then the
position assumed by the Democratic Con-
gressional Address has been endorsed by the
Democracy of Ohio, Tennessee, Visions in.
California, New Mexico, and Maine, and will
eventually become the acknow ledged rule of
action of the Democratic party everywh here
unless it should be stricken with judicial
blindness.
The nitnh resolution, while it does not en-
dorse the fifteenth amendment, recognizes
Its binding force, and that negro suffrage is
a dead issue. 1t simply acquiesces in it as
n fixed political fact, without sapctioning
the base and fraudulent means resorted to
by the Radical party to procure its ratfca-
ton. Politics, like misery, make man ao-
quainted with strange bedfellows, and one
is often compelled to acquiesce in that to
which he is bitterly opposed. All democrats
for example, acquiesce in the legal tender act,
and will do so until it is repealed-and yet
there is not Democrat from Maine to Ore,
gon who believes that Congress had any
authority under the constitution to enact it.
What do the enemies of the ninth resolu-
tion expect to accomplish by continued
agitation of the question of negro suffrage ?
Will that mode of warfare. as the two par
ties now stand in Congress and are likely to
staDd for some years in the Senate at least.
strike the fifteenth amendment from the
constitution and take the ballot from the
negro? No! Why then agitate the ques.
tion and make il a party issue in the next
Presidential campaigr ? To do SO is lust
what Morton aud other Radical leaders con-