Middletown transcript., 1874-06-06
The Civil Rights Bill.

On our first page this week we publish the fall
text Of the Infamous Civil Rights Bill recently
passed by the United States Senate and now
awaiting the action of the lower House Of Con-
gress. An attempt has already been made by
that type Of Massachusetts Puritanism, Butler, TO
force it through the House; but as it failed to
obtain the two-thrds vote necessary to a suspen-
sion Of the rules the attempt failed for the pres
ent, though large majority were found to be in
Mvor oft. Among others, the vote Of Hon. Jas.
n. Lofiand, the Republican member from Dela-
ware, is recorded upon the affirmative, showing
most conclusively the position that gentleman
occupies in regard to this bill.
However much it may be denied, the object of
this bill is to establish, by force of law, more
complete social as well as political equality of
races throughout the country.
That such law as this bill proposes would
accomplish no good, but rather be productive of
harm to both the white and colored races, is pat
ent to every anprejudiced mind. Every attempt
to enforce its provisions would be met with the
most bitter and determined resistance the
part of those who would be affected by it. 1t is
calculated to infame prejudice, and create ill
will greater than any that now exists between
the whites and blacks.
Had the Republican party the true interest of
the country at heart, even that of the race for
which they profess so much regard, they could
not but see that it would be far better for both
10 allow the prsjudice of race and color TO be
gradually oblierated by the lapse of time and
by accnstomance with the new order of things.
That they are influenced by no such considera-
hons, however, is most plainly manifest from all
the course pursued by them since their first ele-
vation to power. In their anxiety to retain the
government in their own hands they have per-
mitted no constitutional or legal obligations for
q moment to Withstand their progress"
Anticipating the opposition that their last de-
basing measure would meet with from the people
Stewart of Nevada, presented the following as
an amendment to the (so-called) Constitution Of
the United States:- -
aArticle l6. If any State shall fail to maintain
a common school system, under which all per.
sons between the ages of FIVE and eighteen years
not iucapacitated for the shall receive, free
Of charge, such elementary education as Con
gress may prescribe, the Congress shall have
power TO establish therein such a system, and
cause the same 10 be maintained at the expense
Of such State
Tho object of this amendment" is obvious
Should it be adopted power of supervision ove
the legislation of the States would be placed il
the hands of Congress, enabling that body tt
make unmake laws for regulating the domes
bic affairs of the States at pleasure. Then woul'
State lines be as nothing, and State sovereignt.
and independence be utterly abolished. Ii nigh
have name to live but il would be dead.
In connection with this subject we would in
vite the attention of our readers to an able art
Gle from Scribner's monthly magazine, whic
will be found on the first page of this issue, un
der the title of 'Co-Ed ucation of Races"