The Dallas daily herald. [volume] (Dallas, Tex.) 1873-1887, 1881-03-05

""' suaruIansnlp, tne manhood OF
more than 100000 people, and it has
opened to each one of them careers Of
freedom and usefulness, it las given new
inspiration to tho power Of self help in both
races by making labor moro honorable 10
one and more necessary ta the other
Nne influence of this force will
grow greater and beer richer fruit with
coming years. No doubt the general chsnoe
mas caused serious disturbance TO our
southern communities; this is to bo deplored.
though 1t was, perhaps, unavailable, but those
who resisted the change should remember
that under our invitation there was no middle
ground for the negro race. b.
tween slavery and equal citizenship
there can be no permanent disfranchised
peassntry in the United States. Freedom
can never yield its fnllpess of blessings so
long as the law or its Il lministra.ion places
the smallest obstacle in the way of aay vir-
tuous citizen. The emancipaied race have
already made remarkable progress with un.
questionable devotion to the union. With
patience aud gentleness not born of fear,
tney have followed the light ~ God
gave them TO soc light; they are rapidlv lav.
lng material Tor the foundation of self.sup.
port Widening the channel of intelligence
ana enjoying the blessings that gather
around the homes of an Industrious people,
tney deserve tho encouragement of
all good men. So far as my author.
lty, can lawfully extend, they shall
enjoy tho full and equal protection
OF the constitution and laws. The full and
Tree enjoyment of equal suffrage is stil in
question, and frank statement of the issus
may aid It's solution. 1t is alleged that ia
many places honest local government is i'm
possible If the mass of uneducsted pegroes
are allowed to vote. These ara grave
allegations, and so far as the latter
IS true it is only pallmtjon
that can be offered for opposiag the M, lom
oil ballet. Bad local government Is eert,iulv
great evil which ought TO be prevented. but
70 SiolaIe the freedom aud sanctly OF suf-
irage is more than an evil it is crime
which, ifperssted in, will destroy the pny.
ernment and in other lands if it be bigh
treason TO compass the death of tho king. il
should be- counted no less cri no h,re to
stransle our sovereign power and siae its
voice. '"'
1t hss been said tina, unsettled oueslions
nave no pity Tor the reposo of nations. Il
snou'a DO sad with the utmost emphasis that
TINS question of Suffrage will never give re-
pose or safety to the states or to tho nation
III eacn within its own jurisdiction
makes and keeps the ballot free and pure by
Inc strong sanctions of law.
But the danger which arises from io.
norance IN the voter can't be denied. il
covers II lleld far wider than that of
negro suffrage and the present condition of
mat race. 1t is danger that turks and hides
IN the sources and fountains of power in every
stale. We have no standard by which
10 measure the disGster that msy be brought
upon US by ignorance and vice in the citizsns
when joined 10 corruption and fraud in
Suffrage. The voters OF the union who mako
and unmake constitutions, and whose will
changes tine destnies of our governments,
can transmit tbejr supreme authority 10 no
successors save to coming generations OF
voters who ara the sole heirs of the soyoreirn
power. rs"
Ii that generation comes to its
blinded by ignorance and
by vice, the fall OF the republic
Will be certain and remediless.
The census has already sounded the alarm
in the appalling features which mark how
dangerously high the tide of ignorance bas
been among our voters.
10 tho south this question is Of supreme
importance, but the responsibility for
me existence Of slavery does not
rest upon the south alone Tho nation itself
IS responsible for the extension of suffrage
and is under specisl obligation TO aid in ro.
moving the illisracy which It has added TO
the voting population For tho north and
south alike there Is but ono remedy. All
powers ofthe nation and of the
states, and all the volunteer forces
Of the people should be summoned
10 meet this danger by the saving
influence of universal education. II il
The high privilege and sacred duty of those
now living 10 educate their Successors. and
provide by their intelligence and virtue for
.he inh0ritence which awaits them. In this
this beneiicent work sections and races should
DO forgotten, and plrtissnship should be
unknown. Let our nope find now meaning
n the divine oracle which declares that 4
title child snail lead them, for our little
children will soon control the destinies of the
epubliC.
My countrymeu, we do not now differ in
,ur Judgment concerning the controversial
II past generations, and fifty years hence orr |
,hildren will not be divided IN their opipions |
'onoernlng our controversies They viii |
urely bless their fathers and their Gthers
iod that The union was preserved, that both
aces were madc equal before ,h9 law. Wa
nay help or W. may re,srl. but wo cannot |
iravent llnal reconsideration. II IL not nos.
ible for Us now 10 make truGs win time
" anticipating and accepting iis inevitable
erdictl
Enterprises Of tho highest Importance 60
ur moral aud material we'll honl. invita- us
nd oiler ample scope for tho employment OF
ur best powers. Lot sll our people, leaving
'ehin1 them the battle fields of dead ivsuos,
move forward and in strength sf liberty and
ho restored union, win the grandasl victories
I peace. Tho prosperity which now pre-.
ais Is without parallel Ia our history.
fruitful seaeons have done much 10 secure
!, but they have not done all. Tho presorya.
ion OF tho public credit and tho resumption
I specie payments go successfully by the
administrations of my predecessors has en-
bled our people 10 secure tho blessings
,hch the seasons brought.
by tho experience Of commercial meta In
u ages. 1t hss been found that rod and
liver afforded the only sa.o foundatiou for
ionetsry system. Confusion has rccontly
een created by variations in relation 10 the
sstc OF the two metals, but confidently bo.
eve that Arrangements can be made b,twcen
hc leading commercial nations which will
souro Tho goaetal use OF both metal.. CON.
rssss should provide that tho compnl. ,ry
II a..fN x . /