The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1881-03-19

scendants. Under this constitution
our people long ago made themselves
safe against danger from without, and
secured for their mariners and flag
equality of rights on all the seas.
Under this constitution twenty five
States have been added to the Union,
with constitutions and laws framed
and enforced by their own citizena to
secure the manifold blessings Of local
self-government. The jurisdiction d
this constitution now covers an area
fifty times greater than that Of the
original thirteen States and q popula-
ton twenty times greater than that oi
1880. The supreme trial Of the con
stitution came at last under the tre-
meDdOns pressure Of civil war; We
ourselves are witnesses that the Union
emerged from the bloosl and fire ef
that conflict purified and made stron-
gerfor all the purposes Of good gov
eminent, and now at the close Of this
first century Of growth, with the in
SEPARATIONS Of ito history in their hearts,
our people have lately reviewed tile
condition of the nation, passed judy
ment upon the conduct and oplDiona
Of political parties aud have registered
their will concerning the future ad-
ministrations Of the government. To
interpret and to execute that will IN
accordance with the constitution 10
the paramount duty Of the executive.
Even from this brief review it 10 man.
ifest that the nation, resolutely facing
front, has resolved to employ its best
energies in developing the great pos
abilities Of the Enthusiastically pre-
serving whatever has boen gained to
liberty and good government during
the century. Our people are deter
mined to leave behind them all those
bitter controversies concerning things
which have been irrevOcably aettled,
further discussion Of which can only
stir up strife and delay the onward
march.
The supremacy Of the nation and
its laws should no longer be subject
of debate. That discussion which for
half q century threatened the destruc-
ton Of the Union was closed ut last in
the high court Of war by decree from
which there 10 no appeal-tl,at the
constitution and laws made in pnrsu-
ance thereof shall continue to be the
supreme law Of the land, binding
alike upon States and people. This
decree does not disturb the autonomy
Of States nor interfere with any Of
their necessary rights Of local govern
meDt, but it does fix and establish the
permanent supremacy Of the Union.
The will If the nation, speaking with
the vebemeDce Of hattie and through
an amended constitution, has fulfilled
the great promise Of 1916 BY proclaim
ing liberty throughout the land aud
to all Inhabitants thereof.
SUFFRAGE AND EDUCATION.
The raising of the Negro race from
slavery to full rights Of citizenship ia
the most important political change We
have known since the adoption If the
constitution Of 1887. No thoughtful
man can fail to appreciate its beDvfi-
cial effects upon our institutions and
people. 1t has freed us from perpet-
ual danger Of war and dissolution it
has added immensely to the indus
trial forces Of our people; it has lib
Grated the master rs we'll as the slave
from relation which wronged and
enfeebled both it has surrendered to
their own guardianship the manhood
of more than five millions of people.
and has opened to each one of them
career Of freedom and usefulness: it
has given new inspiration to the
power Of self-help in both races by
making labor more honorable to one
aud more necessary to the other. The
influence of this force will grow great
or aud bear richer fruit with coming
years. No doubt the great change |
has caused serious disturbance to our !
Southern communities. This is to be |
deplored, though it was perhaps una
but those who resisted tile |
change should remember that under
our institutions there was no middle
ground for the Negro race between
slavery aud equal citizenship. There
can be no permanently disfranchised
peasantry in the United States. Free
dom can never yield it's fulIness Of
90 long 10 law or it's admin
IstratiOn places the smallest obstacle
IN the pathway of any virtuous citi-
zen. The emaDcipated race has al.
ready made remarkable progress.
With unqnestionaing devotion to the
Union, with patience and gentleness
rot born Of fear, they have followed
;he light as God gave them to see the
light: They are rapidly laying the
Of self-support, widening
he circle of intelligence and begin
ling to enjoy the blessings that are
gathered around the homes Of indus
rious people. They deserve the gen.
'rous encouragement Of all good men.
10 far as my authority can lawfully
xtend, they shall enjoy the full and
quail protection of the constitution
nd the laws.
The full and free enjoyment of j
quail suffrage is still in question, and {
frank statement of the issue may
id its solution. It is alleged that in |
many communities Negro citizens are I
denied the freedom of the !
all0t. In % far as the truth of this
Legation is admitted, it is answered &
hat in many places honest local gov
rnment is impossible if the mass Of {
neducated Negroes are allowed to J
ote. These are grave allegations. So /
II as the latter is true, it is the only c
alliati0n that can be offered for OPP n
0sing the freedom of the ballot.
AL local government is certainly q
reat evil, which ought to be pre- Il
snted, but to violate the freedom and il
Inctity Of suffrage is more than an o
tilt is crime, which, if persisted n
, will destroy the government itself. Il
.;aidA Ia not a rounndv If in ofhns | Z,