The times. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1897-1901, 1900-01-23

Mr. Pritchard addressed the Senate yes
terday on the resolution introduced b
him carly in the present session, declaring
that an enactment in any State. whicl
confers the right to vote upon some of il
citizens because of their descent from Ger
tain persons or classes of persons. and ex
cludes other citizens because they are no
descended fiom such persons or classes o
persons. though having all other qualii
cations required by law. is in violation o
the Fourteenth and Fifteenth amendment.
TO the Constitution of the United States
and of fundamental principle Of our re.
publican form of government. The resolu-
tion was introduced because of the fact
that an amendment to the constitution o!
North Carolina, the provisions OF which
are such as are referred TO above, has been
passed by the legislature of that State. ane
has been submitted to its people TO be
voted upon.
part of Mr.. Pritchard's speech was a
reply to the arguments on the resolution
made by Mr. Morgan in the Senate few
days ago, and was as follows:
Reply to Mr. Morgan.
''Mr President. ] have carefully con-
sidered the speech OF the honorable Senator
from Alabama tMr. Morgan) on the pend
ing resolution. He has discussed the ques-
tions at issue with great adroitness. and
has displayed that splendid ability which
he brings to bear upon all the important
questions that come before this body for
consideration. The distinguished Senator
undertakes 10 show that this body does not
have Jurisdiction OF the questions invoiy-
ed in the resolution, and in the next breath
he insists that it relates to a question
which in his judgment is now before the
country for solution by popular suffrage
He says that 1t is a question which cannot
be repressed or evaded in the coming cleo
tion. In dealing with this particular phase
Of the question he says:
TO refuse now 10 consider this question is TO
draw the country into vortex of angry and DIN
gefOus excitement. such seriously endangered
the Republic in 1876 and 49,"
81 heartily concur in the opinion that
the question does involve the peace and
welfare OF the nation and the stability OF
our institutions. 1t does seem TO me that
no more important question will be pre-
sented for our consideration during the
present session Of Congress. Article ~,
section 4. of the Constitution of the United
States provides as follows:
asTie United States shall guarantee 10 every
State in the Union republican form Of govern
ment. and shall protect each Of them from in
Vasion, and appeal of the legislature or Of
tic executive twheu the legislature cannot be
ccnrned) against domestic violence"
In reading the foregoing provision OF
the Constitution il viii be observed that
1t is the duty Of the United States to guar
antee 10 each State a republican form o.
rpk he lar If la
slitutjon is mandatory. J.ain. and unequi
vocal When the members of this body
took The oath of Office ar-ong other things,
they agreed to maintain the Constitution OF
the Uaited States.
That section of the Fourteenth amend
ment which relates TO the representation
q. States in the electoral college and in
the House of Representatives relates solely
10 the instances wherein the States, acting
within the scope of their authority, see tit
10 deny the right Of outrage TO any citi-
zens residing therein in a manner so as to
not discriminate against ether citizens sim
Harry situated on account Of race. color, or
previous condition of servitude. In dis
cussing this phase of the question Mr. |
Blaine, in his Twenty Years OF Congress, 4
says: 4
The adoption Of The Fifteenth amendment seri- |
on,ly modified the effect and potency Of the sec
thst section State could exclude the negro 1
from line right Of suffrage il willing 20 accept I
The penalty OF the proportional loss Of represer-
-7ation an Congress which the exclusion Of the i
colofed population from the basis of apportion-
rneHt would entail But the Fifteenth amendment
took swsy sbsoutely from the State the power |
10 exclude the negro from suffrage, and there /
fore The second section of the Fourteenth amend /
.ent can refer only 10 those other dispualifi. /
cations. never likely 10 be applied, by which a |
STATE might lessen her voting population by has
,ng the right OF suffrage the ownership Of real 4
estate. the POSSESSION of = fixed income or /
upon certain degree OF education. upon ne
1iviiy religious creed. II is still in the power
OF the States 10 apply any one Of these tests
or all of them, II willing 20 hazard the penalty |
prescribed in the Fourteenth amendment
This is complete answer to the state
ment made by the Senator from Alabama,
and leaves no doubt as TO the proper con-
struction to be placed upon the amend
ments. In view OF the fact that this reso-
luton relates TO the question as TO wheth-
er or not the Constitution of the United
States has been violated by constitutional
enactment by certain States, about which
we may be called upon at any time 10
legislate, l assume that no one will COR
troyert the proposition that this body has
jurisdiction OF the subject TO which IL re-
lstes. In considering the question the
enquiry naturally arises TO whether or
not any State has adopted as part of its
constitution or by legislative enactment
done that which is calculated TO deprive
any of its citizens of the privileges 10
which they are entitled under the Com
stitution OF the United States.
The Consultation
'fThe Constitution OF the United States
is not only intended for our guidance as
representatives of the people but il is
consigned to the care and keeping of Con-
gress, and it is the duty Of every member
OF this body 10 guard with jealous care
each of its provisions and at all times to
see that the principles enunciated therein
are maintained and upheld in the spirit in
which they were adopted.
Recognizing this fact, and realizing
the responsibility that rests upon me as
a member OF this body. / feel that would
be reereant TO the trust imposed in me ! ,
were ] 10 remain silent and without pro- ,
test permit the Democratic party OF North ,
Carolina TO adopt a policy that will ulti- ;
mateiy result in the curtailrnent of our !
representation in the House OF Represent :
atires and in the Electoral College What ,
Is 1t that enables the States of New York.
Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Indiana TO exert :
such a wonderful influence in the House of :
Is it not due 10 their
numerical strength in that body? The
greater the numerical strength OF a State
IN the House OF Representatives the :
greater influence that State will be able .
% exercise in our national council
The State which / have the honor in
1art TO represent is one that is rich in un-
developed resources. 1t has greater pos
sibiities than any other Southern State l L
point with pride TO the fact that more
,otton factories were established in North