Year: 1868

the interests of the whites, that no one
certainly no party-in Ohio would be
willing 10 abandon 1t.


An effort to secure to all citizens
equal political rights. was made in the
State Constitutional Convention of 1851.
Only thirteen out one hundred and
eight in that body, voted its favor and
it is probable that less than one-tenth
of the voters of the State would then
have voted to strike the word ''white"
out of the constitution.


The last General Assembly submitted
to the people q proposition to amend
the State Constitution so as to abolish
distinctions in political rights based
upon color. The proposition contained
several clauses not pertinent to its
main purpose, under which, if adopted,
it was believed by many that the num-
Der of white citizens who would be dis
franchised would be much greater
than the number of colored citizens
who would be allowed the right of suf-
frage. Notwithstanding the PROPOSE
ton was thus hsmpered, it received
2l6,9 votes, or nearly forty-five per
cent. of all the votes cast in the State.
This result shows great progress in
public sentiment since the adoption of
the Constitution of 1851, and inspires
the friends Of equal political rights
with a confident hope that in 1871,
when the opportunity is given to the
people, by the provisions of the Consti.
tuition, to call Constitutional Conyen-
ton, the organic law of the State will
be so amended as to secure in Ohio to
all the governed an equal voice in gov
eminent.


But whatever reasonable doubts NAV
be entertained as to the probable action
of the people of Ohio on the question
of an extension of the right of suffrage
when a new State Constitution shall be
| formed, l submit with confidence that
nothing has occurred which warrants
the opinion that the ratification by the
last General Assembly of the Four.
teenth Amendment to the Constitution
of the United States, was not in accord.
anee with the deliberate and settled
convictions Of the people. That
amendment was, after the amplest dis.
cussion, upon an issue distinctly pre-
sented, sanctioned by large majority
of the people. If any fact exists which
Justifes the belief that they now wish
that the resolution should be repealed
by which the assent of Ohio was given
to that important amendment, it has
not been brought to the attention o.
the public. Omitting all reference tC
other valuable provisions, it may be
safely said that the section which
secures among all the States of the
Union equal representation in tht
House of Representatives and in ths
Electoral Colleges in proportion to the
voting population Is deemed of vita
Importance by the people of Ohio
Without now raising the grave question
as to the right of State to Withdraw
its assent, which has been constitution
ally given to proposed amendment o.
the Federal Constitution, respectfully
suggest that the attempt now making
to Withdraw the assent of Ohio to the
Fourteenth Amendment of the Fedora
Constitution be postponed until the
people shall again have an opportunity
to give expression to their will. In my
Judgment, Ohio will never consent thai
the whites of the South, large majori
ty of whom were lately in rebellion
shall exercise in the government o.
the nation as much political power
man for man, as the same number o.
white citizens of Ohio, and be allowed
in addition thereto thirty members oi
Congress and of the Electoral Colleges
for colored people deprived Of every
political privilege.


In conclusion, ana happy to be eble
TO adopt as my own the sentiments SC
fitly expressed by the Speaker of the
House of Representatives of the present
General Assembly. 1 sincerely hope
that the Legislation of the General As
sembly, and the administration of the
State Government in all its branches,
may be characterized by economy, wis
dom and prudence-that statesman.
ship. patriotism and philanthropy may
be manifest in every act, and that all
may be done under the guidance oi
that Providence which has hitherto SO
signally preserved and blest our State
and Nation.