Year: 1866

We COPY N another column from
the Chicago FlnlcS, the most significant
political declaration OF the times. II
embodies more than the entire aban-
aonment. by the Democratic pariv.
of opposition 70 negro suffrage il IN
clUdes the active support of the rrin-
cip.e Of impartial suffrage till its sue
cess Is secured. and the question
forever settled We want our readers
70 attentiveiv. .peruse the article and
remember its scUrce-a nesysnauer
that has been too ultra To please many
Democrats. but which Is an aoknowl-
s}rea leader aud organ Of the party


The wlsest men among the Demo
Gratis have long seen that the ultimate
adoption Of impartial suffrage was In
evitable and that TO resist it was
only TO delay it and 10 prepare the
eniranchised race for their new duties
and new rights. This opposition had
become a part Of the Democratic
creed, hut II was an unnatural and
exotic portion. for Democracy is based
upon the principle Of universal suf
trage. In resisting the extension of
suffrage, the Democratic party has
fallen into a minority, and has lust
suffered an overwhelming national de-
feat. As the means Of its rescue
from continued defeat and final ex-
tinction, it must apply its great prin-
clple to the living issue, and follow
where il leads. We believe it to be
equally the best policy and the part
Ct duty honesty and right to accent
this problem as 1t Is offered, and solve
it on the true Democratic principle.
This question out Of the way, the
great national issues that need the at
tentlon Of the people aad the best
craftsmanship Of the country, will
emerge from the eclipse in which they
rest, and form the division line Of par
ties in future contests.


The speedy settlement of this ques-
tion Is the one thing desirable. If
the Democracy of the North adopt
the principle Of impartial suffrage. the
South VIII yield it, as States, to their
people. They viii reject the consti-
tutional amendment, but ADOPT suf-
trage, thus securing representation IN
Congress; for because they do not
yield suffrage is really the only reason
why they are kept out.


We are clad that 4 leading Demo
cratic paper--oue occunving the exact
position Of the CHICAGO TsD.es-has
opened the discussion of this question,
and we mav add that our eratilcation
is increased in view Of the side in the
discussion that it has taken. All the
the arguments. as well those based on
principle as those based on policy. IA
vor the adoption by the Democratic
party Of impartial suffrage. and the
settlement Of that question will leave
1t compact. organized, triumphant
party, with an enfranchised race as
its firm ally and It viii be armed
with the power 10 reform the govern
ueut, to change the system Of taxa
ton and render i equal and far less
burdCusame, and ;- will enter anon Z
new career ef victories aud greatness.


VI e beg our Democratic readers not
70 be led 70 hasty conclusions on
this subject. II iag7lvcz all the fu.
tarc ot tile party. and the destiny oe
tac country. There IS no need for
haste la dcli9cratiou, there Is greater
need for prudence and caution. In
the hour Of our defeat we are prepared
~ study tie matter calmly and dis
z fa~@lon7la.s. and 70 prepare for such
action a- the best wisdom dictates IN
this gree political crisis