Year: 1867

submitted for my approval, does not
merely reject the application of the
people Of Nebraska for present admis-
sion as a State into the Union on the
ground that the Constitution which
they have submitted restricts the ex-
ercise of the elective franchise to the
white population, but imposes con-
ditions which, if accepted by the Le-
gislature, may, without the consent of
the people, so change the organic law
as TO make electors of all persons
within the State, without distinction
of race or color.


In view of this fact, suggest, for
the consideration of Congress, whether
it would not be just, expcdient and in
accordance with the principles Of our
Government, TO allow the people, by
popular vote, or through a convention
chosen by themselves for that purpose,
TO declare whether or not they will
accept the terms upon which it is now
proposed toadmit them into the Union.


This course will not occasion much
greater delay than that which the bill
contemplates when it requires that the
Legislature shall be convened within
thirty days after this measure shall shall
have become law, for the purpose OF
considering and deciding the condi.
tions which it imposes, and gains adj
ditional force when we consider that
the proceedings attending the forma-
tion Of the State constitution were not
in accordance with the provisions of
the enabling act; that in the aggre-
gate vote Of ,776 the majority in favor
of the constitution did not exceed 100,
ana that il is alleged that, in conse-
quence Of frauds, even this result can
not be received as fair expression OF
the wishes of the people.


As upon them must fall the burdens
of State organization, it is but just
that they should be permitted to de-
termine for themselves q question
which so materially affects their inter-
ests. Possessing a soil and a climate
admirably adapted to those industrial
pursuits which bring prosperity and
greatness TO people, with the advan-
tage of a central position on the great
highway that will soon connect the
Atlantic and Pacific States, Nebraska
is rapidly gaining in numbers and
wealth, and may, within very brief
period, claim admission on grounds
which will challenge universal assent.


She can, therefore, wisely and pa
tiently afford. to wait. Her population
is said to be steadily and even rapidly
increasing, being now generally con-
ceded as high as forty thousand, and
estimated bysome, whose judgment is
entitled to respect, at still greater
number. At her present rate of growth
she will, in very short time, have
the requisite population TO entitle her
to representation in Congress, and,
what is far more important TO her own
citizens, will have realized such adj
vantages in material wealth as will
enable the expenses of a State govern
ment to be borne without oppression
to the taxpayers. OF new communi-
ties il may be said with especial force,
and it is true Of old ones, that the in
ducements TO eInigrants, other things
being equal, is in almost the precise
ratio OF the rate of taxation. The
great States of the Northwest owe
their marvellous prosperity largely to
the fact that they were continued as
Territories until they had grown to be
wealthy and populous communities.


ANDREW JOHNSON.


Washington, January 20, 1867.