MR. EDITOR:– I notice in the Hawk-Eye of yesterday a communication from this place signed “C. J. J.” which I take it, is from your worthy representative, Mr. Jackson. He attempts to define his position on the “shaky” republican question, and has he doesn’t quite do it I want you and your readers to understand how it is.
Las week a resolution was introduced into the House instructing our members in Congress to vote for a law “giving all white persons of foreign birth, now in the service of the United States their naturalization papers upon receiving an honorable discharge.” An effort was made to have the word “white” stricken out, so that the protection of the Government might be extended to all persons of foreign birth, of whatever color, who are now in the armies of the Union, fighting for its maintenance. The democrats at once discovered a tremendous darkey in the proposition. And a considerable number of members calling themselves Republicans, among them Mr. “C. J. J.,” became alarmed and followed suit.
In their opinion, as interpreted by their vote, the man who happens to have a darker skin from the hand of his Creator, than his whiter brethren, though he may love his country equally well, and stand side by side with him in the hour of battle and danger, is entitled to none of the rights of protection which we as a nation bestow upon those in foreign lands who claim a birth right here – entitled to nothing from this Government except – slavery.
Now, sir, I trust you will understand why your correspondent thinks that all who voted against such a measure, and calling themselves Republicans may be considered at least, rather “shaky.”
T. H. S.
– Published in The Burlington Weekly Hawk-Eye, Burlington, Iowa, Saturday, February 22, 1862, p. 2
No comments:
Post a Comment