202 UNIVERSITY OF COLOEADO STUDIES 



to mean licfnise and it is scarcely less evident that the principle of 

 political equality is liable to equal perversion when given unre- 

 servedly to those who are absolutely unfitted for its exercise. Noble 

 principles too often cast a roseate hue over stern conditions and the 

 impulses of those under their influence are apt to sacrifice present 

 necessities in the hope of the realization of grand ideals. 



In contrast to these lofty ideals which were put forward as the 

 strongest arguments against the resolution, the Conservatives op- 

 posed it by arguing the great advantage of a speedy re-adjustment 

 to old conditions. If the South were forced against its will to give 

 the negroes the ballot there would inevitably result a bitterness which 

 time would be slow to wipe out, which in fact could only be blotted 

 out when the negro had been raised to the point where he would be 

 able to cast the ballot intelligently. It would take generations to 

 accomplish this if it could be accomplished at all, while in the mean- 

 time the South would be exposed to the numberless dangers if not 

 utter ruin which might accompany the free ballot. The states of 

 right should determine the qualifications for the elective franchise 

 themselves and when the negroes could be safely entrusted with self- 

 government, the privilege should come voluntarily from the state. 

 Until then it was boldly urged by some that our government should 

 continue to be what it had been in the past — a white man's government. 



During the debate, numerous amendments to the resolution 

 were offered, among them being one submitted by Senator Howard 

 of Michigan, which is deserving of special attention. His plan 

 would have given the ballot to the colored man under certain restric- 

 tions. All over twenty-one years of age who had been enlisted in 

 the army or navy were to have the right to vote without further 

 qualifications. On all others a property or an educational qualifica- 

 tion was to be imposed. The ability to read and write or the posses- 

 sion of property valued at $250 or more was the qualification 

 required. This plan is substantially that recommended by President 

 Johnson in a telegram to the governor of Mississippi, and certainly 

 contained much that can now be heartily commended.^'* If such a 



(') McPherson, History of the Reconstruction, p. 19. 



