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The
First Vote |
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| THE FIRST VOTE |
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Every one of the several Southern States
which have voted under the reconstruction acts of Congress have been carried by the white and
colored loyalists. Louisiana, Virginia, Alabama, and now Georgia, have declared by large
majorities of Union men in favor of Conventions to remodel the State Constitutions on the basis of
equal rights to all, and in each and all of them positive and decided Unionists of both colors
have been chosen to assist in this labor of remodeling the State laws.
The good sense and discretion, and above all the modesty, which the freedmen have displayed
in the exercise, for the first time, of the great privilege which has been bestowed upon them,
and the vast power which accompanies the privilege, have been most noticeable. Admiration of
their commendable conduct has suggested the admirable engraving which we give on the first
page of this issue. The freedmen are represented marching to the ballot-box to deposit
their first vote, not with expressions of exultation or of defiance of their old masters and
present opponents depicted on their countenances, but looking serious and solemn and determined.
The picture is one which should interest every colored loyalist in the country. |
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