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Speech of Hon. John L. Thomas, Jr.

Summary

In a speech given at Hagerstown on May 12, 1866, John L. Thomas, Jr., said that the men who fought the battles to preserve the Union are entitled to rule the state and nation. He urges Union men to support the Registry Law, which excludes former Confederates and their supporters from the vote, and the reconstruction plan of Congress. He opposes Negro suffrage and of counting negroes for the purpose of determining representation in the General Assembly and in Congress. He supports the Civil Rights bill, which gives blacks specific rights, but denies that this gives the Negro equality with whites. He proposes to punish former Confederate officers and officials, such as denying them the right to hold federal office. He is opposed to paying Confederate debt and against providing compensation for slave owners for the emancipation of their slaves.


Article Source

Newspaper: The Herald and Torch Light

Publication Date: May 23rd, 1866

Page/Column: 1

Town: Hagerstown, MD

County: Washington

Subjects

  • Slavery / Emancipation
  • Politics
  • Aftermath of War / Reconstruction

Scans

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