1854

“Speech at Peoria.” October 15, 1854, at Peoria, Illinois

Abraham Lincoln’s first major speech criticizing slavery as an American institution and a defining moment in his political career.  Directed in particular at Illinois Senator Stephen Douglas, the speech was part of an on-going public debate between the two figures.

1869

“Hearing on Woman Suffrage.” The Providence Journal, February 10. 1869.

As debate raged in Washington over extending suffrage to former slaves, Rhode Island held a hearing regarding women’s suffrage. This article paraphrases some of the arguments made by women.

“The New Constitutional Amendment.” The Providence Journal, February 11. 1869.

This describes the broadest version of the Fifteenth Amendment ever voted on, that of the Senate, which stipulated that “No discrimination shall be made in the United States, in the exercise of the elective franchise or the right to hold office in any state, on account of race or color, nativity, education, property or creed.”

Editorial. The Providence Journal, February 16. 1869.

An editorial, this one from a local perspective, underscoring the extreme reluctance to support universal suffrage. Despite voicing strong support for black suffrage, the article points to religious tests for office in New Hampshire and defends them as a states’ prerogative.

“The Amendment of the Constitution Regarding Suffrage.” The New York Times, March 8. 1869.

An editorial that explicitly points out that this is a very limited amendment, as was necessary for it to pass. Interesting in that it alludes to women’s suffrage, but discounts any idea that demand will arise for expansion of the franchise. “There is not likely to arise any fresh demand for essential changes in the fundamental law in regard to suffrage.”

“The Suffrage Amendment.” The New York Times, March 25. 1869.

An editorial from the New York Times discussing the future of suffrage rights and addressing the common argument that since states have ultimate authority over voting rights, the federal government should not be able to legislate suffrage.

1870

“General Assembly.” The Providence Journal, January 19. 1870.

The announcement in the Providence Journal after the Assembly ratified the Fifteenth Amendment, thus making Rhode Island the twenty-fourth state to ratify.