re to call special attention to the resolutions adopted. When
I framed them, I looked beyond the action of this Convention.
These resolutions place the cause of equal rights far in advance
of any position heretofore taken. Now, for the first time, the
views and purposes of our organization assume a fixed purpose and
definite end. We no longer beat the air--no longer assume merely
the attitude of petitioners. We claim a right, based upon
citizenship. These resolutions will stand the test of legal
criticism--and I write now to ask, if a case can not be made at
your coming election. If this were done, in no other way could
our cause be more widely, and at the same time definitely brought
before the public. Every newspaper in the land would tell the
story, every fireside would hear the news. The question would be
thoroughly discussed by thousands, who now give it no
thought--and by the time it reached the court of final resort,
the popular verdict would be in accord with the judgment that is
sure to be rendered. If these resolutions are right, let the
question be settled by individual determination. A case could not
be made here for a year to come, but you could make one in New
York at the coming election.

Respectfully, FRANCIS MINOR.

THE ST. LOUIS RESOLUTIONS.

WHEREAS, In the adjustment of the question of suffrage now
before the people of this country for settlement, it is of
the highest importance that the organic law of the land
should be so framed and construed as to work injustice to
none, but secure as far as possible perfect political
equality among all classes of citizens; and,

WHEREAS, All persons born or naturalized in the United
States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are
citizens of the United States, and of the State wherein they
reside; be it

_Resolved_, 1. That the immunities and privileges of
American citizenship, however defined, are National in
character and paramount to all State authority.

2. That while the Constitution of the United States leaves
the qualification of electors to the several States, it
nowhere gives them the right to deprive any citizen of the
elective