John W. Reames to Frederick Douglass, September 23, 1859

UNJUST DISCRINATION REMOVED.

NEW BEDFORD, Sept. 23, 1859.

MR. EDITOR—As you have no correspondent in this place, I thought it would be in place to drop you a few lines, informing you that the Bay State has removed a very unjust discrimination in relation to the enrollment of the militia, by striking out the word 'black,' so that all classes are treated alike, by a vote of 142 to 31. The Republican State Convention has assembled and nominated a ticket, which I hope will receive the approbation of all. The following synopsis of the proceedings on the revision.

Yours,

JOHN W. REAMES.

MASSACHUSETTS LEGISLATURE.

HOUSE.—The House proceeded with the consideration of the Revision Committee.

In the statutes regarding the enrolled militia, Mr. Kimball, in a forcible speech, advocated the striking out of the word 'black,' and that they might be enrolled as well as white men.

Mr. Parmenter, of Boston, said this was a white man's government, and moved the yeas and nays on Mr. Kimball's notion to strike out, which were ordered.

After a long debate, the House voted to erase the discrimination against colored citizens, by a vote of 142 to 31.

Section 37, which requires that none but white able bodied male shall be eligible to office in the militia, the word 'white' was also struck out, on motion of Mr. Kimball.