July 13th, and again on the 15th, Mr. Sumner made another effort, by a resolution suspending the rule limiting business, so as to allow the consideration of this bill; but he could not get a vote on the resolution. The Senate rose without touching it.
OPENING OF OFFICES TO COLORED PERSONS IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
Remarks in the Senate, on a Bill for the further Security of Equal Rights in the District of Columbia, July 16, 1867.
July 16th, Mr. Sumner offered a petition from citizens of Washington, setting forth, that, under the existing charter of Washington, colored persons are excluded from office, and praying relief. He supported the petition with the following bill “for the further security of Equal Rights in the District of Columbia”:—
“Be it enacted, &c., That in the District of Columbia no person shall be excluded from any office by reason of race or color, and all parts of laws making any such discrimination are hereby repealed.”
The bill was read, when Mr. Sumner asked unanimous consent to proceed with its consideration.