REMARKS IN THE SENATE, ON A BILL TO STRIKE OUT THE WORD “WHITE” IN THE
NATURALIZATION LAWS, JULY 19, 1867.
July 19th, Mr. Sumner introduced a bill to amend the several
Acts of Congress relating to Naturalization, by striking
out the word “white,” and he asked unanimous consent of the
Senate to consider the bill at once. Mr. Edmunds, of Vermont,
objected. Mr. Sumner then said:--
I hope the Senator will not object. I have received a letter from
Norfolk, calling attention to the case of a colored person there,
an inhabitant for more than twenty-five years, but unable to obtain
naturalization because of the words of color in our naturalization
laws. It is only reasonable that we should put an end to that
grievance. In short, I would punch the word “white” out of the
statute-book, wherever it appears. If the Senator from Vermont is
disposed to keep it in, then I can understand that he would object to
the bill.