Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1829-10-24

IT, the LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE, several pro-
positions by way Of amendment 10 resolutions
previously offered, were made, and agreed to,
and the resolutions themselves were then re-
jected. A resolution offered by MIR MERCER,
20 report in part. was re ec'ed. The FLOWING
resolution offered by Mr.. DoddI idge on the
l2,h inst was then taken up. That the right
e suffrage ought to be extended. generally TO
all free white male citizrus, 81 years OF age and
upwards. who shall have resided III the County,
City, or Borough where he "ff RS 10 vote !;
shall have been assessed for. and shall have PAID
land or property tax, and at the time OF vot-
ing shall be liable TO such assessment, and Shall
neither have been convicted Of any crime pun.
ishable by Imprisonment in the Penilrn,iary
house, or Of any other infamous offence, and
shall not a, The time Of voting. be a pauper,
nor an officer, Sc aman, or soldier in he land or
sea service Of The United States" Aud also an
amendmen, thereto offered by Mr.. Jovnrs on
the 3lh inst. proposing 10 extend the right OF
suffrag, 10 every person upwards OF twenty
one years If age who is a lessee Tor years oil a
tenement on which there is a dwelling house
actually occupied by such lessee, and who has
also paid county Ak he year preceding that
in which he offers 10 vote. On the amend
ment proposed by MIR. Joynes an animated de-
bate ensued Mr. Le'gh opposed he amendment
as proposing to extend the right Of suffrage 10
class Of prrsous subj ct TO Abe influence OF the
landlords, and instead Of exceeding the right Of
suffrage, it would in fact be limiting il. by Civ
ing to the wealthy more inhusnce than they now
possess The difficulties in Kentucky on the
subject Of their Jurisprudence had arisen from
the unwise extention OF the right Of suffrage
Nj. Joynes replied TO Mr.. Leigh and insisted
that the right Of suffrage might be safely exten-
ded to the class Of persons contemplated by his
resolu rion-,hat iessees were generally inde-
pendent of their landlords, and were in no more
danger Of being Influenced by landlords than
Other Northumberland his amendment would
ex end the right TO some Of the best citizens Of
the Commonwealth, and the mere possibility
that some unworthy person would be included
in the extension was no argument agains, it,
that The same reason would apply against the
exercise of the right by any person subject 70
The frailties incident 10 human nature. A man
who i, lessee and who pays his rem, is as in.
dependent Of his landlord as the landlord is Of
him; and it would be unfair TO exclude 90 les
sees, because 10 out 81 the hundred are so un.
fortunate as to be under the influence Of their
landlords. Reference was also made TO other
States Of The Union, which had extended the
right Of suffrage, end no evil had resulted from
such extension. Mr.. Doddridge followed Mr.
Joynes in very lucid ex position Of the dstrac-
tons which had occurred IN X-ntucky; and the
causes in which they had originated. Mr.
Cooke then moved 10 amend the resolution by.
striking,out all af,erlhe words Resolved that"
and to insert the following, ~''thst the right Of
suffrage should be extended to all such as enjoy
il, md - which PROPOSE ion
was laid on the table for consideration to-day.