Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1829-11-21
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SATURDAY MORNING, NOV. FL, 1898.
THE CONVENTIONS

YESTERDAY, Mr.. THOMPSON moved an o,,oDa n,o,,
10 .ne rules OF the Cnnvcniion nu,horsinr the ayes
am noes To be recorded i'll Committee Of the Whole
when demanded by seven members TIE ,n,andmnr,
was opposed by Messrs Leigh of Chesterfield and
o'hhard, and supported by Mr.. Thompson. On mo-
ton OF Mr.. Gordon the ayes and noot .,ra record
ed on the question of adopting the amendment ,vhen
there appeared for it 39-against it 81
- ihe contention then again resolved itself into
COMMITTEE OF the Whole, Mr. Powell in the chair.
ana TOOK under consideration, the Sd resolution of the
Legislative Committee respecting the riglt of suf
frage. Mr.. Leigh of Chesterfield, moved the follow
ing by way of substitute, which the reader Will pcr-
"'ie ehiarges suffrage Us now exists, sill
confines 1t TO the soil.
Every male citizen of thu Commonwealth resident
therein, sother than free negroes and muattoes aged
years und upwards; qualified To EXERCISE the right
Oh surage by the the existing Constitution and laws:
ana every such citizen being possessed, or whose
tenant Tor years, at will or at suerance is possessed
OF land, of the assessed value Of dollars
and having an estate ofireehold therein:
And every such citizen being possessed as al tenant
III common loln-terant or co-partner of an interest in
or snare o! land, and having an estate of freehold
tserein' such interest or share. being Of the value
Of dollars:
And every such citizen being entitled 10 reversion
or vested remainder i'll fee, expcctan or any estate for
lie OF lives, in land, of the assessed value OF
dollar:
And every such eli zen being possessed of a lease
hold estate III land, claiming under lease renewable
at the option OF the lessee absolutely or upon paw
ment OF fine performance of other condition the
yearly value of such land being dollars:
Each and every such citizen, unless his title shall
have come to him by descent, dAvi-e marriage or
marriage settlement, having been SO possessed or en-
titled for six MONTHS
And no other persons,
Shall be qualified to vote for members of the Gun-
eral Assembly in the county city, or borou oh respec
lively wherein the land eth:-
provided, that no person shall be entitled to vote
more than once, .. at more places than one in any
elccton;-
And provided thar non commissioned officers sol
ders, sailors and marines in the land or naval service
of the o. States SHALL not be qualified TO voie-
And provided that the Legislature may by law de-
prive any persons of the right of suffrage Il! crimes
whereof they shall or may be convicted.
Mr.. LEIau explained and advocated the amend
ment and defended the policy OF adharn TO the soil
at length and with his usual ability; and pointed
out as one consequence Of adopting the rcsolu-
ton OF the Legislative Committee its effect to dis
franchise many who now enjoy The right of suffrage.
SIR. l.. proposed to measure the tide to suffrage not
b. the quantity but the assessed valuation OF lands
| Mr.. Leigh concluded an argument of great power
at quarter past o'clock, when on motion of Mr..
| Doddridge, the ComIaittee roSe-and on motion of
Mr.. Mercer, tie Convention adjourned.