The Northern star, and farmers' and mechanics' advocate. [volume] (Warren, R.I.) 1830-1834, 1833-07-27

Aaoon led 10 further extension and by al
U(hednment TO the Constitu<ion finally O.
dopted ia 1876, the right OF ofsufirase was
given to every male citizen Of full age,
Who shall have been an inhabitant Of the
State Tor ono year, and OF the county six
months, preceding the election. This
provision however, does NOT extend 10
persons Of color, who by the Constitution
of 1891, are not allowed to vote, unless
they have been Tor three years citizens Of
the State, and for one year before the
election, seized and possessed Of a iree-
hold Of the clear value Of $3.50, and haze
rbeen rated and paid tax thereon.
The Government Of New York has for
lseveral years, been administered under
the liberal system established by the new
Constitution, uneth still more liberal a
mendment 'ofA826, in manner which
appears to have been satisfactory to the
lpcohe. IL ID possible, that there may be
somo who regret the extension Of the
right Of suffrage, and who would be graft
| fed by the revival lthe old qualifications;
but do not believe that such feeling is
entertained e by any considerable portion OF
our citizens. / am very sure that any
attempt 10 restrctthe exercise ofthe right,
and more especially to restore the free
hold qualification, would be put down by
an overwhelming majority.
In acting upon this subject, my own
course he's never been influenced ny any
apprehension that it would be dangerous
to the rights of property, to exteud the
right of voting to those who were without
property. Our experience has, l think
fuzzy demonstrated, that in community
like that which composes great majority
of every State in our coniederacy, there
is no reason for alarm in thsrespect.
AT an earlier period ofmy public lille, l
was not entirely free from aPplehenslons
of the influence ofwealth upon so extend
ed suffrage Us that Which is now pos
sessed in New York. Upon this head,
however, we are now able to speak from
full and satisfactory experience and it
has given me the highest gratlacdtlon TO
be con- incsd, that my fears were without
adequate foundation. Numerous .opp0r-
tunities to test the frmness Of our citizens,
and their ability to resist the seductions OF
wealth, have been furnished within the
last twelve years and although some To-
cal and temporary advantages may have
been occasionally gained through such
means, the general incorruptibilhy OF our
citizens has been trulnphantly established.
Nor have l any doubt that such will long
continue to be the history Of our people (;
for although greater disparity IL their
condition may naturally be expected from
an increase Of population and on the other
causes, YET on the other hand it may be
hoped that the means Of education, and OF
moral Improvement will be proporiion-lly
incre ascd, and that under their influence
tho spirit Of independence and OF intelli-
gent patriotism, which now prevails a.
mong all classes will be cherished and
exhibited by every succeeding generation.
With my best wishes for your individu-
al prosperity, and for that Of the State to
which you belong.
remain Gentlemen, your obedlent SER
want. MARTIN VAN BUREN.
10 Mcssrs. WILLIAM l. TlLLlNGHAsr,
LAwaEscE RICHARDS, WM. MITCHELL,
SETH LUTHER, WILLIAM MILLER, and
DAVID BRowN.