Herald of the times. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1830-1846, 1834-02-27

this State.
Sd. That the public good imperatkely
requires that the powers Of the Legisla-
iure and the rights Of the citizen, which
are now no where clearly defined, should
be defined and fixed by written State
Constitution.
9TH. That the Representation Of the
towns in the General Assembly, as orig
inaIIy established by the provisions Of
the Charter of King Charles, ii had re-
ference TO their then existing population,
and was, at that time not unfairly ad-
justed to it, but that, by the great in
crease of population in the towns, the
existing apportioDment has become ex-
ceedingly unequal and unjust in its oPe-
ration, and that more equal distribution
of Representatives among the towns will
be an indispensable article in q Consti-
tuition for this State.
9th. That, at the foundation Of this
State, and long after, property in land
was not only the principal property ofthe
citizens, but was so easily attainable,
that landed qualification for voters ex-
cluded only small portion of the people
from political power; but that the cir
cumstances of the people have since
greatly changed, and that the existing
qualification has the effect CONTRARY to
the design of those who first established
it) of excluding the majority, among
whom are large portion of those who
pay taxes, from all political privileges
and participation in the affairs of Gov
ernment; and that, although we entertain
a proper respect for Landholders, we are
not insensible to the merits Of the Me-
chanics, the Merchants, Workingmen
and others, who own no land; and that
we are Of opinion, that the longer con-
tinuance Of landed qualification, as the
exclusive condition Of exercising the
elective franchise, is great injustice,
and is contrary to the spirit and princi-
pies Of republican government; and
that Constitution for this State will be
altogether insufficient, unsatisfactory,
and imPracticable, that does not restore
to the majority Of the people, the rights
and privileges Of American Citizens.
9th. That, in the opinion Of this Con-
vention, all white male citizens of the
United States, over twenty years Of
nge, Excepting paupers and persons un-
der guardia nship) who have resided
within this State, for period not less
than one year preceding their claim to
vote, and within the town where they
shall offer To vote, for the term of not less
than three months preceding their claim
to vote, should be entitled to the right Of
suffrage upon, paying a tax;-and that
no person born out Of the jurisdiction of
the United States should be allowed to
vote, unless he have first been naturaliz-
ed according TO the Acts of Congress,
nave been possessed of freehold estate
according to the provisions Of the present
aw, for term of years, and have resi-.
led, previously to. voting, one whole
year in this State; and that there should
De strict registration ofall the qualified
voters.
7th. That continuance of the provi-
sions of the present charter relating to
representation, and Of the act ofthe Leg
stature requiring freehold estate TO en-
title citizen to vote for public officers,
are each departure from the principle
avowed at the first session Of the Gene
raj Assembly in the year l647, which
was that the Government Of this Stale
should be a "DEMocRAcY."
9Th. That the Judicial System of the
State may be better adapted to the adj
Of justice; and that one Of
The provisions of a Constitution should be
for the essential improvement of that sys.
tenn.
Q. That the undoubted rights and pri-
'ileges Of the people, and the prosperity
and honor of the State, can only be COM
pletely obtained, and permanently insur-
ed by a written Constitution, to be franz
ed, approved and ratified by both free.