The Arkansas advocate., 1836-05-27
10 De coaisaaed.
From the Fredericksburg Arena. MIR. VAN BUREN FOR FREE NE
GRO SU UFTiRR GIS.


 GRO SUFFRAGE.
 On the 12th of September, 1921, the committee on the right of suffrage reported the following amendment to tbo constita- lion. See Debates of the Conventions page 134.
 Every leltiic male citizen of the age of q years, who shall have resided in tho State sof six months next preceding any election, S5c. Sgc. shall be entitled to vote, SSc.
 On the 18th September, (see page lS6,) the above amendment bcing under eoiisi- der8tion, which had been supported and op- posed by various gentlemen, Mir. Clarke said, "l am unwilling to retain the word white, because it's retention is repugnant to all the principles and notions of hberiy 10 which we have heretofore professed 10 ad- here, and 10 our Declaration of Independ- ence5 which is concise and just expose of those principles. In that sacred instrument we have recorded the following ineoutro- vertible truths: We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal; frat they are endowed by their creator with certain nalienable rights; that among them are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happi- ness.'
 The people of color are capable of giving their consent; and ever since the formation of your government they have constituted q portion of the people, from whence your le- gslators have derived their just powers; by retaining that word, you deprive large and reputable number of the people of this State of privileges and rights which they have en- loged in common with us, and to which they are justly entitled, eyer since the ex- istence of our government" Same day, see page I90.
 Eir. Jay moved that tle word uhite be stricken out.
 Mir. Kent supported the motion of MT. Jay. He was disposed, however, to annex such qualifications and conditions as should prevent them from coming in bodies from other States to vote at elections. Mir. K. proceeded to support the motion to strike out on the ground that t would be viola ton of tue Consultation of the United States to prohibit them from voting. On the goth September, see page l99.
 Col. Young said, (sce page l9l:) "The minds of the blacks are not competent 10 vote. They are too much degraded to es- innate the value, or exercise with fidelity and discretion, that important right. II would be unsafe in their iiands. Their votes would be al the call of the richest purchaser If this class of people should hereafter arrive at such degree of lnteiii- gence and virtue as to inspire confidence, then 1t will be proper to confer this pnvi- loge upon ihem: at present, emancipaie and protect them; but withhold that privilege which they will inevitably abuse. Look to your jails and peniteniiaries. By whom are they iilledl By the very race whom ii Is now proposed 10 clothe with the power oi deciding upon your political rights.
 If there is that natural inherent right to vote which some gentlemen have urged, fl ought to be further extended. h New Jersey females were formerly allowed to vote; and oa that principle you must admit ns gresse5 as we'll as negroes to participate in the right of suffrage. Minors, top, and