Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1840-08-31

IL not then unwise Ia hazard wholesome restrc- |
tive provision, lest in its operation it might affect
these few individuals for very short time? tie
would add no more. His duty would not permit
him to say no less.
zone word on the main question before rhe |
committee. We had already reached the verge
of universal suffrage. There was but one step
beyond. And are gentlemen prepared to take
that step? We were cheapening this invaluable
right. He was disposed to go us far as any man
in the extension of rational liberty; but he could
not consent to undervalue this precious privilege,
so far rs to confer it with an Understanding
hand upon every ore, black or white, who would
be kind enough to acceptit.' Page 27
Gen. Tamadge Withdrew his motion and sub
stuted motion to strike out Tor on the high
Ways This first motion in lact) Carried, 6S to
48-Mr. VAN BUREN, VOTING IN THE AT
FIRMATlVE. Page 263
Mr.. Wheeler moved the following: Alter the
word county in Mr.. Roots amendment, to substi-
tute the following, in lieu of the residue of said
amendment, to wit:
"And also every other male citizen of the nge
oftwenty zone years, who shall have been three
years an inhabtant Of this state and for one year
resident in the town city where he may offer
his vote (paupels and persons under guardianship
cxcepted.) Provided. That persons in the military
naval marine service Of the United STATES shall
not be considered having obtained such resi-
dence, by being stationed in any garrison, barrack,
or military place in this state" Page 276.
'Mr.Van Buren, occupied the floor for some time
expressing his sentiments decidedly AGAINST
TIE AMENDMENTS, aud AGAINST UNI
NERSAL SUFFRAGE. We were hazarding
every thing by going 10 such lengths III the amend
menls = the people would never sanction the'n,"-
Page 254
This amendment was carried, ayes G3, noes 80
MIR. VAN BUREN, VOTING in THE
NEGATIVE. y. 287.
Sept. 90, the whole matter was referred to Sc
lrct committee Of thirteen, who reported on the
4h of October, aud on the 9th, i'll discussing this
subject
"MR. VAN buren, said, he had, on the motion
of the gentleman from Columbia, this day hln'ed
nj the numerous objections which he had to tie
proposition, which the other day passed the Con
vention, in regard to the right of sufirage objec-
tons which he intended to make, had the commit
tee reported in favor Of that votes and by which
when fully urged, he knew that he would be abl
to convince every member of this committee o
the dangerous and alarming tendency of that pre-
cipitate and unexpected prostratlon OF all quali
fcations. At this moment he would only say. thu
among the many evils which would flow from
wholly unrestricted suffrage, the following woul'
| he the most injurious, viz =
FIRST. 1t would give to the city Of New Iorl
about twenty five thousand votes; whilst, unde
the liberal extension Of the right on The choice q
| delegates to this convention, she had but abou
! thilteen or fourtee thousand. That the characte
| of the increased number OF voters would lie sue
as would render their elections rather curse tina
ablessing; which would drive from the polls a
sober minded people; and such, he was happy I
find, was the united opinion, or nearly so, OF tn
delegation from that CITY," Page 367.
THE second reason was that if would inlure tn
northern and western counlies, and the third an
last "the door would have been entirely closed
gainst retreat, whatever might be our after convi'
ton, founded on experience, as to the evil tender
CIV of this extended suffrage.'l
From this statement of facts it will be seen tn
Mr.. Van Buren, was in favor of essening the l.
strctions of the old constitution (requring {:
to qualify voter for representatives and fl00 I
voter for senators,) but against UNIVERSE
SUFFRAGE. Were his principles adopted, tho
sands would be denied the right of su ffrage
, GLIDING, according to his own admission, some
the old veterans who had perilled all for the Ii
= erty and independence of the country
+ Our Randolph friends requested us TO substa
iiate these facts by the testimony of persons W
e have examined the Journal of Debates and Pr
ceedings.' We decline doing this, as matter CO
c tainly useless. Any man who will dare disp'
= these facts thus stated, would not hesitate to
l. nounce the testimony of any individuals, howe
o respectable, as false. If any denial is made,
our friends put the denier on oath we will ii
n send the book, and submit it to any twelve men
' say whether the denier is, is not, guilty
D swearing TO falseh God.