The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1841-01-06
For the Prpublican

y a meeting Of the Newport Ly~ cum on Tuesds
evening last. the question offered for discussio
e was " Is NE extension Of Suffrage desirable i
: ms State" 1t is cheering to the hopes O
those who are denied the right, and honorable
10 those Who enjoy the erciusire privilege. tha
me only speakers on the subject at the Lyes
urn were freeholders and frecmen. and tina, the
advocated the cause Of reform 10 the eIectiy,
franchise and the justice and necessity Of :
Constitution, formed on the basis of perf.e
feedon' the universal right Of suffrage. and
sq""' representations ;-and although the NEE.
'"g was composed Of a large proportion of free.
holders, not whisper was heard in op,osir;or
10 'he doctrine advanced. The rights OF free.
men 10 the elective franchise were ably and In.
lconfesiibiy advocated; the stale and comma,
place objections TO the extension Of suffrage
were stated by The speakers, and satisfactorily
fefuied' by reference 10 other States Of the I'm
Ion' where The right OF suffrage is exercised in
ats fullest extent. The subject was deferred
Tor further discussion on future evening. AL
though The meeting was fuller than on ordina.
y occasions, II is hoped that the next meeting
OF the Lycenm viii be more universally attend
ed by the members.
AS by The Declaration OF Independence by
the Congress Of the United States. OF which
tins State was member, and the recosn;tion
OF The act by the Legislature Of This State. the
people OF this State were absoIved from all de-
pendence on, and allegiance 10, the State ,rl
Great Brltain,-snd the Charter granted bv
hIng Charles the Second, under be authority
OF which the people OF this State had been soy-
srned, was annulled. and made void; il was IN.
"ghf' 1t was the duty, of the people Of thi,
Stale 10 have formed a Constitution for the |
State; declaring and securing the right. and
liberties Of the people, and limiting and de-
fnIns the po" ers Of the Legislative, Execu-
tive, and Judicial departments Of the Govern.
ment' The r'ght never having been acted up.
on by our progeniors, but the duty they owed
10 themselves and their posterity neglected
does not derogate in the least degree from the
rights and duty of the present generation to
correct the errors of the past, by establishing
such government as shall secure 10 themselves
he right to which they are justly entitled as
reemen' and transmit the blessings of liberty
Inmpared TO their posterity.
II is melancholy fact that in all countries
md through all time, that part Of a community
'nJoying exclusive privileges. however unjust,
'nd howe'er oppressive TO others Of the same i.
community, are so tenacious of them. that his
ory does not furnish an instance Of maioritv
d party possessing them. ever voluntarily re- q,
them. But the non free eeholders do 4,
lot ask those Who exercise the ri ht Of suffrage
o rehnqnlsh any right. but merely to extend 10
hem privilege 10 which they have an egual I.
ight and from the exercise Of which thew are
njnsily excluded.
There will undoubtedly be many petitions
resented to the General Assembly at the Jan. =
AIRY Session, praying that honorable body TO y
ass law extending the right Of suffrage If y,
he Lesislaturev view the sub ject in proper light
'ey will see that by the extension Of the right y
all free white male citizens OF the State who y"
ave attained to the age Of twenty-one years.
no are the owners, or have the use or fruit of 81
operty either real or personal to the amount '
one hundred and thirty -four dollars. or who ~
y an annual tax on that amount, or are liable u,
do military duty; it will deprive no freeman e0
any right, but only extend il to those who 10
o NOW c,,Iud,d e.o,,, =. da
entitled IN !, =. ,ho,o ,.,-- of
he right OF suffrage thus extended will ena- W
e the tree citizens TO use their inestimabIe
d undcnable privilege as freemen in peacea.
y forming Constitution for the state. which
all establish their rights on the only sure ba- on
= the will of the majority, beyond the control teC
the Legislature. A Constitution, founded
equal rights and equal representation, which
E free citizens Of Rhode Island are resolved to
abIish. " Peaceably if they can"
A FREEMAN
we have been favored with copy of an ar. on
ment read in the Lyceum, on the occasion for
'vc referred to. which we shall lay before our vel
ders IN our next, if possible. All,
William c. Dawson, NJ
has been nominated the Whis candidate Nj
Governor Of Georgia. Hon. Charlie, J. tlo
Donald, the incumbent. j, the opposing cau. per
ate. cor
The Legislature has wisely refused TO sane. cor
Gov. M'DonaId's relief project-the per
use Committee reported that it did not nae
ne within the proper sphere .f Legislation. can
the House concurred--l3I to3l. Th
he Resumption bill has passed by deci. eau
vote. The Banks of Georgia must resume per
he hrst OF February or so into liquidation.
he Senate passed a resolution protesting a. 7
Isl any increase Of Duties on Imports with den
:" 70 '"e protection and encouragement OF pas.
nestle 'ndostry--sny internal improvement is ii
he General "overnmenf--or any National cha
X. The first Two propositions me, with lii. The
ihiy' but strong minority aysws, them. and