Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1842-04-26
Rhode Eland.-The state of Rhode Island at

Rhode Lsland.-The state of Rhode Island at
present exhibits scene of dissension and dscord of
serious and threatening nature. Difficulties have
arisen, which from present appearances are likely
to result in consequences of evil, perhaps violence
The history of the which led to the present
disturbances in Rhode Island, are probably already
generally known. Our readers will recolect that
Rhode Island has never adopted state constitution
formed by the representatives of the people:-the
government of the state is founded on the charter
granted by Charles the 2nd of England. By the
laws founded on this charter, but landholders
and their eldest sons are entitled to the elective
franchise eligible to participate in the admi-
nistration of government
About two years ago party was formed called
the surag e association of Rhode Island the object
of this association to procure the formation of
state constitution, and the establishment of the
right of suffrage on liberal basis In January,
184l, the Legislature of Rhode Island passed an
act calling a convention to form constitution
Six months after this, the suffrage association of
Rhode Island called another convention also for the
purpose of forming constitution. This latter con-
vention formed constitution and had it voted upon
and approved by the people before the convention
authorized and called by the Legislature had termi-
mated its business However in due time, the con-
venton authorized by the legislature also presented
to the people constitution for their consideration
This constitution contained liberal provisions-it
conferred the right of suffrage on every citizen of
the United States who had been resident of the
state two years-no tax or property qualification
required. 1t also allowed all to vote on the
question of its adoption with only the aorementon-
ed qualification. This constitution the people re-
jected: Notwithstanding it is said the landholders
generally voted for its adoption, the suffrage asso
citation party who had voted for the constitution
previously submitted, very generally voted against
it.
In this state of the the two parties are
brought into collision.-Those who voted for the
constitution formed by the convention authorized
by the legislature, insist that the proceedings of the
Suffrage Association, illegal and unauthorized
by law; and now that the constitution formed bv
the legal convention has been rejected, the people
of necessity fall back upon the original charter
On the other hand the Suffrage party contend that
the people are the legitimate source of power, and
had right to originate convention for the forma-
ton of constitution, without the authority of the
| Legislature. .....a .7-ef..
The election of officers under the constitution a.
| dopted by the suffrage party was to have taken
place on the 18th inst. In the mean time the leg
islature OF Rhode Island, refuse to recognise the
constitution which has been adopted, and in order
to prevent any election or proceedings being had
under it, they have passed law declaring it trca
son to bold an Office under the new constitution Or