The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1845-05-10

A most extraordinary assemblage of colored citi-
zens has been in session, at intervals, during the
past two weeks, at the Union Hall in this city, to
consult as to the best means to obtain change In
the Constitution, in favor of granting them the righ
of the elective franchise, without property qualca
ton, in the contemplated State Convention. Theil
proceedings have been marked with extraordinary
prudence, and much ability and judgment have beer
evnced by many of the members in the discussion
of the questions presented. Mr. IT, B. Vidal, very
intelligent and good looking, bright mulatto presd
ed over their deliberations, assisted by several Vice
Presidents and Secretaries. Committees have been
appointed to present statistics relative to the colored
population of this State, amount of property owned
by them their production in mechanics and science
their schools and number of scholars, their societies
NC. &c. The principal committee consists of the
Rev. A. Crummill, Rev. VIM. II. Bishop, DIR. J. Nc
Cune Smith, Rev. G. Is. Ray, and Thomas Innings
But little of interest transpired, until last Friday
evening, when large number of males and females
were present, and when the following resolution in.
troduced by Dr. j. McCme Smith, brought forth an
exciting and peculiar debate:-
Resolved, That this Convention do earnestly recon-
mcnd to every coored male adult in this State to pur
chase sufficient real estate to enable him to vote at the
election Of 1886 when the question ofthe extension of the
right of suffrage without property qualification will be
submitted to the people oths State from the contemplate
| cd State Convention, to alter the Constitution"
DR. SMITH, a druggist of West Broadway, who is
one-fourth pure Anglo-Saxon blood, then addressed
the Convention IN support OF the resolution lie
| commended that the two thousand votes now cast in
this State by colored persons, who were entitled,
from possessing $3.50 worth of real estate could, by
proper and energetic means, be extended to from
to ten thousand, and therefore, that the present
period was the moment for definite and decided ac-
ton. Applause) He had no doubt that the progress
sve principles OF democratic liberty (applause)
would be so widely infused through that convention,
as to promptan almost unanimous voice in favor OF
universal suffrage, through this great and lourishng
free State. (ireat appause.) This amendment, il
made, would be presented 10 the people, with the
other amendments sn mosse, for their adoption and
no living man could doubt that the voices of those
voters now in favor OF universal suffrage combined
with the ten thousand colored voters, who could ex-
erclse that privilege by being possessed of the pro-
perty qualification, could carry such amendment tri-
umphanty. Applause, and cries OF 'hear," "hear.")
Let each and every man, therefore, who desires to
possess this dear and Invaluable right, deny himself
time will elapsc before he will find the base sum of
$3.50 at his side to boy the right that he is now de-
pnved of possessing Great applause)
ID. J. Ersrov, very dark man, Of pure grain,
followed in opposition TO the resolution. He said he
had always condemned property qualification, and
should oppose it IL this crisis much as at any
other. lie willing to throw himself on the
SHELF at once, rather than resort to this mode of
this State by the force of public opinion. applause
Such course would render them ridiculous, and
they would he called fools and hooted at rs such.
(Appausc and hsses)
>. G.. CAMPBELL, another dark, but strongly
marked face, followed. Mr. Presdent-fhs is no
time to talk about what people will, or what they
VIII not say, as long the law and its intentions
are fully carried out. CLEAR, hear) The only
course tor US to pursue is that which causes all men
to think and to ponder It is to touch the interest
OF those who now are our lawmakers, and the only
way to produces that effect is present force at the
ballot box. (Applause) Each and every vote pre-
sented by rs, when they swell to ten thousand will
speak like distant thunder throughout this land and
cause rights. as reemen, to be fully recognized