The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1848-05-24
For the Union
Progress of Democracy In Rhode IsIund

In 1912, the State of Rhode Island had no republican
constitution, but was under government derived from
royal charter granted by Charles the Second King of Eng
land Under that charter but freeholders were en-
titled to vote and thus, of 25 900 of free white male
cllzens, fraction over 5000 only had the right of suf
1raSe During that year, the people adopted free re-
publican constitution, and attempted to establish gov
eminent under It. But the United States government
interfering, they Were put down with strong hand by
the wings OF that State and the troops of President Ty
Ter combined Alter mprsoning the leader of the PEG
pie, and ndulging the most vindicve and disgracefu
persecution OF some of the most respectable citizens Of
Rhode Island attached to the suffrage Sc, the wings
that State, denying the right Of the people TO change Mer,
form Of government, imposed constitution upon them
under the menace OF military power backed up by the
United States government ctCh aiiOWS negroes U0e
imposes dollar lax all poor people for the privilege
OF voting, and excludes, understand naturazed Gill
Zens from voting at all unless they possess freehold OF
certain value.
1t seems, however, from the following resolutions
unanimously adopted by the legislature of Rhode Island
at its late session. that change has come over the wings
of that State They now affirm the sovereignty of the
people to the fullest extent the congratulations which
they extend to France for the change of
ment brought about in that country against the consent
OF the then existing government and through the ex-
ercse OF the sovereign poacer OF the people,, by which
universal suffrage was secured to every citizen"
In our view, this declaration of the wings of Rhode
Island absolute condemnation of their former course
towards the suffrage party and of the interference oil
Mr. Tyler on that occasion Ii is, OF course, the result
OF hypocrisy, conviction OF past error In charity
we presume the latter; and in that view of the matter
we congratulate the wings of that State upon the
OF liberal principles among lhem and their
what they have heretofore eered at as Dorrsm After
the passage of the resolutions which follow, how can
they fail to make reparaton Gov Dor for the ouages
and injuries which they have inflicted upon him How
can they longer refuse to restore him to his rights as
citizen, which they have attempted to from him by
conviction for treason' They cannot without Justly
mourning the charge of being the basest hypocrtes that
dare TO pretend TO be men.
Resolutions of congratulations TO the people of France.
Rfsolued. That the General Assembly have heard with
the HEARTFELT of the change
The government OF France THROUGH THE EXERCISE
OF THE SOVEREIGN POWER OF THE PEOPLE OF
THAT COUNTRY; and behold in the MODERATION mani
tested by them towards the fallen dynasty prom
restoration of public ORDER in their strict regard for the
rights of person and property in the PRONUNCIATION of free
dom to all men, and of UNIVERSAL SUFFRAGE TO
EVERY CITIZEN, and in the intelligence rnness and
heroism with which the whole movement has con-
French people for the enjoyment of the most liberal nu-
TONS and the strongest guaranty of their entire
securing their liberties the firm basis Of republican gov
RESOLVED, That unite with constituents, and with
the people OF Tour in general in rendering
congratulations the people of France whose fathers
brethren in with countrymen in the national
test OF 1876 the results thus far OF their glorious
iuon and the entire dscendency chic ii has sh0cn Of
al right and pocr military forceand al SO in
rendering wishes for the consummation,
Enlistment of national constitution which shall
their equal rights and become exempar OF freedom
TO the oppressed nations OF Europe.
ResoCed That his excelency the governor be requested
to transmit copy OF these resolutions to the provisional
government of France.