Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1849-05-18

ed, prosecuted, and consummated by party eff
forts, party zeal, and the rallying cry OF par
ty. But they have been parties based upon
animated by an apprehension Of
danger, stimulated by the love OF liberty, uni
ted and struggling for a great and common
object.
In this sense, sir, the principle of Equal
Suffrage is party measure reform meas
ure, and should we be fortunate enough to
carry it through and establish principle. it
will in my humble judgment bear some de
gree of comparison with the great measures.
TO which have referred. And whatever OBJ
stacles this measure may encounter. or what
ever difficulties it may have 10 surmount. il is
destined 10 prevail
'.There lies hidden strength in just cause,
That nothing can resist"
The right of suffrage is the main pillar in
the temple of freedom. 1t is the cardinal ele-
ment which constitutes the harmony and
strength OF our Government 1t is the sun of
our political existence, and should its efful-
gence ever become darkened by the balefnl
clouds of aristocracy. liberty will then breathe
its last, and the people of this country may
bid long adieu to the blessing of political
freedom. The value of the elective franchise
is not to be estimated by any pecuniary con-
siderations. 1t cannot be calculated by any
amount of dollars and cents-it is above all
price. The political rights of the freemen Of
this country can never be purchased with mo-
ney. Many millions of our fellow men, in
aristocratic Europe, pant for the high privi-
lege of the elective franchise as the &c heart
panteth for the water brook 1t is withheld
from them by the despotic few, and the strength
Of world yields to the voice of hereditary
tyranny, made strong. not by its own energies.
but by the submission OF the many, enslaved
by military powers and overawed by the
grandeur OF wealth. In this land of liberty
the people are united in one common brother
hood. They are indissolubly connected to-
gether by the bonds of sympathy and affec-
lion They are united BY common interest.
and a common feeling They are bound TO-
gether by all the chords Of social and domes-
tic bliss, and by an unwavering attachment to
liberty, which grapple them TO their country,
as with hooks of steel.'
1t is the recollection of the heroic deeds OF
the patriots of the Revolution which inspires
in the boom Ct every true American, love
for his country and veneration for her name.
1t is the recollection of the blood and treasure
expended in the achievement of the liberty we
now enjoy, which nerves the arms and en-
boldens the hearts of freemen and stimulates
them to acts Of chivalry and noble daring. 1t
is the spirit of patriotism warmly cherished
by every native citizen in North Carolina,
hch has been I" our safeguard and our tow
er." There is no danger of intestine dissen-
lions. We are bound together one people,
and though our numbers are as hundreds OF
thousands, our voices are as one.
"what constitutes state4
Not high raised battlements or labored mound
Thick wall or moated gate,
Not cities proud with spires of beauty crowned;
Not bays and broad armed ports,
Where laughing at the storm. rich navies ride;
Nor starred and Spangled courts,
No-men high minded men,
These constitute State"
1t is those who enjoy the full privilege of
the elective franchise, and those who proper
ly appreciate the responsibility imposed upon
them as members of society that constitute a
State.
But will rot diate upon this branch of the
subject. beg leave to refer TO the Consttu-
tions of the other States of the Union, for the
purpose of showing that the principle OF equal
suffrage has been adopted by them all. Twill
commence with the Constitution of Maine
In the State of Maine g every male citizen of
the United States, of the age of twenty-one
years and upwards, excepting pauners, per-
sons under guardianship, and Indians not tax
ed, having his residence established for the
term of three months next preceding any cleo
ton, shall be an ciector for Governor Sena-
tors and Representatives, in the town or plan
tation where his residence is so established"
In the State of Massachusetts So every male
citizen of twenty-one years of age and up
wards, excepting paupers and persons under
guardianship, who shall have resided within
the Commonwealth one year, and within the
town or district in which he may claim right
to vote, six calendar months next preceding
any election of Governor, Lieutenant Cover
nor, Senators, and Representatives, and who
shall have paid, by himself or his parent, mas
ter or guardian, any State or county tax, which
shall, within two years next preceding such
election, have been assessed upon him in any
town or district in the Commonwealth; and
also every citizen, who shall be by law ex-
empt from taxation, and who shall be in all
other respects qualified as above mentioned,
shall have right to vote in such election of
Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Senators, and
personalities; and no other person shall be
entitled to vote in such election.
In New Hampshire every male inhabi-
IelhI vi CchSA wv lis dilu pdllol VIII tOHH P'lF
lIeges, and places unincorporated, of twenty
one years of age and upwards, excepting pau
pers and persons excused from paying taxes
at their own request, shall have a right, at the
annual or other meetings of the Inhabitants OF
said towns or parishes, TO vote in the town or
parish wherein he dWells, for Senators of the
county or district whereof he is a member"
In Vermont there is House of Represen-
| talives, chosen 'by the freemen of the State "
and Council of twelve, answering to oul
Senate, chosen also "by the freemen % "And
each freeman shall give in twelve votes, fol
| twelve Councillors, in the same manner and
the twelve highest in nomination shall serve
for the ensuing year as Councillors
In Rhode Island, " every male native cit
zen. who shall have paid his taxes AMI per-
formed military duty, is entitled to vote for all
civil officers"
In Connecticut, {" every white male citizen
OF the United States, who has gained a settle.
ment in the State, and has a freehold estate Of
the yearly value of seven dollars-or perform.
ed military duty-or paid his State tax. shall,
on his taking such oath as may be prescribed
by law, be an elector. 1t is also provided, by
the Constitution of Connecticut, that laws
shall be made 10 support the privilege of Free
Suffrage.
In New York, &c every male citizen of the
age of 81, who has been an inhabitlnt for one
year, and paid his tax on real or personal pro
perty-or who has performed military duty