Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1851-05-05
TO THE QUALIFIED VOTERS OF THE CITY
RICHMOND


GU are soon to be called ucon to express at the polls
your vie upon the subject of the basis of representa-
ton The result Of that is intended to operate as
an instruction to your delegates in the Convention. A
vote more important in its bearings upon the interest
and prosperity of Richmond and of each OF YOU indivi
dually you have seldom, if ever been called upon
give
Consider well, and without passion or prejudice be-
fore you vote
The form in which the question is to be voted upon
presents to three distinct questions and your vote
Will express your preference tor these schemes viz
/ LIST. The WHITE BASIS ID. The Mired Basis, and
3D. A Compromise bef,ceen the f,ro.
These questions have been fully discussed that all
VINO read ought to pc familiar with them; and yet, s
manifest, much confusion exists in many minds with
reference to their principles, operation and effect
win many the basis OF representation and the right
OF suffrage, are conounded together. Demagogues
strive so to contound them, that in that confusion they
may eectuay appeal to your peudces and array our
devotion to the true republican principle of free suffrage
against the equally true and republican principle Of the
maIed basis OF representation.
The basis of representation and the right of suffrage
are two distinct and separate things. They have no
connection with, nor dependence upon, nor influence
upon each other.
The mixed basis may be adopted with universal SUI
irage, or the white basis with freehold suffrage The
basis fixes the relative political power of different com
munlties. The right OF suffrage fixes the relative DO
litical power ofindviduaIs Should the white basis be
adopted, the property holder will have no less relative
power than he has now. The non property holder will
have no more So, if the mixed basis be adopted the
ty holder no less relatye power than now
But while this is so. there is material difference in
the aggregate political power OF the two. Under the
mixed basis, the two n Richmond, have twice as much
political power, they do under the white basis And
tor this increased political power, the non-property
holder is indebted to the property of the property hold
pie, and rational 1t is thus: A and B live 10 Richmond;
has $500 900 worth of property, has $500 worth
They vote side by side. The power of each vote is
equal whatever be the basis of representation. Adopt
basia and tba II A IL.
same as the vote of B. Adopt the mixed basis and it
will count The white basis gives to Rich
mond three deegates-the mixed basis six. Under the
white basis then, the vote of A counts three, and
the vote OF counts three also. Under the mixed
basis the vote OF counts six and does the uote of
count s.r also. The property Of increases the
value OF his vote two fold, and at the same time in
creases the value of BIS vote aoo told also The pro-
pery of A the rich man. doubles the potca power of
the poor And if this question of basis should
address itself to classes such at all the poor are
the very last earth who should yield one ota OF the
mixed basis Under it, the wealth Of the rich, made
to increase the power OF the poor Under the white ba
| sis is does not.
Butyou ask if this be SO, ought not to have 1000
votes to Bs one? Not at all is entitled to full pro-
lection OF his and property. That protection is
placed In his political power at the polls A is entitled
are the same and they equally protected by their
individual votes, and finds ample protection for his
excess OF property in the vote OF himself, and and
oa ana p, to the end OF the alphabet. A. with his
$30OO00, establishes foundry builds MILL or be-
comes contractor for building houses, or engages in
some other enterprise. In prosecuting it, he expvnds
500 600 annually. He employs B and c, and D, &c;
gives them work and wages. He pays them we'll
promptly. This employment and pay enables them to
live in comtort-to maintain their families; and if pru-
dent, TO accumulate. By this means they are enabled
TO deal with and to pay the butcher, the baker, the gro
GER the gardener the shoemaker, the tailor and every
other whose industry and skill contribute to the sup
ply OF their wants. The stream of MEANS gushing forth
from AS wealth, goes on continually dividing and d.
viding until it reaches and gladdens the humblest and
poorest man in the community
Take away diminish AS wealth. and you tako
away and diminish their Of support and comfort
Every blow struck at this wealth. is struck at their
comor-and in the very selfinterest of those around
HIM, finds, and will ever find ample protection for
| his property.
mo PROPERTY HOLDER"