The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-10-23

| l3.-FsyetteB McMullen.s l3-No opposition.
| IA N Ii Beale 1i.-General Smith.
| Samuel l.. Haye
| 10 George W. Thompson. l5.-Thomss s. Hay mond
Late members.
The only contested districts appear to be the
third, the fifth, the sixth, and the tenth. The
sixth is the Richmond district, where the contest
between Mr.. Bolts and Mr. Caskie has been main
tanned with great spirit and earnestness on both
sides Mr.. PowelIs district is always ably con.
tested by Mr.. GogFin. There was but ono wing,
out of the whole fifteen members in the last Con-
gress, Mr. Morton, of the Loudoun district, where
there are two whig candidates in the present can
yass. The wings anticipate the election of Bolts,
Goggin, and Flournoy, the Union question entering
somewhat into the controversy in those districts,
as, also, in the tenth. We suppose the democrats
will be doing remarkably well to maintain their
ground We shall probably have some decisive
returns in to-morrow's HERALD.
The elections for the Legislature are of small
Importance, as they will, no doubt, be superseded
for the constitution provides that in case it is
adopted by the people, there shall be another cleo
ton for the Legislature in December To make all
sure, however, az ainst the hardly possible contin
gency of the rejection Of the constitution, the
Legislature will be chosen as usual to-day.
The paramount and browning feature in this
days election is the vote for the new constitution
upon its ratification or rejection. We have pub
iished synopsis of its provisions and a leading
article in explanation of the subec. heretofore.
Suffice it, then, to say, that the new constitution
provides for universal suffrage upon the usual
ditions and that the Governor Lieutenant Cover
nor, the State and County officers heretofore chosen
by the Legislature or by the Governor, shall be
elected by the people. 1t has been provided by
the Legislature that all who shall be entitled to
vote, if this constitution is adopted, shall have the
privilege to vote upon the question of its adoption,
so that, while the property qualifications of the
existing constitution will restrict the popu-
lar suffrage upon candidates for Congress
and the Legislature this day, the extended
right Of suffrage to its fullest capacity on the
question Of the constitution, viii doubtless bring
out largely increased popular vote, and carry the
liberal and enlightened document by an over
whelming majority. In the old slaveholding and
tobacco raising secttn of the State in that section
east Of the Blue Ridge-the Old Dominion proper
will be found the strongest vote against the pro-
posed changes in the fundamental law, growing out
Of the questions of the mixed and free white basis
Of representation. Heretofore the power in the
State has been held in the East; but the rapid in
crease, within the last ten years, of the white popu
lation Of Western Virginia, gives 1t, under the
charter, the majority in the lower house Of the
Assembly. Hence, We presume, there will b, some
opposition to the proposed changes in the East.
But the success Of the measure is a foregone con-
olusion. From private information, and from all
public accounts, we should not be surprised If it
were carried by from twenty to fifty thousand ma
jority. The law allows three days to vote upon it,
in order to bring out the full strength Of the people,
while the congressional election is limited to one
day
In anticipation OF the success Of the new consti-
tuition, the two parties have recently held State
Convention respectively, and have made their ne
cessarynominaions accordingly. If the vote Of the
PEOPLE, then, in this election, changes the fanda-
mental Law, as it will, another ele,ton will take
place the sth day CT December next, for members
Of the Legislature and for State officers; and next
spring the people Of the several counties will be
called upon to elect their county officers The fol-
lowing are the State nominations for the December
election
Dsmocrate WhiR.
Toh Gorrrsoho. Joseph johnson. Q. W summers.
foR Ligur Gov. Shelton y. Leske. samuel Watts.
foH Amy. GEN....W. i. Bocock. e. .. Baxter.
The result for Congress, to day, will but indis-
tinctly indicate the probable result in December.
II will be the first occasion Of the election of Co
vernon Of Virginia by the people, and the first occa
sion Of universal suffrage under the new cons .ituton
SPEECH OF GIN. HousToN-A report of the
great compromise speech Of Gen. Houston, la.ely
delivered at Huntsville, Texas will be found in this
days HERALD. 1t is good far as 1t goes, but it
t..f.. IL.