North Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1850-1852, 1851-01-04

was allowed TO exercise that privilege Tor every eec
i've officer, and no distinction being made each cleo
stood upon the same platform, yet, this require
meDt of freehold qualifications IN az eases, opposed
as it 10 TO all our notions of popular freedom is less
than the odious dsnetion now existing
IN Consti tuition. This claim for equality of suf
frage is demand the part of meFitorious class
7 OF citizens to be allowed to exercise mere per-
sonal right, to which every freeman is alike entitled
The extension of the simple right of suffrage violates
no compromse-takes nothing from the East, and adds
nothing to- the strength of the West and whilst adj
ditiona personal weight and influence will be given
thereby to portion of our citizens, the remaining
part will be Invested of no rights. The effect Of
this reform will be, enlarge the scope of human
freedom without endangering any conservative fea-
ture In our system, or changing the relative weight
OF any section or interest ia the State. All the States
in the Union have abolished the landed qualification
of electors except South Carolina and Virginia; and
even in those States no distinction is drawn between
the voters, for nelector when qualified can vote
for all elective officers. t -
Ihavs had the honor Of introducing two bills pro-
posing other amendments by legislative enactment
one providing for the election Of Judges and the 9TH
er for the election OF Justices of the Peace by the
people. These propositions are not now under our
consideration, and shall not debate them, as may
desire to submit few remarks when they come up
IN their orders but take this occasion to express the
opinion that popular sentiment in the State is deci-
dedly favorable to both these reforms; and although
Puoic manifestations have not been so general and
universal IN their favor, those made in favor of
Equal Suffrage, yet believing that majority of the
people Of the State desire elect their and Ma
glsfates at the POLLS will support these bills under
the strongest assurance that in doing so will reflect
the popular feeling of the State.
Mr.. Speaker, respond most heartily to the call
so frequently made here to raise these questions above
the mud and mre of party. The people themselves
nave eevated them above party, and the cooperation
of men of all parties in support of the distinct and
independent propositions contained in the bills pro-
posing amendments of the Constitution will effectu.
ate the patriotic purpose of the people. Let every
man who is friendly to REFORM march up boldly and
face the battery of Equal Suffrage and the other dis
tinct questions OF Constitutional reform. Let them
drop the mask of Convention bills, and the people
WIZ oeeve their Protesstions of no-partyism. Those
gentlemen who vote so as to leave these questions
open and unsettled, will assume fearful RESPONSE.
olliy and appeal to those who feel most solIcude
IN preserving, undsturbed the present basis of rep
resentaon, to vote for the BILL and manifest dspo-
silon to accede to the demands of the peope in rea
ton to Suffrage. proclaim to them, that if thew
leave the question of Equal Suffrage open and unad-
Jused by Legislative enactment, they furnish the ad
Vocates OF white basis with weapon that may be
nseo LOT tner own destruction. Under the banner of
Equal Suffrage, feeling be aroused in favor of
convention, such as other issue could awaken
and thousands may enlist under that banner. who
would willingly acquesce in the compromises which
their fathers made, however unjust and UNEQUAL its
operation, but who will not submit to personal iue-
quality and degradation at the baIlot-box Having
freely and frankly expressed my opinions upon these
important Subjects shall vote according to the sent-
nens mus avowed, with the confident assurance that
The position have assumed will meet the cordial !
lPProoa'lon OF my constituents; but whether such |
:halI be the case not will have the proud salts
action of knowing that 1 have discharged high
public duty. according to the honest dictates of NV
rest Judgment.