Weekly North Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1850-1858, 1851-01-29
EQUAL SUFFRAGE,

1t will be seen, by the proceedings of Wednesday
that the Equal Suffrage bill was reconsdered that
day in the Senate, and that it passed its second read
ing by vote of 32 to l6. Nearly the entire day
was occupied in an animated discussion, which took
a wide range, and embraced many points not imme-
diaely connected with the change proposed. We
took notes of this discussion, but limited space
forbids use Of them a, present. The remarks Of
Mr. Shepard on the subject will bs found in pa
per to-day.
Messrs. Gilmer, Woodfn, and other Wing Sena-
,ors made hot and desperate fight against the bill,
on the ground that its passage would defeat the call
of Convention and Messrs. Shepard and Pender
gave reason for changing their votes and voting
for the bill, the fact that its passage and ratification
by the people would take from certain gentlemen in
great degree, the prstext for advocating Conven-
ton.
We desire call particular attention to point
in this matter: Mr.. Shepard made strong Speech
in favor Of the basis it is, and Mr.. Wood6n made
violent attack upon the basis and advocated boldly
Ia Convention q means Of obtaining the vhite basic
and the Raleigh Register, in notcing these facts,
takes Mr.. Shepard to task for his this sub
ject, and lauds in the highest terms Mr.. Wood6n's
mdStcIy dtio triumphant reply ~ OnePdtu.
What is this hut reputation by that print Of the
present basis, and an endorsement of Mr.. Woodfn
and the Convention he advocates, a step towards
changing the present taxation and Federal basis to the
white basis! The article to which we refer, may be
found in the daily issue Of that paper Of Thursday last.
! On Thursday evening. the Equal Suffrage bill was
taken up on it's third reading in the Senate. Mr..
Haugh.on offered amendment providing for the
call of Convention on the Federal basis. He said
he offered the amendment in good faith, and if it
adopted he should support the bill. The amend
nent was voted down by large majority.
Col. Joyner took the floor and spoke at consider
able length against the bill, and after he had conclu
ded the Senate took recess until o'clock. The
Senate re-assenbled, and the bill was then put to the
vote, and it passed its third reading by vote Of 80
| to l6. All that is necessary now is, the concur
| renee of the Commons in the Senates amendments.
We CANNOT permit ourselves to doubt to what will
b. the action of that body; but still we shall not an
no4nce this great measure az absolutely safe until
the Commons shall have acted and concprred. Our
confidence in the success Of the measure at this ses
sion. has nevsr at any time wavered; and as the
hours on, that confidence is increased and sreng
thened. 1t has been exuitingly announced. by one
of the organs of exclusive privileges, that free su
frage lies numbered with the slain." Where is i,
now Erect and full of lfe-fulI of the life of po-
puar virtue and popular power; and, as we predicts
ed in our last issue, it vii! 'yst walk forward to
a glorious triumph" Such principle, though
smo'hsred for time, is yet indestFuctble. No hu-
power can defeat or destroy it. 1t asserts equai
ty al the dallo-bor-no Determinations in favor of one
class Of pFoper,y-hoders those of another; and
wia make itsel: heard and felt in every vein and
artery of the Commonwealth.
"Truth. crushed to earth, will rise again,
! The eternal years of God are hers;
| But error, wounded, writhes in pain,
And dies amid her worshippcrs. "