The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-09-17

ofRcers are elected by the Legislature the sheriff.,
and even the county magistrates, are appointed or
commissioned by the Governor. OF all the Off; ials
of the State, the people, under the existing restrict
ed and invidious electoral system, have only the
choice of the Legislature. This constitution, inv
dous Is it is great Improvement on the old one,
and has been in operation for twenty years. IL
REQUIRES no argument to show that it is full quar-
ter of a century behind the times. But the State
was getting paSse and seedy in this oil garment,
and has just taken the measure, and given out the
work for new dress Of the prevailing fashion-lace
sleeves, closely fitting corsage, (or which she has
an excellent fgure,) long waist, and aoun,es. The
difference is as striking that between the mode Of
the French Restoration, and the Partisan perfec-
tons of the present day.
By the new constitution Of Virginia, the system
Of universal suffrage is established-al free white
male citizens, Of sane mind and of twenty one
years of age, having resided in the State two years
and in the county year, being entitled to VOTE
The Governor, State officers, legislature, judges,
sherifs and the magistrates, mad, elective
by the people. This is leaping into the front rank
at single bound. The invidious and mischievous
privilege of multiplication OF votes to extensive
landholders, is abolished; the ridiculous distinc
tiors between freeholders and houseless working
men, are superseded and the right of the people
to the choice of all the officers Of their govern
ment is broadly and frankly admitted.
But the most liberal movement by the state is
in the act Of the Legislature, by which all that
class of citizens who will be entitled to vote, If the
rev constitution is ratified, admitted to vote on
the stion Of its adoption. This will, no doubt,
carry the question by an overwhelming majority.
Under the existing restrictions, the agg'eg ate po-
puar vote of Virginia is but little above 81, 900. IL
is es mated that the removal Of present restrictions
and the intro iuction of universal sua &c, will add
to i, at least 900 votes Others have calculated
the increase at from 10000 to 600 votes At all
events the increase will be large, and the extern
sion of the franchise will exert most potential and
salutary effect upon the destnies Of the State.
The heretofore prescribed citizens will be elevatedto
an eq aal footing with their Weather neghbors; and
their SURFACES in the local elections will give them
weight and social influence in the community. In
word, the effect of the constitution viii be to
break down the barriers between existing castes to
elevate the free white working man, to harmonic
society, and to give practical impulse and dirsc-
ton to the spirit of enterprise and improvement
which has been lately awakened in the State. 1t
will tend TO stop emigration fiom the State, and to
bring immigration into it. After sleep Of twenty
years, like Rip Van Wrinkle, Virginia has walked
up, and is stirring herself in very admirable
manner to redeem her lost time, and to retrieve her
lost ground.
The election for members of Congress, under the
old syste and apportionment, takes place on the
fourth Thursday in October. The question Of the
ratification Of the constitution Is to be decided
der the universal suffrage system, on the same day
Members Of the Legislature also to be elected,
according to the old apportionment; bat If the
constitution is ratified, the legislative election is to
be superseded by election, under the new
aPportionment, in December next At the Same
time, Governor and Lieutenant Governor, Sc,
GERS will be chosen in another election; after
which the State ele stious will occur regularly from
time to time. On the 9th instant the wings hold
State convention, in Charlottesville, for the
nomination Of their State candidates. including the
Governor; and on the same day the democrats hold
their convention in Stanton, for similar nominations
for the December elections. The impression seems
20 prevail tha. the constitution will add to the
democratic preponderance in the state; but how
ever that may be, the aacien. regime is passed.
the supremacy Of tie standStl policy is extia-
guished; and with the new constitution, a new
epoch opens to Virginia, of prsgress and improve
Ient. Then will she be on the high road to as
sumo again her primary importance in the Union.
The spirit Of the age is progressive. They who do
not advance with it must fall behind. Success to
the Old Dominion.