Semi-weekly North-Carolina standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1852-1853, 1852-07-24
GOV. REID ON FREE SUFFRAGE.

Erfract from the address Of Co.. Reid to the people Of
North Carolina, dated June 2SM, 1850.
trust l shall be pardoned for alludng to the man.
ner in which this subject made an issue IN the
canvass Of IS4S, for think the part acted enables
me to know more about this matter than any other
human being upon the face of the earth. That some
men were permitted vote for the Senate and others
were not, was no new discovery to to any
body else. At any rate. l well remember my atten-
ton directed to the inequality and injustice OF this
feature of our Constitution before became
ter and presume there but few in the State
who could not say much. My attention was fire.
quentIy called to the subject when candidate for
the Senate, by persons who desired to vote for me,
but expressed regret that they could not do for
the want of the land qualification. Many years ago,
while member Of the Legislature, determined at
time to present the subject to the consideration
of that body, but met with encouragement from
those to whCm communicated my intention. Oc-
cupyIng an humble position and possessing but lit
tie influence, was fearful that failure then might
prove judicial to this question of Re-
form, which, believed, could at day convince
the people they ought to adopt The time and state
of public opinion then appeared unpropitous, and
abandoned my determination. Early in the year Is i9,
determined to press the subject the consideration
of the people of the State AS federal politics had
governed almost everything in State for years, l
foresaw that 1t would be difficult procure for this
subject that consideration which its importance de-
manded, unless 1t was adopted by of the poti-
cal parties. With this view / determined to attend
the Democratic Convention to be held that Spring and
urge its adoption as issue; and that if the Con-
venon would not adopt it, would seek some suit
able occasion TO make Speech the subject in
my County, and write it out for publication and
that would publish essays the subject, urging
the consideration of this question to the people. III
health prevented me from attending the Convention.
When heard from that Convention, surpris- !
ed learn that had been nominated for Governor.
Before received official information of my nomina-
ton wrote Mr. Fl Holden letter stating that should
probably decline, but if l run l desired 10 make
Equal Suffrage issue. Believing the state of my
health such that a canvass OF the State would |
be hazardous TO my life, subsequently wrote let
Ter declining the nomination. This letter was not !
published, and my friends prevailed upon 10 with
draw it and accept the nomination. The next day |
after accepted left home to meet my competitor,
who was then engaged in the Canvass. Before leav-
ing home apprsed some of my friends of my pur- !
pose to make this issue. When reached Raleigh, |
mentioned the subject TO several ofmy friends there
and MIR. Holden assured me, if | carried out my |
intention, that the Standard would zealously advo-
cate the measure. At GoIdsborough I mentioned |
the subject to friends met there. When arrived |
Newb consulted friends there on the subject,
and MIR. Guck promised Inc that the Republican |
Would Zealousy advocate the measure. NV friends |
will recoect that in all these conversations that to
make this issue a favorte object with me and
that these conversations and consultations on the
subject were brought about by my Suggestions.
had no consultation or conversation the subject
of making this issue with any one living out of the
State; neither did | receive from Washington City |
elsewhere any suggestion, either written or oral
In relation to making the issue.
The Democratic party had nominated me without |
my knowledge consent and although they had not
authorized me to make Equal Suffrage question in
the election yet beev ed they would sustain me if
did right; and therefore took the responsibility to
put " that ball in motion" on the 10th of Nav. |
1913. This is the way in which the subject was in.
troduced into the canvass of 1S4S.
What is the dearest privilege of an American citi
zen! 1t IS to exercise the great and inestimable
In al fIrrr lol
not now, nor have at any time, proposed to change
the basis of Representation for either the Senate or
House of Commons. Let that remain as il is. What
propose is to permit ecery ,UhO is nozv entitled
to UOte for the Commons to cote also for the Senate
is this right! might call your attention to the fact
hat this odous distinction does not exist in any other
State OF this Union. AS the Constitution now stands
cannot for the Senate unless he holds
freehold Of fifty of land. This is uniust even
between landhoder and landhoder. One man owns
hfty acres worth $25 hE can vote for the Senate,
Wniie another may own one acre worth ten thousand
oolars yet the latter cannot vote for the Senate. 1t
is still more unjust between those who own land and
those who do not. Is is to take the rioht of
ting IRON the andholder, but it is to extend the rioht
OF suHrage 10 another merorous and virtuous class
OF our own telioW-cltlzens. All experience has |
shown that the mere fact that man owns land does
not make him more wise, more pure or more n.tr; |
otto. 1t is slander upon the merits and character
OF this vrtuous class of citizens to saw tbou
would enact iniquitious laws to plumber the ]andhold
ers. There are many of our citizens who own Dron-
ery: and yet are not landholders and no men would
60 further to protect the rights of property of
description large portion of our enerprising young
Men' and OF our industrious farmers and mechanics
90 not own fifty acres of land. These men will new
attempt to impose on the landed interest, because
they intend, as soon as it is compatible with their
convenience ability, to possess themselves of land
mot by the unhoy means of plunderinp their norb
oors but by purchase with the proceeds OF their hon
est industry. During the last canvass. willie dis
cusslng this question in the West, Gov. Manly nsis.
led that could be the friend of Equal Sufrage
because did not go for changing the basis of Reng
E%s,"ahon, by which of the Eastern Counties,
nav less number Of voters than some of the es-
10 - oGunes' yet they had the representation
ro ae f neglSature and why, he would ask, did not
EoIoL equallzlng them? l do not know whether he
s 70 use this arguement in the present canvass
VIZ; HoWeVer, In his Speech lately made before the
wing Convention and which presume was pub