The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1853-11-07
Our Providence Correspondence.

Our Providence Correspondence.
PROVIDENCE Nov. 4, 1853.
The General Assembky - Constitutional Co~Uea-
tion, &c.
Our State Legislature met ct Kingston on Monday,
for its October session, and adjourned yesterday,
after very spirited time Of 1t upon the question of
calling convention to revise the constitution, with
view to TIE abolition of the existing registry tax
and for other matters named in the act. This ques
ton of revising the constitution is q darling scheme
of the democratic majority in the Legislatures; and
early in the commencement of this years admins
tration measures taken to give vitality to the
plan The projectors of the Constitutional Conven-
ton movement have long desired to extend the
elective franchise of the State to citizens Of foreign
BIRTH who are now required to hold real estate be-
fore they can vote and in June last the question
whether convention should be held for the purpose
mentioned in the act Of Assembly passed in May,
was submitted to the people. The admission Of the
foreign voters did rot form any part of the plan of
revising the constitution appeared from the face
Of affairs; but it made powerful element in the
opposition to the conventional being brought in
upon suspicion-and the whole project of tinkering
that document was ignored by the people, at the cleo
ton in June. But, though defeated in the first trial,
the democratic leaders were not sufficiently cast
down to remain quiet, and actuated by desire to do
something for themselves, or for the people, or for
BOTH they started upon another track to reach the
point originally proposed, and to give the people
OF the State another chance to reform the consttu
ton as if they didn't know what they were about
the first time.
The act under consideration was introduced at the
session Of the Legislature in September, but at too
late an hour to secure attention az that tme and is
entitled An Act recommending Convention Of
the people of the State to revise the Constitution Of
the State" and embraces those propositions to be
acted upon by the delegates who directed to de-
eide upon the expediency of the measures proposed,
VIZ: the abolition of the registry tax the exten
sion of the time of registering voters, and the dis
trcting the cities and large towns The abolition of
the registry tax will prove popular with oil classes
The tax is not much, to be sure-Only dollar but
it is looked upon as fee for privilege Of voting,
and is therefore uppaatable to the majority of voters
But it is no. upon this ground that the movers for its
abolition base their opposition. The fact 49, this
reg istry tax is of expense to those wishing
to hold the Offices of both parties for upon the pay
ment OF it within the proper time depends the state Of
the vote on election day. The payment of the re-
regular party system, and has resulted in serious
evil not only to the peck of party managers, but
to the voters themselves; begetipg supineness on
the part OF the latter in regard to the political affairs
Of the State. But have said that the leaders are
mpelled by stronger motives in the roposed reform,
than that the tax is obnoxious, because considered
pay for voting. IL is surmised that Gov. Allen hav.
ing used the party as long suited his convenience
and reaped his harvest in gathering the office of u.s.
Senator, will not be 30 liberal in funds to pay the
registry tax, and that to NEE. this expected fall.
ing OF in money, the party leaders hope TO maintain
supremacy by having free poll. The plan may
work to meet their expectations, but we must wait
and see.
TIE extension of the time Of registration from the
last Of December to some period nearer election will
not meet with much opposition, If any. 1t is not
an important measure, any way, to either party. II
may make some difficulty for the canvassers, but will
not make much difference to the voters.
The districting of the cities and large towns will
prove bone of contention in the convention but
which party will pick it to advantage rerrons.
~ The act provides that the people may decide as
to whether the delegates elected in June to the con-
vention which it was proposed to hold, shall form
the convention to consider the reforms contemplated.
II mistake not the complexion Of the body elected
in June is conservative, and opposed to the demo-
cratic policy, by majority OF twenty, and on this
cOunt those who are opposed to the revision OF the
constitution will not be active.
Tie voting on the question Is to take place on
Monday, the 2lst instant; and II the people are in
favor Of the convention, the body will commence
work on the 18th of December, at dollar day,
and fLd themselves; and it is trusted they will
have pleasant time of it. There seems to be no
public sentiment here npOn the convention matter,
and although many express themselves IN favor OF
the reforms proposed, they are surprised that they
should be thrust upon them in this wsy, and at go
short notice. From the signs OF the times, l am
inclined to think the democrats have thrown sprat
10 catch gudgeon; but the gudgeon won't bite.
The people may sustain the convention movement In
order to the abolition OF the "tax," but If
left to themselves, think they are not prepared for
such a revolutionary movement; and although they
may favor reform in the constitution in certain cases.
they would prefer to wait and bring matters TO their
mind in accordance with the instrument which they
wish to alter According to the provisions OF the
constitution, the legal course Of amending that
document would consume about two years.
The Legislature passed an act yesterday, entitled
F" An act IL relation to cases where life is lost by the
wrongful acts of common carriers and Others" This
act provides that where life Is lost by the reason Of
the negligence or carelessness OF common Carriers,
or their servants or agents. on railroads or steam
boats, in this State, such common carriers shall be
liable to damages, TO be recovered by action the
case by the next of kin, or heirs, or any person
having direct pecuDary interest in the continuance
of life Of the deceased person; a,tions for such da-
IMAGES are to be brought in the Supreme Court, and
the amount is to be fixed by the jury. This is an
important act, and its main features should be
adopted by our sister States. Such al enactment
may prove instrumental in preventing the recurrence
Of scenes like that Of the Henry Clay and the draw
bridge at Norwalk.
Allow me to introduce an item in conclusion.
although entirely distinct from political matters.
was in Warren day or two SINCE and saw splen-
did specimen Of naval architecture, in the ship Of
600 toUs now on the Stocks in that thriving little
town. She is built 10 0rcer, and 1t would do sea-
mans heart good to see the manner in which she Is
put together. shall have her dimensions and other
Interesting items in a day or two, and will forward
them. Warren is small, but active; and with such
shipbuilders are employed upon The Pride of the
Ocean, New York and Boston must look to their
laurels in this line Of enterprise. W. W. s.
Fire In louisville.
from the Louisville Journal Nov.
About O'Clock yesterday morning, fire broke out in
the tobacco factory Of Mr. Bast in the Of his store
and dwelling Main street. above Third The fact ry
frame budiI &, and burned down very quick with
All its The fire communicated to the Of