Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1855-02-03
FREE SUFFRAGE.

On Wednesday last in the Commons the Free
Suffrage bill passed its second reading by vote of
90 to 15-twenty one votes more than the Consttu !
tional majority; and then read third time by
general consent and ordered to be enrolled.
Mr.. Outlaw introduced as an amendment Mr. Ora
hams bill for calling Convention with the excep-
ton that the bill provided for limiting the proposed
Convention Tas to taxation and the basis; and Mr.
Winston proposed to amend by inserting provis-
Dn that two-thirds vote of the two Houses should
be required, and not majority only, in Mr.. Ora
hams bill. Mcssrs. Winston and Steele ably advo-
Gated The amendment thus proposed and Mr. Phil
lips opposed it. The amendment prevailed By a de-
cided vote, and Mr.. Outlaws amendment, as amen
ded, did not prevail; the Free Suffrage bill pass
ed its second reading it from the Senate.
Mr.. Outlaw, it is known, is pointed and effective
speaker but this occasion he was wide of the
mark. The people are not prepared for Conven-
ton, and they determined to have Free Suffrage.
Its real friends in the House have as general rule
voted against all amendments-for amendments
whatever the object Of those who offered them
might have been, could have had other effect than
to obstru 1t and retard the passage of the bill
Mr.. Outlaw referred to the introduction of Free
Suffrage issue, and gave it as his opinion that
it was introduced for partzan purposes. This charge
has been again and again repealed. The Free Suf
frage principle advocated from the first it is
now, its intrinsic merits and because it is in it
SELF Just and right and if partizan aspect has been
given to it. it has been done by federal whig leaders.
Why did not Gov. Manly and Mr.. Outlaw and 9TH
erS in 1913, conccding understand them to
do, that the principle is right, take ground for it
with Gov. Reid, and commend it to general public
favor and approval? Was it not partizan feeling
that prevented them from doing this? Where, then
is the charge of partizan>lp in this matter? Docs
it not fall directly Mir. Outlaw and these with
whom he is acting this question?
Mr.. Winston, Mr. Outlaws colleague, has been a
Free Suffrage man, believe, from the first. We
refer to the fact with feeling CT qualification This
question, involving as it docs a fundamental princ
pie of free government towers above the party
contests of the time. We gratiied, too, to find
him and Mr.. Steele with other gentlemen who have
acted with the late Wing party, taking ground
against Mr.. GrahanIs revolutionary proposition for
a Convention. The people, whose approval is far
more to be desired than any word of commentator
which may fall from feeble pen, will perceive in
their course in this respect, and will pronounce
occasion may offer, just and most worthy regard
for the Constitution ITSELF which is the anchor of
rights and bertes-the surcst protection against
revolution reckless innovation and change.
the Democrats have occupied but little time in
discussing the question of Free Suffrage. Their
minds were thoroughly made up, and they felt that
the people looked for action rather than words on
this great question. They have presented, too
united front i'll favor of the measure and they have
maintained that front through protracted parliament
tary contests, with tirmness of bearing and fidelity
to the principle of Free Suffrage ITSELF worthy of
lasting praise