The weekly Minnesotian. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1852-1858, 1857-08-15

upon the Constitution of the United States
He revered that instrument for its Impair
TALLY. 1t knew no such thing as shades of
complexion. Therefore he was in favor Of
the amendment by Mr.. Hayden, for that in
cluded all citizens of the United States, re-
gardless of their color.
After proceedings in call ofthe Conven-
ton,
Mr.. HAYDEN'S amendment was rejected
affirmative 10, negative &c
Mr.. SECOMBE proposed to amend the
substitute by making it 20 days residence in
the town or precinct;
Which was rejected.
Mr.. MORGAN proposed to supply in the
second clause of the substitute-"who has
resided in the United States two years next
preceding the time of the election at which
he claims the right to vote ;"
Which was rejected.
Mr. FOSTER proposed to modify the sub
stitute by striking out, "citizens of the
United States and inserting, " persons, not
aliens, born in the United States, and per-
sons of foreign birth, who have become citi-
zens of the United States according to the
laws thereof;"
Which was rejected.
Mr.. SECOMBE proposed to amend the
substitute by striking out the second and
third subdivisions thereof, and inserting
"2nd. Every person who has been an
inhabitant of the United States for two years
next preceding the election at which he shall
claim the right to vote, shall be a qualified
elector; provided always, no alien by birth,
who is not citizen of the United States. shall
have the right to vote at any election, unless
he shall exhibit certificate from the proper
officer that he has declared his intention to
become citizen Of the United States and
no person shall vote at any election, unless
he shall have complied with the requirements
of the registry act hereafter to be provided
for"
Mr.. COGGSWELL gave his views of the
whole question, and read proposition EN-
bodying them, which, if nothing better should
be presented, he intended to offer at the prop
er time. 1t proposed, that every male per-
son of the age of 81 years and upwards, be-
longing to either of the following classes, and
who shall have resided in the State six
months, and in the town, ward, or precinct
10 days, shall be deemed qualified elector,
to wit: l. Citizens of the United States.
?. White persons Of foreign birth who may
HdNc ucCldItu tuelr luteutlOQ 10 become ClCl-
zens of the United States, and residents of
this State at the time of the adoption of this
Constitution. 3. Persons of foreign birth,
who shall have declared their intention to be-
come citizens of the United States, and who
have been residents of the United States for
the period of two years. 4. All persons of
mixed Indian blood, and all full-blOoded, hav-
ING adopted the habits of civilized life, who
can write their name and read this Constitu-
ton, and who are not members of any tribe
and do not receive annuities from the United
States, and who shall have resided in the
State, town, ward, or precinct, the same
length of time required of other voters:
Prorided, no such person shall be entitled to
vote, unless he shall have obtained certif-
cate from some Court of Record, showing
that he possesses these qualifications.
Mr.. SECOMBE'S amendment was reject
ed.
And then, the Convention took a recess till
halfpast O'Clock.