American union. [volume] (Morgantown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1855-1859, 1858-07-16
The Right Of SuGrage--its abuse, SC.


Some of the more observing among
the Democracy arc beginning to find
out that the right Of suffrage is being
considerably abased--~a thing tina, has
been suspected in other quarters Cor o
long time The following article on
tbs subject is from the editorial col.
umns Of the Richmond Eraminer--
whence it is transferred to the .Enqui-
rer, at the suggestion of correspond
ent, who says, "The views presented
merit, l think, the serious considera-
ton of all the honest and patriotic cit
liens of Virginia. Since the inaucu-
ration of universal suffrage & frequent
elections in Virginia, corruption and
bribery on the part of candidates and
voters have greatly increased. 1t is
surely desirable that the fountain of
power should be kept pure. Laws a
gainst bribery are futile, as they are
always easily evaded.
"Therc is great power in public O.
pinion, and if the honest voters will
unite in condemning all unfair and
corrupt electionecring, and if they can
obtain the cooperation of the political
press, the growing evil of bribery, &c.
may be arrested before very serious
injury is inflicted"
The Right Of Suffrage and its abuse-increase
or Political Corruption, and necessity for
measures Of counteractien.
What is understood as universal sufIra pe'
originated IN the Northern States. Vherey
or IL mas long prevailed, experience has de-
monslra'ed ITS dempIaliZng tendency, and
| corruption has increased among candidates
ana voters. There are many men of talent.
extensive attanments and high moral char
aclcr,. 'hronghou, the Norlherl Statesmen
capable oi rendering, and willing 10 render.
valuable political service in their several
State Lesi 'saiures and in Congress. WHY
are they no' adjoining tho stations for v hicb
they are qualified! Because their self.res
prct and their patriotism will not allow
them to buy votes and to practice the vile
arts nf the demaeoaue. Hence it is that
wrh'n The last thirty years. the Northern
STATES nave sent 50 small n number OF able
men 10 me House Of Representatives. Uni
veisal suffrage is nnrIendly TO stability Of
lpgislaii5n and OF representation, and "rnta.
tl"n IN otfice is one Of its mandates. Nor.
lhern men arc rarely elected to the House
| oi Rrrrrs" natives more than twice, and on
inns account 10 adequate inducempnt is Of.
Tered TO men OF high order 10 devote their
minds and time To the science Of goy.tu
ment, to thorough examination Of our com
PtN institutions, and the rules Of legislative
bodies. A corrupt system of eIcc,i1neering
and voting excludes ION Congress the ablest
men. ana The third and fourth rate polii-
cans who ara elected make bnt little exer-
| lloh 10 improve Themselves. as they are
sensible That the doctrine OF "rotation in
otllce VIII soon vacate their seats.
From 1875 10 1880, the right Of suffrage
| IN virginia was confined TO lice holders
The Convention Of $3.50 extended the
light OF suffrage, but allowed no one to vote
VINO ana not pay revenue tax. Our present
Constitution coniers the right OF suffrage on
every White male citizen OF the Common
wealth. oil the aye OF twenty. one years, who
has been resident OF the State Tor . SeaIs,
bnd ol The county. city or town where he
offers 10 vote for twelve months next pre-.
ceding all election.
There are limits beyond which political
rights cannot be extended without hoard 10
the best aud permanent interests Of society
NO benefit can result from comforting the
right OF suffrage upon those who are incom
Petent 10 exercise 1t with discretion and in
| dependence. II is certainly desirable that
all the white males over twenty -one years
Old, IN every State. should possess The rrquI-
site qualifications Of mind and character for
J The faithful discharge OF political duties, but.
unfortunately the sun has never she IFS RAYS
| upon such State or people. The attain
ment o. the qualifications requisite Tor an
| homes, ana independent exercise Of DOVER
! should precele the possession of the power
| The authority 70 vote, dees not confer the
/ capacity or impl, the will to vote correctly.
While every citizen should cherish & value
the right Of suffrage, ne should remem Der
| that the right ought 10 te exercised with re.
/ terence to the advancement Of The welfare
. OF the community in which D" lives, and OF
! the Commonwealth 10 which jc owes file-
/ lily and loyalty. BY voting honestly, he
discharges ona Of the duties which be owes
to himself, to his family. his fellow ci,izrns
aud his country: by selling his vote, he Vi.
olates duty, degrades himself, Injuries his
fellow citizens, aud proves a traitor to his
| country. Obvious as these truths are TO all
we'll disposed persons OF ordinary intolli-
gence. we confidently believe that there are
thousands OF voters in Virginia who never
reflect Upon tho moral and political obliga-
| lions BY which their votes should be gov
| etnsd.
Our forefathets tho't tha, no man should
be allowed 10 vote, except those having
! sufficient evidence OF permanent, common
| interest with aud attaclIme nj 10 the com mn.
! nifty )" that elections fought TO be- fyee:''-
that no free government or the blessing of
liberty can be preserved 10 any people but
! by firm ndhcIEnGe 10 iuSLlcc. ,nnIc rnLinn