Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1872-02-27
CONSTITUTIONAL CONVENTION.

FROM tne Cnarleston correspondence OF
the Wheeling Register, under date of the
18th instant, we learn that the Convention
spent the day in the discussion of the report
on bill of rights.
Mr.. Travers proposed Co mako an addition.
al disqualification from voting, the failure to
pay any capitation tax for school purposes.
He could not give his assent to the princi>
pie announced by some gentlemen upon the
floor. that the right to vote was "heaven
born. The gentleman from Kanawha
(Judge Ward) had demonstrated that such
rights were in the people, and they alone had
power to decide who should exercise the right
to suffrage. 1t was not a natural right, or in
deed, right at all, but an acquired privilege
conferred upon the individual for the pur-
poses of society. IF it was, as some gentle
men insisted, a "heaven born" right, how did
we refuse it to citizens of other States until
they bad resided here for one year? Why
exclude those under 81 years? Why debar
those fair ones. the ladies', the flowers which
wreath the earth in beauty? The proposed
amendment did not deprive any of their
rights, nor did it degrade them. On the con-
trary, it tended to elevate them, to make them
feel an interest in the State which they
helped to support. He cared not to inquire
whether it was popular or not 1t was suffi-
cieut for him to be convinced that it was right,
and when this was done, no fears of its un>
popularity would deter him from doing what
he believed to be his duty.
The amendment, after an exciting debate,
which was participated in by number of
members, was rejected.
CHARLESTON, February IA.
Yesterday afternoon the much vexed ques
ton of the manner of voting came up. The
report Of the committee favored the ballot,
while minority reported in favor of the viua
Uoce system. The minority report was taken
up aud considered q sn bstitute for that of
the committee. This proposition elected gen.
eral discussion and seventy>fv speeches were.
made on the subject, for and against; and for
fear your readers will thiEk we have three
members whose lips have not been touched
with fire from off the altar, L beg leave to
say that one member was in the chair, anoth-
er absent, and a third under the weather.
The substitute was finally rejected, when Mr.
Travers offered resolution submitting the
proposition to vote riva voce to the people, as
a distinct proposition, to be voted on at the
same time with the Constitution Pending
the consideration of which the Convention
adjourned.
This morning the subject waa again taken
up.
Mr.. Grim favored the resolution. He
thought the people of his section of the State
desired it, and his own wishes conceded with
theirs r.
Mr.. Ward thought that the river counties
were opposed to the old method of voting,
while the back or hill counties were in favor
of it. and he certainly was himself.
Mr. ~ L..
it was out of order. The Convention had
already passed upon the proposition in com>
mittee of the Whole, and lit could only be
properly considered in the Convention when
making up the schedule.
Mr.. Armstrong favored the resolution as
also did Mr.. Pate, while Mr.. Brown opposed.
Mr.. johnson, Of Tyler, opposed it for the
same reason stated by Mr. Wilson. While
he M light be disposed to vote for it at the
proper time, he could not do SO now
Mr.. Jackson, of Lewis, had voted against
the proposition yesterday, but upon consider
alton he believed the pople of his district
were in favor of it. and would so VOTE
Mr.. Mathews thought the people of his
section were almost unanimously in favor of
it, but it would make no difference to them
in voting for the constitution. He thought
the resolution should not be adopted now, but
should be in forming the schedule.
MIR. Gushing was in favor of the ballot
He had been converted to it, but he thought
it proper the matter should be submitted to
the people, and believed majority of the
people of his district were in favor of the
uiCG voce vote.
AT the suggestion of Mr.. Woods and others
of the friends of the ballot system, and with
the understanding that the proposition should
be submitted to seperate vote, as contem,
plated, Mr.. Travers withdrew his resolution.
CHARLESTON, February Is.
The Constitution Convention has had
under discussion for ten days in committee of
the Whole, the first three articles of the pro