National Republican., 1876-02-01
VIRGINIA..
Proposed Amendment to the Constitution of
the State-The Poor Glasses to be Disfran-
For

Proposed Amendment to the Constitution of
the state-Tho Poor Glasses to be Disfran-
chised for Petty Larceny.
We print below 4 letter addressed to the men,
bers of the Virginia Legislature from Marke X.
DeMOrtie, esq, Mr. Geo. I. Downing's son.in-law.
We give place TO 1t for It's plsip, good sense and
because Of its amiatle tone. 1t refers in a mod
est manner to what We fear is the desire Of those
who would have tie amendments adopted. And
that Is, to disrarchise the colored citizens Of Viz
Gria, because they are Republicans:
BUEKEyILLE, VA, Jan. ), 1876.
SIR: l am a native Sirgfnian, and q colored
man. am property holder, and am Identified
with the material interests Of my State, and feel
that PRIDE CT State that Should characterize
every citizen Of the Commonwealth.
These facts induce me TO address you. 1 do so
with profound respect, having IN mind the con-
sideration that is due you not only rs gentleman
but as legislator. AS legislator you will be
called upon to consider certain proposed constitu-
the Legislature. There is involved in the same
the pride and hcn0r Of the State. Its credit In
every respect will be effected for veal or woe, as
the State shall decide.
The interests of all classes are concerned, the
rights Of my race are especially interested.
Tie common law that old England gives US. her
sOrs, as legal light, to illuminate the paths of
justice, may lie darEered by the decision. refer
TO the proposition TO make the first committal OF
bic with imprIscnment in the penitentInry and the
forfeiture Of the rights Of a citizen of the State
1t Is well.knoWn fact that the training and
keeping Of the eolOred Nirginian has for over two
hurdred years been that which the white Virgin
ian has given him. The colOred man was not
free his habits and customs have been such as his
surroundings have been made true of him.
In the days OF slavery he worked without com.
commit petty theft, take provisions and the ike,
without committing henious crime, as little
notice was taken Of such ofenses. Trained under
these circumstances, will tho end of legal punish
ment be best obtained by treating him for petit
larceny as other States treat the educated and
such course be merciiul, refOrmatory and iustP
Would IL net have depressing, hardening, dis
cOuraging tendency, rather than a rsfOrmatory
ore? Would lot the thought arise in some minds
that 1t is the judicial process TO disiranchss the
poor, who, in too many instances, are tempted by
/ ing some trfing thing?
Though this law may lear in most cases on
the poor colcred map, who has been trained and
which 1 have referred, still 1t reaches beyond
the colored man. The poor white man, to satisfy
the malice and price OF cast in some rich man,
(wbo steals large amounts may become the vic.
tim, and be incarcerated within the State prison
walls; his wife and family wear a criminals
name through life, because he has, under dire
necessity purloined some small article of food
for his iamishing family.
The common law does not recognize the first
with the forfeiture Of the rights Of q citizen BY
incarceration and disfranehisement, like that
given Hs to to act; s. involving grand larceny:
gress was approved By the President to admit
this State TO representation in the Congress Of
the United States. Amosg other conditions an.
nexed and assented to by the State, having all
the force Of treaty or statute, was: "That the
constitution Of Virginia shall Rsrer be SO amended
the uDtsa States Sf Hsfh the fgS to Toto
who are entitled to vote by the constitution here.
In recognized, except as punishment for such
crimes as are notv felonies at common law
VIII 1t not be breach OF faith to adopt the
proposed amendment? VIII not the violation OF
our contract impair the credit of the State insn.
ctally and otherwise, as well as bring down on
the State the Indignation Of all Just Judges of
that sense Of honor which our early fathers re-
garded the foundation Of honor, in dealings Of
state as well ss between man and his fellow?
IT we break faith with the General Govern
ment In this instance, can we In good faith ask
her 70 aid our James River and Kanawha Canal,
or assume our State debt, as x.Cioy Walker
would have her dc? VIII the bondholders of our
State debt have any faith in our promises should
we propose to readiust our State debt with them?
hope these suggestions may bs considered by
you, and that the interest Of the State may not
be dwarfed by your action
Yours, respectfully, II. X. DEMoRTIE.