The Great Question for the People! ESSAYS ON THE ELECTIVE FRANCHISE; OR, WHO HAS THE RIGHT TO VOTE ? BY JOHN HANCOCK, COUNSELLOR AT LAW. "The right which is exercised by the citizens at large, in voting at elections, is one of the most Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1865, by JOHN HANCOCK, in the District Court of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. INTRODUCTION. JK 1849 THE subject of these few pages is of itself of the highest importance. To no people on earth can it be destitute of interest; and to ourselves at this time it may well take precedence of all others. The stiff phrase "elective franchise" means the right of choice, and a moment's reflection will show us that those who choose the rulers are the virtual governors; and thus the question, "Who shall vote?" resolves itself into the question, "Who shall rule ?" If ever a grave theme came before an earnest people, this is one. We shall need all the discoveries of former time, and all the wisdom of our own, to do it justice; and even with all these, we may deferentially exclaim, "Who is sufficient for this thing!" But while thus impressed with our great responsibility, let us not forget that cowardice is no element of safety. We have not officiously gone out of the beaten track of duty to meddle with this matter. It lies full before us, and will allow of no evasion. The stern necessity of present consideration lies upon us,-the grand panel of the nation,-the present voters of our great republic; and the sacrificed dead and the helpless living unite to remind us in loving earnestness, "for this end were ye born!" The author, in his search for precedents, has gleaned from the whole field of the past. Greece and Rome, and all the intervening governments send their tributes of experience. Our European fathers are brought to the witness-stand, and after them appear our own wise men from PATRICK HENRY down to EDWARD EVERETT. The amount of valu 245 |