American Republican And Baltimore Daily Clipper

New York State Convention.

Delegates to this convention are to be chosen on to-morrow, and candidates of the various parties in the State are presented to the people. Whilst moderate and discreet men contemplate such changes only in the constitution of the State as will make it more conformable to the improved condition of the age, and better calculated to promote the interests and rights of the people, there are ultra reformers "of every grade, color and distinction," (says the Herald,) "who are desirous of creating a new state of things, and bringing about a great political millennium."

The changes sought to be brought about by the latter class are varied and numerous, consisting of the election of all judiciary officers by the people, the abolition of lawyers, the extinction of chancellors, the abolition of certain land titles, the extension of the right of suffrage to colored people, and various other reforms, which, in the opinion of these political economists, are required at this time."

We know that factions exists in New York who are in favor of limiting individual rights to property to a given amount of land—for depriving industry of its just reward—and for elevating the corrupt and vicious to an equality with the upright and virtuous: who consider all law as an unnecessary restraint, and inconsistent with the rights of man; and all religion as an intolerable imposition—but we cannot believe that these factions are sufficiently strong to elect delegates to the Convention, or to have the least influence with that body. Nor can we believe that the people of New York will ever consent that the right of suffrage shall be extended to the colored people of the State, or that they shall be placed upon a perfect equality with white persons. It would prove to be a source of great corruption were the right of suffrage to be so extended, for the colored vote of the State would be in the market to the highest bidder. Suppose the constitution to be framed should authorize colored men to be elected to Congress, the Legislature, &c., or to be appointed as judges, justices of the peace, &c., what would be the result? It may be said, that they never would be either so elected or appointed; but that is not so certain. Demagogues would use them, and might be required in return to aid them in their projects. Suppose then, that a colored man were to be sent to the House of Representatives; would he be permitted to take his seat? Never. But some of the factions in New York would glory in placing him in that situation; for their fanatical zeal in behalf of colored people, would induce them to give the preference to the colored over the white candidate.

We shall be glad to see a reform of actual abuses in New York, and in every other State; but we should regret to see the destructive feeling prevail there or elsewhere. We are the advocates of law and order, and of course opposed to every measure of a revolutionary tendency. We believe that it is indispensible that the judiciary should be independent of the influences and fluctuations of parties, and are therefore opposed to the election of judges by the people; for the people are not qualified to determine the legal qualifications of persons. We freely admit our own incapacity in this respect, and should shrink from giving a vote for the important and responsible office of judge. Most of the States have found it necessary to revise their constitutions, so as to render them more perfect, and Maryland and other States will probably follow the example. In the election of delegates to a convention for that purpose, care should be taken to select the wisest and most discreet citizens, and that without reference to party distinctions—for the constitution of a State should be so framed as to secure equal and exact justice to all persons.