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Story
December 10, 1867
Staunton Spectator
Staunton, Virginia
What is this article about?
Analysis from Richmond Whig on Virginia's voter registration and election turnout, arguing that white Conservatives can defeat a Radical constitution by fully registering and voting, given the numbers of whites (116,982 registered) vs. blacks (104,772) and projected strengths.
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Full Text
Can a Radical Constitution be Defeated in Virginia.
Before the late elections the number of registered persons, white and black, was 221,754. Of this aggregate 116,982 were whites, and 104,772 blacks, giving a white majority of 12,210. The vote cast for the Convention was 14,835 whites and 92,507 blacks. The vote cast against the Convention was 61,249 whites and 638 blacks. Aggregate vote cast, 169,229—less by 52,525 than the number registered.—Of the 52,525 registered votes not cast, 40,898 were whites and 11,627 blacks. Of the 14,835 whites who voted for a Convention, it is safe to assume that not more than 5,000 are Radicals, who will vote for a Radical constitution, 5,000 white Radicals added to the 104,000 registered blacks give 109,000 Radical aggregate. It is believed that the whole Radical strength has been registered. To offset this we have 111,982 white Conservatives registered, and from 15 to 20,000 to be registered, which would give us a Conservative vote against an offensive Radical constitution of—say from 125,000 to 130,000.
Is it not plain, then, that it is in our power if we all register who are entitled to register, and all vote who are entitled to vote, to defeat any constitution framed under the present reconstruction laws which shall not be agreeable to us?—Richmond Whig.
Before the late elections the number of registered persons, white and black, was 221,754. Of this aggregate 116,982 were whites, and 104,772 blacks, giving a white majority of 12,210. The vote cast for the Convention was 14,835 whites and 92,507 blacks. The vote cast against the Convention was 61,249 whites and 638 blacks. Aggregate vote cast, 169,229—less by 52,525 than the number registered.—Of the 52,525 registered votes not cast, 40,898 were whites and 11,627 blacks. Of the 14,835 whites who voted for a Convention, it is safe to assume that not more than 5,000 are Radicals, who will vote for a Radical constitution, 5,000 white Radicals added to the 104,000 registered blacks give 109,000 Radical aggregate. It is believed that the whole Radical strength has been registered. To offset this we have 111,982 white Conservatives registered, and from 15 to 20,000 to be registered, which would give us a Conservative vote against an offensive Radical constitution of—say from 125,000 to 130,000.
Is it not plain, then, that it is in our power if we all register who are entitled to register, and all vote who are entitled to vote, to defeat any constitution framed under the present reconstruction laws which shall not be agreeable to us?—Richmond Whig.
What sub-type of article is it?
Historical Event
What themes does it cover?
Justice
Triumph
What keywords are associated?
Voter Registration
Radical Constitution
Virginia Elections
Conservative Vote
Reconstruction Laws
White Majority
Where did it happen?
Virginia
Story Details
Location
Virginia
Event Date
Late Elections
Story Details
Pre-election registration showed 116,982 whites and 104,772 blacks in Virginia. Low white turnout favored Convention (mostly black votes). Projections: Radicals ~109,000; Conservatives could reach 125,000-130,000 if all register and vote, defeating Radical constitution.