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Editorial
July 24, 1821
Richmond Enquirer
Richmond, Richmond County, Virginia
What is this article about?
Anecdote from Dr. Franklin opposing property qualifications for voting: a man loses his vote when his $50 jackass dies, despite gaining more experience, questioning if the right is in the man or the jackass.
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OCR Quality
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Full Text
ELECTIVE FRANCHISE.
Dr. Franklin was once a member of a body in which it was contended that a certain amount of property should be required as a qualification for voting. The Doctor was opposed to it: "To day," said he, "a man owns a Jackass worth 50 dollars, and he is entitled to vote: but before the next election, the Jackass dies.—The man in the mean time, has become more experienced; his knowledge of the principles of government, and his acquaintance with mankind, are more extensive; and he is therefore better qualified to make a proper selection of rulers—but the Jackass is dead and the man cannot vote. Now, gentlemen, said he, addressing himself to the advocates of the qualification, "pray inform me, in whom is the right of suffrage, in the man—or in the Jackass?"
Dr. Franklin was once a member of a body in which it was contended that a certain amount of property should be required as a qualification for voting. The Doctor was opposed to it: "To day," said he, "a man owns a Jackass worth 50 dollars, and he is entitled to vote: but before the next election, the Jackass dies.—The man in the mean time, has become more experienced; his knowledge of the principles of government, and his acquaintance with mankind, are more extensive; and he is therefore better qualified to make a proper selection of rulers—but the Jackass is dead and the man cannot vote. Now, gentlemen, said he, addressing himself to the advocates of the qualification, "pray inform me, in whom is the right of suffrage, in the man—or in the Jackass?"
What sub-type of article is it?
Suffrage
What keywords are associated?
Elective Franchise
Voting Qualifications
Property Requirement
Benjamin Franklin
Suffrage Rights
What entities or persons were involved?
Dr. Franklin
Editorial Details
Primary Topic
Opposition To Property Qualifications For Voting
Stance / Tone
Opposed To Property Requirements For Suffrage
Key Figures
Dr. Franklin
Key Arguments
A Man's Right To Vote Should Not Depend On Owning Property, As Experience Improves Judgment Regardless Of Wealth.
The Anecdote Of The Jackass Illustrates That Suffrage Resides In The Individual, Not Their Possessions.