1821. May 2

Constitut. Code

Constitutional

/Supreme Constitution

Election

1. Universality/

1. Universality

If a man /who/ on the occasion in question, a amn calls for the right of suffrage to be given to any one human being, if he calls for its being refused /the refusal of it/ to any other human being, it lies upon him to give a particular reason for such refusal,

For the refusal of it to persons of the female sex so as the votes be preserved by secresy, no reason /it has been shewn/ can be given that does noy apply with equal reason to persons of the male sex, and with stronger reason in a monarchy, against the admission of females to the throne.

For the refusal of it to persons of both sexes underage, two plain reasons can be given: 1. that a person who is not yet competent to the menagement of his own affairs, cannot have much reason to complain of being debarred from interfering in the meneagement of the affairs of others: 2. that the exclusion thus put on the ground of age is not like the exclusion put upon the ground of sex, the perpetual, but temporary only, and upon the arrival of the person at the age at which he is generally regarded as competent to the management of his own affairs, this exclusion is sure to cease.

Various classes of persons might be mentioned, who if the result of the election could depend upon the direction given to their suffrages /votes/, might by reason on account the ground of this or that disqualifying circumstance with reason be excluded. But for justification of such exclusion, sufficient proof of the existence of such disqualifying circumstances, would require to be given. Hence to an indefinite amount litiscontestation expence vexation and delay /must have place:/ evils which ought not to be admitted only their admission /was/ made up for by some [...?] /assigned/ preponderant good.