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meanors, to be tried like other citizens, on presentment and indict
mentin the due course of the common law, subject to such regu
lations and limitations as the Legislature may prescribe by law.
On motion of Mr. Blakistone, it was
Ordered, That the committee on the Elective Franchise inquire
into the expediency of adopting the following article:
1st. That every free white male citizen above the age of twen
ty-one years, having resided twelve months in the State, and six
months in the county or city, immediately preceding any election
at which he offers to vote, shall be entitled to the right of suffrage.
2nd. That every free white male citizen having the residence as
aforesaid, who shall have borne arms in defence of this State, or
of the United States, or who are or may be compelled to beararms
in defence of either, shall be entitled to the rghts of suffrage.
3rd. That every married man above the age of 18 years, and
having the above qualification of residence shall be entitled to the
right of suffrage.
On motion of Mr. Blakistone, it was
Ordered, That the committee on the Bill of Rights inquire into
the expediency of adopting the followng articles
That the property of a woman, whether acquired before or after
marriage, shall not be subject to tier husband's debts, nor to be
disposed of by him; but shall remain hers forever as if she were
a feme sole.
That a man shall not be responsible for the debts of his wife
contracted before marriage.
That no Clergyman of any religious denomination, in which
Auricular concession is observed, shall be compelled or permitted
to give evidence of any confession made to him, in any court of
law or equity in this State.
On motion of Mr. Blakistone, it was
Ordered, That the committee on Education inquire into the
expediency of adopting the following article:
That it shall be the duty of parents to maintain, educate and
support their children until they arrive at majority,and in the event
of the inability of parents to provide suitably for their children,
the duty to devolve on the public, to the end that the child of every
citizen of this State may be cared for and suitably educated.
Mr. Gwinn, submitted the following order:
Ordered, That the committee on Representation report to this
House on or before Monday next, and that the report of the said
committee he made the special order of the day, for Friday,
January 3rd, 1851
Which was read, and
On motion of Mr. Spencer,
Said order was laid on the table.
Mr. Donaldson, submitted the following order:
Which was twice read and adopted.
Ordered, That the Treasurer be and he is hereby requested to
furnish to this Convention, at his earliest convenience, a statement
showing—