importance that he be a wise man rather than a fool--a man of integrity
rather than a knave.

4thly. Experience, the only save and unerring guide, is altogether in
favor of elections at large rather than by Districts. The representation
of this State in Congress has ever been of the most respectable
character--It is not too much to say that no State in the Union can
justly claim a superiority to Connecticut in this respect. The fame may
be affirmed, with truth, of the upper house of the Legislature of this
State. Has there not been a constant succession of able and wise men in
that branch of the administration of Connecticut? For more than a
century we have preserved an unexampled prosperity.--shall we hazard
our interests on the speculations of zealous partizans who are
constantly bewildering themselves and their followers in new schemes?

Another project is that of universal suffrage. The streets resound with
the clamour that men are deprived of the invaluable privilege of
choosing their rulers, and the people are invited to extend this
privilege to all who pay taxes and do military duty. It is now
discovered that Connecticut, in this particular, is not free.--The
great argument urged in support of universal suffrage is that taxation
and representation should go hand in hand--it is said that this maxim
was deemed just during the revolutionary war, and that Americans adhered
to it as a fundamental principle.--This principle the writer readily
recognizes as a sound and indisputable position in every free
government. But what is the meaning of the maxim? Does it intend that
every person who is taxed, can of right claim the privilege of giving
his suffrage? If so persons convicted of offences, or who are infamous
for their vices may vote--for such persons are not outlawed.--On this
principle, women of full age and unmarried, are also to be admitted.--