1722. CONSTITUTION (Spanish), Suffrage.—
There is one provision [in the new
Constitution of Spain] which will immortalize
its inventors. It is that which, after a certain
epoch, disfranchises every citizen who cannot
read and write. This is new, and is the fruitful
germ of the improvement of everything
good, and the correction of everything imperfect
in the present Constitution. This will give
you an enlightened people, and an energetic
public opinion which will control and enchain
the aristocratic spirit of the government.—
To Chevalier de Onis. Washington ed. vi, 342.
(M.
1814)
