Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1806-02-21

THE period approaches
when OH will again convene for III, ou,oose of
choosing TWO delegates Ia represent YOU IN the
General Assembly of this commonwealth
The duties of 4 representa- i've are so nume-
rons and so diversified that the psope. who n.
zone are Interested, onght TO nave The fullest con.
hdepce In the integrity and the 5slenjs os the
pvrsons on whom they bestow a l,ust n such i'm
pottanee 10 themselves, and their country The
great responsibility OF the trust Itself. The dan
ger OF IT'S being abused 10 The injury of those bv
whom Is grinted; tte wei founded app,ehen
81 IN that lew individuals posses all the sualifica.
uohs 'eqnisie TO constiu ( legiSa or. create the
strongest Claims on the ciroumspeaion, vigi-
lance and elaboration of rhc people AS there
oughtto be congeniaiity OF sentiment and in
teresi, between the representative and his con.
sntuen.s, tome II would appear TO be the most ab.
surd OF all political pa ad0xes for the people to
vote tor men whose feelings ,in,e SIS or opinions
are rei'ugnaut 10 their own The peopIe have an
'ndub'tsb!e right of choice br, they have nei-
'her moral, nor political right TO abuse their
pri"iieget to their own injury or that of the COM
muniiy They have nor a righ, for tie irnpor-
'ant functions ofiegislation, to vote for wicked
and hagitious men have they in 2 govern
ment, founded like ours III common consent and
organised tor the common good, the right of o
tIng Tor men, whese principles are inimical TO
the essence and genius of the constitution
The representative HIS also hisgishts On sui,
Gets submitted 70 the legislature he has right
10 give an impartial ami a conscier ,ious vote l.
grceable 10 the best lights OF his understanding
but as representative ne is bound to conform
10 the sense of his Immediate constituents when
ever that sense can be fully and fairly ascertain
ed In all other cases he may exercise sound
and an honest discretion
Thess are the outlines Of my orinions Of the
relation existing between the people and those
to whom they delegate portion of their roii IL
Cal powers or IN other words tb-ir ,e esenratiues
lhave conceived 1t my duty make these OBJ
| servaiions, Prevousto declaration Of ny rten-
| ton of becoming candidate for your suTrages
at the ensuing election. The office, for which
| am a Candidate will then be vacant and a though
! have not the vanity to think myself b,e.eDfi
nert!y qualified TO schaTge the duties of the sta
ton still believe it 10 be one Of the p eatest
I privileges resulting from our republican institu
| lions privilege which has been canonized by
the revolution, which separated us eternalIy from
! the wicked. corrupt and heseditsry systems of
! Europe; privilege, which constitutes the main
pillar of every republican government. that any
citizen is at liberty to become candidate for A.
NY Office, within the gift of h,s fellow ci,izeps
In this Country we have no p,ipiicged orders no
classes of men, who claim prerogatiyes and i'm.
munities Tor the ilius,rious deeds Of their ances
tors. We are all upon a level have the same
equality OF rights: The constitution knows no
difference between one crizen and another; all
are equally eligible 70 rhe 6rst stations the only
qualifications are honesty, capacity and attach
men, 20 the constitution. If ihe people mink me
entitled % their confidence, have the consol,
ton OF knowing that the CONSTITUTIONS presen,s no
impedmeut 20 my election but If they think anv
other Candidate more eninenty enti-ied 10 tilsi,
confidence, him they should bestow Their
votes, and It will be my duty TO aoquiesce in
their decision.
On occasions similar TO the present, il IS no,
unusual for candidates 20 declare heir politica
opinions l will therefore make concise deeia
ration ct mine. now am, and ever bav.
been republican, warmly attached TO the prin
ciples oil representation aAd responsibility, as
have never been able 70 comprehend the pciiti
ca. Dogma, " Of the many beng made fer m.
| few" | am 4 friend 70 economy in the expen
diture of public money, and should at al tunes b,
opposed 10 laying any pecuniary burlheus upor
! the people, except such as Appeared 10 me 20 b,
indispen5ably necessary 20 support the credit IN,
honor, and the dignity Of the government. som.
burthens are indispef SADLY necessary W.Iks Of
general utility cannot be accomplished withou
the aid of money this cannot % Obtained, bu
through the mo.ium Of taxes in one shane or ano
thes these taxes however apparently indireE
the mode Of collection, must b. ultimately b. ru,
by the people a, large. and surely there are yer,
few, who would not pay them ehee ,fui-. !
when collected, they were applied 10 obi cts b,
! which all would be benefited
the limits of this address will nor permit mi
to attempt refutation OF all the v3fiors ,bicc
tons which may be made TO my 81 esss. I s4al
therefore conGne uy.e.f 10 thar, g.. aieh IS urge
with tho most confidence and industry Til