Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1806-02-14

MR. BuRwELL, rose to answer the en-
quiry of the gentleman from Spcusylva-
ma, who had asked, by what power the
prayer of the petitioners could be granted.
since the constitution was silent. Moth
ing was more clear TO his mind, than that
the question of Jurisdiction had been set
tied by the reception and reference Of the
petitions To the most importsp, Committee
knoHn to this house, if they had contained
language insulting 10 It's dignity. or de-
msnds which could not be granted with
outtranscending he limits IF our authority,
they would have been arrested at tbs
threshold and reje@ed. Bar, sir, there is
another ground upon which the gentle.
man may be answered the right uf this
mouse 10 sugges, TO the people the neces-
sI'y OF calling convention, is settled br
precedent. In i7sS a resolution passed
the legislature, recommending the eleeti-
| on CT members TO serve IN couventisn, TO
rarity or reje6t the federal constitutions
This act has never been considered as an
usurpaticn; but on the contrary, has been
sanctioned by the people, who have obey
ed the laws of the general government,
and thus adraitted lis legitimacy it was
the first time, Mr.. B. said, he ever heard
IT doubted. IF then a former House of
Delegates exercised this power, upon ave-
~ principle Of politics, ihs same thing
may be done by us, who are equally invest
ed with authority, equally competent and
unliGited. Those who contend tina, eve-
ry change effected in government, mus,
be permitted by some clause in the consti-
,unon, will End i, di!ficul, "a account for
the existence of the instrument under
which we nav meet. The truth is, said
ar b. the right to modify and change our
linsliintiont you'd be nuga,ory, if The con-
fdeEfisf agents of the psople were preciu-
ded from making arrangements f1r these
| purposes as il is impossible that the
nation can move en- mgsSe 10 some cent.
iai spot, and tx on the prelimnaries to
convention. The nature If he case
therefore; in addition Ia precedent, pla
ces The question out Of doubt had his
motion Ia resolve The HOUSE inta com
rnittee cF The whole prevailed he would
have submitted proper resolutions, ex.
planned them, and .hgs anticipate the en-
quiry just made.
lie was surprised at the arguments u
sed on this accession, and particularly. by
the gentleman from Spo,sylYania (sen.
! Minor). They consist of appeals TO our
fears, and euicg'es on the patriots who
formed the constitution. One would sun.
pose the dogs of war and confusion,
were 10 se unmuzzlcd and uncoupled -
that every hgament which binds society
| together, was TO be severed, and full
sweep given to faction and civil broil
that new experiment was 10 be made,
and such a spectacle exhibited as the
world never saw before. Has it been
forgotten that every state in the union has
called convention, and formed poIiti.
cal fabric ? and that ssme which were
! detective, have been changed for the bet
ter; the science Ut politics is progressive,
and Il prspns!erous that society should
lose the benefits Of Improvement, by ;e-
naciously adherng 70 old errors. Stree
4! the adoption of the federal government,
many of it's mos, vslsahie provisions have
been incorporated into that instruments
! Those amendments, securing eigious
| freedom, and The rights If the pre9s are
among the number; both of which ould
lhave been invaded but for this bsrrier.
Fhc alteration in the election OF pres-
dent and wee president, deserve 10 less
commendaiion. When il was pronosed
TO abolish the old confederation, Patrick
| Henry exclaimed, we are about 10 rebel,
to become dissatisfied With our King Log
and pray 10 Jupiter fer a Slotk, who will
devour us but every man feels the SUI
perior blessings of the present govern.
ment. and Notwithstanding these alarming
predictions, The country is f7ore secure
and prosperous than formerly.
4 gentleman says, beware ofextending
the right of suffrage; lock at Pennsylya.
MIA, see what scenes hsvs ensued from
tina; cause. He apprehended other rea-
sobs might be assigned more solid the
disorders Of that state arose from defects in
the constitution from the power and n-
! huence of the executive. The firm sand
Of the Virginia legislature IN times past
has been attributed to the lsndholders.--
Yet il cannot be csntradieted, that the
! resolution which called forth the energy
Of this state, emanated from Kentucky,
in which the HafUersai right of suffrage
is recognized. Tennessee, North Caro-
Ina, aid Pennsylvania, have been equally