Virginia Argus. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1796-1816, 1815-07-15

rights. and produces III society the most delete,
rIous consequences.
The iInpol,cy of he system Is Obvious to per
sons who feel the value of Their rights it is 4
source OF constant dissatisfaction, and in Others
I generates disregard to the national concerns
winch deadens every patriotic sensiblity, and
thus dmnishes the general energies and pros
perity.
IL rs not less unjust in principle and result, than
"a the impohcy with which thls deprivation OF
right rs characterized. The bOnd which unites
Win society him, whose interest IN the cornmuni.
~ IS permanent, is IN great measure ioosened
Whs,eVef virtues he may possess, however est
naoie may be his talents, however important may
De MS lnHuence--these amount to nothing in the
calculations of our political arithmetc-his pay.
ments to the Treasury may be large, and the
state may ring with reclamation for his herosm;
put ne possesses not q quantity Of Lard. Hence,
ms services are virtually denounced rs of no
worth, he IS bereft of the most nestimable privi-
ege and the state is Invested of the affections OF
her citizens.
That to deprive men of the right 20 elect the
ofhcers other Government, is contrary TO tBc
grand constitutional doctrines of the Columbia
Republic, admits of no doubt Tt is a violent
contradiction of all the principles of freedom il
Is practical den al of the selfeuiden, truths, pro
mulSed by tie public formularies of sever,
States IN the Union; and it is localized subgt;i
Tor the equalizmg benefits which Repub!, canisi,,
was intended 10 irnpart
Dut II the system be examined in connection
with the constitution ofthe United States. Il viii
appear sii3EI9re odious-for it usurpg an autho-
ri,y' whfc,f'ro man, the Bill of r gh,s declares
ever could delegate to others. The Virginia or
any other Legislature have no equitable claim 10
ln' ertere in the elections of any Officers under
.ne eSteral Constitution. Every provision of the
general compact j, far removed from the controul
OF the Assembly, and the right of part. king in
me necessary choice ofthe national Executive md
Leg. stature IS an immunity totally independent
OF 'he'r jurisdiction. And five were inclined
70 submit ue disposal of this privilege TO any ter
restiai power, the Bill of Rights preclucles. BY
an unqualified assertion, as a fundamental ocliti-
cal truth, thai by no compact, could we s.lren-
der our rights for ourselves Or our posterty -
Consequently, the existing system is atvrann,csJ.
and anti-republican destruction OF the inherent
and maj enable rights ofman.
ne .iistia c'ore are forced to b0trole for me
pR6hc security. They also chfeeyrebair The stre-ts
ana ronGs. Can higher degree ofoppress.ye NJ
equality or injustice be proposed, that those who
have no voice in Legislation, who participate not
IN the national evil, and who have little produce
10 transfer. should perform the most painful and
disagreeable duties, chiefly for the benefit of
others, who are personally exempt from the hur-
DEM
Therefore, viewing the denial of the elective
franchise TO persons who pay the public taxes
and fulfil their social duties, as obviously con-
trary to the Bill of Rights, unjust in its pr.ncple
* effects, arbitrary in its adoption & prolonqaon,
and nnpolitlc both in its moral and civil resl !:
We recommend the subject to YOUR calm cons d.
Grafton; and we confden ly hope, that you will
gn the MEMORIAL, that the most speedy and
ettectual measures may be execu ell, that our
doctrines and pr,ctice may coincide; every man
cultivate patriotic spirit the harmony and
prosperity of the State be insured /; and fervid
devotion to the public veal ever be exen.
pl fed by all persons who inhabit our beloved
country.