Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1816-07-17

1851 N~sar ihNutt ny Tightly IEtuSuA W
correct this crying injustice.
There is the less reason for opposing a
speedy corrective ofthe abuse so much
complained of, as it is manifest that the
present state of things cannot long CONT
nue. :: Or. does it enter into the calculate
ons OF those who will not assent to the re-
dress, that the rapidly increasing popula-
ton OF the Western Country are never to
enjoy that privilege of equal representation
which every wing on both sides of the
Atlantic, challenges as his birthrights Is It
not manifest that at some future period, a
reiorm must take place that when the in
equality becomes yet more glariug-whcn
the western treemt shall be more hume
rous than theirlowland brethren. the spirit
Il the people will demand and enforce re-
form Andis 1t a principle with us that
the public sentiment shall not be obeyed.
until 1t speaks to us in 2 voice of thunder
Is such the doctrine either of that prudence
which scrupulously avoids every occasion
OF popular excitement. or of that republ-
caDism which considers the legislative bo-
dy as political barometer-yielliug upon
every occasion TO the slightest pressure of
public opinion Whether we wish to pre-
serve in their purity, the principles of our
representative democracy, or even to save
the vessel OF state from being stranded,
miserable wreck amidst the tempest of
public commotion--we must discard the j.
dea Of opposing reform. until it is forced
upon the government by the clamours Of
the people. If the occasion suits NOT, we
may temporze while temporizing VIII be
borne /; but as there is nothing more to be
dreaded in popular governments, than the
just discontents of the people, it is folly
fO tr'IFf with tis.ir -.
than folly 20 turn an adder's ear TO their
Inconsistencies.
The presents, indeed, period peouli--
arly suspicious FOR The contemplated re
form. The profound peace which has
succeeded cur short, bat not iBElorious war;
the annihiiation of party the opportunity
which has been afforded the remote inha-
oitants OF the state, in the pursuit of the
same common object, i'll the defence of the
same common country, and in the Jealous
and patriotic repulsc of a common foe, to
cultivate mutual esteem, and to draw clo-
ser the ties viii, h bind them together, all
ccnsplre to render the pre- ent the most
favorable period for the adjustment Of this
delicate and interesting question. You Will
meet us in Convention with a glowing re-
collection of that srdour and prompt1utie,
with which we ranged ourselves under the
same banner, and br,ved the same con-.
man danger with yourselves you Will not
forget the robust. and active, and gallant
youth OF your mountains-nor be insensibe
to the degree in which they contr buted to
the real strength and physical power of
your state-while, on our part, we shall
remember with warm hearts, your frank
and manly department, your generous
courtesy, your ardent spirit, and all the no
bic qualities which have exalted the Viz
'ginla character and raised the reputation
OF her people to the highest elevation
We shall, within the waits Of that Assem-
bly,, meet with many friend whom we
have known in the field or in the camp, &
grasp the hand OF many comrade, whose
last buiscuIt We have shared, or who Id
lap us
Esea in his garments, and did eiue himself
III nm and naked 10 tie nug6 coidmght
IF with these glowing recolleclions, if
withfhe warn 81 i,cs.>af.i2- EES-si...,ss y J. ca
they Inspire, f with the mutu L sympathy
OF men, whose friendship have sprung up
In the camp, the fruitful SOL of vigorous at
tachment-we are unfit 10 enter upon the
adjustment of our rights the wary states
man may wait in vain for the propitious
moment. If from our remembrance ;" bru
fish wrath" shall have " sinfuliy piucked''
all that can bind us to each other, if Won
can be still disposed to grant too little, if
we shall manifest temper to grasp too
much, then, indeed, we may fear, that in
political CONFUSION, must terminate that
government which is formed of such dis
Cordant and il-lassorted materials. But
cannot, viii not believe il. ] will not be
ileve that we, of either section of the coun-
try, would sully the fair name Of OR stat.
or sap the foundations of her greatness. bv
Course OF conduct at which her enemies
would exult, whilst her friends would
weep in anguish and despair.
/ know that it is objected, that this mat
ter is now urged with more than accus-
toned vehemence. through the instrument
tally Of the disappointed unchartered
banks. For myself, am not one of their
conteaerates. | hold no stock, am no
petitioner, am no director, | am not one
OF their debtors. ! viewed their establish
ment as an outrage, and ] have always
rtised my feeble voice against them
Whether the public convenience and ne
cessitles required them or not, a due res
pect for the law, tie great 6ond of Free
Governments, ought to have prevented
the erection Of such Institutions. | rejoice
that charters were refused them. Ii banks
are necessary, let charters be granted and
new subscriptions opened-but let not f.
yours be layished upon the associated vio-
lators of the statute book.
But this objection recoils upon the party
which uses it. It is no argument against
constitutional reform--that Disappointed
men with views Of private emolument-
perhaps, ct personal Acknowledgement are