Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1816-06-19
LETTER Q.

try
LETTER 2.
l wrote TO YOU some days ago on the subject of
state of representation, the great source of dis
content in this part of the State IL is an interes-
ting topic ana you must excuse me for bringing il
again to your consideration. Our discussion, shall
he marked with temperance and moderation. 1
wish to address myself alone TO the understand
ing. The passions should not be iaterminglcd
when we are in pursuit oftrutb alone, and more
especially when in the examination of so great and
interesting question. The happiness OF society
Iaay depend upon it let it therefore be submitted
fairly TO TIA empire OF reason, and in truth and GIN.
cei1ty, have too much confidence in the people
OF YOUR ccpntry--in their attachment to the
eternal principles of justice, and in their gene.
rous love of the equal rights of man. TO believe for
moment that any other is necessary
shall appeal then to your caphour, and to your
Judgment, and TO y0tl, am sure l shall auneal
not in UGir.
stated TO you in my last letter that the Senate.
rial Districts had not been altered since IT76,
nesriy a half century sgo. see it stated by 9th
ers that an alteration was made in 1792. This has
induced me to examine into the subject, and ind
that my opinion was correct.
The first law that was MAZE arranging the State
into Senatorial Districts, was passed by the con.
vention which formed the constitution, and was a.
nong the first laws made.
u gave to the country west of the Blue Ridge
Senators. The same country has 6Hs f1Er 7l17p
Il is true the country included By the Senatorial
districts in iT76, weat Hnder different Names
from what they are called at this time. But the
portions Of country, believe, are precisely the
same. Some OF them which at the adoption OF the
constitution contained but one or two Counties con-
tain at this time ten aud fifteen. The counties Of
Bottetourt and Fincastle composed one district
This district now contains fifteen counties and ~
least ene-feurth OF the territory Of the whole
State.
The counties Of East Augusta and Dnnmore
c0o1DOepd
derrick, Berkeley and Hampshire, another District :;
and West Augusta, another District number of
new counties we're made in these Districts rs ths
population ofthc country progressed, and of course
their representation in the House Of DELEGATES is
increased, bat they have had 70 effec; upon the
Senatorial Districts except in aiding to them
more counties. They still tie same portions
OF ter tfoTy, and the country is still represented bv
TIE same nTpiJer OF Senators.
When ucw counties we're formed they have been
aiwoys attached TO to the Senatorial Districts to
which they previously belonged. 'The session be-
tore the last, you roeOiloct two new counties were
made, Tyler and Scott, which added tn the House
OF Delegates four members, bit they gave to the
upper county no increase Of representation in the
senate. Hut the jdct that the same number Of
Senators represented the upper country in i776.
wh'eh representa- at this time, is conclusive upon
liiis Won't
The Constitution limits the number Of Senator,
to tweaty-four, and directs that they shall be laid
OF INTO toHr clssses The first class went ogt OF
ONCE tire first year after its electina. The second
class the secoid year, and so or. These constitute
onal provisions will sake Il very difficult to equa.
we the Senatorial representation by blending
Districts together IN the lower and subdividi v
,hem 'n the upper country, wtnout ~ i.frac,ion Of
t'c onstitHu u. However, some gentlemen Of
re" i"e i's see are al opinion, that tie work can
be done Wiihout this consequence. and n H. ar.
lee' y obtained, the people here will not oumplsin
shout The manner in which L may be cfccte,i.--
40 violence, am satisfied, will be done by The pro-
posed shange 10 Che sbirif Of The constitution, !
rave no doubt but that was intended to be foun
~ pon Just and equr, sud that lis ira
mers had MT the uesf distant i1Eea that II sb.nla
even be made pretext Tor tue present sneenal,ty
~ sve,y Ting can I've done by legislative pro.
''''0' Wissh can be ELECTED y AZ asasns.noat Of