Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1817-01-30

OF the House, at time when great impa-
tience Is felt for decision of the question
but, feel confident, at the same time,
that shall meet with its indulgence, when
it is recollected, that all the arguments,
which could be advanced upon The main
proposition, must be used upon The pres
emf motion. The Amendment offered
Yesterday by The gentleman from Fairfax
(Nr. Hunter which authorises the propo-
sed Convention TO extend the right of suf-
trage, has been agreed to by this House {;
aud every reason, which can be offered to
demonstrate the improperly of that vote,
mast be urged OH the motion 10 recon
slider 1t, or the opportunity may be lost
forever.
| object, Mr.. Speaker, TO the amend
ment now under consideration-first be-
cause il will i'll all probability defeat the
resolutions proposing the call of "a Conyen-
ton.
Among the friends Of reform, you will
find great diversity ufseniiment. SoD!e
advocate an unlimited Convention, in
which all The grievances charged upon
the present Constitution, whether real or
imaginary, may be- redressed Others de
ny tue espediency OF calling Convention
with indefinite powers, and deem it neces-
sary TO prescribe limits 10 its authority
Some are for extending the right of suf-
frage far beyond its present boundaries
some for a Very limited extension; while
Others contend for the pTopr.ety of leav-
ing that right as we have found it. On
one point, however, we are all agreed
namely, that the actual representation Of
the people III both branches of the LeSis-
lature, is so haniiestly unequal, and so
paipably unjust, as to require immediate
alteration. This is kind of common
ground, on which all are willing TO rest
The COMMITTEE, III reporting the resOluti-
on 10 this effect, has concentrated The
views ofallt the advocates of d Convention
and the decisions successfully made on the
questions, first TO postpone, and then to
amend the resolutions Of the Committee
by the substitution Of others of different
character, have demonstrated that de-
cIded majority of this House is willing to
sanction the course recommended BY the
Committee. But, Sir, if the ground on
which we have heretofore stood be chan
ged-ifthe prudent, the rational, the just
course suggested by the Committee be
abandoned, the discordahcy of sentiment
pear the unity ofpurpose will be destroy
ed and all the resolutions, or the bill to
be framed upon them, will be lost. Those
objects, which a majority OF this House,
thus clearly manifested, is anxious TO pro-
mote, will perish IN the common ruin;
and the Will OF majority will decide d
question OF vital importance to the State.
Should the amendment he retained, anu
the resolutions In consequence thereSi be
rejected, those only can trinmPh at the
result, who are opposed TO a Convention
upon any terms, and forany purposes.-
Give me leave TO say, Sir, that this .tri-
umph will he but OF short duration. 1t Is
tie triumph of minority anu, from the
nature Oh things, 1t must be transient
Kecoliect the effects produced upon the
public, by the refusal, on the part OF the
Legislature, TO call Il Conv ention at the
last session; Tecoliect the successive
meetings at Winchester, and at Staunton.
Think yoa, SIR, that the feelings, which
produced those assemblies after the fail
ure of that appli, alton, will not create ST.
milar effects, if this should be attended
by similar fate? Will not the people
themselves create Convention, without
your aid, and break down every obstacle
TO their wishes? They require not this
House to inform ehem of the real Unequal
tiles which exist In the legislative repre-
sentation they need no KIND friends, as
has been suggested, to make latitudinal
sections of your State, ard demonstrate
how a freeholderin one section has DO
lltlcal power equal TO the combined infu-
ence of six freeholders i'll other sections
of the State. The people are perfectly
aware OF this gross injustice they have
required your aid 10 correct If, ana Won
refuse TO assist them. The event must ne
Cessarily be-and the time for its accom-
pllShment is not remott-VhenaC onv en-
ton will be assembled without YOUR in
strumeDtaiity, and vixen not ONLY this in
justice will be- corrected, but every evil
which is either felt or fancied, will be
swept away by the tempest of popular i'll
dignation.
Adopt the course recommended by the
Committee, and every needful object will
be accomplished every we'll grounded
cause Ofcompiaint will be removed the
work CT reform Will he commenced with
moderation, and conducted with temper ;
those traits of the Constitution, which are
deemed valuable from their tendency, and
venerable from their antiquity, will be re-
tanned and 10 other changes will occur,
until demanded by the will of large ma
| Jority OF the people, calmly and dispassi-
ondieiy expressed. Changcth this course
reject these resolutions, and youwiil have
d Convention which will commence lis
worn witt! Irritalcd and cmbittered feel
lugS-W Inch, in tlIe ardOr for reform. will
deniOiIsh oil the ancient landmarks, and
| leave not veStige of the exiting COnsti-
| tuition. Nhcn the flood has once bcsun
to pour upon us, vino can arrest its course
WHO can prescribe limits TO ITS raya-