Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1817-01-25

r. TO be represented in the Convention.
is also relied upon as authority in point.
In consequence of the disturbed state Of
the country, the people of that district.
although possessing equitable titles, had
not been able TO complete them for want
Ola Governor TO the Commonwealth
The Convention, taking their situation in
10 consideration, granted them a repre-
sentative in theirbody. Bufbc il ramcm-
bcred, the Constitution was not then for
med, there then was no government, the,
might then have permitted every militia
man TO vote-but the question now is,
whether having Il Constitution by which
We are bound, aud which we have
sworn to support, we could, ii we wished
Il, extend the right OF suffrage beyond
tile limits of the Constitution. The thing
rs beyond our centroul.
Butwere NIL this reasoning incorrect, still
would contend, that the course recon-
mended by the gentleman from Wyibe,
would be inexpedient. The theory OF
cur Constitution, whether true or false.
has endeavored 20 secure TO us greater
wisdom the choice OF representatives,
by combining ihc right of selection 10 a
number short of the free white male eiii-
zens. Ii this be the case with The ortlina-
- TINS t,ltCSttOfl WHICH
X 10 fix the deStinies OF orr State perhaps
iorages ,ofso much essimporiancc that we
are in determining If, To dispense with a.
ny security forwisdom in the decision
| think not
Again, sir, TO the country which I have
the honor, In part, to represent, the OBJ
tanning an equalization of representation
is of the utmost Importance. The conn
try between the Blue Ridge and Allegl,a-
nyscontans white population only afew
hundred short ofthe whole white popula
ton of the country below the falls; they
enjoy representation on this floor, COM
posed of64 members, whilst we have but
%. In the Senate, they have l3--we2! To
the whole country beyond the mountains,
Ills highly important to obtain this end,
No doubt can exist that if the legislative
aid is not absolutely necessary, it will, at
all events, greatly facilitate our operations
and forward our views. There is no
man, Isuppose, who really wants a Com
venlion, who would not vote for if. even
II the amendment Of the gentleman
should not prevail; whereas there are ma
ny, nay, | believe majority, who would
refuse us any legislative aid in the redress
OF our most crying wrongs, if The amend
ments prevail. What then would be the
consequence? Either we should have to
endure still longer the evils we now suf-
fer, or we should be obliged to recur to
violence, perhaps 10 physical force, 10 re-
dress them. Would this be desirable 3
And for what's all this danger to be in
Cured At most TO obtain a doubtful
benefit. But it may be hoped that gen
tlemen from the east, viii Still yield this
measure their support, Notwithstanding
the prevalence of the amendment. II is
supposed 90 be so reasonable in itself that
they cannot withhold their assent. Sir,
gentlemen from the east cannot, consis-
tenty withthe interests of their constitu-
ents. agree TO this measure. 1t cannot
beexpected of then-And cal upon all
who are friendly TO the call of a Convent
on by the legislative aid, upon all those
who prefer moderate change in our 90
vernnent 10 the chances of revolution.
upon all those who now suffer from the
unequal representation in our country,
and wish the aid OF the Legislature in re-
dressing their grievances, to assist us in
making the measure acceptable, if posi-
bile, to a majority OF this house. The
report OF the Select Committee was form
ed not from conviction merely, hut from
this view also hope the friends of a Con
Veutlon viii JOIN the Committee in reject
ing the amendments.