Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1817-03-25

1
than mere stage effect.-That all thes,
over-actors are mere spirii~amd are now
dissolved into thin air.-if all illese yenera
ted principles, are thus to be dissipate,
by the magical influence OF these new
conceits, it is trembliugly asked what
is 20 become of the political fame Of then
celebrated authors y-H will readily be
seen that these notions Justify every
| species of government, the most despotic,
as well Us the most free-the most lesi-
timate, as well as the epublican-ihose
| founded on force, Us well as those found
ed on consent.
fit indeed be true, that the whole sci
ence of government, be mere whim and
caprice, il is of no great moment, upon
what basis you rest your Constitution:
since it is liable 10 perpetual changes
without guide. or compass Tor its dTec,
ton. But If it be attcnlively examined
it will perhaps be found that this notion,
Il one scion OF the grand principle of
the perfectibility of man. That seit.loye,
the great motive for human actions, has
lately improved its nature and inverted
its character That in these philosophi-
cal enlightened times, il has become a
social, instead of selfish affection; and
consequently that every agent who will
be called upon TO perform Il duty in any
way towards forming new government,
entirely forgetting himself, will be impel
IL solely by disInterested considerations
for the public good. That the moral and
phil scphical impulses of man have obli-
terated all selfish affection, and purified
al, human actions. II is curious To OH
serve the marked contrast, between the
scriptural account of the nature ct man,
since his fall, and these novel philosophy
cal reveries. He is represented in scrip
turc us Il mass ofcorruption. 1t is often
heard from the pulpit" that we are
wounds, bruises, and purified sores
from the crowns of our heads, la the soIes
Of Our feet. "-Without entering into tie
merits of these contrasted views of hut
man nature; it is believed ii may be
safely assumed as principle, that a
mongst the ingredients of which human
nature is composed in It's present state,
there is vice enough, to stimulate man,
TO take setter care of himself than of u
Tiers and that he never will fail to do so,
when occasions occur, and that the self
isl principle is often found so strong, as
10 become blind TO its own interest. Ii
this be a Just description of human inn
pulse: it is asked what occasion could
be pres ented, for calling forth these self
isil afiec tons, more certainly and iniuri-
onsly; than short periodical revisions of
the Constitution Ii is believed there is
noue. Instead therefore of The calm and
dlspassionate eE 1ulriesa after truth, ground
ed upon the supposed periectibility of
human nature, resulting from periodical
revlslons OF the Constitution, they would
call INTO action, all the vicious propensi-
ties OF mankind. stimulated by the strong
impulse of self-love. Every demagogue
no a IN. L.
interest through his own cunning and in
trlgue and society would thus be kept
IN a state of perpetual turmoil and con
vulslon. And If these impulses are TO
pervade all classes OF society, by making
all active agents in the scene not ONLY
would the convulsed state of society
be increased thereby; but The wealth 81
prosperity of society would become ma
tcriaIly NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. and the
mechanical arts would suffer I'm an essen
tial degree, not only by divertinr the la
boring classes from their occupations.
and converting them into politicians, but
by introducing and confirming the i'm
preston, that labor is disreputable and
dishonorable, and that the ONLY truly re-
putable and dignihed calling, is that of
the politician.
All rejecting men are here earnestly
CdiSu upon W lODh ABOUT among their
acquaintance, and ask themselves; how
nearly does this approach to tbe true pic
ture ofsocieiy al present. And if Con-
stitution- making should once become a
regular business, IN consequence of short
periodical reYisions, how much more ex-
tens:Ie and injurious would be its conse-
quences! Experience, however, is resor-
ted TO, for fle purpose of justifying this
theory. 1t IS said, that several states
have inserted this provision in their Con
stitutions and THAT beneficial effects have
been the consequence. We are not told
III what these beneficial effects consist.
and OF course cannot form competenf
Judgment III that respect Is it not more
likely, tllatthis suggestion has arisen from
the ar0ept wishes ofthe enamoured vofa-
ries of the notion, than from any know
ledge of facts TO Justify itl Time enough
has not Yet elapsed since the adoption of
the notion, TO determine on IFS practical
effects; bnt as far AS information has been
received, il would lead to the belief that
IFS tendency, so far from being beneficial.
has been of the most injurious character.
Ii sproposed, however, to take more
particular view of this part ofiIIe subject.
when comparing the merits of the differ,
cnt ,principieso of Representations contained
IN the different State Constitutions.
General Reflections to be Continual
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.... PETERSBURG, March Is
- CONC RESSTONAL ELECTJON
ne eieciioneering campaign for members