Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1817-03-28
[BY AIR.GuES
(Conchded. J

tOHctHne0.
Ii was not intended, at the commence
ment of these General Reflections, TO Of
fer any observations upon the excellence
OF the Virglnian Constitution, nor upon
the wisdom of its chief provisions be-
cause it was then expected, that the pro-
position for calling Convention would
succeed in some form or other and il was
believed, that If it should succeed In any
form, it could only be upon the ground.
that experience had demonstrated the in
competency of the existing Constitution
TO effect its original objects, and that
some other must of necessity be substitu-
ted i'll IFS stead; and, aiihO' ii was thought
such declaration was little short of
causciess and thoughlleSS libel upon the
Constitution, yetit was deemed unncces-
sary to examine It's merits after such deci-
sion by the General Assembly, until the
question should be brought directly be-
fore the People or the proposed Convent
on. Bat, as through the wise and benefi-
cal interpositiOn of the Senate, the Peo-
Pile arc still permitted in state of compo-
sure, amidst the greatest political happi-
ness and tranquility derived from this H.
bclled Constitution, to deliberate upon
the interesting subject, at least until the
meeting OF the next General Assembly {;
and as various interesting views of this
part of IT are now before the public. II is
deemed proper to add to them merely an
outline view of some prominent points
presented for consideration, differing in
form, If not in substance, from any known
to be yet extant. If the subject were to
be followedin all IFS Minute bearings and
ramIfic3tions, it would require more than
a volume 10 comprehend all the conside-
rations necessarily connected with it !;
aud, Ofeourse, would greatly exceed the
bounds of these General Reflections
The superior excellence of the Virpinian
Constitution, 1t Is conceived, consists in
this plain aud simple effect that it pla-
ces the powers of the GOvernmenfin the
hands of the middIing class of society. or
AT least gives that class (although not ex-
elusive cOntToul over a great preponde-
rance III itsadnlnistration Upon tie most
strict nd attentive examination of IFS pro-
Wisconsin, wall he found, that they are adj
| mirably suited TO the effectuation of this
| object, and that whenever tlis object is
| completely effected, bywhafevermeans or
in whatever mode, forms the essence and
consummatiOnoftle republican system Of
| government. Governments may be said
| To consist OF ONLY two descriptions, at
| least as they regard the different classes
Of society into whose hands they are pla-
| ced for administration those which are
| placed IN the hands Of the extremes, and
these which are placed in the hands ofthe
miGdling class of society. All govern
ments administercd by the extremes OF
society, whatever be their forms or de-
nominations, are despotisms. Those on
! ~ arc free, which are administered by Tie
| middiing class of society. Ii is not ma
| tcrial whether they be called monarchies,
aristocracies, or democracics 4; if admins
| tered by the extremes Of society, they arc
all dcspotisms. All these governments
are unjust and partial IL their administra-
ton, and consequently force becomes ne
ccssary for their execution. Governments
in the hands of the middling class Of soci-
ETY. are just and general in the admins