The Portland gazette. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1818-1824, 1819-09-14

CONVENTION.
The question has been agitated, whether it is
best TO have full representation of all the towns
IN the dstri.t in the convention to form the con.
stlution Of the new state. The objection to it
is. that so large number as this will throw into
the convention will be inconvenient for the trans
action of its important business with intelligence
and expedition. Admitting the force OF this OBJ
lection. still as it is well known, or may be ra-
tionally presumed, that the small towns which
are authorized by the set TO send one delegate,
whether possessing sufficient rateabe polls to en-
title them TO Representative in the general court
or not, will generally, if not universally, avail
themselves Of their rightfui privilege, it may be
worth while to consider whether there ought not
10 be at least an equal representation Of all the
/ towns ia the district upon the principles estab-
llshed in the act. There is further reason for
making this reflection from attending to the cir
cumstance that by the operation of the rule Of
delegation, town containing upwards Of so
Fateable polls is only entitled to delegate for
every additional 225 !; while not only every town
Containing but 80 is entitled 10 delegate, bit
even any town whatever, containing ever SO
much less than that number. To give this une-
4ual rule therefore the most equal operation in
tended by the Legislature, and TO secure a real
representation OF the incorporated towns in the
convention, it would seem that each one ought TO
send the full proportieu 20 which il is entitled,
another reason for recommending this course
3 that each town may have its full weight in or
iginally forming the constitution il will finally be
called upon to accept. In giving their SURFACES
Upon the latter question il may so happen from
Alvsion that the largest towns may have little or
no voice at all. Ii is true that their delegates
may also be divided in their sentiments but
still It is nevertheless desirable that such towns
should have their full proper tional influence in
ne assembly. They may be reasonably expect
Sc 10 carry in their share of experience and they
are certainly interested in the result in propo.-
'ion 70 their right.
Furthermore, If any absolute inconyiences are
'ount to arise from the congregation Of 50 great
mass Of individuals, il may furnish practical
ana instructive comment the subject which
'ne convention will be called on to decide, res
pecung the limitation of the principle OF repre-
ehtation ia the lower branch ot the legislature,
FOR these and similar considerations we con
ness we are inclined to inquire whether it may
net De best that not only such towns as may be
en'i'ied to send two delegates should avail them
selves of their legal privilege, but also whether
sne same right should not be exercised by the
larger towns to their equal constitutional extent.
=, ne are happy 10 hear from different parts o.
AUG district that liberal disposition prevails with
regard "a the selection OF delegates 20 he CONVEX
'.oa- MS i the more imPorian' - The co"S;itu-
non hey are TO Form IS one tor me whole people
-aere arc several very impor!ant principles 10 lie
se"'ed permanently By the convention. IBe only