Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1824-04-02
CONVENTION.

HENTLEMEN-it is subject of general conera.
tulaton, that the call of Conventions is so pcncr-
ally desired by the public and ut la placed
within the reach of probability. My own affairs
have led me attcry to perform ournies of some cx-
tent, through the adjacent parts of the State
convention has not unfrcquently been a tonic of
conversational have heard scarcely n disscntinr
voice on the necessity of one, and Single den-
' 'hat thcre were numerous and Serious defects in
the present Constitution. There are, think, but
two classes of society opposed to it, and their euo-
sion may be traced to sources of vanity or interest
The first is those who hold good COS under the
present. system They desire change, be ca use in-
dividually they may be worsted, and cannot he he
nehtted Human nature. in this case, cxerts the in
huence its Creator intended to give itself rrcdo-
inmates over more enlarged and generous feelings.
we arc hei,her to regret this, tn regard it. 1tii
needless to regret what cannot alter, regard
what is IN itself nnaterial. This class fortunate
" for the people, is limited, both in numbers and in
fuenoe-and in acting for the general interests of
the State, VIC ought to view il simply as rand
uninporant portion Of society, and respect il ac-
cordinsly. Ny remarks do not extend 10 those who
form exceptions to them, of whom know there are
many.
Inc second class which is opposed to n Conventi-
on, ana whose motives may be traced to the more
aapic source c" rd'aity, is the remnant of the last
age who have been favored by heaven with sufici-
ent longevity to witness the successful operation of
the institutions which they constituted to form and
VINO live among us, respected for their age and adj
nired for their virtue. This venerable class are at
taohed to "thiIgs as they are" from the force OF
lnng haoit, from the reluctance of old age to part
with VIVA: 1t has become faInarizea a nd still more
because they view the Constitution OF Virginia with
parental affection, as the work Cf the times, of tf,or
friends and OF themselves. Let Us continue to ven
crate these remaining. Representatives, ~ Roman
age but Let US go induced hy TIE reflections III;
h'S age IS oars, ami that we have learned much
since they nave passed the intellectual vgor OF h,
man life, ani have hecn descending slowly to meet
the rewards of their virtue and patriotism, beyond
the grave.
/" these two classes, may undoubtedly beatl,lt 4
many scattering examples, from all portions of
"e community There some few who fear IKE
eEctsioh OF he right Of s'dragc-other rs appreiie,1
az. "''d"c prepondersj,ce If cstcrn influence gcIacJ
1'o'td 0scompanyH chanse-and others again, more
unreasonable still, desire to wait until Death sl;.l
have numbered Mr.. JEFFERSON with his victims.
Let it be remembered, however, that all these ac-
knowledge the imperfecon of the prcsen, Couetitu-
tIon while they would fain interpose some obstacle
to Its amcndncnt-and that their adverse arci,-
rnents resolve themselves last into these wa
are afraid of the people of Virginia. nd of Mr. JEFF.
iefson' whose sentiments that people disposed to
| respect, though not implicitly to adopt"
! But these few opponents exccptions-thev a.
mount To nothing when COZ. pared with tho great boz
| ny oil Tic Icopie. THEY, AS A BODY, ARE IN FA-
Nof OF CALLING A CONVENTION. Their affairs
have arrived at that state, when such a measure i,
| impcriously demanded. The present Constitution,
has brought us to that point which M Jefferson en-
oloqnenly depicts in the Declaration of Indepen-
dcncc. We hare borne these evils as long as they
were tolcrablc. When they have become intolera-
bic, IT is time to exert the privilege of freemcn AND
PART WITH THEM.
sANBRIDGE