Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1824-03-16
A CONVENTION.

The public mind has never been so STRONGLY di-
rected to the subject of Convention, or so well
satisfied OF its necessity, at this moment. MANY
whose imaginary fears have heretofore made them
hostile to revision of our State Constitution ha ve
latterly acknowledged change of opinion and
thef convection that the evils actually cyps-
fiehcg, are greater than any which are rationally
TO be apprehended from that event. Those who
nave all along defended the necessity of the call of
convention and contended that the arguments adj
dressed to the fears of til; people libel upon
their intelligence and discretion have derived from
recent events confirmation of their opinions and
additional reasons for accelerating the measure
Candld men, OF all classes, and of both opinions,
confess that our State government is awkwardly con-
structed-hat the theory of our institutions is vio-
ia'cd III the ineqality of our county representa-
tion-aad that the people are subjected to great
and needrss expense for the want of cons,i,u,auaI
reiofmauon These favorable impressions are not
cohhned to the citizens of Richmond, who daily
see ana lament the evils of the present SYSTEM but
'ney are oehevcd to be universally entertained
throughout the State, and that nothing is WANTING
10 give them their proper weight and Importance but
concentration and concert To effect this two modes
present themselves. First, through the medium of
Legislative recommendation-and secondly by the
voluntary assembage of the peopleir their
countes ana towns, 70 express their concurrence in
the measure, and to depute representatives to the
convention. The first mode is Objectionable on
these grounds: First, the detcstable and exclusive
regard which so many of the members of that body
pay to their individual popularity over subiects IF
the most vital public interest, makes il nexpedcnt
10 submit any thing to their decision which can be
avoided, especially subject which sooner than nv
othei would place their little and selfish motives in
CONNECT with great question, and with great prin-
cpes. Secondly: The Legislature is interested to
defeat the measure. convention is chiefly and
most urgently required to curtail the inordiuate
length OF their sessions and consequently To lcssen
their emouments. The very same Inducements
which have prolonged their session to time which
swallows up than fourth of the revenue of the
otate 70 pay their expenses, would further influence
mem 10 circumference step which would relieve
the Commonwealth of their rapacty They would
lady entertain the proposition, because it would be
plausible excuse for the consumption of time, bur
they would probably refuse at last TO be instrument
tai IN the call. Thirdly: 1t is a matter which be-
longs properly TO the people, and in which the L.
5siaturc ought to have no agency. The fairest
mode OF attaining the sense of the people, is nv a
direct appeal 10 the people. 1t is respectful
to their sovereignty, and equally efficient for them
to assemble, TO appoint their delegates, who shall
meet ana decide upon the proprcty of the CALL and
settie the preliminaries which are to precede the
convention, than to rely and wait upon the decision
of the General Assembly, and the measures which
hsy may think it expedent to recommend
There il further consideration which recon-
time
ough; to he lost in calling Convention Since
lf8j, 1t has been a subject of incessant thought
and discussion. The public mind is fully enlighten-
ed. On the other hand the evils which are sought
to be rcmcdicd, pressing and cumulative. If
we wait for the interference of the Legislature,
another twelve months must elaps before the first
step is taken, the first difficulty removed. II
we proceed at once, we may possibly be liz time, TO
shorten the next session Of the General Assembly
or at any rate such an impulse will he given to the
public mind such an embodying OF general opinion
eected, and so general an interest excited as to en-
sure from tna' BODY prompt ard respectful consid-
eraticn of the subject. There arc a thousand rea
sons for visor and promptness, and not one for de-
| lay. We shall take the liberty, with great hu-
'nlity' of directing the attention of the public to the
| subject of Convention in our future numbers and
IN the mean time we solicit from all who feel an in
'crcSt IN ms subject, their aid in cnumeratng the
cause which call for the measure, and in refutpp
| the objections to ii.