The Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1822-1829, 1824-04-23

tho, there sbonld be revolutions in the gov
ernmeut. II only, meant a regard snonih he
had Vi the ordinary course OF legif'hiihh 10
these principles aud yeas rather M l5uiie-
ton on the departments OF government 10
that effect, than anything else. Any'other
Interpretation he though inconsistent Wiihthe
peace and good order ofs0ciety. Nohnman
,rpduetion could. in the nature Of things, be
perfect Every Constitution must, therefore
he,imn.rferf And If IL followed as n matter
Of COURSE, that every imperiection either real
or imaginary was to be remedled by Con-
vention, there would be no end to them
The frequent changes would disturb The tran-
qnillity aud harmony of society Qt they I'D
rot produce more serious cUnsequences) Win
ont any corresponding benefit Lettltls prin-
ciple be but once adopted to the extent TO
which gentlemen seem disposed to.carry II,
and we shall be subject TO constant changes
aud revolutions. .New lights will be perpetu-
ally springing upon US. For bis own part,
Mr. L. said he preferred the endurance OF
some triling evils to the hazard OF important
benefits. II the length ofthe sessions OF our
legislature be an objection, II is one ottrlfiing
Importance This country is, perhaps, more
given TO discussion than any other. But de-
bate tends to deliberaton and TO the diffusion
OF Information among the people. The Brl-
fish Parliament consists OF QUO men. Yet
Their the Virginia Legislature or Congress; for
no man could he heard there unless he had
matured his ideas SO as TO be worthy OF being
heard.
Mr.. Leigh said that many of the defects
complained ofby the friend, OF Convention,
could be remedied by legislative enactments,
which he thought preferable 10 total revo-
luton in the government, the results OF which
no one could foreseP. They might be either
fortunate or calamious, and be was unwilling
to take the hazard.
MIR. lIALLAM, in few remarks which we
did not distinctly hear, supported the resolu.
tons. lie was followed by
NJ .JoHN ROBERTSON, ATTY. General, } who,
after calling for the reading of the resolutions,
said, that it voting for them, was high tren.
son. he was prepared to merch to the scnii'od.
They were in his opinion nothing but the
expression OF an opinion. And il there was
no other argument in favor of a convention,
hut the mere snnunciation of an opinion, that
the people of this free country could not
peaceably assemble and express their opin-
ions, he should consider that Sufficient
MeSsrs. Nicholas and Leigh both explain
81
Mr.. Robertson, in continuation, remarked.
TINT the friends OF a convention bad been un.
justly denounced as the advocates Of dsunion
and discord. This denunCiation was dsprov-
ed by the very course of the present debate.
Mr. r. commented on the glorious effects of
our revolutionary struggle, and the rights and
privileges which it had secured to the people.
That Revolution had grown out of the griev.
ances on tue people. The adherents 10 anti
qaated abuses, now sustained the Holy ALI
anec, and were prepared to re-cstablish the
kastlle--and II was opposition to spirit like
this which produced our Revolution
1t was opposition to the same spirit which
now sought to amend the Objectionable
features IN our constitution. Bat chal.
lenge had been given 10 show any acts
OF oppression in the government Was il,
heRsked, no oppression TO free man, on the
day of election, to be turned from the polls TO
make way for the 'lordy proprietors of the
soil II was hostility 10 principle like this,
rather than the contemplate amount of tax
on tea, which induced the people to resist bV
force the oppression of tho British Govern
meht. He did not consider the posse ssion of
land as the best evidence Of a permanent at
tnchment 10 the country 1t might induce a
man, II the country were attacked by a now.
erful enemy, 70 make different terms of ac-
Cnmmodaton, &c BUTT gave no additional
evidence OF intelligence, of patriotism or OF
virtue. The non.land holder was now not
excluded from voting only, but from serving
on jury in many cases, and especially where
the rlShlS OF Inc laHd -hGlGCr were involved
Was not this he asked actual evidence of a
grievous oppression in this country which
called for remedy?
i.Ir K said he would not 90 into all the
subjects of discussion. lie had not intended
to say one word. He had never heard until
that nghtthat the organization ofthe Execu.
tive was not defective. The court of apprals
consisted OF FIVE Judges, three Of whom might
be superannuated and unfit for their Office
Many OF the judges of the circuit courts and
courts OF chauccry might likewise become SO.
Were we to wait until this state of things ac.
tuaIly occurred before the evils were guard
ed against The failure in the several de-
partmcnts to abuse the powers which had
been intrusted to them, was the best evil
dence that ma danger could be unprecedented
from Il Convention; "nd that If would exer-
else its powers with due regard to the inter
ests and happiness of the country.
Mr.. Leigh remarked that he had not said
that the resolution itself was treason, or that
its advocates would be guilty of treason by
voting for it. But he had said and he stil
thought, IT recommended 10 the people To do
an act which would amount to treason Had
not the gentleman read the preamble Ia the
constitution, and the declaration of iudenen.
dence Had he forgotten the long list of
grievances and 0nDrp tb,ro r,,,,I,;ra,l