Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1824-05-04


the theory of the constitution exposes to this
proach, its practice abundautly confirms it-for Mr.
Jefferson states ii fact that the government is
actually in the hands of minority of the free cit-
zens OF the commonwealth.
THE WIG.
.hessfs. Editors--ln your remarks on the subject
of Il Conventions observed invitation to cores
pondents to offer their views on its expcency in
expcdiency. In conformity with that invitations
and desire to expose those principles which glar-
ing defect in-our Constitution Involves have for
warded you communication, touching only upon
that point which contains that defect.
Constitutions, II is universally conceded, are sa-
cred Instruments, and should be approached with
the utmost caution. But how sacred soever they may
be, they are not iminmtabe. When defects which
were overlooked at the time of their formations but
which experience detects, discovered, they ought
tn he remedied. That part of the Constitution of
virginia which 1t Is proposed to consider as being
highly exceptionabe and calling loudly for "a
mendment is that which limits the right Of suffrage
to landed freeholders. When subjects which have
been long apparently settled down. re brought fora
ward for agitation, prejudice, and the very circum-
stance that they have rested thus set led down, are
apt TO preclude a fair and impartial discussion.
But ii is soicitousy hoped that, in the investigation
OF this subject, such cause will operate but that
II VIII receive that deep and serious consideration
to which its Importance deservcdly entities it.
But TO the subject. Is not suffrage too much re-
stricted in Virginia? Is there no medium? OUGHT i,
not to be UNIVERSAL the application of the principle
extending to those who pay taxes in support of CO.
vernment, and bear arms in its defence If the age
in which we live those dark and unenghteu-
ed Ones i'll which the rights of Tan were tfampeled
upon, III which free principles were swallowed in
tyrannc and despotc governments then mi ght il be
expected that these questions would be answered in
the negative: but at this enlightened day, when ma
tural right has so far recovered from the burthen
under which it had labourcd, when a revolution in
principle has introduced the doctrine Of equality
and equal rights, il is confidently expected that
they will be answered in the affirmative. The re-
striction of suffrage beyond the extent above men,
uoned, Is tantamouut to a principle which should be
peculiarly odious TO Americans, 'taxation without
representation" 1t is not contemplated to use an
argument to prove the equvalency, for every one
can see it, but the principle will be suffered to
pass without some comment. 1t will be recollected
that "taxation without representation" was the
moving cause OF that revolution which eyeutuated
In the establishment of our independence. 1t was
this very principle which, before our revolut-
on, we looked upon the offspring of despotism il
was this very principle, which called forth theindic-
nation of the colonies, and spread one general flame
OF resentment Throughout their territory was this
very principle which besp!inkled with the gore of
freeinen the plains of Brandywiue and Camden
winch impelled us to an unequal contest, and in
spred us with an mistaken resolution suffer eve
ry toll and difficulty rather than submit to IT. which
urged our gallant forefathers To fight to bleed and
die rather than recognise it. And shall we recog-
Mise that very principle against which they contend
ed 1t 30 years ago we condemned this principle
as the offspring of despotism, what indignation
ought 1t not to call forth at this day? If so wears
ago this principle was so great cause of rebellion
as TO urge comparatively handful of men to en-
counter gigantic foe, in what degree will it not
operate as cause Of rebellion at the present day
Can we expect that that which would not be sub
tt..lt tI,o H.
suredly not 1t will be resisted. Although the mea-
sure has been apparently so far acqpcsced in, yet
1T will be finally rcsistcd-for fee principles
must be every hour progressive, so the day cannot
he distant when restricted suffrage will be borne
with Better, then, will it be to remove the evil,
before resistance and civil commotUn shall be
sequences. Nor let it be said that taxation with
out representation as it existed in colonial state
and as 1t exists now, IS not analogous The prin-
ciple is the same, and must eternally be so. True,
that circumstances may render ii somewhat less obi
Gus in some cases than in Others yet they never
remove the property which it possesses of being all
ed to despotism and violave of natural right 1t is
principle with which should NEEDLE with the
utmost caution, and it is submitted 10 the people of
Virginia, whether it is not expedient that they
should cease to recognise it, and thus he put be-
yond the possibility of being involved by it in civil
broils
Again; the restriction Of suffrage promotes Il dan
gerous aristocracy. All aristocracy, except much
as is iudisponsabiy necessary for tire maintenance
of the social compact is odous and ought studious
y 10 be avoided, repugnant to the nature of our
institutions and as approximating to despotism. 1t
is fact which has ben never questioned, that even
incorporated Institutions, from their afstocra:ical
nature, have an influence uncongenial with liberty
If, then, from such source as ,his there arises so
unpalowed an influence, what danger ought we not
to apprehcnd from so broad an arstocracy as that
which the restriction of suffrage to the present limit
creates? for it of the broaest, of the
tensive nature, insomuch as the right Of suffrage
when not extended to the limit above referred to, is
confined to scarcely majority Of the people. More
Over the arstocracy arising from the present rcyrc
tive principle Of Va, is landed ole, & of all aristo
cracies, landed one is the most dangerous and en-
ccrable, which is so fully illustrated by the example
Of England, that further comment is unnecessary.
This objection to the restriction Of suffrage will APP
pear forcible, when it is borne in mind that
arisocracy is of spreading nature, that unless
is checked and discoUntenancsd on every occasion,
it is liable to subvert, by its corruptiug influence
the very genius of our government.
That restriction Of suffrage is contradictory to the
great fundamental principle Of our government, il
will not be denied. This principle is eqality, the
grand bulwark and cornerstone of our rights and
our happiness. Some degree Of inequality, il is
readily conceded, must unavoidably exist society
cannot subsist without il. But when il reaches be-
yond that point which rigid necessity demands
which public good calls for, it is unjus; aud IN
coDSesi1 With liberty. 1t IS concclf3el tl2t i