Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1824-05-28
To The General assembly Of Virginia.
THE MENORIAI

or tie citizens Of Riohmoud the subject Of Conven
tion to revise and amend the Constitution Virginia.
Respectfully represents. That your memo
riasts are duly sensible of the privileges, civil
and political, which we at present enjoy, and
that We are truly grateful for the many bles-
sings winch il has pleased a kind providence
10 bestow upon our beloved country. But.
while we are impressed with due sense of the
extent and importance Of these blessings, we
are we'll aware of the imperfection Of all hu-
man institutions, and that experience alone can
test the fitness of constitutions and laws to the
wants and condition Of mankind. Your me-
m0rlalists duly appreciate the virtue,-the pat
fiotism,- land political wisdom of the iIlustri.
Gus authors OF the constitution of Virginia.
Considering the circumstances under which
that instrument was framed, it's indeed a sub
ecl Of pride and congratulation, that it should
be So exempt from imperfection. But, it
could not have beeu expected, that ,orrn of
government, so speedily adopted"-upon a
great -mergency,-at the commencement of
an awful and bloody c0ntest-by an assembly,
invested with no other than a general au,hori-
ty 10 provide for the exigences Of the occa-
sion would be adequate 10 the huctuaing ne
cessiirs and circumstances of a yOsthful, vi
gorous and growing republic. COnsecrated,
however, 10y the successful issme of our revolu-
tonary struggle, and endeared To our fellow
citizens Nv the most pleasing associations, the
form of government adopted by that Assem-
bly, has indeed been scquiesced 10, as il il had
been the work of convention appointed
specially for the purpose of forming a consti-
tuition, and subsequently,, ratified y, the ex-
press appreciation of the people. Far be il
from the Infection OF yrur me,n0rialIsts tn
weaken the authority ard respect to which
that instrument is and will b entitled, sn long
as the acquiesceDce of the cnmmunity shall!
continue To sanction its validity. We advert
10 the circumstances Gifts origin as an apology
for its defects (which is but an act Of Justice
TO the patriots and sages who planned and
adopted il. The long scquescence of the
people of Virginia, in constitution thus
FORMED and generally acknowledged to be
detective, IS another evidence of the tru h,
s. that mankind are more. disposed to suffer.
while evils are suilerable, tina n TO right them
selves by abolIshing the forms 10 which they
are accustomed" Ii presents an additional
testimony of the patience--,he forbearance-
The moderation Of Vrginians. Ii exhibits re-
tutaiion Of the idea, that The people ought not 10
be trusted to revise and remodel Their consfi-
tuition while it adds confirmation to the belief
that they would not only make no rash nDo-
Tai'ons,-but, that the NEST implicit reliance
may be reposed in their prudence and mode
ration. Entertaining, therefore, the utmost
fellow citizens, your Memoriasts beg leave
10 invite the attention of the General Assem-
bly,, to the expedirncy of revising the Con-
slituton of the State, by a regularly delegated
Convention.
We are well aware, that I" majority of
the community, hath an indubitable, una
ilenabe. and indefessible right 10 reform, alter,
or ABOLISH their form Of Government, in
such manner as shall be judged most condu-
eve to the public weal.". This appeal TO the
General Assembly, is dictated solely by that
respect which we feel for the constituted au-
thorities OF our Country. IL proceeds not
rom any debit OF the right ofTHE PEOPLE, in
their sovereign capacity, whenever their will
can be fairly ascertsned) TO call Conyep-
ton, toithout he iaterposition ofihe Legislature
Wewill ever contend for the principle. that
majority OF the community nioue. have
The right 10 call a Convention. Bar ,ye be
hevr, that an appeal TO the General Assembly.
TO pass such laws as may be expeviept 10 pro-
mote the views ADD wishes cfihe people uooo
this subject, is the most regular-most respect
iul--and probably, the most expeditions mode
OF accomplishing our object.
Your mfmorialiis deem it unnD ecessary To-
enter into detailed exposition Of what they
conceive tn he defects IN the Constitution Of
the State: They will, therefore, con6ne their
observations TO such points as intheir opinion,
are most deserving Of Consideration.
However fair, the representation Of the peo-
PIE T this Commonwealth in the House of
Delegates, may formerly have been, it cannot
We denied, that the present inequality is so
great as 10 require new appointment, II the
attainment Of justice aud equal rights be at
s'' desirable - Add even were the representa-
non at this moment fair and equal, We believe
ms' periodical apportionmtnt, upon Just
tgnrr.ocipIes, would he desirable amendment.
1ne trainers Of the Federal G Constitution, well
aWare OF the Gncfnafiona in pouulafinn which