Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1824-04-16
Fromihe Enquirer.
CONTENTION .NEE7T.NG.

me meeting OF the Citizens OF Richmond on
Saturday Evening was numerous and respec-
table. The discussion continued near four hours
1t was spirited AMI interesting. We shall briefly
sketch the points and proceedings.
On Mr.. SCOTS motion, DIR. Adams 1.-THE May
or)was called TO the Chair and Mr.. John Rn-
HEREFORD was appointed Secretary.
.ur. WINSTON addressed the meeting; but we
were not In a situation to note down his remarks.
Sur. .uUSFoRD rose in favor of a Convention.
He observed that our constitution was the first
which had ever been formed by the people,
according to our ideas Of constitution. 1t was
formed in the midst of Revolution with the
sword at our threats. Was it surprising, that
the experience of forty years should have de-
rnonstratei that it was defective .hight we
not be excused for the presumption of attempt
ing to amend it? Fortunately its trainers had
laid down certain principles in the Bill of Rights
By which if we regulated our course, we could
scarcely errS-They had declared the indubita-
bic right of the people TO reform, alter or sbo-
lish" their form of government whenever cit
should be found inadequate or contrary to the
purposes" of its institution. The only question
was, whether from the practical effects of the
present constitution it was found to stand in
need of amendment Tie whole question was
then narrowed down to point of fact. If it had
proved defective, it was our right and our duty
as freemen and citizens of Virginia, to think
and act for ourselves. We live in a country
where our constitutions can be as readily a.
Hended as our ordinary laws. Our situation
Is very different from that of Revolutionary
France, whose constitutions were accompanied
by bloodshed. Our Sister States have set us the
example. They have frequently amended by
Conventions called In a peaceable manner
MI nj. did not conceive that any man ought to
he called disorganizer, or radical, for at
a ri of itt,tio ,,,rL
lie had personal interest in things remaining
as they are (being Clerk fthe Fl. of Delegates
for many years, )yet he adhered to the principles
which he had advocated in this Hall in 1900.
He had then supported a Convention, as {. De-
jegate of the people. He hoped his interests
could not swerye his principles. His maxim
was, Fiat justia, yuat coLum.
Mr.. NJ. then proceeded to state that IN bis
humble opinion the present constitution was de-
iectlve in all its three great branches. He
objected both to the manner of eLecting the
members ofthe Legislature, and to the manner
of exercising their power afterthey were elected
AS to the first, he was not satisfied with the
principle of suffrage. He was not an adyo-
cate of universal suffrage; but was it not
hardship, that your principal merchants, who
were permanently settled in the commonwealth
with their families and their property, should be
denied the privilege of a vote, when man for
tribe, for mere song, can exercise a freehold
cote! Forhis own part he was disposed to ex-
tend the right ofsuifrage, within certain bounda-
rie5. He objected in the next place to the ra-
ito OF representation in the counties. Every
county hal its two delegates, no matter what
was It's size, whether it was pigmy like War
wick, giantlike LouIoun. This incqnaIi-
~ was contrary to the principles LAID down in
fhe Bill of Rights. The representation ought
TO be regulated by the free population, unless
indeed we took in the 3-5ths of the slaves, ac-
cording to the federal arrangement: Yet any
modification was better than the present system
As to the Legislative body ITSELF he contenled
that it was t0o numerous. fits numbers were
reduced from 300 10 100 the people would take
care to send more discreet aud deliberative
men; the business would not be surried over
and much of it reserved till the close of the
session; the laws might be more wisely framed,
and the expenses of the government would be
considerably reduced.
Mr.. NJ. proceeded to analize the Erecutirs
Department. He could not conceive the me-
eessity of an Executive Council. WHY not
trust the Governor with the exercise OF the
powers now vestedin that department? If he
wanted Counsel, why should he not take advice
OF the Auditor in questions of law? sc. There
would then be more responsibility in the De-
partnent. One councillor could not then saw
81 was not present when such measure was
adopted" nor another plead the same excuse
Fhe tenure by which they bold their Office is
Also liable to exception.-Though two of the
members are subjected to a scratch every third
gear, yet ifiu the mean time they should neg
lect or violate their duties, how are they to be
removed!
Mr.. M objected to the judiciary department,
bat II was excessively complicated. We have
courts, tier above tier, from the county to the
chancery courts, and thence up to the court of
appeals. Justice is not so speedily administered
asst ought to be. For his own part, nc would
abolish the chancery courts, and do away the
distinction between courts Of law and courts OF
e'niiy. The cgmueD law courts when vested