Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1824-12-14


that had all the delegates in the convention
voted according to the sense and Instruction:
81 their constituents, the constitution would
nave been rejected. The political aud judi
eiai history Ut our country alsn furnishes some
memorable, though lamentable truths ON this
subject. In the Virginia-Conventon, men ul
conspicuous talents distinguished also for their
| private virtues, with the most splendid ability
successfully advocated the adoption of the
Federal Constitution, by sustaining popular
and j,,at principles as, that the liberty Of the
press, of speech, exemption of stability of
states in the Federal Courts, and other
great interests were secure beyond The
reach Of doubt-Yet, some of those very
men afterwards occupied high stations in diff
terent departments Of the Federal Govern
and opinions, in direct opposition to the prin-
c'p'rs and opinions, they relied on in the con-
vent,on.-We all remember the resolutions Of
tne virginia Legislature uf 1903 and I799.-
Ihey were also successfully sustained by men
conspicuous for their talents, public services and
private Sirtues. The great majority Of the
people, cordially approving of those resolr-
"ons, WIN mighty effort, as far as they
could speak and reach, dismissed from power
tns!r servants and agents who had violated
'heir trust and duty, and sent new servants
anu agents, with the fond and cheering antici-
patrons That every thing would thereafter work
wen. Have the people been disappointed a
Dtu me new servants act in conformity TO the
principles of the resolutions +? Let the history
OF the proceedings of the Federal Government
subsequent To the year 1909 answer these
quest!ons.-It certainly may now hp properly
asked. II the people have not just cause, some.
uHies' 10 be afraid of trusting their represent
'au'es and other servants Pit is true, that
great coincidence must subsist between the
constituent and representative yet according
10 'le spundest principles of n crafty and
common sense, If it he doubtful question,
whether benefit or injury, will result from do
ing thing, the safest way is to let that
'H'ns aiDne.-lfwe let the convention alone,
we nave no representative to elect or trust.
Tor such body. We are obliged TO elect
ana trust representatives to the ordinary LIE.
o'sature, where they can do, and have done,
!nucn mischief by novelties and experiments
IN political economy. Let me BIZ clearly un
uerst"ou, as not casting any unjust imputa-
uohs or llllberal reflections, on any man or bo
ny oil men public or private. l am only
ehoeaVoring 10 point out the errors and
wrongs, which spring from the imperfections
oi poor human nature
. DOW with profound venrration TO the ma
Jesay oil the peOple-my only sovereign, whose
wli'' l cheerfully obey: but before il !. de-
CARED, l, as one of the people, feel stimulated
oy 'hat love of country common to all, merely
10 contribute my humble resources, to assist
III the most judicious declaration of that will
confess my long, sincere and devoted attach
inent To- the General Assembly. Governor aud
Uounc'i, and judiciary of Virginia which form
,he government, of which first had any
hhowiedse-i entertain for this government
Inns fuaIt .,f
paramount order. l, among thousands and
thousands Of others, have enjoyed under this
government as much prosperity, happiness &
freedom, as a moderate man could reasonably
wlsh Tor. Pray let the good old constitution
conventional power. "Don't give I'M the
ship ! :" A I'aNTFR
ueorge Wythe If memory deceives not-ke served in
di",r several times representative in The or.
J"ay Lee.saiure, upwards of twenty Eve years, as
uuise' an" MS ustrious is subscribed 10 The eca-
ration oil American Independence.