Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1824-04-06
RICHMOND,
TUESDAY MORNING. April. 6. 1894

TUESDAY MORNING, APRIL G, 1924.
The citizens of Richmond are requested to meet
this evening at FOUR O'clock lat the Capitol to deli
berate ON the propriety of calling CONVENTION
to revise the CONSTITUTION of Virginia.
MANY CITIZENS.
FENTiON.-RICuMoNp MEETING.
We observe with much satisfaction that the coun-
~ OF Shenandoah has anticipated Richmond in its
zeal tor Convention. On Saturday last, meet
ing was called at the Court-IIouse of that county,
to take into consideration the propriety of a Cox.
vENrIoN to amend the Constitution of Virginia"
We have received letters from three gentlemen re-
siding In as many counties, asserting that the peo-
pie are ripe for Convention, and that the example
OF the Metropolis will be extensively followed. The
proposed meeting in Richmond has been noticed
with appreciation, by the newspapers in Norfolk,
Petersburg, Fredericksburg, Lyncburg, Winchester,
Woodstock, &c. The ball may be fairly consider
ed Is alrcay in motion, and if the meeting OF this
evening, act with the necessary harmony and deci-
sion, VIC may anticipate in 10 months from this
i'll the Unverity at Charlottesville In the mean
itt S'eiy Boou oicI mar
the lives Of Jefferson, Madison, Marshall, Monroe,
Taylor and Giles may be prolonged by Heaven to
that period.
We are requested to state, that the course which
the meeting will pursue this evening is vet unde-
fined, and will be subject Of dc!beraticn at tie
time. Propositions are already various, and while
all agree upon the necessity of the measure Gall that
We have seem there is much difference ofopinion as
to tho most eligible mode of proceeding. We would
respectfully suggest, that the FIST and most essential
point is to place the opinion Of the citizen, of Rich
mona beyond coh'toversy-to speak plainly and
decsive tina, If the suhec, should be postponed to
the meeting of the Legislature, that body should ne
iher misunderstood OF neglect The wishes of the nee
pie.
LII The meantime We requested to submit tlia
following outline Of plan of proceedings for oonsi-
aeraton Mary arc unwilling 10 cn,r;iSt the fate
Of the measure 10 thu unroria event of legislative
will Shoald tho Legislature refuse to take the stems
cqnied al their hands, it is easy to foresee tina: ii
would strike damp into the minds of the people.
and postpone this salu,ary measure, for another
quarter OF century at least. Tha, this would be
their dccsion is extremely probable from the COM
paraive irresponsibiii.y of the Senate and from the
natural unwiliinsness~of men to part with power,
and to diminish their emoluments, which two
last, would &c the necessary consequences of Con-
ventioh If can be avoided, it is therefore better
to proceed without Legislative interference.
1t is proposed effect this after ascartaininr Tho
sense of the people Of Richmond to be in favor of n
Conventions, TO "appoint some day for the election
nf- hata - Il ~.
Virginia to do the same, carly as practicable
8 TO nominate the first Monday in September, ON
which day, it shall be the duty of the Delegates n
assemble in the town OF Charlottesville or some other
place. That i; shall be their province 10 decide, if
II Is expedient to submit the tUIole Constitution or
certain parts only, TO the revision of Convention
TO determine if all citizens of the age of tyentvona
years, entitled to vote for members of conver
tion or freeho.ders On!y.-To appoint some dav.
winch shall not be more than eight months OF; for
election OF Delegates throughout virginia-and the
time ami place for their converting. The powers of
this preparatory Convention be limited to these
objects, and such as strictly incidental.
In favor of this or some similar proet, it is con-
tended that by this the will of the people will
be fully and fairly developed, and that their adou
Ton OF similar Resolutions, and election of Dele
gates, will be equivalent direct vote at the polls
for "a Convention" Should majority of the coun-
ties in the State, not be represented at the Septeu-
Der meeting, it will then be time enough for that
meeting TO recommend the whole subject to the at
tention Of the next legislature and to request them
to provide by lac, for the ascertanmen. of the
will of the people"
The debate on these important preli,nnalies, will
necessarily be highly Interesting, and we beg leave
to remind the citizens of Richmond, that the meet
ing Is called at o'clock, at ,c Capitol, this cge,.
ing.