Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1825-08-11
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In addition to what we have already published
OF the proceedings Of this meeting, we lay before
the public the following extracts from the Journal
OF their proceedings, published in pamphlet form:
On Tuesday Mr.. Stevenson moved that on all
important questions the vote should be taken by
counties--which motion was rejected
THURSDAY, July %, 1926.
On motion Of Mr. Doddrdge, ordered, that the
several Resolutions and memorials referred, on
Tuesday last, to the select Committee and the re-
port made in part by said Committee, be spread at
large upon the Journal--whch as follow:
BY Mr.. MERCER.
ReSOtced, That the present defects of the con- |
stitution of Virginia should be amended by Con-
vention empowered to frame and to submit to the |
Judgment OF the people, such AMENDMENTS thereof,
as to such Convention may seem just and expedi- |
ent: All, any of which amendments, ii approved
by majority OF the people, shall become part OF
the Constitution.
RESOLVED, That without presumipg to prescribe |
to such Convention the objects to which its attention
shall be directed, this assembly is of opinion
First, That the members of the House of Dele
gates should be reduced and limited in number; and
at stated periods, as the growth or deciension of
population may require, apportioned among the
several counties and corporations of the common
wealth as equally may be practicable with refer
ence to the number OF their respective free white
inhabitants.
| Secondly, That the Council of State should be
Executive to call to his aid, from time to time the
| advice OF the Treasurer, Auditor, and Attorney
General of the Commonw eaitb 4
Thirdly, That the right of suffrage should be
extended to all free white male citizens above 81
years of age capable of furnishings' sufficient evil
dence OF permanent common interest with, and at
tachment to the community" in such manner TO
guard against the dangers and abuses Of univ ersa
suffrage
| FouI,hly, That safe and practicable provision
should be made for such future amendments of the
Constitution, experience may disclose to be just
| and necessary.
And finally, be it resolved, that although this
assembly cannot be required 10 disclaim any inten-
ton which il does not avow yet il deems il expe-
dient TO declare that 1t does desire any change
Of the Constitution which shall have tendency to
impair the Independence of the Judiciary.
In order to promote the objects of the preceding
resolutions, Be tresolved, that a memorial be ad-
dressed by this Assembly to the Senate and House
OF Delegates OF Virginia, requesting that provision
be made by law for taking the sense of the people
| at the next Spring Elections, On the question
| Whether, there shall be a Conv ention, or not!
That an address be made to the people of Virginia
enforcing the justice and expediency calling such
convention: And that this address be accompani-
| ed, by memorial to the General Assembly from
the several counties and corporations of the COM
monwealth. calculated to promote the union and
cooperation OF all the friends of constitutional re-
form; and finally, that standing committee be APP
pointed to superin,end the printing and distribution
OF the address and memorial, with authority to COM
municate with the several corresponding Conven
ton committees which have been, or may be. ,ap-
pointed, In the several counties and corporations
Aforesaid, In aid OF the common purpose of these
resolutions
i By Mr.. DopoaIpGE
| i. Resolved, As the opinion of this Convention
that the night OF suffrage in Virginia, as at present
R1 apAa t.al sef 4
that It ought to be extended to ALL whether free
holders or not, who have sufficient evidence Of at
tachment to, and permanent interes, in the com
monw ealth.
2 Resolred, That the present representation in
the House OF Delegates is too numerous, and un-
equally appointed among the people; and that the
numbers OF that House ought to be reduced, and the
members thereof apportioned among the white DO
pulation IN the same that Senators are now
apPorioned: This Convention main aiming that no
apportionment can be defended either in theory or
by approved precedent, but that which will impar
equal portions OF white population, equal poI tons
| OF political power.
3. RESOLVED. That the Council of State oueb,
| TO be abolished, and the Executive Department
otherwise reformed
d. Resoiped, That the three Departments of
Government, Legislative, Executive, and Judicial
ry, ought to be better defined, and rendered more
| independent of each other.
|
Constitution OF State be reformed in the forego
ing particulars, as well many others deemed by
TINS Convention equally important and ndispe en- sb!e
VIII, and must be, by the call of a General Con-
| vention with unlimited powers.
! b. desofred, That committee be appoine ed TO
prepare respectful memorial to the General As
seIEbly praying for the passage Of law providing
the means OF taking the sense Of the good people
OF this Commonwealth on the question OF calling a
General Convention on the foregoing princinlea To
be reported to this Convention for its consideration
ls BIZ MIR. CHAPLINE.
rs The Delegates of The counties of
IN the State o Virginia, In Convention assembled.
at Stanton, the 25th Of July 1925, for the pur-
pose OF devsing the most proper method of calling
Convention of the people Of the State to alter and
| reform the present Constitution, or FORM of Co
yernment, in such manner shall be Judged most
conducive to the public veal. after mature delibera
ton, and free interchange of sentiment, RE-
| SOLVE
isf, That the Sovereign power in all Republics.
is, and ought to be, in the people; who, or ma
Jority of whom have indubable, unalienable and
indeiessibe right 10 reform, alter or abolish their
/ form oil government, whenever the same is found
contrary, or indequate TO, the common benefits. |
protection, and security of the people; for which
alone all governments, ought to be instituted
"a, That the Constitution OF Virginia has been |
found inadequate to the promotion of the general
welfare of the people of tie state, and insufficient
TO secure the blessings Of liberty W them and their
posterity, especially In these parculars---In giving
to each county, without regard to its population.
an equal representaiionin restricting the right Of
suffrage to freehoders, who from the change which
has taken place in the circumstances and pursuits
oil our feIlow-citzens, compose much smaller Dor.
ton OF the community now than they did az the |
period OF the Revouton.---In the organization of |
The Executive Department: in not marking with |