Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1825-07-01


on the conduct of the Commodore through the
press, until tie termination OF the trial.
FOR THE ENQUIRER.
Jeatlen.en: i have seen with much regret in
common with almost all those Of my fellow-Citi-
zens with whom have Opportunities ofintercourse
the subject revived Of Convention in Virginia TO
alter, or, in courtesy 10 the gentlemen who desire
convention, ought 10 say, amend the constitu-
tion of our state. n Winchester writer who de-
dominates himself &c A Friend Of Equal Rights, -
has appeared in the Enquirer, and endeavours with
much ability 10 prove that this part OF the is
cruelty aegrieved by the unequal exercise of the
right of suffrage. in this, indeed, seems lie his
OIL grievance, FOR although he insists, too, the
principle that taxation and representation should be
ineparabe, he does pretend that any freebooter
Is without representative, or that the taxes are
uDequally or oppressiyely levied.
His structures on - Mason Of TO- and his en-
Cornuns Mr. Mercer (the Magnus A polio of the
proposed meeting at Staunton,) excite little III
terest in the public mind:-They denote merely the
zeal and blind partiaiy ota known personal friend
But the dangerous extent to which the principle
insisted on by this writer, and by all who unite with
him, in demanding n revision of the constitutions
may be carried and must be carried ifthey be con-
sis,ent with themselves, renders its application TO
their present ostensibe purpose, worthy the serious
consideration of every Eirginon who feels a deeper
for the happiness AID security OF his state
than in The triumph OF any political or sectional
party. 90 a Friend of Equal Rights who is the
most moderate in his temper and views of any of
the reioTmers, insists, with great confidence in its
effect, the hrst great principle laid down in the
Bill oil Rights-viZ: - That all men are by aature
equally free and independent and they push the
application o. this axiom in republican politics 10
great extent the feeling OF Virginia and the
circumstances of the times render, in any degree
safe for the accomplishment OF their objects. have
already advertei 20 the other Fundamental principle
advanced by him, that there should be no tax tion
without representation; and on these two princi-
pie, which justified resistance Of the tyranny
Of the King and Parliament, and which lie Tie
root OF our existing government, the advocates for
en,ion rely to render their claims irgesisti-
BILE
Il : not my purpose to attempt 10 shew where
IN, end how often, these principles have been per-
yer,edby i!imitable extension and unqualified ap-
plication; bus shew what must inevitably ensue
If they be pursued, practically, to the end which the
arguments Of the couventoniss here not only
authorize their being pursued to, but imply they
ought to be.
g A Friend Of Equal Rights and his co-ope-
rators, 10 be consistent, must epunge the feature
81 limited suffrage from tie constitution, and subst-
tue universal suffrage for it. Thn~9lr Mercer
rs undeniably de Jared for, 10 certain extent, in
maintaining that every 10hte should be entitled
10 vote.
But we are told the time was when free negroes
and mulMtoes voted in Virginia (and that long an
terror to the present age Inflammation and phiian-
thopy) as they do now, believe, in some nor
thcrn states.
But, if" all men be free and equal, - and taxa
" ton aud representation be inseparable - why not
now, as formerly, permit free negroes and mulat-
toes 10 vote, and even slaves, their masters FOR
them for they taxed not only indirectly in any
foreign article consumed by them. but directly in
their persons'
II the arguments of the advocates for a revision
ofthe constitution, derived from enquiry into the
inherent rights of man, mean any thing, they mean
this; and 10 this issue, sooner or later it will be
brought, however extraYagant the surmise may
seem 10 be.
The spirit OF the tmesis very favourable for the
effectuaIion of object which has been persever-
ingly, and viciously pressed the public attic
ton by designing men, and the preservation OF our
rights and the safety and happiness Of children,
will greatly depend on jealous watchfulness Of
csisin artiul and plausible politicians.
One OF the most horrible calamiiies recorded in
the history Of modern times traces It's origin to an
affected philanthropy, and to the abuse, by the
French Reyoluiiohisls, of the doctrine of equali
w and the " equal rights Of man. and, surely,
there can never arrive period when we, OF the
southern states, need The admoniiions afforded
by history and experience.
am well aware that there are many among as,
especially in this section Of he state, who would
press me 10 the wall this subject; but ] hold
That heis an unwise and dangerous legislator who
will not adapt his measures the circumstances Of
the people for whom helegislhes; who would
torture principle in government to subserye
particular purpose when it might be powerfully re-
torted 10 his own injury.
For one, / should be happy TO see my feow-ci-
tizens Of the Potomac country gratified in obtain
ing, what they affect chiefly to seek, more equal
representation, that the poor &" county Of War
wick" might cease TO be a stumbling block to the
faithful; but hope shall not be despised an a.
larmist when / aver, that the present appears 10
me, too, not aA suspicious moment for stirring, in
our state questions affecting great interests and in
yolvng great Consequences. Independently oima-
nyother Considerations that might be submitted in
support Of this opinion, the sudden, irregular and
extraordinary manner in which, the Convention,
that is to be, was" got upj the sectional char-
scter it evidently bears; the known poitica. .rIn-
cples Of the prominent persons W be engaged in it;