Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1825-05-03
5sec9DesrosgD SgJ 36g~
TUESDAY MORNING, MAY 3. 1925.
For Me Constitutional Whig.
CONVENTION


Since the adoption OF the constitution of the United
States, subject of deeply interesting and ilnpor-
ant character has been submitted to the considera-
ton the people of Virginia, the proposed Conven-
ton OF their Representatives at Stanton to amend
their form of government. From the Independent ex-
erclse of the proudest privilege Of eenau Inc invcs
gation and discussion of any and every political ques
ton, however momcntous, shall shrink back with
instructive awe, or even with affected humility. |
scorn 10 utter sediment Which do not feel. 1t is
not only the most sacred and Invaluable right which
citizen can possess, but solemn and impcrious duty IS
imposed him, closely and severely to exaIniyle more
especially, the fundamental laws o.; the land and 10
wdrn tIs people Of those .nperfections from witch
either serious practical evils DO actually proceed
p2iniclous and ruiuOus consequences will ultimately;
cnsuc,--that a timely corrective may be applied.
That no constitution should be changed for light and
transient causes, proposition which every man Of
common readily yields his assent-for would as
surely be the height Of folly, not of madness TO in
cur the expense, and 10 be subjected TO the trouble
and iconrenience ofremedying defects from which no
nischafor injury could cYer result. But, as consu
ton is the supreme law ordained by the people in their
sovereign political capacity protect and secure their
rights 10y restraining within limits Clearly and distinct
iy defined, the exercise OF that authority which from
tue nature OF things must be intIsted to tie public
innctIonaries It's perfection consists in COMPLETELY eff
feeling that desirable aud important object When
Therefore, either i'll the practical operations of the go
YcrnHent, or by mature reflection on the PRINCIPLES on
whch 1t Is based It IS found not to accomplish the pur
pOsc O' "Ch IL was cSii bSbed when IT neither ceC
tuaiIv steits the liberties of the citizen, nor guards
against the danger Of NAL administration il should then
be so altered and amended, that the end for which il
was originally instituted may be attained. Why should
nation delay reform in its political system till ii is
Ia6ourng aud grooming under oppression which
longer be borne?-Why is man endowed by his Creator
with reason and reflection, if they are not 10 be employ
cd III promoting his welfare and baprness in ascertain
ing and approving that which is right-iu avoiding and
correcting that which is wrong? It unquestionably
mere prudent and wise TO anticipate and prevent pub
lie evil or misfortune than quietly and pas5Yey wait
I'LL Vt actually betas In ''time of peace should
be prepared for war."
The history Of our country, conclusively shews that
few years previous 10 our Declaration of Independence
the people of this self ancien dominion of Virgil
MAP not the most loya most devotedly attached to
the British Government but they were freely shedding
their blood and expanding their treasure in subscribing
her schemes Of ambition and conquest They did not
murmur, nay, you cannot find instance Of practica
oppression Of bich they complained, till the British
Parliament usurpcd the right Of imposing taxes on them
without their consent appreciation; then, when the
public mind became iuAamed at the arbitrary and ytan
meal measures Of the British Cabinet, but not till then
did they publish TO tie world detailed enumeration oil
tclr grievances, OF winch they would have even
dreamed bad that government yielded the odious AM
detestabie principle Tor which Contended. We have
right therefore TO infer that il not against aCtua
practical oppression that orefahers rose in ihe
mighp and burst asunder the chains which fettered Us
10 the British Crown, but the mere abstract right o
"taxation without representation"
As no constitution ever existed without defects. so NJ
constitution was or could have been ntende,
to be immutabe, to endure from everastng to evsra
ng," unmolifed and unchanged For if the information
to be derived from the investigation of the principles
government, could never be employed in its improve
ment, the approximation Of political institutions &