Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1825-08-11

several counties in the commonwe cath, and TO re-
commend such measure to them shall appear best
calculated to promote the great object Of the fore
going resolutions.
BY Mr.. LEWIS OF sporrsYLvANIA.
WHEREAS, it should be the object of all politi-
cal institutions to promote the happiness of the
greatest number OF Individuals and as every ndivi-
dual has fright to determine on the means OF pro-
curing his own happiness, it therefore follows that
the will oil the majority ought to constitute the SUI
preme law; the creator Of the government pre-cri-
bling it's duties, limiting its authority, and holding il
responsible for the proper exercise of all its grant
ed powers.
That, as the Supreme law, or constitution thus
constituted cannot be righteously altered or abo-
iished but by the same power, whence il originally
emanated, the will OF majority of the people; any
attempt therefore to alter, abolish, our existing
supreme law, without ascertaining previously to
such attempt, that the will Of the majority is chang
ed, and consequently required corresponding
change in the Constitution, would be as inconsis-
tent with the principles OF political institutions
and as contraryto the rights of the majority, as to
iofce upon them the majority originally, or in any
way to subject them to the operation Of any Kind Of
rule not enanatng from their will.
That whenever the will of the majority changes
In regard to the constitution, either from the per-
cepton OF original defects in it or from it's made
quacy, resulting from subsequent circumstances to
eject the purposes Tor which il was instituted then
the constitution should be altered to correspond
with the VIII OF the majority, and be the express
sion OF that will; otherwise the vii, Of the minority
would from the want of change in the constitutions
become the supreme law. And the government
acting under such supreme law could not be fully
termed the government OF the people
That therefore, whenever a large portion of the
people become dissatisfied with their existing ins-
tuions, or with their administrative operation ON
the community, there chould be some method of
ascertaining whether the existing constitution is
the existing will the people. And this method
should be independent Of the administration of the
government; because its member NAV be interested
IN me continuance OF the order of things at that
time existing, however adverse to the public pros
perty.
And whereas IL Is known that the citizens OF
many counties In the state of Virginia are dissatisfi
Cd with the existing constita ton and are strongly
Impressed with belief that the will of majority
OF the people in the state requires that it should be
altered and amended, and they have consequently
requested US, the members of this meeting to as
seinbe here, for the purpose of procuring, through
the next Legislature the call of Convention. for
The revision, alteration and amendment of the pre-
sent constitution. In compliance with their re-
quest, and believing that it is most conformable In
republican principles, most calculated TO produce
unanlmiiy OF sentiment among all the citizens OF
the state, and TO obviae the objections of any, and
also 10 accomplish the objects OF this meeting to as
certain tchether majority OF The citizens of This
state do irish Gas we believe they dos that the
present constitution should be revised altered and
amended
Be it Resolved, That
De committee TO prepare memorial, to be by this
meeting presented to the next General Assemble
praying that law may be enacted 10 ascertain the
VIII OF the ireebolders ofthe in regard to the
call OF Convention, and lift shall then appear that
q ~ of sl,f
called, that petition be presented to the Assem-
oiy praying Tor the passage OF law directing the
election OF the members OF a Convention TO f,lfl
the ascertained and expressed viii of The majority
IT indeed such petition should then be necessary n
induce the assembly to enact such law.
BY Mr.. COOK.
| hesotued, J.. That it is the opinion Of this as
semby, that the constitution of Virginia REQUIRES
amendment, In several important particulars
z. That the unequal representation of the neonIe
in the house OF delegates, is serious grievance
SO gross avioiation of the fundamental princiDie
OF our free institutions, of ITSELF to warrant and
demand a revision OF the constitution
3. That the constitutional Limitation of the right
of suffrage, does, in the opinion of this assembly.
withhold that most important right, from many CT
tizens, whose situation and circumstances affor,
sufficient evidence of their permanent common
interest with, and attachment TO the community %
And. while this assembly dscaims all intention ofre-
commencing the introduction of univeral suffrage il
cannot but express its thorough conviction that the
welfare of the cohmonwe alth would be promoted
and It's institutions brought TO more perfect con-
ssteicy .-ith tie fundamental principles on which
they resi- by an extension of the right of suffrage
y. That, In the opinion of this assembly, the
welfare OF the comm onweatl would be preatIy
promoted by reduction OF the number of the house
OF delegates, the extension TO the senate of right
TO originate and amend all. bills whatever and the
modelling OF the executive department, so as
| to dispense with the council Of State That the
efficiency OF the legislative, ard the responsibility
OIL me executive department, would be thus increa-
sed, while considerable saving would be effect ed
| OF the public money.
D That the existing constitution is moreover
detective IN continuing no provision for its own
amendment.
b. That this assembly considers the indepen-
dence OF the Judiciary, or, in other words the te-
nure OF the judicial office during good behaviour
as essential to the preservation of the rights of the
| citizens from the encroachments of public and pri-
yate usurpation and violence That they consider
1t as essential to the preservation of Just eoubr-
um between the departments Of the government,
restraining each Of the coordinate branches with
IN IFS Just and constitutional sphere while il is it
sell restrained by the power of impeachment vest
ed In the most numerous branch of the legislature.
That this assembly is convinced that this valuable
feature OF the existing constitution of Virginia
would not be in the smallest degree imperilled by
the calling of convention; they being thoroughly
persuaded that the good people of this common
wealth have too much political. wisdom, and sound
discretion, to lay proiane hands on the ark of their
civil liberty.
q. That perceiving so many and such weighty
reasons in favour OF revision oil the constitution,
and entertaining no apprehensions of rash innoya-
ton, this assembly cannot but feel and express an
ardent wish that cow ention may, ere long, be
assembled.
8. That, in the opinion of this assembly, the pre-