Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1825-05-13
CONGRESSIONAL ELEcT1oM
IA coullfn ofLon.lnnn-

rom your respective counties, a deputaiion to
Staunton, on the 18th day OF July next to one
rate with us, in devisihg Ia,cfil and erpedie,,t
means OF procuring a cOnUeRtion, to amend the
defects OF our state constitution
WehaVe chosen July IS the time of our meeting
that 1t may not interfere with the autunnal superior
courts, and recommended Stanton as the place
oil meeting, on account of the season being that
wheh our low land friends frequently cross the
Blue Ridge.
The number of each depu,ation. and the man
ner OF their appointment, we submit TO yourselves.
In the confident hope, that there will every where
De found patriotism enough accept the trust and
mat the ensuing county courts will furnish the
friends OF convention with suitable opportuni-
ties for choosing their deputies.
Our OBJECT, fellow citizens, is to compare our
several opinions, and those of our constituents in
relation to the defects OF our present constitution
10 look into the abuses TO which thew have led and
20 recommend 10 The peoble, such mode of provi-
uihs Tor their amendment, our common dcliberra
lions may suggest aud approve
we shall thus establish, in the only practicable
manner, that unity OF sentiment and of correspon-
Gent action, among ourselves, so essential 10 our
future successive shall impart vigour to our Oh
erations repel the reproachful insinuaions of our
opponents confirm the harmony, and increase the
number OF our friends and sound an appeal so dis
tnct and audible TO the next general assembly of
virginia. as to procure, we may hope, Just res
pee 10 our rights
we are, Indeed aware, that many OF you dis
trust 'hls body on account of its present cons;itu-
uon; and think that should not await its aid
ior the call of Convention. Even our ornaments
seem to reprove delay, by denying or question:
nag the authority OF the general assembly TO take
uie sense OF the people, In the manner we have
requested, on the propriety of any change of their
present constitution. An astonishing conclusion!
drawn rom the absence of any express provision i'm
= ln4rana .s-
either unaterabie like the laws Of the oriental ces
Potisms, or can toe changed Jy aacrchy alone.-
Inc safety OF the people is tie supreme law 1t is
hot merely within the power, ii is the sacred duv
OF the general assembly, To comply with tie wishes
OF the people, by supplying, if they ask it, the ne
cessary ald tor amending that law, which binds the
legislature, while it emanaes from the people: and
which can be altered only by the people them
selves, or by an authorized Convention Let any
Tree constitution be Produced and if it contain pro-
vision Tor Ms amendment, that provision will be
found TO require the cooperation OF the ordinary
legislature. Is the right admitted at all of the
people to change their constitution? Who, then,
snail deny 20 them, the means of exercising it. |
without convusing the state? Or does there really
exist right, which cannot be exercised and is
the solitary and mournful example Oft TO be found
In that OF the people of Virginia to govern them
selves, or TO determine by what constitution they
shall be governed?
But yet, fellow citizens, however repugnant TO
your feelings this humilitating doctrine may ap-
pear let US unite IN guarding against Is too obvi-
Gus tendency; and give TO those who would urge US
to mlemperance still farther evidence of our for
Dearance and moderation.
The RESOLUTIONS OF our constituents have gone
yet farther, in limiting the power of the contempla
ted Convention TO the Office OF prep'ring and sub
hitting to the deinitive Judgment ofthe people, such
amendments OF the constitution, as the Convention
may deem eXpedient
We have sought. thus cautiously, 10 obviate,
even the apprehension of danger and TO defeat the
efforts OF one class of our opponents the aarmiss
whist they presumptuousy assert that no two
friends OF political reform, agree as to is proper
objects, they confidently predicttha 4 Convention
VIII destroy the taest features of the constitution;
that the independence Of the judiciary will be sinh
verted and the fabric OF social order be shaken to
ITS centre They would silence the sufferer from |
existing evils by threatening him with the nlliction
oil greater, ii he seek relief from the application of
a saable corrective
10 those who willing 10 trust the people
these objections will be answ cred by submitting the
acts oil the Convention TO their final Judgment and
control.
Corresponding Committee Of LouGoua
Charles +. Mercer, SydGor BAILEY
William Elizey, CutLbert Powell
Richard III. Henderson, Joshua Osburn.
Samuel M. Edwards, Johnston Cleveland.
William T. I. Mason, John IL McCabe.
The subioined resolutions referred to above, were
unanimously adopted prior 10 the opening of the
polls Tor the county of Loudoun, on tie IIth
April, 1925.
l. RESOLVED unanimously, That the sheriff
be requested 10 open poll at the approaching {
lection, to ascertain the sense of the qualified vo
tiers OF Loudoun, on the question: Whether there
shall be convention called, to submit to the judg-
ment OF the people Of this commonwealth such
amendments of the constitution thereof, as to the
may seem expedient; the amendments
or any part OF them, when approved by majority
OF the people, TO become part of the said constitu-
ton?
2 Resolred unanimously, That in the event
OF maJoity of the votes taken at the election be- |
ing IN favour OF such convention, six deputies Wit |
Charles F Mercer, William Ellzey, Richard II |
Henderson, Samuel NJ. Edwards, William T. T. |
Mason, and Sydnor Bailey, or any one, or more
OF them shall be authorized and requested to meet
at staunton, in the county of Augusta, on MONDAY.
The 10th day OF July next, or on such other dav.
as may be agreed therefor in behalf of the coun-
" OF Loudoun, such delegates as may be dcpued,
by the friends oil a convention, from the other
counties oi the commonwealth, in order, with
them, TO concert lawful and expedient measures
Tor the attainment Of their common purpose
.. -4nd be n further unanimously Rcs0'pcd.
That the SIX deputies aforesaid, together with Cuth-
bert Powell, Joshua Osburn, Johnston Cleveland
and John II. McCabet shall constitute standing
committee, to prepare and publish, in behalf Of
Ibis county, suitable address 10 the several com
es Of the commonwealth, inviting the appoint
neni, by them respectively, Of two or more depu-
les Tor each to attend the general meeting al Staun-
on on the day aforesaid. OF II such other period as
he committee may hereafter recommend. And
hat the said committee be empowered to cores
IL .HN 81