Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1825-07-15

IL the personal rights oil man, the rights TO
Nfe, TO liberty, and to the pursuit Of happiness"
which the assertors of American Independence,
placed the front ground Of their solemn tleclara-
ton and appeal to mankind, be degraded in Virgin
IA, in order to exalt, property to the highest
consideration in the scale of social power and
loyment; even then, 1t may be more than question
cd, as has been already briefly minated, whether
the counties holding the greatest proportion Of
slaves, for none are without some, would gain, in
an attempt to equalixe and appof;on the represen-
ta,ion OF the House OF Delegates, upon what seems
10 be favori,e principle OF Mr.. Leigh. in behalf of
which the public are still threatened, with political
coavuision.
Regarded "a property, and that IA better rule
oil apportonment than numbers, this species could
not out-rank in the public estimate every other de
scripiion Of estate. 1t could noe claim present.
nence over that appreciation OF the value OF the soil
Itseif, which - the inevitable result of improve
Nents in agriculture; over the rich minerals
often found embedded in the rudest mountains; or
any of those numerous, much diversified and cost
~ bu, profitable Investments of capital and inge-
NOUS inventions of art and skill, which these trea-
eures ot nature, when revealed, destined to
Prompt and 10 unfold.
Would not every city be entitled to Representa-
tion, Tor the extent, magnihcence and grandeur OF
ITS public and private edifces; and indeed for all
ITS capital, both fixed and NOV cable, as well as for
the number of its free-c,izens.
Ii happens, unfortunately for this argument, and
must to every South<n statesman, provea source
OF Notifying disquie, however unmixed with en-
Wy. that the experience, not only OF whole coun-
ties but of entire commonwealth, demonstrates the
truth. that the existence of slavery, is presumptive
evidence OF poverty, rather than wealth.
The very great Importance of settled principles.
IN relation 10 the preceding topic. is hoped, will
furnish excuse for the space which it here occu-
pies.
Mr.. Leigh again denounces the Staun,on meet
ing, but by no new argument A little attention
VIII enable the most impatient observ er ofthe whole
ground OF similitude between the ancient democrat
&c societies. the recent but celebra,e Hartford
Cow enton, and the contemplated Stanton meet
ing, to perceive the injustice done by Mr.. Leigh.
10 the friends OF convention, who countenance
and approve this last object
Zen. Washington's opinions are in ssrct accord
with those of the friends of constitutional re-
form. :" The basis Of Our political systems" to
use Mr. Leigh's own quotation, &c is the right Of TIE
people TO make and al er their constitutions of 20
sernment-but the constitution, which at any time
exists until changed, by explicit and authentic
act oil the wholepeople is sacreily obligatory up
on ALL Such almost the identical language
oil The immortal Locke. Coming from the Father
OF American Independence, il is an accordant and
sacred response, from the new, TO the old world;
and sinks into every freemans heart, as if it were
oracular. Who seeks to di obey this oracle? The
enemies, OF the friends of convention? Do not
the last, without discrimination, ground the authori-
~, on which they proceed, upon these sacred and
acknowledgements!
Again, (to avoid formal quo,atioas,) is it any
part OF the " regular elaboration and action Of
the constituted authorities" of Virginia, 10
change, or unlimited, TO propose change of the
constitution Of the state? Who, therefore, pro-
poses to operaice" their irregular deHbera-
tons OF the " acts'' which may, or should fol-
low them! Does the constitution itself provide
any specific mode of eifecting any such Grunge?
And Is 1t, therefore, eternal and immutabe Silen,
Itself 1t leaves 1t to the people TO speak their will.
And how can they speak it, but BY appeal, {" dis
tInct and audible their constituted authorities;
how appeal, but by petition; how so well petition,
as by assembling and consul.ing9 And if their pc
iitions fail have they not right TO remonsrae and
If those remonsrances prove Intellectual, TO choose
IN the mode prescribed by the constitution, more
faithful representatives?
Does any friend OF the Stanton meeting, seek
g TO make the public administrator, the mirror
81 The h!-concerte1 and iicongru0us projects or
Jdciionj or, IN any MANNER whatever, to alter, or
yl0nge H. -5r-;.r;es, urgOn, IT'S auno.Ity
and dsty are pointed out by the constitution
The Staunson meeting is, "A second time, assimilat-
ed 10 the Hartford Convention, and some colapli-
neais, In which, the writer Of this essay, never
aid, and never can concur paid TO tie motives
u Tie latter, in order 10 sustain tits smili,ude
g Freeman's' objection 10 that Convention.
without looking back to antecedent dscontents.
and 10 The actual disobedence Of he federal autLori-
ty, prompted and sustained by some Of its members
please, to system Of direct taxation-f The Gus