Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1825-02-04

| ported by MIR. ltiyes oi p. George. and opposed
10y Nr. Colston The bill passed-ayes 95-
| noes 10.
The engrossed bill, explaining the 3Ist sec
| uon vi The act concerning executors, and for
the relief OF insoycnt debtors, was read "A third
time. This bill requires the magistrate TO dis
charge an applicant for the insolveut oath upon
the presentation of schedule properly avouched.
without the actual delivery of the property des-
cribcd.
The bill was opposed by Mr.. Jones, of York,
on the ground that it imposed new har,lships
upon the insoivent, aud was rejected by the
House.
The engrossed bills, correcting the appor-
Torment and payment of money from the Liter
AIRY Fund to the treasurer of school cOm,nissi-
oners in Certain counties'-''C Concerning john
Siaughter"-were read, aud the first passed, and
the latter rejected.
On motion of Mr.. Wallace, the bill concern
ing convention, taken up to tie engrossed.
Mr. Macon moved to postpone the consider
ton 10 the 5lst March.
Mr. Thompson, Of Fairfax, deprecated this
course, and hoped the motion would be with
drawn.
Mr.. Page supported the motion to postpone.
Nr. Wallace explained his object in calling
up the bill, which as to give notice. that on the
next week, the main question of a convention
Nr. Winston opposed the motion, as taking
the House by surprise.
Mr. Watkins, of Goochand, explained the
vote winch he should give on the motion. Tho
decidedly opposed to convention, he should
vote against poetPonenent.
he question was put on postponement, by
ayes and noes, aud carried in the negative
ayes 74-uocs 81.
Mr.. Sherrard moved to lay the bill on the ia
Bile, aud gave notice that he should call it up
some day next week
Mr.. fhompsoA and Mr. Wallace, opposed the
motion, which Nj. Sherrard Withdrew.
MIR. Hherrard again renewed the motion to
lay on the table, with view to call 1t up on
wednesday. The motion was lost.
Mr.. Stuart thought the bill reported not in
conformity with the wishes OF the people of Vir-
gIull. lie did not tank that they wee pre-
pared to call convention with unlimited pow
ers. Mr.. ). proceeded to propose an amend
ment, restoring the feature of the bill, which
imposed limitations on the powers of theconven-
ton. The amendment was declared out OF order
by the Chair.
Mr. stuart then read proposition by way of
argument, as follows:
sec. g. BE 1t further enqcted That the said
convention shall have full lower and authority
to amend the Constitution of the State, by
Delegates, either by reducing the number to
one representative from each county, and 10
such borUughs and cities a. from their pOpua
ton require representative; or BY requiring
the Legislature 10 lay off the sta INTO districts,
according to the free population, as ascertained
by the last census, aud To require Succeeding
Legislatures to alter said districts as well "a
those oi the senate. according 10 the free popu-
iatton OF the state, as asceTtMned by euumera
tons which may hereafter be made, and in ;hc
event OF adopting the representation by DISTRICTS
10 limit the number of representatives in the
House OF Delegates--hy aoolishing tie Execu-
ave Councl by reducing the number of
members composing that body, and in that event,
., hSiag precise peHod Jt tune for winch the
members stall be eiuCsed: by providing for the
ab9itIOa of any county IN the state, whenever
IN ,he opinion OF the Legislature IL may be OK
prdIent, and in su, n event Ia authurise the re
movaI from Office OF the Glerh or Sheriff of said
county; by abolishlng any peculiar privileges
now ENJOY eli by any city or borough; bv re-
curing tie same qualification. for voting Tor
members OF the Legislature, tina. are now re-
CURED in other parts Jf tuis commonwealth, and
b. deciding at wis,t time the said ainend1e nts
shall iaAe eject The sad convention shall
have 30 other power Whatever 10 change, alter
or abolish the present constitution or form OF
= " rmncGt, either direcGyO or ndirecti. than
such as Is hereby expressly delegated to them.
Nj. GhoIson differed widely rom the gentle
man last up. Mr. . denied the power oC tue
Legislature to limit q convention. I!etha uchi
tie idea of limited convention absurd.
convention supposed a state OF things, when
| there was consultation. re did not believe
that the people themselves could limit it, II
they could not, n toritori, the Legislature could
not. The people Of the state had expressed 70
opinion on the subject We were literally re
tr,'grading by this course. Mr.. G.. then read
preamble which he had drafted 20 the bill
! Whereas, sundry petitions have been pre-
scented to tins Legislature, praying the call al Il
conventions for the purpose Of amending the
{ onstitullon of this commonwealth, which trou
their dignity and Importance, demand resp ct
fui atteutIon-.hlRd irhe1ens this present & ne
raj Assembly are ofoplnion, that no measures,
! having for their object, ans amendment OF ii
teration of fundamental laws, which How from
the immediate sovereignty OF tie pe ole them
selves, shouId be adopted without some clear
and uncquiyOcal expression Of public sentiment
adorable thereto-FtT the purpose tlcretJre
OF asceTtsiuing the sense of the good people o.
this commonwealth. on this important subject
and that the next Legislature may have the rru
per light by which they may be guided in tneu
Investigations relative thereto.
Mr.. c.. said he wished 60 act with caution
and if he voted at all for the bill, IT would DE il
consequence Of the al rtion Of hi, lie So
lcmuly protested against the idea ol an ordinar,
legislature tying up tte hands Of a convention.
Mr. allaco said he was astoni,hed at III,
doctrines Of the gentleman from Augusta, Mr.
Stuart The proposition was TO restrain whom
Was IL TO restrain an inferior power? No-bu
the sovereign people themsoI es Ajr. w
l.