Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1825-08-04
sTAuNToN CONVENTION.
Tuesday, July 9,

appeared and took their seats.
We extract the following account OF
the proceedings of that day from the
Staunton Spectator:
Sundry resolutions and other papers
were respectively offered by the follow
ing gentlemen, viz: Messrs. Mercer,
Dodridge, Chapline, Lewis Of Spott-
sylvania, Cook, Thompson, Of Fairfax,
Perrow, and Scott ofFauquier, express
sive of their views and sentiments in
regard to the object of the meeting
When, on motion Of Mr.. Lewis OF
Campbell, it was
Resolved, That a committee OF one
member from each delegation be ap-
pointed to inquire and repor, what mea.
sures, in their opinion, it is proper and
expedient for the meeting to adopt for
the attainment of the object for which
it is assembled.
The following gentlemen were ap-
pointed the committee:
Messrs. Lewis, Mercer, Dodridge,
Chapline, Lewis of Spottsylvania,
Cook, Thompson, Perrow, Randolph,
Joynes, Thompson of Amherst, Pate
son, Williams, Minis, Hunter, Turner,
Field, Scott, Armstrong, Starke, Green,
Jackson, Morgan of Monongalia, Sta
Piles, Jones, Cackley, Sigler, Gibson,
See, Scott of Richmond, Rutherford,
Lowell, Waller, Hickman, Morgan,
Maxwell, Pollard and Caldwell.
The resolutions and other papers
which had been read were then referred
to this committee.
And the house adjourned until 10
O'Clock tomorrow morning.
Wednesday, July 81.
The Convention met pursuant to adj
iournment, but as the Committee had
not yet prepared its Report, it was adj
iourned till o'clock, P. M. at which.
hour the Committee presented the fol-
lowing
Resolred, As the opinion of this assembly,
that the presentdefects Of the constitution of
this commonwealth should be supplied by
convention empowered to frame and to SUBJ
NIT to the judgment Of the people, such a
mendments thereof as to the convention may
seem Just and expedient: All, or any ofwhich
amendments, if approved by majority of
the people, shall become part of the constr
tuition.
ResOlred, That while this assembly does not
presume to prescribe the objects to which
the attention of such convention should be
directed, it is Of opinion,-
First, That the members of the house OF
delegates should be reduced and limited in
number; and, at stated periods, as the growth
or declension of the population Of the COM
monwealth may require, apportioned among
the several counties and corporations entitled
to representation. equally AS may be found
practicable, with reference to the number Of
their respective free white inhabitants.
Secondly, That the council of state should
be abolished, and the executive department
otherwise reformed, so as to increase its eff
cheney and its responsibility.
Thirdly, That the right of suffrage should
be extended to all free white male citizens a
bove d years of age, whether freeholders or
not, who are capable of furnishing sufficient
eridence Of permanent common interest uafh,
and attachment to the community, in such man.
ner as to guard against the introduction of IL
UNIVERSAL suffrage.
Fourthly, That some safe and practical pro-
vision should be made for such farther amend
ments of the constitution, as experience may
hereafter demonstrate to be just and necessary.
And be it further resolved, That although
this assembly cannot be required to disclaim
an intention which it does not avow, yet it
does not hesitate to declare its dsapprobation
of any change of the constitution which shall
have a tendency to impair the independence
of the judiciary.
For the attainment of the object ofthe pre-
ceding resolutions, Be it resolved, That a re-
spectful memorial be presented by this as
sembly to the senate and house of delegates of
Virginia, requesting that provision be made
by law for taking the sense of the people at
the next spring elections, on the question,
whether there shall be convention or not!
And that memorial to the legislature, pray
ing the enactment of law for ascertaining
the sense of the people Of this commonwealth
on the propriety Of calling convention for
the amendment of our state constitution, be
prepared and circulated throughout this COM
monwealth, for obtaining the signatures of
the citizens thereto.
And be it further resolved, That standing
committee be appointed to superintend the
publication and distribution of the said me-
mortal, with authority to communicate from
time to time with the several corresponding
convention committees which have been, or
may be, appointed, by the respective coun-
ties and corporations ofthe commonwealth.
s IT. D.. 10 =. bao,, wool - 1u,c