Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1825-08-13

made the discovery; or, II they had, would have
said, that absolute equality never conten plated
by the wisdom of our ancestors, when they promul-
gated that principle You may make con-
stitution every year, every month; and never at
last attain to absolute equality A day will derange
your system, unless you confine the honest
people OF the land to their residences like paupers
Divide the counties; approximate towards equality
by some other means: but do not abandon tie hap
piest and reest, or (to avoid hyperbole) one OF
the best and freest governments, now in the
world, in a mad search after what human means
can never accomplish.
The right OF suffrage is to be new modelled; we
do not enjoy equal liberty in this matter The doc
Crime OF universal suffrage is abandoned every where
women, children, felons, paupers, free ncsros and
nuattos, are excluded from the privilege by the
common consent OF Virginia 1t is therefore CON
ceded, that suffrage is not matter of absol:ie and
universal right; that it is controlled by SEX age and
complexion. Why? because it is no. consistent
with the principles OF well regulated policy, 10
admit persons, incompetent from sex or age, or
having distinct interests and hostile feelings, 10 in
teriere IN the political concerns of the Republic Ii
IL then subject TO be controlled By considerations
OF sound policy. We ask TO have it proved 10
our understandings, that there is better standard
than an interest in the soil; to have The substitute
Tor thus restriction defined; 10 have il approved by
the experience OF some other community, in q
situation similar 10 ours. Arguments may be acs.
dhced In favor OF any system of government, OF
even TO prove that the savage state is preferable 10
all governments and to civilization. But we de-
sire the experience of mankind The only safe guide
In politics. before we surrender stem known to be
admirable. IL Is to be hoped, tie people will not
make themselves INSTRUMENTS in the hands OF limo
waters, or the trial OF new, andI add dangerous ex
perlments. II, indeed the reormers could confns
their experiments TO themselves, and be the only
sufferer by failure, it oul he cruel 10 interfere.
but they must excuse US, when we object against
going into the chaldron with them, to be boiled up.
In oider to be restored 10 growth, beauty and so,r
You tell Us OF various malades in the body
poh'ic. Inns Is one very important movement to-
wards reformation: the next is the cure Let us see
your prescriptions let US know your mater ia nedico
ihe patient generally makes the discovery of hi,
illness, and sends for the doctor 10 cure him The
order OF things seems be reversed the political
doctor has, in this instance discovered the disease.
and leaves the patier! to find out the cure. have
heard oil sundry physicians i'll London combining 10
try the force OF Imagination upon any person they
might meet; and they, accordingly, at short dis
'ances from each other, began to walk along Of
The streets. The foremost accosted man In per-
iect health, and told him he was very ill: " by no
means; was never bet,er,' replied the party accosty
ed, aud passed on without concern. But when the
oext physician, and THE in succession made Tia.
same remark, the man retired from the street, and
was, or Supposed himself 10 be i'll in earnest.
This may hnally succeed with the people: You
ma! persuade them they i'll, and ev en- preyais
WIN them to swallow your nos runs. But if YOU
DO they and you ma live 10 repent il, after the
matter has been COINED and scanned and debated
and Criticised, by friends and enemies, advocates
ana opponents. II Is all at last an experiment.
wat Is TO be the result is in the hands OF fate and
not In yours. 1t is given to human ssgacity o.,
foresight 10 tell what is 10 be the issue The living
generation will not the construction OF YOUR
new system settled That confusion. poIrieai
animoslties ieuds and strife, will! ensue needs nc,
| prophet 10 ,oreel. Blu, whether anarchy or order
VIII be the hnal result, is fer providence and noe
| Tor your wisdom, 10 determine
1t IS agreed on all hands, that we should proceed
gently IN this matter; that this manufacture OF con-
silutions Is awork OF skill, aud ough, moi TO he conn
ni,.eu 10 Inc hands OF every journeyman politician
Have we now in Virginia, dispersed throuebou,
us various divisions, meet and fitting men Tor thin
employ ment! Let the people of each county ex-
amine this question deliberately: let them ask them
selves and each other. who shall we send TO the
convention, TO make US new constitution Let
the state at large require the PANEL for this great
inquisIion OF death, over their departed constu-
'ioh MT. Mercer Is so tar as | am informed) the
most distinguished man amongst the reformers s.
Had he one half the fame for abiIities thar he has
Tor accomplishments and virtue, l should not object
against him the want OF competent ability to assist
In making new constitution. But he has been
ed in the vortex of Congress- as If the earth
had yawned, and dropped him to its centre He
was conspicuous, II not the most conspicuous
member OF the state Legislature; and we may fairly
ueluce the inference, that he is one of our great
men oil the age What proofs remain of his poli-
tcal sa9aciiy! Where bis trophies? Why shall
ne reform abuses? Where are the Henrys. Mad
sons, Masons, when the helm is abandoned 10. or
successfully usurped by him? | say, when the
helm Is abandoned TO him. in the most critical con-
uncture OF state affairs (by far the most critical
dihcuit aud interesting, since the revolution) the
age oil great men IS passed away. He assumes the
hrst station amongst the reformers or il is assigned
TO him by them. He is known in Virginia for bis
long and 60 the best of his talens) faithful setvi-
ces; but when he can gain distinction by his a5ils
AHteS' repeat, the age OF great men is gone
lay 1t to the people to say, TO whom of the re.
formers they will commit thorough revolution in
their government know many of them men ofhon-
or and talents and virtue and patriotism: but know
not Inc great men: know none TO whom / would
willingly commit the political destinies of INV
country.
And Tor one, ask from God, for myself and NV
posterity, no greater political blessings than DIR
existing political institutions, well administered
VIII AFFORD; and humby pray that they may be pre-
served Tor ever. A BACKWOODSMAN,
10th June, 1925.
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