Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1825-06-04

desirable, but that the practical evils
which result from them, are not such
as 10 excite much sensation. But IN
nv opinion this sensation is increas-
ing, and will increase, and produce its
effect without the aid of the Stanton
Convention. That local prejudices
and unwholesome excitements will be
produced, may be readily imagined,
when we consider that great proper
ton Of the meeting will probably be
from the west, and that the deputies
will generally be composed of the most
jealous advocates for change. These
will depict, in good set terms, their
causes of complaint, and spur each o.
Their on to vigorous action. The elo-
quent disclaimers will there be found,
(not Mr.. II. nor any gentlemen Of the
Loudoun delegation exercising "the
powers of speech to stir mems blood," "
whilst, like Mark Anthony over the
dead body of Caesar, they will intermin-
gle Herewith much of exhortation to
moderation and forbearance.
"Good friends, sweet friends, let me not stir
you up
To such sudden food Of mutiny"
Can this be productive of aught else
than unwholesome excitement, most
unpropitious TO calm and wise decision?
If then, this mode ofproceeding is liza
BILE to such serious objections, and we
can point out to the friends Of Conven-
ton, as stated in the last part of my
proposition, that they have more safe
and direct mode to obtain their object
if majority Of the people really desire
it, surely we have right to expect
that it will receive preference. And
in doing this, trust ! shall be able sa-
tisfactoriy TO answer the question pro-
pounded by Mr.. H. in the following
terms-"Let us suppose again that a
vast majority of the people desire any
change, will any gentleman inform us
how they are to communicate their
wishes to their government, without
peaceably assembling for that purpose!
Can they be heard without speaking?
Can they move without rising up" l
answer, yes, 10 all--tEcy can communi-
cate their wishes to the government
without assembling for that purpose,
although they have the undoubted
right, if they think it expedient, to a.
dept that mode; they can do it by petit
ton or remonstrance direct from them
selves, or through the medium of their
representatives, who must speak their
sentiments or retire from their service.
n Hsa '4e hey e cah@in the manner al
ready mentioned. "Can they move
without rising up?" Yes, I thank God,
they can; it's an advantage that the re-
preventative governments of modern
times has over the simple democracies
Of antiquity, that the people can give
effect 10 their will by the more orderly
course of acting by deputy or represen-
tative, and can move without rising up
"a happy expedient which guards a.
gainst the evils popular commotion.
Let lis apply this happy expedient Of
representation to the present case, and
see whether it will not carry us quietly
through without "rising up" Let the
question be taken at the polls in all the
counties Of the Commonwealth, as it
has already been taken in many, "Con-
vention or no Conventions" and a fair
expression will at once be had of the
wishes of the qualified voters. The
Sheriff of no county would, it is pre-
sumed, refuse an application Of any
part of the voters-if he did so refuse,
they might themselves appoint clerk,
to whom, at least, all the friends of Con-
vent.on would express their wishes
When the sense of the county is thus
made known, the language of the repre-
sentatives must correspond Herewith,
or the remedy is at hand,-they must
give place to others. What difficulty
then exists to give effect, in this way,
to the wishes ola majority?-None 9TH
eris alledged than the unequal repre-
sentation which exists in the legisla-
ture as now constituted. But here let
it be remembered that the House Of
Delegates, in which the inequality