Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1825-07-09

ded in the rudest mountains; or any Of
those numerous, much diversified and
costly, but profitable investments OF
capital and ingenious inventions OF art
and skill, which these treasures of ma
ture, when revealed, are destined to
prompt and to unfold.
Would not every city be entitled to
representation, for the extent, magnif-
cence and grandeur Of its public and
private edi6ces; and, indeed, for all its
canital, both fixed and movable, as
well as for the number of its free-citi-
zens?
1t happens, unfortunately for this ar
gument, and mus. to every southern
statesman, prove source OF mortify-
ing disquiet, however unmixed with
envy, that the experience, not only OF
whole counties, but Of entire common
weal,hs, demonstrates the truth, that
the existence of slavery, is presump-
tive evidence Of poverty, rather than
wealth. Were the tables examined Of
the last valuation Of the lands and
houses Of the several counties Of Vir-
einia, which formed the basis Of the
nresent land tax; this conclusion would
without doubt, be sustained by expert
ence.
The very great importance of set
tied principles, in relation to the pre-
ceding topic, it is hoped, will furnish
an sxcuse for the space which it here
occupies.
Mr.. Leigh again denounces the
Stanton meeting, but by no new ar
gumen,.
A little attention will enable the
most impatient observer OF the whole
ground of similitude between the an
Gent democratic societies, the recent,
but more celebrated Fartfo.d conven-
ton, and the contemplated Stanton
meeting, to perceive the injustice done
by Mr.. Leigh, to the friends of con-
vention, who countenance and approve
this last object.
Gen. Washington's opinions are in
strict accordance. with those Of the
friends of constitutional reform
"The basis of our political systems"
TO use Mr.. Leigh's own quotation, us
the right of the people to make and
alter their constitutions Of government
but the constitution, which at any
time exists, until changed, by an ex-
plicit and authentic act Of the whole
people is sacredly obligatory upon all. :"
Such was almost the identical language
of the immortal Locke. Coming from
the father of American independence,
it is an accordant and sacred response,
from the new, to the old world; and
sinks into every freeman's heart, as if
it were oracular. Who seeks to DISC
bey this oracle9 The enemies, or the
friends of a convention! Do not the
last. without discrimination, ground
the authority, on which they proceed,
upon these sacred and inviolable truths?
Again, (to avoid formal quotations,
is it any part of the "reguiar deliberation
and action o. tke constituted authorities
of Virginia, "to change, or uninrited, to
propose change ofthe constitution Of the
state.2 Who, therefore, proposes to
"opero,ce" their "regular deliberations"
or the 'acts" which may, or should fol-
low them? Does the constitution itself
provide any specific mode ct effecting
any such change? And is it, therefore,
eternal and immutable? Silent itself, it
leaves ittothe people TO speak their will.
And how can they speak it, but by an
appeal, "distinct and audible" to their
constituted authorities; how appeal,
blu, by petition; how so well petition,
asby assembling and consulting? And
ifthcir petitions fail, have they not a
RIGHT to demonstrate; anil if those re-
monstrances prove Intellectual to choose
in the mode prescribed by the consul
tuition, more faithful representatives?
Does any friend of the Staunton
meeting, seek "to make tic public Admin
isiration the mirroref the III concerted and
incongruous projects Of factions" or, in
any manner, whatever, to alter, or
.In the valuation of the lands and houses OF
tbe United States, in 1899, as well as the more
recent estimate made ofthem in 1S14-15, the
total value of those of Virginia, the largest
state of the Union, in point of Territory, was,
for the former period, II millions of dollars,
(the fractions are omitted) and for the latter
lbs mil,ions-while tor Pennsylvania, having
very little more than two thirds finer dimen.
s;cns. and Ncw-york but little exceeding
PENNSYLVANIA in extent, the estimates of the
,,sretsponGing periods were, l02 and S46 mil
,s,r., and 100 and 269 millions, respectively
lie stocks of the road, canal, bank and o.
.aer incorporated companies, did not enter in
as computation
the same estimates, Connecticut, COM
,erding but AGA square miles, bad, in
yQS, value of As, and in lSl4-l5 Of 80 mil.
,.,aS Wide South Carolina, with more than
a1,. lbs territory of Connecticut, had, at the
s,ias period, value in the same property Of
s.oa, la and "a millions, and the state OF
e rvis, with twelve times her superficial en-
,ent MAO value of only ~ millions, at the