Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1825-07-19


lower country that after the equality of our repre-
sentaton had been restored, the inequality OF
our taxation would be permitted TO remain: Of
Which, IN that event, they would have so just right
10 complain
| Why depart from the report of the select com
mittee, founded in sentiment of moderation, so
tceH calculated TO ensure ats object the assent
OF majority OF the people 10 The proposed
| convention! Sir, regretted on yesterday 10 see
the friends OF measure essential 10 the future
tranquility and happiness of the Commonw cal; h,
abandon their principles. Has any beneficial
object been attained by this deparmre' If you ex-
tend the powers of the convention Beyond the Ii
miis so wisely fixed by the committee, where will
you stop! Will not the member from Wythe pro-
pose further TO amend the resolutions by Inserting
apower to alter or abolish other parts of the exist
ing constitution: Sir, am very far from roounc-
ing all tile alterations which he PROPOSE either I'M
necessary or inexpedient / am of oyiai0,a, that
me ETecutire branch IF or government ,couid
DC Improved by looping off tr0mH the council of
state; and The Independence of the Executive.
on me Legislature, augmented by an election of
tie G0oernor by tie people. But / would vote
against any effort to enlarge the powers of the con-
ven'lon, IN relation to these objects, however de-
sirahle IN themselves, as yesterday voted against
he amendment OF the member from Fairfax which
requires the convention to extend the rights Of suf-
irase Sir, the rote Of yesterday j. no eUidence
o. me sentiment Of the minority on the subject of
JFeehold Suffrage. 1t IS an eUidence of eur IN
Willingness to hazard the loss Of phot ,Ue all
hare at heart, By ertcnding cur rieps tho far.
am not 0pposedto any possible extension offhe
right Il suffrage but decidedly opposed to
any depai ture from Inc accommodation OF the Sc
lecI committee. | " ould not lose the substance
IN grasplDg at the shadow.-The amendment incor-
Pora'ed In that report a, a very late hour of the
day, most Unexpectedly by the house, at the in
stance OF the member from Fairfax passed sub ST
fe'fio. have now risen to request his worthy
colleague 10 withdraw his present notion in order
that may have an opportunity of proposing a re-
consideration OF car vote yesterday, in the hope
that the friends OF moderate reform will restore the
report oithe committee to its original shape The
member from Washington mistakes, ii ne consi-
ders his late remarks inapplicable 10 the an end
ment proposed by the member from Fairfax. they
strictly embrace the subjects of present enqti-
ry The Bill OF Rights, taken apart from the con-
slltulon, leaves IT to every mans judgment to de-
termiEe what is g sufficient evidence of the per-
manent common interest with, and attachment TO
the community The member from Brooke com
mits the only error in supposing that this authority
Il vested IN the convention, will be exercised of
necessity, as 1t by the trainers of our c0nslitn-
uon. The present constitution, coupled with the
Bill Of Rights, expounds the latter and gives this
particular article clear limitsion but that limi-
tation, if the amendment prevail, cannot bind your
new convention.
The member from Washington regards every
man as "baving sufficient evidence of permanent
common interest in, and attachment to the commit
nity," who is ndtiUe citizen of the common
wealth What evidence will other gentlemen re-
quire? Will not equal evidence Of attachment to
he commonwealth have been furnished by those
gallant officers whom we have recently distinguish
ed by our resolutions: who by their military ex-
PLOTS, have shed lustre upon their native state,
but probably 0wn not foot Of her soil, and are
called by their duty from her territory.
Some gentlemen may think that the ties Of marriage
furnish such evidence; being the father of family
plying mechanic art or, as the member from the
borough Of Norfolk whispers in my ear, having an
interest in the public stocks that Of the Banks Of
this Commonwealth. Sir, the amendment Of the
member from Fairfax, creates no practical limita-
ton on the power proposed to be extended to the
convention, by his worthy colleague; and ask him
TO withdraw his amendment for the present that
may offer TO the house motion to reconsider the vote
of yesterday and invite the friends of limited CON
yention, to return to the ground from which they
have departed.