Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1825-07-15
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., From he Central GGsckfc.

On Mo:,day the 4th inst. court having adjourned
early in the eve',,. the people of Abemarle comfy
were addressed by Thomas ~ Gi!mer, on the subject
oa convention meeting of lis friends W as then form
ed IN the Court house To appoint to the Stan
ton Conventions Thomas j. Randolph was called To
the chair and George Carr appointed secretary.
The following preamble and resolutions were s,,b,nf
ted by Thomas w. Gilaer with some exnlapatory 70
marks and unanimously adopted
Al political power originates with the people: Who
nave natural and inherent right TO create alter or
abolish their own forms of Governments Whepaver
any government shall cease TO attain those ends TO-
which was established either from the original defects
OF its construction the NAL administration of its apent
IL becomes the duty ofthe people seek and il IS their
right to apply remedy. Tleuetects of eovernment
whether they be termed mpcrfections evils or oppres
Si'e "Fohgs-are alike dangerous when permitted TO
commune uhu tler existence shall become established
usage, and each aggravated instance shall be drawn
INTO precedent Ii those defects are suffered Il, erco
WIN e growth OF country they will likewise strength
en- wan IT'S strength, until Cancellation and compromise
VIII be resorted TO in vain; and the only alternative
be, an appealto violence and revolution :"
Awrten constitution by which the powers Of eoy ern
ent are enumerated defined and distributed properly
among the several departments; and by which t,oo
fighs winch arc reserved 10 the contracf,no na,t;es
are clearly pointed out and firmly established is essen
'' 70 t'e existence oil freedom and preservation of
eoou oiuer such constitution derive IFS autl,ori
" only from the assent and adoption of the people who
submit To IFS controu--tlat assent ought meyer t ba
implied where II may be expressed.
Imaginary evils, as they productive of M harm
'Hf"'S ho iSiieuy- Out any whatever which
Puuuces PositVe inconvenience and hardship or inn
pedes the attanmcnof probable public good sbouId hn
regarded as an evii tor which remedy Is required
Inc spirit and wisdom of our fathers which gave to
Virginia ITS present constitutions merits our applause
and grateful generation. That the rich Inheritance
winch they purchased in blood and peril has not do
seconded TO us Tree from all defect the inevitable re
sur OIL unProp'tious accident, net OF design on their
parts. 1t is due alike to them TO ourselves .pd , ~
erty that we finish the glorious work in the
ana spirit with which 1T was so happily begun
me- therefore, we disclaim all motives save those
eH - '!@iliahs and lovers of our country, it is
pride to acknowledge and a duty to cherish we feel
admonshed by observation and experience that the
present constitution of Cur state, is detective What
dangers may be to apprehend from those defects il is
given to human eyes to foresee; but thus much we
learn from the faithful lesson of history that all defects
in the orig na plan of government are daprerous tn
the liberties Of the people and beneficial only TO the
designs of power and ambition Enter;;a;;;,;; ..a
opinions, while we claim it right we also con-
sder IT our duty to relieve ourselves and our posteritv
from The Inconvenience the injustice the hardship and
inequality OF the existing constitution of VIRGINIA
ReSolced therefore, That the friends ola convent,
In Automatic, deem IT proper and expedent that n
full and decisive expression of the wishes of the neope
OF Virginia be had as to the propriety of calling con
Venon to amend the defects of state constitution
Resoired, That
or some two or more of them be- and they are hereby
requested and authorised to attend the tneetino oC IA
friends OF convention IN Stanton on the 18th of tbis
month"; and on behalf of the friends of that measure in
this county, they do consult and advise with such
delegates, shall then and there assemble CONCERNING
the lawful and proper means of cGecting our common
object.
Winle the resolutions under consideration Col
Thomas NJ. Randolph addressed the meeting upon tle
general question of a convention.
The blank in the second resolution was then filled bv
ballot with the following names:-Th. j. Randolph. Y
W. Southaii, TIL NJ Randolph, and Tia. W. Gilmer.
George Carr, Sec,v. "'