Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1826-12-19
nERArE on ruE CoNvrNr1oN


Speech of Mr. IRVINE the motion to bring in
bill to take the of the Freehodes on the call of
Convention.
Mn. SPEAKER:--T am as Iruch opposed to a CoDven
toa as any member of this House. We live under a
constitution which has for It's basis the natural rieht Of
man. and for IFS superstructure the eest principles Of
tIc English Government Admirable in lis theory il has
been almost unexceptionabe in its operation. Ii has Sc
cured TO US the dearest rights of man. and ca cuaied
10 Perpetuate those blessings 10 all future ages We
iay justly and ePbacay be styled the reeborn sons
Ola highly iavoured land. w live in a country where
the means OF obtaining honest living are easy and
anple-where Justice is administered with equal and
impartial hands 10 all classes of the community where
the rich and tia, poor, the naughty and the proud are
clnlliy entitled to the protection aud subject the
penalties and sanction of fiie law. Go 10 The poor
mans house, and how'll tell you t!ath enjoys ae pro.
5 of his labour With his wic and his children around
nan 10 peace and securY-bat he is perfectly tranql
aud coptented that he as no cause IF alarm or dis
fge's. Go to The rich mans house and he will tell you
tnat seated under his and gtTee, he has none
TO modest him; that he enjoys all the blessings which
can be derived from free governmeut-tlat lie is
rounded by every pleasure that is congenal 10 his
disposition How prePoserous would it be in 10 give
all these blessings, in search of thai ideal happiness
tbat DtOpian perfection in government which cab
he obtained. But. although acknowledge that our
government is founded upon free principles and that
las been administered with republican purity, shall
yuie for ie measure under your consideration. There
vs. az present in this state deep rooted feeling Of dis
content With theexistug government. Ali who have
ming led rnuc with the pEUPleat large be fny
t,slcd OF the existence OF suci feeling Those
which have been often heard among the people
have veached tie walls ofihs house The iricsis of
Convention have twice Peiiioued The legislature Tor
hearing and have often been reftsed. Notw6Sand-
ing these repeated repulses they still ciamorous for
redress Of their grievances They begin n impeach
the motive Of those who have thrown the weight Of their
character against the measure; they Ulen Of
contempt OF the principle Of instruction and char them
wib al Indifference for tie sacred Of all rights
Gaa state OF Things like TIC present. be OF long dura
10Y? VIII the people give up the question OF seiEeo
ssrnrpeut; abandon their claim To be heard and
acknowledge tie right which has been usurped by tic
members OF this house to say whether they shall have
= Convention They viii never submit io Injustice so
glaring and DtcIerabIc. By del1ting TO submit the
question 10 the people adding inim,ce Ia ninry
We pursuing course which is forbidden. alike b,
IG1son, justice snd policy. We foinentine that
JEALOUSY and discard which may be able to
exngulsh. These feelings will at length terminate in
spirit OF resentment, which may lead 10 scenes iba
every member IN this house might nave 10 dc
rlore Bot, grant for that dis is not to be
the result Of sitting public opinion. Are there not
ether considerations which should induce to listen to
the voice Of the people? The effect Of this continued
discussion Of the defects Of Constitution Is 10 de-
sroy all the moral influence Of orr government and
VIII i al ,lt strength Which derives from its as-