Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1826-08-22
POLTTIcAy,,
DIR. WIN. RICE,s ADpREss=.cnAc,,.n

DIR. WIN. RICE'S ADDRESS-Co~cfrDtn
/ In order to show, gentlemen that it would be cxoe-
uicnt to instruct our Representatives in the next As
semov to promote the enactment of law for takipn
The sense OF the people the subject Of apcu1inn tC
CONSTITUTION, have "deavoured 10 Illustrate several
propositions concerning which, ii appears 20 me- there
ought 10 be, aud presume really is hut little dGer
cncc OF OPINION among the people of this State Few
wIiid deny, that the Constitution susceptible of amend
ncn that majority OF the people, and they exclusive.
~ nave the right to amend IL that TINS right includes
ght also TO all the necessary and pror,r TO IFS
exercise and Cnloyment; and commemorative whenever
party desIrous of reform has become so numerous s n
render IT in any degree doubtful whether they consti,
tutc majority not that they have riot to the means
of ascertaining the fact OF the case; and ha; in Gene
raj TO ascertain this fact uIanmity being ont of The
question, tie only alternative of modes is legal crumc-
ration or actual conflict Of physical force.
Placing the latter with universal consent entirely ONT
OF view, II may be worth while TO enquire whether any
good reasons can be offered against the former mode
1t certainly could not be objected on account of the
trouble or pence that would attend IT. for there couId
be none OF either worthy of moments consideration.
ii would scarcely retard the progress of elections
at Which 1t IS proposed the business should be trans
acted
VIII il be said liat the present is an unC,vorabIo
time for such undertaking? II is difficult to ina
gnc nov more ausPcious cOnIuncture Of public affairs
could bc expected, or even desired. Externally We
are not only AT peace, believe in friendship
with every nation with which have any intercourse
or connexions and inter nal affairs are proceeding in
he'r usual regular, and prosperous course, and the
pubic mind IS III general, calm and cOnicUtcd.
am aware, that there is in this State and clscsvb
party engaged in opposing with great and bitter zeal
Vhe Administration OF thc Federal government. But
this spirit Of opposition be confined Cf Nv to
Tie leading partIans Of the disappointed Candidates I'm
the late Presidential election and TO pefvade the
great Da5s of population. The people IN general
Rsccn bot little alarmed at the approach of mischief and
ruin under the form Of Internal improvement; and bad
rather Administration display IFS wiCkedness and
ambition in endeavOurng to aneorate the condition Of
the country, than IN any other way. And e, en- suppo
sing, is alleged, that the President confirming
to nGct serious mischief the United States IN
accepting the invitation of The infant Republics of
South America TO send Ministers TO theirs at Pa
mama we have yet great confidence i'll the Senate and
cannot believe that r,aorlty Of that august and ven
cradle body would ratfy and consummate the ncCaro,ls
proceedings Of the President and lbs Ministers Ard
although we bear general and loud Outcrv against
every appointment to Office, yet feel some difficult
IN suppOsiDg that the Administration is selecting all c
kDaves and fools in The 10 assist them ID carry
ing on the government. Besides, we listen 10 thcs
camours with some grains Of allowance, knowing tat
great men naturally inclined 10 think all appoint
mcnts 10 high Office msdircctcd, that de not light ON
themselves.
Gentlemen il wc intend to defer reforming and i'm
proving the civil institutions OF this state, until part,
spirit, aud party spirited opposition to- the Admnisa
ton Of the government Of The United States shall cease
NAV defer forever. Opposition TO The proceeding
Of tho Federal government commenced soon after a.
institution has existed since and will conipus t.
exist until either the oaurc Of tie government or m
nature &C man shall have Undergone some na.eria