Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1826-03-24

in, would say that il was this caucus; and |
have now but one answer to give 10 those who I,
have denounced it, which is, that believe no man
was kept out OF that caucus by better or more
patriotic motives, than actuaied those who went
into it.
But, Sir, after all that can be said agains, eau
cussing, If it be wrong upon principle, and evil in
It's tendency, this amendment will and can afford
no security!
Nor will this scheme of districting and sending
| back the election second time TO the People,
whichthe honorable gentleman from South Caro-
lima has so much at heart, prevent that tumul and
violence and popular excitement, which many fear,
but which he seems TO ridicue, idle and vision
airy And why, ask, may it not be expected =
VIII districting strange Executive influence, or
State intrigue ? Will it Danish State pride and
feeling, and State interests? Will districts be less
under the control of these feelings and Influences
| than States
In proportion as you narrow the territory upon
which intrigue, or influence, wealth, is to act
10 you not give force and facility 10 its operations?
May not Districts be counted and then intriguers
go to work! Are they not 10 be laid off by the
states! May not the vest character OF party tr-
umph, as well in Districts as out: and will moi
Districts, insulated and unsupported. sooner he
come the victims of power and ambition. than
States
Sir, II these things are TO be expected, shall we
not have tumult and violence in the first election
much less In the second? Can we expcc, that after
'he hfst battle iias been fought, and the parties
| again take the held, stimulated and excited and
(, Hieu oy previous contest, that the People will
not be reused and excited, and that tumult and vi
nlence WI. not follow? Is there any thing, Mr.
Shalrman, III The past history of our country To
forbid 1t! Have we ever had a second election,
under circumstances such would now be likely to
arise! II we had experienced even the attempt at
second election, yet do the past times afford any
nat has beo
the power OF the Executive of this country (prea,
as II is, TO what 1t will become in the next half
century! III now its power s patronage are so great
as to make usremble for the virtue and liberty of
country, what may we not expect in a few more
years: In proportion the office shall become in,
poFtant and powerful, will not the efforts be cor
respondinely great to obtain il, and may it not be
questioned, under such circumstances whether n
second election, sent back to the People, will NOT
only produce violence and tumult, but the deepest
party conflicts! Sir, mot only expect il bu, do
not see how 1t is to be avoded and well may the
sentiment contained IN late message of the Gov
einor of Virginia be responded
The honorable gentleman from South Carolina
has, however, mistaken the language of that Mes
sage. 1t did not Affirm that &c turbulence and yio
ience acoutd be produced by throwing back the
election; but, II my recollection is right, it was
mat II might tceH be questioned, whether il would
not. Sir, can tell the honorable gentleman from
character OF that individual, (whom / have long
known, and an proud TO call my friend, rs he has
Il think, the correctness of the opinion which he
expressed 1t is true that he is young man; bu,
ne Is one whose character intelligence, and virtues
justly give weight TO his opinions. But i, is unne
cessary to speak OF him 10 you, Mr.. Chairman;
you know him well; for he has stood b. YOUR side
upon this hoor, IN stormy and difficult times, and
you iound HIN, IN action and opinion no bon a.,
/, has Sophomore gear. He has been placed in The
h'sh station which he now holds, by the force and
we'sh. OF MS character; and when the gentleman
from South Carolina shall know him. as well as +
do, he VIII be enabled to appreciate more u.II bic
character and opinions. Nor does The honorable
gentleman know much more of the character of
Virginia, or her People than of her Governor -
Sir, he told us that he had recently been ,b,ovab
the State; that the elements were all in motion that
shc "ouiu soon re IN revolution, and that those
who now rule her destinies would be over,b,o,gn
Mr.. Chairman, am mortified that the bnn.Ly.
gentleman should know so little of Virginia. Ie,
me tel MN, that 1t is not by passing occasonaJv
throuSh such State, or visiting her watering MA
ces lor lew weeks, that correct opinion can he
formed OF the character and sentiments of her peo-
pie III he Will visit us for the purpose of re,Iy
knowing who and what we are; if he will on into
the bosom OF our State, and into the families of,bo
PLAIN and honest, and intelligent part of our society
mix with them, and hear their opinions and seni;
ments, he will entertain, for the BODY of her POI
pie, and her public men, more lust anil enl,roo1
| ana liberal sentiments; then he will be enabled 10
appreciate US as we deserve, and discard the nm
| favorable impressions which he has formed W.
ginia IN Revolution, and ruled by Political Ieadorst
| why, Dir, II there is any State in this IInion
| whose devotion 10 principles, and not man ba
been pure and undehled, it is Virginia WHO arc
these leaders OF which the honorable eenfIemsn
SPEAKS that rule the desti les of that State and b
| nave been IN the habit Of making Presidents viii
as much ease as did the Pretorian Cohorts tho
masters oil the Roman world? Sir, they exist onI,
In the mind; and can assure the gentleman From
South Carolina that Virginia is not onIv in reace
and quiet, untouched By Revolution, aud likely n
remain SO, but that she wishes no change in Tho
mode OF exercising her rights, or in the Charter of
our Union; aud least of ALL such chance a. a.
| amendment would bring her
| Mr.. Chairman, have troubled yo,, lono
long, and, though have yet much to saw. ,,ns'
hasten to conclusion. A few more words and
shall have done The honorable eentIeman |
| rom .. carolina has cautioned US against induIo
Ing ieeiinSs OF Idolarous superstion or mistaken
| Venerston, Tor the great charter, of our un;o, |
and liberties. Whilst | acknowledge nysslF c.oa
from these feelings, own that il is in nv s,a /
| an instrument of most sacred character on
| SIT, Is no ordinary Constitution or form of c., |
eminent III is no matter Of theory or spec,l atm
IL was no: the work of yesterday, which may bc |
dn'eiueo to-day, and Tomorrow, and everyday
as parties may arise or opinions Auctuate Lis
solemn compact, based upon the interests nri,c;
pies, and prejudices of distinct and indenenIen,
societies OF ireeneD, and intended TO secure and
petua'e our union and liberties. was the re.nl,
OF great perseverance, trial and Patriotism 7, /;
composed oil many wheels, and springs and bs
i"nces' OF commencing and cooperating mowers.
Que Part ieans so much on another the parts a-oI