Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1826-12-05
CONVENTION .

Mn. JEFFERSON AID THE CONVENTION.
To the Editor IF the Sentinel cChe Pai,y
SIR In the year 1916 published series OF
letters address ed 10 the people of Virginia, on the
subject Of reforming State Constitution. Ii
was in pamphlet form. ] enclosed to Mr.. JEFF
fv,eun a cory OF THE pamphlet requesting bis opn-
ION the SUBJECT. In answer TO which re-
ce,ved bis highly interesting letter Of 18th July,
1916. shortly alter wrote to MIR. Jefferson, re-
questng pc. mission 10 pu lish this letter, in an
swer 10 which received his letter of 10th Sep
ember.
You will discover that was laid under the most
solsmn injInctions not publish these truly able
all interesting ie,iers;-but since the death of Mr.
Ja1erson, I have consul cd a number of the most
intelligent individuals, who of opinion, that it
j. my duty 10 give them to the people for
their considerations and tbs. it cannot now be con-
sjdered breach OF good faith to publish them a.
the whole object of this great and venerable man
appeared to be TO guard against being drawn into
a public and personal Discussion OF this importan,
subject. Nor his memory possibly be injured
by the publication- ON the contrary, it will add
If any addition be m.de, to the ;rsnsc endanr
character of this giea, apostle OF the freedom and
happiness OF his iellow-ciiizens.
You will herewith receive the letters which YOU
IRE at liberty to publish respectfully,
your friend, SAMUEL KERCHEvAL.
Frederick County, Va. Nov. u, 1926.
Cory Of Letter received by S. Kerch.vs esq lated
MoNTIC ELLo, July LIZ, 1916.
SIR Il duly received your favor OF June Is
with copy OF the letters the calling a Con-
veniion, on which you are pleased to ask my
opinion. have not been in the habit OF Dystet-
ous reserve any subject, nor OF buuoning up my
Opinions within my doublet; on the contrary,
while in public service especially, have thought
the public entitled 10 frankness, and intimately TO
know when they employed--but I am now re-
tired: l resign myself passenger with conf
dence TO those the present helm, AMI ask but for
rest, peace and good will The question you pro-
pose on equal representation, has become party
one, in which wish 10 take no public share, yet
is il be asked for your own satisfaction only, and
not TO be quoted before the public, have no mo
tive 10 withhold it, and the less from you, as il
comedies with your AT the birth OF our re-
public, committed that opinion 70 the world in
tire dranght of Constitution annexed to the Notes
on Virginia, in which provision was inserted for
represe ntaiion permanently equal. The infancy OF
tie subject at that moment, and our inexpeTienre
OF seif-gov occasioned gross departures, in
that draught, from genuine republican canons. In
truth the abuses OF monarchy had much filled
oil tie space OF political contemplation that we
Unsigned every thing republican which was no,
monarchy had not yet penetrated 10 the mother
rrinciple that governments are republican only in
proportion as they smbody the will of their people,
and execute it. Hence, our first constitutions had
really no leading principle in 'hem but experience
and reflection have bat more and more confined
me in the particular importance OF he equal re-
presen;s,ion then proposed On that point then, ]
an entirely in sentiment with your letters; and only
lament that a copyright OF your pamphlet prevents
their appearance 10 the newspapers, where alone
they would be generally read, and produce general
effect. The pie'ent vacancy too, oil other matter,
would give them place in every paper and bring the
question boGe 10 every mans conscience.
Bat, inequality Of representation, in both houses
Of our legislature is the only republican hercsy
IN this first essay Of revolutionary paifiols al
forming q constitution, for let il be agreed that a
government ~ republican in proportion az every
member composing it has his equal voice in the
direction of its concerns, (not indeed 10 person,
which would be Improbable beyond the limits of
city, or small township, but) by representatives
chosen by himself, aud responsible to him at short
periods, and let bring TO the test Of this canon
every branch Of our constitution.
In the Legislature, the House Of Representa-
tyes is chosen by less than half the people, and
pot OF all 10 proportion TO those who do choose.
'fhs Senate siIl more isrroporioI,e, ard for