Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1827-04-24


That IL violated cur rights, and warred against the first
principles ofrepnbican government; and for the pur-
pose OF asce'ain!Dg whether majority of the commit
MY oe Tor or against MS alteration we have asked the
Legislature TO require her officers record the votes
o. such persons as may vote with against AL
Tins has been denied Sir, this is the reason that our
ooiects nave not been reduced 10 tangible shape: and
whose .uit Is 1t that they have MOI: Not ours, unless
houeiation our torbearanCe, love of peace asd
soou orGer be faults, and for which, indeed we are
no" tainted by the gentleman: No. sir. the fault is in
e u.q"a! representation of the people, il is i'm the
aequahy OF rights enjoyed upon this floor. Permit me
10 ask the gentleman the objects of the friends of e.
transcription from Ling land, were reduced to such
'a"Sioie sbaPe," were definite, as 10 be known
throughout Tie colonies before the revolution actually
commenced Were the objects of the friends of the
present confederation of the states reduced In such
tapS'oie shape, before the Convention which formed
Tue constitution assembled, to disease a perfect u
my "a sentiment! think If will not be conteDded
'''a' t'ey were We know the fact, that each of the
colonies had peculiar grievances 10 complau of
'eo' ess-"e know hcw various were the views and
's VI = states; and II tie argument of the gen
e'ah founded on the disagreement of the friends of
as 10 the defects of tie constitution that
nc o"s"' moi have convention, De sound upon the
49, 'ou'S ana fol tnc same reasons, he would have
oeeh opposed TO the revolution and to the present fed
'"' So'eIhinent-f' as II wrong TO sever ourselves
from England, because there was not a community of
sentiment on every subject Of complaint? Was il
wrong 10 strengthen the bands the Old Confederacy
pcase every man society did not concur in all Of
the alterations proposed be made; in all the mowers
10 be granted: Let the gentleman answer these
questions.
bnt IN defence Of the amendments and the power of
'he Hencr"i Assembly, the gentleman has asked "if
we are not IN the situation as another Legisla
"'e' My reply Is that we are not 10 reference to
me organization of a Conrcntion The people have
not looked for it-why should they before il is known
whether there is majority for il. II the ma;oriv
ne IN 'a'or OF ii, the members of the next Assembly
VIII DE instructed 10 adopt measures for IFS orna
hi%atI~; but, should the convenonists be minority
:, then riiI boz,
4 mere eontiageucy--or for an event which can,o,
occur cannot See on the question of expediency
suPpoaihg we b I'd the power to pass the law whv
should've go IN advance Of public sentiment and feeIpo
ana hamper the views OF the next Legislature which
Will be drawn immediately from the people, But sir
the direction taken by the gentleman unfods bis mo.
yves; II is intended to enlist their feelings against their
Judgments and their principles; aud in case these
ghtiu! usurpatons be sanctioned by maior;tv oF
lie friends OF reform, TO produce the impression That
they are 10 be totally dsfranchscd. hope that thew
WIZ moi De deiuded; tibet they will not distut the sim
ccrity Of our attachment t. the great principles of Our
government, and respect and love for them We
approach not tins subject with despolers' hands; we
have reverence for all that good the constitutions
we cannot be inatenve to the existing order of soce
~ nor iorgelini, that it is interviewer With their ba bits
and earliest associations The views presented Sa
tuIday IN answer to the member from Amelia mr. n
should Danish all alarm; should sooth down all aspe
rites and dlsspste the msgvings excited BY The i'm
passioned appeal OF the gentleman (bIr JpsLur} ,o
their most prejudiced scnsolitjes. we shall ash; for
nothing, Sit, which II IS right TO have and the
dutY OF our opponents 10 give.
IL has also been asserted, that these amendments
contain "no restriction the Conventions what
mean the second and tie seyenM sections The second
declares, that eG"h county stat Be entitled 10 one re-
rcseat'ce and the seventh that the CuHr entjon
organised shat! hare 3v,rer to-" d. what we may, re
mt them 10 do. Are these restrictions on the powr
er CT the people TO pursue other basis of rcpre
seniation in lie convention? If they be not intended
Limitations, should be pleased TO know the Object
which IS 10 be attained by them. They must he do
signed FOR purpose which not TO be discerncd
upon their face. If you had the right, it would be
restrican the will of e people TO pass these amend
nens, because they must be bound by them until tIey
are repeated but, the gentleman justifies the usuT
Pations OF these amendments, by saying, that suhe
friends of reform have asked Tie Legislature 10 submit
the question 20 Tie peope.n Sir tie friends Of Con-
veniion have never stopped low as 10 acknowledge
your power they have petitioDed the General Assetr
bly, to order The officers who conduct the elections n
record their votes if they shall give them and 10 Ger
!!y tie results ard they have asked for nothing moro
Is there any thing IN this request uphold you in This
daring innovation? /, seems TO me- that il youId he
much better for both parties that this request sboud
be granted for according to the language Of gentle
men, the people should meet in primary assemblies and
decide upon this great matter without the Intervention
o!the existing government cannot agree That they
should be reduced to this necessity; the question must
be decided officers must be appointed to preserve
peace; 10 settle the rights of tie voters; TO record
their votes and certify them. Is matter of doub,
that these duties be better performed BY the ofi
GERS OF the commemorative than By those appointed by
public cttlpgs' Is II doubted that there will he
more harmony more system and more certainty, in
the conduct and issue othese deliberations under off
Gers already acquainted with their duties than under
thc guidance ofthOse, appointed By tumuliuous assem-
bIiee And if officers be selected at these meetings
those persons will be chosen, who partzan adyo-
Gates of the principles and policy of The rnaiorfv-
Them sir, there is the additional motive for the inter
position OF the Legislature; the officers of the stale
Will be free from the impulse given the passions of
those who have been elected by the Denule and will
have hanging their heads, the penalties you de-
nOunce against them they do perform their duty
These penalties cannot be inflicted in these meetings.
The officers will know il, and If they choose ma
Withhold destroy the only evidence of tie will Of
! the people. 10 5emo' the probability OF these oc-
currences, they have sent their petitions here, and
not as has just been said, to procure the question 10
! be sVJiEjj'eG 10 item.
The same member, MT. UPshur,l further saws tina,
'the Convention should consist of one delors f-c,
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