Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1827-08-14
VOL. XXIV... NO. 90.

'"'"ceu 10 hhd Them Struggling the Court
green
1t We have not sufficient intelligence amongst
us to correct the errors of our laws and regulate
the proceedings OF our Courts, so as to put some
limits TO actions founded upon transactions that
probably red In the days of our Great Grand
fathers; ensure speedy trials and certain Justice az
small expense; 1t is difficult TO see how these
Things are TO be obtained, merely by altering the
constitution.
In doing this we may encounter ;he risuue OF
making bad worse; but we should have bu, little
reason TO fiatter ourselves, with the prospect of
Deuering our situation, from the operations of an
ignorance so profound, as TO know other way
10 reform the errors Of legislation than by falling
upon and destroying our constitution.
On the moral tendencies of cur Constitution
IL is not amongst the least valuable of the pro-
VISIONS OF our constitution that the election of all
The officers OF Government, with the exception OF
our immediate Representatives, ia placed in the
hsnds OF select bodies Of uien. In most Of the o.
Their states, il is understood, they are chosen di
reciiy by the people. To change this feature of
the constitution, and put a similar footing
IN THIS respect, with those other states, is apparent-
y one OF The favor.te designs of the advocate for
convention.
1t would seem that one Of two consequences.
both bad, would be likely TO flow from such a
change. Either the people, fatigued and Disguised
oy the number and variety OF The Elections con-
tinualiy recurring, would become in process OF
ine' careless about attending the polls, and indfs-
so that bad men would frequently have it in their
power to elevate themselves to Office not with the
view OF serving their country, but solely for tho
base and selfish purpose of gratifying some low Sc
eordia passion oil their own. And by abusing their
al gotten authority might inflict serious evils on
their country and give rise no lille trouble and
vexation to the peopie-or, otherwise Il might
happen, that such number of candidates for ell
the various Offices OF government putting into o.
Iperaton at the same time, all the rival influences
ard lhair tria
violent agitaions greatly 10 disturb the peace &
tranquility of Socie1y; and keep the people in q
constant state of confusion and disorder
When weyretect upon the harmony that gene
rally rsgns at our elections and compare our ham
Ply situation with that of other states where all the
officers OF government elected directly by the
people, we cannot but be forcibly struck with
the superior excellence OF our~iusii,uiions over
theirs:-
1t may be true, as has been often said, that aei-
tations are as necessary in the moral and poltcsI
as In the physical world. That without them the
human mind would be apt to subside into state
OF is'less apathy, and mankind, become indiife-
rent to the management OF their public concerns,
| would be In danger Of losing their liberties-
out II Is equally true, that, II ihete sgitalona
| IN the physical world were 10 amount eve.
| ~ time they occurred, to the fury Of desola-
ton, whateveI might be the necessity the physical
\ world would be, at least, much endangered
II oy the remedy as by the disease So in the mor,i
a
certain degree, may be necessary enlist The feel
Ings and awaken the attention of the people 10 the
operations OF their government; yet, when they are
carried TO such an excess TO let loose ali the
Dad passions OF men, the tranquility of society ia
disturbed; the social relations Weakened and e.
ven the stability of their political institutions be-
! comes, more less, insecure.
What greatly adds to the value of our constitu
ton - that, whilst IL produces sufficient emulation
among the citizens to proper attention tn
INF tyi .,l.,;-
OF their public concerns; yet, all having bu, one
common object and differing only as to the means
the feelings produced al the moment sen.-aTv
subside with the occasion, and we remain az well
satisfied with each other afterwards, a. before
But IN those states where every thing is 10 be de-
cided by iumultuous assembsses OF voters distract
ed by ell the tricks and intTigues pracsed by tina
rival candidates, In their endeav ours TO oyeUeach
and suppiant each oIher, the whole community is
thrown into commotion, and becomes one uniyer-
sal scene OF confusion and disorder The most VII
olent slrifes and obstinate conflicts ensus ex,s
Il peraied by the bitierest and most acrimonious
ihes towards each other; and unfrequently ter
mlnair in Mortal haired and The most lasting and
, rooted hostility.
!, In closing these remarks, it may not be sniss ~
observe, that there certainly could be no objection
to have the question of Cony ention submitted 20
ne decision OF the FTeehvidefs, after they shall
have been generally made acquainted with the con.
sh'u1lon. But as proposition TO change their
embrace
Jects Of the greatest magnitude that could well ia
presented Tor the consideration of the peopIe IL
surely must be acknowledged that it is but an aet
OF simple justice, due them, that The Constitution
should hsI be put into their hands and time AZ.
iorded them 10 read and understand il, before thev
should be required to decide upon IT, For how i
1t possible that they be prepared TO determine
so important and delicate question until thev
3 have Informed themselves OF the principles moon
which IS founded; the nature snd tendency of its
provisions, and its general effects upon society and
whether (alt hough Ike all other human inrtitutiop
1t should be found 10 be II ore or less inner
e ieei) u may not be most prudent, all things con
sIdeTed, to suneT u to remain is rather than
expose Themselves to the hazard of meeting win
one that IS " oFss, in seeking TO get bettr3 10
suppose that The great OF the iTeeholdefs are
already sufficiently acquainted with the con.titui, n
and are now prepared to decide upon 1t would | a
TO Imagine what every of common sense does.
and must know TO be erroneous.
4 Indeed, dispassionare review of the many dis
CUSHIONS and resolutions that have been INDUCED
IA, and entered into, from time TO time, and laid
before the public, would render it extremely
i doubtful weihef the subject is as well gnders God
80 " ought 10 be. even by the better informed and
more intelligent classes Of The community.
Il Stare Gunner and Freeh0ider.