Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1827-05-15

WORK OF man necessarily imperfect that time alone
can uiiy dcVeope ITS 'mpcrtectons, they wisely proy
e" o' '"e 4e1 introduction OF such authorizations rs
ne experience OF alter ages and the progress of i'm
P'oVethent might suggest whilst they guarded bv whole
some restrictions against the rash and i'll advised limo.
V'''ons "h,ch passion prejudice, faction, might at
tempt. Ihis discovery in the business of constitution
making was unknown to the trainers of State Con-
stl'"'on Their work is iii this respect iinper feet
ne most wholesome and necessary amendments cam
not be engraed upon II without endaugerng the whole
fabric IL is at all times exposed TO be sacrificed TO
the within passion OF bare majority. And why
should lie dow under the burthcns imposed upon us
10y constitution made the spur of the occasion in
The bury of transition from Colonial yassaagc to the
rank of an independent nation in the infancy of
the science and amidst tic DIN OF arms? The dan
ger Of innovation is responded in loud and re-
Peated tones from the shores Of the Chesapeake and
Teechoed from the mountains This is the argument of
The powers that be at all times and all places 1t is
the argument OF the uphClies of the rotten borough
system of Evgland. Ii is the argument of the abeOrs
OF tyranny IN all parts OF the world, when they conde-
scend To argue. 1t is argument of great potency
but LET not be frightened by it from the pursuit of
rational liberty and happiness. Our ancestors were
iDnovaors when at Runamead they exacted the great
charter of English liberty from King John They
were nnoyators when they expelled from the thorne
the last tyrant of the house of Stuart And above
all they were innovators when they rent asunder the
bands which had SO long united them with the parent
country, and erected vassa colonies into fee and in
dependent States They have done much for US: but
have furnished the outline and laid the corner stone
II remains for US to give symmetry and proportion TO
the building. And shall abandon the work from
underlined dread of innovation? We answer no.
We are aware that the spirit of nnovotion is danger
GUS spirit, and will be cautious how we give il the
rein. There is more less danger attending every
action of our lves-But we will not fear to walk
abroad because possibly we NAV stumble and bre,l,
our neCks. We know that there are pit falls and VIC
will be guard. We will not deny ourselves
the advantage OF fresh air and exercise because posi-
bly, we may be oyeItaien by thunder STORM We
will examine the usual prognos,cs and if they pro-
mise clear sunshine will not reject Heavens prof
fered blessings In the opinion of the members of
this meeting the present is the suspicious time for
amending the acknowledged defects of our Constitu.
ton. Virginia unanimous on all
questions of public concern. Old party distinctions
and anmostes are swept away. If new ones have
taken root they have served only to unite her the
more firmly and unless minority by obstinate
perseverance IN determination 10 stiile the public
voice on the subject OF a convention shall awaken the
Danon of party, they have before them prospect
of n long OF union and b:otherly love. We are
caught by the voice Of wisdom shat 'here is tide in
the affairs OF men which, taken at the food leads 10
happiness, but which neglected never NAV roturnn
I.e Us then seize the auspicous moment. Let avail
ourselves whilst may of the wisdom and experience
of those who have witnessed the rise and progress of
institutions; who tel! why his provision
was adopted, that re ected; whether the expected
good has been realised the evil avoided. Let US en-
fer upon the task whilst may call to our aid the
talents and patriotism of President Madison and
Chief Justice Marshall. II is not every age that is
fruitful in such UninAuenccd by the petty
anmosities and sinister motives which too often lead
astTay those who have but recently entered the
race Of life they would shed the benign influence of
wisdom and experience and father'y affection on our
deliberations
ResoCed, therefore, that in The opni:.n Of this meet
ing is expedirnt to Cal! convention TO amend the
Constitution of this Commonwealth.
Resolued, That the Delegates from this County be
requested to all prone! efforts 10 provide facilities
for he attainment of tiiat subject.
JNO. SCOTT, Chairman
y. WARD, Secry.