The Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1822-1829, 1827-05-01

see amended. and presumed that ri, because " /,
OBJ 'ehons to 'ha' instrument had been removed
BY the Senatorial law OF 1916. But. twill he
seen, BY reference &c he following extracts from
Speech delivered by him, on the Augusta hus.
ings, in lSos that be looked beyond A reform
an the organization of the Senate--tbat he harp
ed upon the very same themes which the friends
Of a Convention now urge in favor Of that inca
sure-adyocaiing the extension of the right of
snfilage add the equalization of representation.
Ne are proud TO be able to quote in our behalf
the deliberately expressed sanction of such an
llustrious legislator and juiisi, though the opini
ons expressed are somewhat ancient in date
Hewoyer, they have lost not a whit Of their force
by age On the contrary, we like them the bet
ter for it, II shows that what Mr. johnson pro-
nounced TO be true nineteen years ago. is still
thought 10 be true by those who think now as
he then thought Men change, but Principles
are immutable, and change not The follow.
ing are the extracts from Mr.. Johnsons speech.
TO which We had reference
EXTRACTS
"0f all forms of government. | do not hcsi-
tate Ia give a decided aud great preference, to
representative republic, II is most exempt from
the tnmuliuous passions of the many, on the one
hand, and from the oyorbearng influence Of the
few, on the other. II combines most wisdom
freedom, stability and permanence. When the
elections Of representatives are periodical aud
frequent; when the right OF suffrage is extended
to all men, IN the community, who have sufficient
evidences of permanent attachment TO the coun-
try, 10 secure them against the wanton abuse of
this right and when the Representatives are du-
| y apportionod 10 the population, then the theo,
! ~ OF representation is perfect, and its practice
will certainly promote the interest ofthe public,
and secure the liberty Of the people. But when
elections are at uncertain, or AT distant periods.
liberty is in danger when the right OF suffrage
is withheld from any class of men, who have SUI.
6clcnt evidences Of permanent attachment to
| their country, then the freedom of thai class is
invaded; aud where any portion of the comma.
nifty IS deprived of that weight IN the national
councils, TO which IFS population entities II, then
| that orliou is politically enslaved.
| la every government, deem II highly mpor-
tant, that the legislative, exeou i've aud judiciary
| departments, should be distinct and independ-
ent OF each other that the legislature should be
composed of the immediate representatives OF
the people. chosen for short terms, sufficiently
numerous to be beyond the reach of corruption,
| 10 carry with them the sentiments aud to under
stand the interests ofihcr constituents, but not
so numerous as 10 prevent proper selection IN
the choice, on 10 expose their deliberations to the
passions incident 10 tie multitude; that the ex-
ecutive should be chosen also by the people.
. should be elected Tor short periods, and ncapa-
BILE of serving long, should have no other prcro-
gatiye, but Ia execute the laws, should possess as
much energy ds is consistent with those laws
and as ttl' patronage as is consistent with that
prcrogative that the judiciary should be select
ed for their talents aud integrity, should be ade.
quatcly paid for their services, should he enjoin-
ed to administer prompt aud lmpa tial Justice
should be placed beyond the hope of any other
reward, fhan tie reward of merit and above the
fear OF any other punishment than the punish
ment prescribed by law, for the violation OF duty
Upon the subject of our state government,
have but little 10 observe. II becones me to say
however, that am one of those, who think that
though we have enjoyed much tranquility under
our state constitution, it is essentially defective,
and ought TO be amended ! trace to the defects
in this constitution, almost all the impCrfectons
| in our state legislation. think that in times OF
! peace and security from foreign danger, the wis
dom of The state could net he better directed,
than to the subject of the constitution.
~ have endcavored to make plain and
candle avowal of my sentiments they have
been well weighed, and deliberately formed
they arc such as expect will governmy conduct
through life whether fortune shall place me in a
public, or continue me in private station"