Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1828-03-14
VIRGINIA 1Eers1AruRE.
IN SENATE,
Uebdte On the Conrenthofl.

| Having ascertained that our present plan Of gov
eminent was adopted with the appreciation of the
people, and after the most mature reflection and
cautious elaboration of its trainers, we come di-
rectiy 10 the inquiry whether ii has fulfilled the
great purpose of its institutions? Statesmen and
law-givers ought TO decide this question by expe-
Renee, and not according to wild and visionary
theories. Fifty years of security in person and
property, half century of happiness under the
genial influence of a Republican Government must
constitute argument in its defence stronger than
adainant and which ought TO protect il against all
the petty assaults of Utopian ReforIners. Ii is
complained, as grievance, that fewer voters elect
delegates IN some counties than in Others and that
consequently poll teal privileges are not equally
distributed among the members of the commune
~ III arithmetic is to be established infalli-
Die standard in political science, what govern
ment proceeding from human hands will ever be
able to abide its test? Your arithmetic, sir, de-
monstrates that 4 few men possess the same power,
IN single respect, In Warwick, which 4 much
larger number possess, in Shenandoah. In the
same mode we may detect inequalities all over the
State. We may arbitrarily select two or more
counties and by comparison expose 4 want of per-
feet equality. Shall destroy the constitution
on account OF an inequality in the election of Del
egaies! Shall we institute new government bas.
ed upon perfect numerical equality?-If so, we
may discard all other business of human life and
become daily employed in new modelling our sys-
tenn, and IN correcting dsparties in numbers, for
every day viii our nice arthrgetica eQuipoise be
character Tor stability; 1t would excite the dersien
Of strangers, and could have just claim TO the
respect and confidence of those upon whom it ope-
rated. The existing inequalities are dispersed
all over the State completely TO counteract each
other and prevent any permanent evil result
lhey no more mar the entire plot of the constitu-
ton, than do the irregularity and variety Of the
tShrubsery destroy the beauty and amenity of he
grove.
The fact Of numerical inequality in the election
loi Delegates is proof Of the inadequacv o. the
government to accomplish the ends Of its institu-
ton.
Every man is equally protected in the unds-
tuFped enjoyment OF his personal rights and his
property. No man is or can be subjected TO bur
thens and duties which do not fall equally upon
ms ieHow-cizens No complaint has arisen I'M
DER our form OF government of an unjust invasion
oil private property, or of a tyranncal violation of
personal liberty. The competency of our govern
mcnt Is amply demonstrated, not BY mathematical
diagrams and arithnedcal calculations but bv the
WIDE diffusion OF its beneficial Effects Against
this stubborn TACT sustained by experienced il is
vain to adduce the beautiful plans of speculative
politicians, although formed according to the incest
principles OF abstract equality, and proved by re-
terence 10 the rules of Cookers Arithmetic
any rumble estimation, however, our consti-
tulon is based upon principles best calculated to-
lmpart permanently to it, and secure happiness To
the people. The foundation of our civil institu-
ton IS laid deep in the eternal Inaxims of science
OF truth, and OF human nature. The object of
property In the establishment OF fundamental
laws .desigre I'd to perfect this great purpose the
consideration OF person and property must essari
~ Dencluded Election and representation are the
constitutional means OF providing this security; and
therefore negotiating the elective franchise and in
shutting ratio Of Representations population and
wealth must be combined-neither can be Justly
excluded. admit that the right of suffrage, for
reasons suspicious 70 human freedom, ought to be
extended 10 the greatest possible number copsis
pr and
1t IS among numbers that the sacred fire of Liberty
IS most readily enkndcd and kept alive. Each
nhales from the other the breath of freedom; each
nsprits the other with fearless confidence, until
one general emotion Oh, manly independence per
vades the hearts Of all.
Conscious of numbers and Of strength the cleo
tors unTestrained in the assertions of their n
plnions, and bold in the maintenance oftheir RIGHTS
bu, this spirit OF freedoms generated by numbers
ana intercourse, has a constant tendency to wax
Wanton, to overleap the bounds OF wisdom s pro.
pretty, and 10 " run rot in the paths of lceD-
tiousness. 1t sometimes manlests an inclination
70 spurn the prudent checks Of moderation to lib
crate itself from the salutary restraints of reason
and 10 exchange the order and frfnness of cnlight
ened liberty,tor the unbrided fury of the passions
History records many wolul instance of the rrad-
ua progress from popular agitation to revolution s.
/ anarchy. Civil tranquility NAV Weld 10 the c,,
pire Of faction, and tumuuous dscord NAV. tlpon
some occasions, characterize the assemblies Of The
people The memorials Of the French Revolution
warn US oil the melancholy fact that men in some
situations may lose the influence of deIiberoiinp
reason, and become the needless agents of vi
uence and enorIbiy. Then sir "a fit occasion arises
iOF the
-" Factions nouiher Of irnsgin'd ,,ropy,
10 stiug aud gOad thc uaideuDs multitude
ARD SET The aiohser loose f,r desoslion.D
Domestic ieuds and civil wars arise, and continue
unul the contending parties sink into inaclon from
mere exhaustion The cessation Of such a conflict
/ is Ike the calm which succeeds the storm of dos.
olation The return Of peace brings not with IL q
restoration Of right, but degrading submission e
aDsolutc despotsm.
! Hence results TIE necessity ofintroducino sorne
principle IN order to counterfeit this tendency o
. numbers TO fall into confusion and anarchy. AND
which, but for this counleracton, would eventr.
| ally prove destructive Of civil liberty. Some GO.
VeTnnents have rcsOrted 90 force ami TO penal en-
actments, which, willis, they have restrained corn.
motion, have effected their object at the price p
700 great an ablidgment Of the freedom OF the cit
/ zen IL was reserved 10 our GOd-likc Vi-riuiar
ancestors to have the glory and the honor Of intro
uuciug principle, which would cfiectualIv correct
/ the anarchica proPcnsities u the pcopIc not by
curdiing their freedom or cndangerinp their iptfs
but by appealing directly TO their interest and IN
ders,anding This principle consists in the intro
/ auction OF property INTO the system Of election 6,
representation The author Of our nature has wise.
\ ~ implanted in the breast of man desire Of ar
/ quiring property. IN addition TO The innate salts.
faction OF exercising exclusive control some Dor
ton OF worldly goods is indispensable 10 cornf6rfa
bic existence. There is no subject which 50 cor.
stantly employs the faculties Of lhe mind which
hcits so much acutcncss and reflection and which
tends m so great degree to substitute sober rsrti
alion in the place Of wild and runous Speculation
ne owner oi property feels q double interest in