Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1828-12-27

Grafton for the present mode OF representation b,
counties-if by the plan you adopt, majority
friendly to this system should be elected TO tho
convention, one OF the greatest objects Of calling
1t may be defeated: as regards the number Of Del
egates TO compose the Convention, would respect
tully recommend that one be elected from each
Congressional Senatorial district and that the
election OF delegate from any district should moi
be restricted to residence in that particular dis
irict. l would remove this restriction 10 enable
the people TO call into this service all the talent
and information which they possibly can, and in
some OF the districts there may be dearth of this
desirable commodify--so far as | am concerned i'm
this matter would be willing 10 submit the for
nation Of constitution to Mr.. Madison, Mr..
Monroe and Chief Justice Marshall, and sanction
in advance any form OF Government under which
they will be willing to live themselves. II we
can get such men these into our service, the
fewer the better. for large number would be cal
culated to produce confusion and dissension in the
Convention. ! am as much OF democratic Re.
publican most men land am aware of the ohjec-
tions which may be urged TO the sentiments here
advanced rs being somewhat arisocrai:c, but such
we know to be the devoted attachment of this
splendid trio Of great men to the principles Of Re-
publican Government that | should feel no hesta-
ton in coniidng my liberties in their hands. AZ
ter settling this question, however, you will
have to decide what portion OF Citizens are to
vote for members to the Convention. In recur-
rng.as we about to do this OCCASION, TO fun
damental principles, it is certainly right and desi
rab!e that as many OF our free white male citizens
as possible should have voice in the repre- senta-
ton. 1t will not be like choosing members of an
ordinary legislature TO pass laws regulating pro-
perty and questions Of ,neum aud tuun,. The
Constitution is to be binding upon the whole COM
munity and to be the Supreme Law of the State in
which all her Citizens are deeply Interested
The personal rights of the Citizen will be of as
much Importance as the rights of property, and
according TO the principles OF our Revolution and
OF those upon which all our Governments have
since been baseball free white male Citizens over
FL years OF age who have given any evidence Of
an ntentiont TO reside permanently amongst should
be privileged to- vote for delegates to the Con.
vention 1t will be for that Convention in their
wisdom to decide the long controverted question
in state, whether or not it will be wise and po-
htic to extend the privilege of suffrage in our
State further than it is at present. l could hope
that the reproach of excluding so great a portion
OF our Fellow Citizens from the enjoyment of this
high privilege, may be wiped away from my native
state. She has always been foremost IN her dcvo-
ton TO republican principles, and her sense of JUS
tice will no doubt influence her no longer to
withhold from her sons this invaluable right and
privilege. have in haste thrown out these few
hints for your consideration. ! did not flatter my
SELF that could influence your of proceed
ing by any thing could say. If, however, any
thing here suggested may prove useful to you,
shall feel richly rewarded for the trouble have
taken. / shall hereafter take an opportunity OF
addressing TO you few sentences upon the subject
Of Internal Improvements.
HORTENSIUS