Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1828-03-11

only who come TO the polls and direct their names
10 be recoried.-lt makes the decision of this all
important matter TO depend upon a scufile at the |
polls, like an ordinary election OF delegates--It |
may turn out that the whole number voting on
each side will not amount to majority high
ly probable that neither side will constitute ma
jority of the whole.-rhe successful party may be
a majority of less than moety~of the State.-At
the next session of the legislature, we shall still
find ourselves without proof conclusive, still con-
troverting the question whether the People desire
Convention. An effort to organize Convention
upon so incomplete an ascertainment of the public
will, may eventuate IN serious consequences-it
,ciH be resisted, The R-ope tranquil and content
ed noiC will not suffer their constitutional NUM-
ments to be destroyed, and their most precious
rights to be voted away by dissatisfied minority.
10 persist in such measure, l repeat, may pro-
duce an awful state of affairs in this Ancient Com
monwealth.-The excitement hitherto manifested
has been on the part OF the CoDventionists.-The
alone have presented examples of angry and dis
contented assemblages; and thank God, for the hon
or OF Republic, instances of this kind have been
rare with them.-But although quiet People may
not choose to proceed TO the polls and declare their
contentnent at the ofcious bidding of the lcgisla-
ture, yet we should wrong them to suppose that
they would view with apathy the PROCLAMATION Of our
venerable political ark.
There is one possible situation which might lead
TO iul development of the relative strength ofpar
Ties. The rancor OF party spirit, the heated excite
ment OF controversy, may array the friends of the
CONSTITUTION anu tlS advocates OF convention a
gainst each other with all the bitter feelings of
6eligerentS.-Then they might rush to the polls
with angry haste, hurried by the wanton desire of
victory, and not by the impulses of patriotism
But can any good man desire to witness such a
state OF things?-ltS attendant evils would battle
description. The fears and animosities which
would be engendered, the consequent interruption
OF social intercourse, would prove more perma
nently pernicous toour character &our happiness,
than any evils, which even the Imagination can
& .aWf L..
mois OF party strife, we should lose the noble cha
racterisics which distinguish Virginians. Virgil
MIA having sacrificed her permanency and stabili
ty upon the altar ofinnovadon, would no longer be
the birth place OF wise s. temperate statesmen but
would be converted into theatre for the display
| ot political gladiators-she would become tie
nurse OF taCtOus demagogues. In all times of high
political commotiOn, fiery and unpripcpled spirits
WAllappear, who are ever
| 60 Ready to clap sediiton on the back,
| Ind stir Che Ueyy dregS and lees Of life
To foam upon its SUFFICE
! have stated sir that this bill is an i,asiaioas
effort to secure the call of Convention in viola
ton OF most sacred and long received axiom in
Republican politics. Government is instituted for
the security and benefit Of the people, and they a
lone, or majority, have the right 10 change alter
or abolish it. 1t is the real intention of this
bill, and 1t cannot be disguised, that the success
iui party Mt the polls shall determine the question
The successful party at the polls, as have snewn
may be, and probably will be, minority of the
whole number Of voters. This bill therefore
cuaningly designs that an active and dissatisfied
minority may usurp the inconestibe right OF q
contented, but inactive majority. Such is the o.
Vcrweenlng anxiety to procure the call or Con-
Yenhon, that this bill proposes its accomplishment
inSidlously, and at the eEpence OF the great lead
/ ing principle of Republican Government Ii is Il,
me matter OF establishment past all explanation
that single friend of our veneraed Constitution
hissUPport TO this peculiar mode oftak-
rVNrrf la..gg IL
strange That any sincere ddmireT of tie present
plan oil Government, should be 50 easily enticcd
into the tollSspread by his antagonists bill which
does not in good faith aim and cannot in fact 'ascer-
tain the wishes of the People," yet artfuily de-
signs 20 facilitate and secure the call of ConyeJ-
ticn, TO my utter and unspeakable establishment
receives the support Of some of those who profess
10 be opposed TO innovation! To my mind it pre-
sents an ineXpcable inconsistency Yes, sir this
Is substantially Convention measure; it original
ed with the conventoniss, it is their darling pro-
Ject, and regret from my soul, that they did not
place their affections upon an object more lovely
and attractive; this is political monster. The
CoAventioni5t5 regard this as a scheme to accec-.
rate the consummaton of their lahors; they look
to the passage OF this bill as the harbinger Of final
success, and already have they exultcd, prema-
tuTeIy hope, with shouts of victory
Ii Is our duty TO examine whether the ultimate
object OF this bill is compatible with sound policy.
lS1t in fact eXpedient to have a Convention TO
change the Constitution? What objections are urg-
ed, what are the defects OF The present form2 What
are our grievances, what are the contemplated in
novations; The whole faculties OF the mind should
be employed IN thorough investigation OF these
questions, before rasllyresOvc TO encounter the
hazards OF radical change. We have three separate
and distinct departments, each, however subordi-
nate TO the Constitution. Neither can alter or a
bOllsh the Government. If the Legislature cannot
change the Constitution; does it act in strict SUI
bordnaton, and with true fidelity, when it adopts
course designed TO produce that very result
do not mean to deny that the legislature cen
make The necessary appropriations after the Peo-
pie have solemnly determined to change the Coy
ernment
1t has been contendcd that the Constitution un-
der which live il m ordinary act of legislation
aud has not that high sanction Of popular adoption
which ought 10 be stamped OH such an instrument
The weight of Sir. Jeiftrson's name is conspicu-
ousy displayed 10 sustain this opinion. No man
precedcs me in respect for the doctrines of this
profound statesman; and 7 would not lightly dis
sent from position which has the support of his
appreciation. feel thorough conviction that the
principles OF popular sovereignty so luminousiv
promulgated BY him will essentially assist in dissi
pating the gloomy cloud which yet unhappily hangs
over so great portion Of the Eastern Hemisphere
i anticipate the time, with emotions Of delight
when The name Of Jefferson shall become a tails
manic appeal TO inspire the heart, and nerve the
arm Of the Hero amidst the ccnYusions Of strug-
Cling freedom. Astronomers have told us Of fixed
stars at such an immense distance, that If they
were struck from tie system Of the Universe a.
ges would rcyolvc before the fact would be dis
closed; because the fight already emitted would
be thus long ia completing It's passage 10 our Globe
SO far elevated above ordinary men was MFR. JEFF
terson so great has been the cmanation Of moral
scientific and political light from his transcendant
genius, that 10 Will continue 90 shine, and ilu-
inmate, his feilow-mcn for centuries subsequent 10
his memorable dcccase.