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

extravaganza aud absurdity to incur the expense |
OF enac,ing a Law TO enable the people TO do that
winch they are competent TO preform without II. |
The advocates of this measure must admit the ac-
tual lncepacity OF the people tomanifest their feel
ings withoutt, or else they driven to the con- |
lesion that they are proligatey wasting the pub
lie money in idle and surperhuous legislation.
Such confession know that they viii not make
and such charge could not believe; il would
argue too gross and unprincipled an abandonment
tduty. We are constrained 10 adopt the opinion
that the friends OF this bill acting from feel
ing OF charity to the mass of their constituents and
are kindly rendering them the means of perform
ing an act which they, of themselves, are incompe
tent TO effect. maintain, sir and boldly mantain
'hat the patriotic and intelligent people OF this
country are fully competent TO act upon this, or
upon any other question without the gratuitious
AID oil an oiiicious Legislature. Whenever the
people feel sufficient interest and deem it their
duty, they can and will make known their wishes
and the whole experience of the country attests
! the fact Even in England with only one branch
! oil the Legislature composed of popular repre-
sentatves, this idea has prevailed. In the
reign OF Edward the first, the language OF the writ
suinmonng the Parliament contains this very
doctrine; and il has continued in that country
with few occasional interruptions by faction and
revolution. In the year 1854 it was distinctly
anncunced from the throne, s admitted by George
Sd. The younger Pitt was at that time prime
minister but with all his virtue and his talents he
was unable TO struggle against that monstrous
coalition of North and Fox. Their adherents out
numbered his in Parliament thwarted ali his views,
and produced in the kingdom most extraordina-
ry state of affairs The King dissolved the Par al
ment. and declared that in such case it was
duty which he owed himself and the country to
recur as speedily as possible TO the " of the
people, And how was this recurrence had2 Not
by act of Parliament authorising and re-
curing the g sherifS and other officers TO take
the sense OF the people; but by calling new
| Parliament. This proceeding contains a positive
admission OF the idea that the people could make
cl fD
representatives. Pitts administration made
the test OF the elections and the people by large
maority decided in its favor and against the Goa
! liton. Fox himself the illustrious advocate of
human liberty, would have been elected by the
voters OF Westminster, bat for the remarkable in
| reference OF beautiful and intelligent female
! friend
! In the U. States, pOpulous and extensive as they
are, we have had repeated instances ofspontaneous
expressions Of public feeling. The voice of an in
cenSed and indignant people was raised in oppo-
| sition 10 the elder Adams and the infatuated nea-
sures oil his administration, and spoke TO him the
| language OF seYerest condemnation The famous
compensation Law OF Congress was reprobated
by the whole American people, and in obedience 70
| their stern command it was promptly repealed.
Here are instances in which the people, without
any law 10 take their sense, uttered a general ex-
preston of opinion which could not be mistaken.
| These occurrences are identified with the history
/ OF our country, and will remain perpetual evidenc-
es OF the competency of the people to act volunta-
\
/ TO control their representatives.
! Within our own commonwealth the instances have
been frequent in which the sense Of the people'
was clearly ascerained without legislative facili-
/ ties. l will not unnecessarily consume our time
by their enumeration. But there is one illustrious
! instance OF recent occurrence worthy of remark
and viii doubtless constitute bright page of our
history. i allude 10 the late spontaneous burst of
I popular feeling cn The Presidential Election No
attentive observer OF passing events cen for one
moment doubt VirgiLia's preference for Jackson
Inc numerous and crowded meetings in this state
amount to full & unequivocaI expression Of opin-
ioh' they conclusvely yndicate the competency of
the people, and furnish satisfactory evidence of that
independence Of thought so characteristic of true
Firginians, which spurns the influence of great
names, and despiSes dictation.
henever matters OF sufficient moment occur
the people are prompt and decisive in the egDres-
sion OF their opinions: And Whenever a majority
snail deem themselves oppressed by the provisions
OF the constitution, s. shall really desire lis change
'hey VIII speak IN voice which will command and
enforce the execution Of their will Tho si,nnos
ed inability Of the people to do SO is palpablv con
tradicted by the whole experience of the country
lt IS libel upon the character and Intelligence of
virginia Ii the advocates OF this iii mean to dis
aVoW all intention OF pTeierring such an accusa-
lon, II they mean 20 shrink from the defence of so
insulting an insinuaton against the good sense of
the people, why will they embarraSs Them with
legislation on this momenous topic? Sir this moa-
sure appears to me TO be grounded upon the suppo-
selves; that they cannot be trusted in their pima-
ny character TO decida upon the eXpeIicncy Of
altering the fundamental regulations OF povern-
mcnt. The whole tenor Of this bill evidently ar
CUES distrust on the part Of The Legislature
what do you propose? You dictate the time tIe
place, and the menner of uttering the popular will
ou appoint officers clothed with the habiliments
OIL power to superntend the people whilst en-
gagged IN their original, paramount, sovereignNipbt
OF examining the merits Of their own form of 90.
Vefninent' The appointment Of this ministerial
/ supervisor to receive and record, in sldn1e,
prescribed by tar, the opinions Of the pcople man
nests want OF confidence, in open repurnance 10
INC Doasted declaration Of the conveniionists that
He9 ore not afraid 10 trust the people"
Mr. Speaker, have also laid down the position
that the proposed measure, is not within the pro
per sphere Of legislative enactment If tbe H.
l'ia'u.o can nShttully enact layy for q certain
sPecihed purpose, IL must necessarily possess The
requisite powers 10 make that law chcct,laI in The
attainment oil such purpose. II the General As
sembly be correct in feeling it their dufy n, as
certain the wishes Of The People - if thev po5sess
'ne right OF collecting and enbodyne O tbe sens,
OF The People by law Of thc land. thew mus
IAGMise possess an ample right to adopt such pro.
VISIONS as Wil completely accomplish their object
10 or, sir, luminous wwriter retnari- g :,
IS Out lost labor 70 say do this or avoid tat without
d'sO uecIailng what shall be the consequence &c
non compliance. Who, that still refaips il, Ia
ie', one sentiment OF freedom and manly ind d.
Pehdencc, would not rise iu rebelion To a io,riI.
i've eIlOIt 70 eTtOH an expression of opinii,,5
VINO, tal ioyes hi5 country and its liberty. ,vould
~ nc" WIN uhheasured indignation, any atternpt
~ 10 &C tne dVo"ai OF our sentiments upon this or
upon any other question: by fine ana pcr,,it,,S M
"eheIai Assembly cannot pass any effectusI lav.fo
take the " sense Of the People" they canreg az,
mex any direct and positive SANCTION, 10 ,l,.t