Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1828-03-14

polls TO decide the cleo ton Is not based upon the
presumption that the absentees would vote in T.,
same manner were they present; but upon prio
original compact and agreement. The right of -.
majority IS not inirnged in this practice, becaue.
they have consented that it should be So frOa
considerations OF expediency, and for the purpos
oil avoiding trouble and prolonged contests. The
EVIL OF suffering the candidate having a plurality
OF votes 10 be the elected member, is far less in
furious, than tho difficulty of continuing an cleo
ton until some one should unite in his favour Il
majority Of the whole number. The cities, of hi
Commonwealth have entered into no such COM
pact with regard alteration of the plan of po-
veinment; aud they could not make any such va
lid agreement-they cannot, even by their own
consent authorize minority to substitute u new
Constitution; for, it is with unquestionable truth,
declared in our Bill OF Rights, ti,at nnG0rt ~
Of the community hath undubiiable, unaliena-
BILE, and indeteasble right, to reform altar or a.
boiish II, IN such manner as shall be JUDGED most
conducive 10 the public veal" Here we dis.
cover that the right 10 change the Constitution
unGhendbty belongs to the nlGjoYifg-and not
only the right but the manner of exercising this
right The reformation. alteration, abolition of
the Constitution, and the manner of doing it. are
win consummate wisdom, placed beyond the reach
oil Legislative prescription or dctation The sub
sttute, therefore, compared with che principles
OF the Dill oil Rights, Is entitled TO 4 dccd~d pre-
terence over the original bill. 1 do not i'll my
conscience Oh nk that the Gonyentionists ought to
require more than Is granted in tho substitute
!
to warn them 10 forbear the effort to procure
! Convention without the sanction OF c clear and
, unequicocGl n9jorifQ.
For my part, Mr. Speaker, L candidy confess.
and have never concealed the fact, that / am
opposed to all legislation in this matter would
not by my vote make an appeal TO the people,
which necessarily implies defect in the Govern
nent-i would not speak Of its alteration so light
" anu iamiliarly 70 diminish the sanctty oi its
oongation, and decrease that yeneration, which h.
whether founded in prejudice or in reason is so
essential TO give strength and efficacy to any Gov
eminent. Let US preserve yet little longer this
ark oil our political safety. Ours is the first reeu
lar written constitution which was exhibited 10 The
admiration ola astonished world. The recurrence
TO so splendid an epoch in civil history, ought to
INSPIRE the heart OF every patriot Vrginian with
that holy gratitude which is allied TO devotion
Let US not, with rash precipitaucy, obteratc this
evidence OF the met example of a brave people
proclaiming their own independence, aud asserting
their sovereignty over their rulers. Let US with
uhceaSilg vigilance, guard il f0Te5ey-let US hold
1t up, like blazing beacon to guide other States
ana y atoms IN their successful course 10 freedom
anu representative government. The present is
an inausplcouS time for the renovation OF the Coy
eminent. Disrust Of each other-and the sttug-
%ie ot different sections for political power would
mar the councils ofthe land The restless spirit
oil innovation, which is among Us would preside i'm
the Convention;--the conflicting theories the wild
ana visionary schemes, various and discordant con-
centTated, would complete the general confusion
Farewell then to the StedaStnesS of character which
particularly belongs to Virginia. Our glory, our
reputation, our moral influence would all eyDire
with the Constitution to which we are assimlated.
and which is the real source OF our fame. The
determination to call Convention, fearfully ap-
prehend, will be fatal measure;-I pray that il
may not be as disastrous event to us as was the
battle OF Cheronca TO Greece; and thst the future
historian may not record ourdesny in the satnc SAD
language: "This day hath Terminated the glory
and the ancient liberty of the country
MIR. Speaker, are not oppressed by the OBJ
erauons OF our State Government. 1t is our duty
to quell, rather than TO increase, the murnurs of
dissatisfaction. We have been highly flvoured
People, and instead OF indulging a spirit of com
plant, we ought, with greatful emotions, to in
quire, 'Fhat shall render for all these benets,'
1--we destroy the work OF our fathers, NAV we not
lose With il our veneraon for their memories and
our devotion to the principles and motives of their
conduct! Is not this, in some degree, already
melancholy truth;-Is 1t not becoming too much
the fashion OF the day, TO deprecate their abours
10 accuse them ofnot having been sufficiently i'm
bued with republican doctrines, and of having
transmitted to their Posterity an imperfect and AR
lotocratic form Of Government2-Is there not ground
Tor the suspicion that are about to initiate the
opend- thIitl-'' He dissipated his palrimony and
with II his tharktumcss; and the same nprudent
act OF folly, renders hi4A both miserable alG an
grateful"
LBe6cte 10 be continued.I
~~rra