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


ton, beg leave to refer gentlemen to the 54th
NJ. Of the Federalist written by James Madison.
suoaely incline to the opinion, that the present
Constitution 81 the General Assembly is mos, wise
ly adopted TO full and fair representation OF the o.
Pinions ofihe people, not only upon questions in
volving great principles and of general concern.
but likewise upon al matters Of merely loea, in
tcrest.
We told, however, that the House of Dele
gates is too numerous All representative assem-
bes ought fully and fairly 70 reflect the wishes OF
tho peOple.-The more numerous, therefore, the
representative body, the greater the probability
that IL will be faithful exponent of popular feel
ing; and t6ere are but two considerations which
should limit its extent. The body should not be so
large as TO DC productive of confusion and disorder
in its proceedings, 20 create expense onerous
10 the constituents and nding the reasonable
bounds OF economy. Small assemblies NAV, by
possibility, become subjected 10 the control and
management OF designing political leaders.
The House OF Delegates tested by these consi-
deralions, cannot be esteemed large to Justify
tue expense and hazard of calling Convention.
The arrangement of the Executive has also, with
some, been deemed Objectionable.
This is feature of the Constitution with which
would not willingly part. At tie time of estab-
fishing our Government there was praiseworihy
aveision TO accuHuulating power 10 the hands of a
Sii-glc individual. The trainers Of our Constitution
were actuated by an adherence ofcven the appear
aHce oil Monarchy, and by an ardent desire for
new and opposite form OF Government. The Ro-
iHauS IN iiOlncnt OF righteous indignation eXpell-
ed tie proud larquin, and took n solemn oath a
-unst the iiGHe OF King. If in this hour of vrtu-
Gus resentment at the gross abuses OF Royalty
they had sworn never T. tolerate the same form OF
Government, instead OF only yoUing their abhor-
renee OF the name OF the Ruler, IL might ia after
times have served TO rescue them from Imperial
Dcspotisin. There are good and Substantial reasons
III favor oil an ESccuti We Council; but ifhere exist
ed no other, wouldpreserve it perpetual testi
Inony OF our invincible hatred 10 every senblance
Ci a mOnarchical system.
Most of the objections to the Constitution admit
OF a sound and rational defence. Many of the a.
buses and Inconvenience which arc a subject of
complaint, are within the reach of Legislative re-
NEEDLES
But, sir, we have not time TO enter into detail
ed vindicaton of all the provisions Of the Constitu-
ton. The mass Of the People wilInot scrutinize il
Sith hypercrtical nicely, they will not reduce il
10 the standard of arithmetic and logic; they will
decide IFS merits in the aggregate. We know that
ion hly years they have been free and happy
iearning and virtue have been generously fostered
Virginia has acquired. under the present order of
things, moral character and a moral influence
the admiration of our confederate Republics and
the wonder OF the woild. And what are the griev-
ances for which redress is eagerly sought? They
have totally escaped my discernment That there
Is no general actual oppression Is established by
the fact that the COnventiOnist5 do not concur i'm
their complaints, and differ still more in their pro-
posed remedies But if things are not exactly as
would have them-ii indeed, there are a few
inequalities and few hardships, is it prudent i'm
the attempt 10 Obyi1tc these, 10 leopard all our DO
ltical blessings? Is it the part of wisdom TO dash
from our lips the whole cup ofsweetness because
few bitter drops have been intermingled.9 Not
has any assurance OF obtaining the alterations
which he most desires, whilst all incur the haz-
ard otlosins those provisions which each most high
iyprizes.
hIr. Speaker have endeayored, from solemn
conviction Of duty, TO expose the Objectionable prn-
ciPies contained in this BILL have endeavored TO
make 1t appear that neither Il want of validity in
The Constitution, the peculiar time of its formation
or any provisions which 1t contains, justify the
legislature in making this effort 10 secure its alte
ration. The same sense of duty has operated upon
my nInd IN proposing the amendment which I
lave done. And here enter nv protest against
this doctrine, that the enemies OF bill have no
right TO asslstin peTiectirg its details. deny the
right OF the COnV 10 exclusive legislation
on ths subject. proclaim il TO be both Liberal
and unjust TO view every proposition coming from
the friends OF the Constitution with Jealousy. The
supporters oi the present form OF Government have
Interests and privileges at stake. claim the right
FOR one, TO interfere in their beha!f,-to commune
with the advocates Of innovation to What extent
they ought 10 go,-Ond caudidy 10 demonstrate a.
4gaiusttheir ;raa5ccndng the bounds cf moderation
and reason.
viii, sir, very briefly call tie attention of the
Senate TO the difference between the original bill
and the substitute. The original bill, in the prcam-
blc, declares, that whereas portion OF the good CO.
ple are DESTROYS Of amending the Constitution, and
The assembly feel it their duty TO ascertain the
wishes of the People thereon. II the people had
been entirely silent would auy man have dreamed
that it was the duty Of the Legislature 10 asccr-
tain their wishes? The fact Of portion OF the peo
PIE " Sling 10 change the Government, is intended
10 be assigned as the reason for this proceeding
-tow, 1t - a complete ncn-scquitur, that because
. portion OF the People have expressed an opiu-
ION upon any subject, il becomes the duty of the
General Assembly 10 ascertain the wishes of the
whole number. The plain inference is that one por-
ton having spoken their sentiments the other por-
ton can follow the example II they incline TO do
So The duty which is feitupon dis occasion is 4
feeling without an adequate cause. The Preamble 10
the substitute declares that portion of the voters
desire the cali OF a COnveutOn,-that the Legs
iature ehtertains the opinion that no measures
should be adopted until it shall appear that ma
j0rity desire IT, The position maintained here is
in strict accordance with our Bil OF Rights that
the majority alone have the right to change alter
or abolish the Government and that portion
not amounting 10 majority cannot authorize the
Legislature 10 take incipient measures TO that ef
feet The original bill provides not only that tile
ConYenuonis5 shall utter their dissatisfaction, but
That the silent and satisfied part oil the community
shall also proclaim their conentnent. The sub
sI;ute leaves those, who are pcaceablc and con (
tented With the Government under which the y live
TheFe indeed they ought 10 be left in ui4dsttlrbed
quctude. The COnventiOnists alone have praved
for legal facilities TO enable them 10 express their
opinions The substitute grants them the aid they
desire, iDr collecting and eHbOdying their wish 6 |
presenting its foil numerical force 10 the next e
gisiaturc. The friends Of the Constitution have |
asked for no facility-thcy have not desired that
ministeral officer shall be compelled to receive
S-rocoTd their opinions; for they protest gains be-
Jug placed under The necessity Of resortiup To !
such course The citizens have the privilege Of 1
enjoying their sentiments as we'll they have their (