Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1828-12-04
FOR THE ENQUIRER.
THE CONVENTION SUBIECT

II ought to be taken up imrne diateiy, gsd no.
permitted to sleep until The heel IF the Session
ne present Legislature has assembled under
circumstances OF more importance and interest to
me state than any since the American Revolu.
uon Inc eyes OF the pAop!e are drawn towards
II WIN intense concern, and it is 70 be greatly
hoPed, That The public expectation will not be dis.
appointed. Until the subject of the Convention
Is settled, and the public mind freed from the
soicitnde and uncertainty produced BY it, we NAV
look In vain for the adoption OF any great MEASURE
of public policy, calculated to improve or elevate
me condition OF the state, This ali-engrossng and
aH-importdnf subject should be put to rest be fore
any other subject is considered by the Legislature
mere are many great questions involved i'm il. on
which there is great diversity OF opinion, and I
apprehend II the subject is moved the first
week In the Session, its consideration would not
De closed before the middle of February 4 sub
Ject OF such magnitude, involving principles that
are 70 effect future generations, ought not to be
hastily considered and decided. 1t is not the case
Of an ordinary law, whose had effects can be re
moved by subsequent Legislature; but the prin-
ciples OF government are to be considered. tina,
endure for ages and govern the course OF future
Legislation.
|. This Legislature is called upon to decide trAo
are the people, in the po,ica! sense of the word
no are the persons who have the right to choose
members OF Convention, aud to receive or reject
| the works Of their hands Is every free white
man born, raised and settled among us, q member
81 car community? Has such a man any right
under which we are to livc' Or, have the free.
holders alone the exclusive right of eypressioo
their wishes in this matter.
J What are to be the principles of representation
/ IN choosing members of Conventions Are the
PEOPLE TO be represented? The counties N b,
represented? Or, the people including taxation
10 De the basis OF representation. Are the white
people, including the negroes, to be represented:
Or, are the people, including the cattle 20 be the
| basis OF representation? Will the Convention de
eide finally upon the Constitution?
VI, will II be submitted to the pcople en- ndsse
| to be approved or rejected after il is formed. Viii
| the people decide upon the Constitution as an en-.
IRE instrument, or will they decide upon it claus
| by clause: Will it be submitted TO subsequent
select body OF men after it is formed for their APP
prevail or rejection, will il be submitted to ths
| Legislature?
These are some OF the knotiy questions full @
difficulty, and will add of danger which mus
be agiated during this Session of the General As
sembiy. After being for many years an attentive
observer OF The Legislative proceedingso Of Virginia
do not hesitate TO say, that il hsse questions are
not taken up in the early part OF the Session, wher
the minds OF the members fresh and capable
! OF attending TO tie important business OF the
House, the whole subject viii terminate ia con
fusion and nothing will be DONE So far, therefore
as The yoce o! an humble citizen is allowed to be
heard, 1t would en;reat the Legislature to move
upon ms subject at once, and give to it until i
is settled its exclusive aud most solemn dclibera
iion
The principle OF representation ,G0n which the
convention will be assembled, it is presumed, will
be The principle that will be adopted by that body
IN the constitution which they will form o
course, the question meets at the threshold ant
must be decided by the present Legislature. II
is one OF great difficulty, OF rather il is one abou
which there is great diversity of opinion, and
shall hereafter exercise the privilege which en-.
joy in common with my fellow citizens, Of express
ing my views upon it,
q -Natire Of Ipashington County.