Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1829-04-28
CONVENTION.
TO the Editors Of the Enquirer.
GoocHLAND, 22d April. 1872


GENTLEMEN-1n your paper Of the 10Th ins,
l observe Communication with the signature Oh
!" Many Freeholders of Fluvanna," proposing
certain enquiries to myself, among several Others
VINO have been named as fit persons to represent.
this Senatorial District in the Convention 10 meet
III hichiRond, IN October next. Concurring fully
IN the opinion. that it is not only the right but the
duty OF the people, to enquire into the opinions OF
those proposedsto represent them on so important
an occasion, proceed to answer the enquiries In
the order in which they are proposed.
lst Enquiry" As 10 the extension of the Right
OF Suffrage to Non Freeholders, with rea.
sonabte qualificaton."-Nly opinion is, that
me tight OF Suffrage ought to be extended
10 M n-Fre eholders, with a reasonable qualifica
ton. l am not fully prepared, to this time, to
speak with precision on this subject; but as at
present impressed, / would extend the right 10 all
citizens, who are liable to do militia duty; who
pay taxes, and who are subjected to the full ope
ration OF the acts of the Legislature-event to the
large proportion Of the people as is contained in
me BODY OF Non-Freeh0ldsrs, possibly majority
oil the whole number, should be entirely exci,ld.
ed from the privilege Of voice in selecting the
men VINO are to make the laws which bear equal.
~ upon them, with the rest Of the citizens ap
pears to me 10 be unjust and calculated 10 produce
great dissatisfaction.
I'd Enquiry" As to the reduction of the urc.
sent numbers of the House Of Delegates."-Ihe
present number of the House of Delegates is
tatives OF the United States. The annual ex.
pence OF the General Assembly is from no 20
SI2o 200. fully fourth Of the nett revenue Of
the State My opinion is, that by a reduction OF
me number at least one half, the public business
wo uId be better done, in much shorter time and
at much less expence.
:, sd Enquiry" As TO an equal representation
throughout the State. apportioned according 10
white population. My opinion is, that. the re.
presentation ought to be equal throughout the
NAH In IL
Tree white Popua'ion.-T am well aware, that
this question and that relating TO an extension OF
the Right Of Suffrage, will constitute the princi.
pal difficulties the Convention will have to en-.
counter. The holding interest Of the State,
great and important interest certainly feel grea.
soIicitude on this subject. 1t is natural and right
that they should do so. Every we'll ordered mind
will, think, admit without hesitation, that every
guarantee for their security, which does not con.
met with the most important principles Of free
publican government, should be extended to them.
do not approve OF he representation of the slave
population, because think security may be pro.
vided Tor that interest in better form, and more
consistent with the great principles OF such 20.
vernment as ours ought to be.--My plan as a.
present advised, is this Let the lands, as they
now do, pay tax according to their assessed yaiu.
anon let them be assessed at regular stated peri.
DDS, say at an interval Of I6 is or 20 yearsotben
provide in the Constitution, that when lands pay
certain tax, slaves shall not pay above maximum
lands pay the rate fixed on by tie Legislature
his principle may be extended, should il be re.
CURED, to horses, carriages, and, indeed most Of
all other subjects OF taxation. [ am sangune 10
me opinion, that such provision as this, would
afford the best security which can be provided for
the great interests which will constitute the prin.
cipal subjects of taxation. I think also, such
pi6Yision might be obtained without difficulty and
tbati would be attended with the important cir.
c"ms,ance OF giving more general satisfaction than
The plan OF slave representation.
4th Enquiry" As TO a new organization Of
the Executive branch Of the Government. and for
dispensing with tho Council in part or in the
whoIe."-I am in favor Of new roauizafion Of
the Executive; think the Council may be- dispens.
ed with in whole, as am certain that The Govern.
or, with the assistance Of Secretary of State or
some omeer OF that description, and two good
clerks, and also with the further privilege of con.
su'ting occasionally the Attorney General and
me Heads OF Departments, would be amply suifi-
o'en, 10 discharge all the Executive duties, with
much more pronptness than they can be now dis
charged, and with more responsibility TO the PEG.
pie.
5fb Enquiry" As to a change in the Tenure
OF oiiice in the Judiciary Department. so as 10 in
crease the responsibility Of Judges or 10 facilitate
tbeir a'no'on from Office, for sufficient eause"-1
am oil opinion that the Judges ought 10 be elected
as they now are, by Joint ballo, Of The two Houses
mat the tenure Of Office should be {" during cool
behaviour bot that ieir responsibility ought TO
be increased. My present impression is that re-,
moval from office, for good or sufficient cause by
vote Of two-thirds If the two Houses IL the best
mode Of increasing their rcsponsibilitv
have thus answered frankly, and in az few
words as could. the enquiries Of my Fellow. Ci;.
lzens Of tiuvsnn', iid Which relate TO the wioc
Dis''if''-~4 VII cooelG3e ~ seuorsing. thai