Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1829-11-23

nv vo,e, would 2resen' in connection with II,
the declaration that Virginia was no longer tit
ted for q republican government. But suppose
that in all this l am mistaken, and that our
republican principles are no endangered by the
proposition OF the gentleman from Culpeper.-
We are certainly about to depart, and in no
me assured degree, from thai plain and simple
rule Of government, sustained by expeditncy no
less Than by reason and justice, which conhde,
the power Of legislation TO majority rather
than minority. Is there any reason Tor this
departure? And If there be, Is II not now pro-
posed To go far beyond what the necessity OF he
case requires? The lower division, TO which
have referred, it is Acknowledged, contains
larger amour, Of property, and pays greater
proportion Of taxes, than the upper, the excess
about S54,ooo,) and hence IS Is inferred, that
unless the power commended for be obtained,
properly will be without al adequate Pro'ec-
ton. If,his Can oe made manl'es', pie dgr
myself to abandon the principles have brought
with me 10 this discussion, and 10 60 along
with, and under the guidance OF the gentlemen
from below.
Security TO property, sir. who does not feel
its necessity. Who of The numbers that are
present, does Boi concur with the gentleman
from Northampton, in thinking that security
To property ia me mos, Efficient, IT not the only
security 10 personal rights? Is il OF any cohse.
quence to me to be able to keep my body beyond
the limits Of Jail, TO roam where please, to Go
wbal please, or even 10 contribute ny my 'o:e
TO organize the Government under which am
to live, If that very Government is 10 be en-
powered, whenever it shall think proper, to
wres from me The means OF my subsistence
and TO throw me poor and pennyiess on a heart
less world
No, sir, The property Of the country ought to
be, and must be projected, at all hazards; but
let gentlemen beware, lest in providing ior us
security, they expose it TO dangers thai DO not
naturally surround il; lest IN attempting to
throw around j, the robes nf prolec ion, they
iucautiously inves, il with the shirt of Nessus.
To acertain extent,proPer'y carries within itself
the means Of its own protection. Not in Its
corrupting influence, as referred to by the gen.
tleman from Northampton; but in the facilities
i, affords for acquiring knowledge and oiAus-
ing benefits. 1t ought TO be the aim, as il is
within the scope Of political institutions, to
fo,t,fv and s,rengl hen this power Of self pro'ee-
ton. Let them guard i, by just regulations
against improper invasions. Let them increase
its facilities Tor action. in all cases where its
aim is lo procure legitimate advantages 10 its
owner, or gra,uitous benefits TO the community
in which il e1is,s. And IL, il be limited in its
power Of corrup,inS and depressing, no by
giving 10 il political power, but by rendering
il amenable 10 the majesty Of the laws ii would
violate, and to the indignant justice Of the peo'
pie, whose honesty it would corrupt.
But this is not all I would not stop here
even though in proceeding farther, may stray
from tie rank, in which have hitherto been
fighiing would provide for the protection Of
properly in the very foundations Of government.
would furnish 10 il, that very security modi
fed, IL form only, to which the gentleman from
Hanover appealed, a an Evidence Of the senti-
men,s OF our forefa,hers With them, would
commi; The right Of suffragc to such only as
" could give evidence of permanent common
,nterrs, in the community" ! would allow no
man 10 participated in laying the taxes, who did
no, also participate in paying them This
mold 90 he me best security for property; Sc
curly which gives TO il the only political pow
err TO which u is entitled, or with which il can
be safely entrusted. Here, then, let gentlemen
plan, their s,andard-here upfurl their bannt r;
and ,hey will draw around them, if not all, q
vrry large proper ion of the intelligence as well
d, the property Of the s. ate.
b., this general security 10 property, ] am
nld,,s no he obi ecl aimed al; and that aothing
i, accomplished while the many are AZ horized
10 levy On the few a heavier TAX Than they
Themselves are required or have it in their
power TO pay. TIE gentleman from Hanover,
ndeed, has gone far as TO declare, that his
h, very principle agains, which our snees-
50 gaiIau:iy aud so SUE cess'ully COM ended;
I'D that i, constitutes. in fact, The very con-
Summation Of tyranny. And does the gentle
.sa really think, that if The government he or
ganzrd as we propose, the people OF he lower
,ounlry " III stand their western brethren in
he same relation hat our fnrefalhers occupied
owards Grea' Bri,ain-or, TO use his own
words, tina, we now occupy towards the gov
er men, # Ohio? Will he consider himself
taxed without his consent, brcausr his Repre-
sentative may be ranked among he minority
in he Legislative sote-nr because some par
,icular ak may possibly bear harder on h'm.
self or his county, than on other parts OF MS
STATE? IL SO, we have hitherto lived under The
rankes, despotism; for il will be found. by re.
ference 10 the tabular statements OF the Audi