Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1828-1831, 1829-01-12
8ssegssstottU xes Dtu~
hEoNDAY noRNING, JANUARY Y, 1879.

by Messrs Jason Of Frederick and Doddridcc. No
discussion in the General Assembly, for years past
has called forth great display of talent, as no sub
Ject has excited in that body out oft, SO great
share of solicitudc.
The conflict as tho question now stands, is be-
tween the bill as originally reported giving reprcsen-
tatiou to three ffths of slaves and Mr.. Terrs sub
stute giving to every county and borough at present
entitled to representation In the House of Delegates
one member in the Convention. Between these
plans the advocates of white population feel as be-
tScC he Devil and tie Deep Sea- both arc so entire
" dnpaatabie, that they care but little which
Ultimately triumphs. 1t is indeed difficult to saw
which is the most repugnant to justice, equality and
rapubhcanism, to constitute the Convention by Civ
ing Williamsburg the same numerical influence IN it
with Richmond, to constitute it by giving five ne
Foes ~ certain division Of the State the same in
faence with three white citizens in another Either
rian would amaze the high souled patriots who un-
farled the banner of Revolution in 70. could they
raise their heads from the tomb. We are aware of
the argument brought To tho aid of these plans
from the relative weight OF taxation, but to our
mads, 1t appears that the possession of superior
wealth ought to content the possessor without his
claiming for it unequal political power. The idea
ias in this country, and with the opinions of the age
as they arc, any man really feel insecure in his
rights of property from Convention in which prop
erty is not specifically represented is Incredible
believe it not.
We have now little question that the county plan
will drive the con gresslona from the first section of
the bill. We think many who arc inimcal to both
viii go for countless merely TO dispoasess the slave
representation ofts vantage grOund and then aban-
aon the county plan in turn for something more con-
genial with Justice.
To the surprise of many, The small tran-salerhancv
and the small counties below tide water have struck
up courtship, and much billing and cooling is poinp
on between them The object of this unnaturaIjalG-
once preserve county government the expcncc
oil the great country between the Blue Ridge andthc
head at tide water, and the valley, embracing the
heart ard bowels of Virginia Il is unfortunately time
that 10000 of the people of Virginia NAV controu
the other 42OO OO by combination of the small cou
ties in the House Of Delegates. This is the plan
now on foot in order to preserve county superiority
instead of that of the peoptc u the convention and
consequently in the new government. Nothing Is
more palpable than that the government of Virginia
has been one of counties and horoughs instead of the
noJoity vi the people; ana the struggle II now srrl-
we'd between the two whether the old shall be perpe-
tuated or be thrown aside unworthy the rights and
liberty of the people, and the character of the age
How, or when the contest in the Legislature will end
it is difficult to say.
There has been occasional 7ovcre sparring in the
debate especially between Messrs Co and Miller Of
Powhatan and Doddridgo; but we take pleasure in
stating that the Saturdays debate assumed in its
close an entirely conciliatory aspect which we notice
from our firm persuasion that nothing but he utmost
temper and Cancellation can preserve the State from
all extremely awkward and embarrassing, If not
dangerous state Of things.