Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1829-05-05

perry. q man possessing one hundred would moi,
thereby, be entitled TO single vote; and no man
will be entitled the more than ono vote upon any
consideration. tits not question Of individual
right, buta question Of relative weight in the ex
ercse Of political power between two sections OF
the state. II is not whether A. Il. holding an hum
dred slaves shall have more votes than G. D. hold
ing none; but that, whether one section Of the
State holding two descriptions of population. the
inferior OF which pays enormous taxes and contri-
butes most largely to the support Of government,
shall stand on unequal footing with another section
OF the state. consisting OF only one description Of
population, nor more numerous than than the ag-
gregate amount of the former two, paying none Of
those burthens which are borne by the former
class OF people; but dividing all the advantages,
benefits, and distributions equally with that sec
ton Of the state, from which these contributions
are drawn. Should no regard be had to this apt.
comnodious and productive object Of Revenue,
when in establishing the fundamental law Of the
country, TIE subject Of taxation anc representation
IS to be hnally settled: Should an unlimited pow.
er to impose burdens on one section Of the State
thro' the medium OF subject, in which, they i'm
posing the tax have no common interest, be con-
fided to those having such common INTEREST," Were
the State Of Virginia free from the influence OF
every relation with society, but that which SUBJ
siss between her and her own citizens, the Diff
Guilty on this question might be lessened by devils
ing some guarantee which might guard against
undue oppression by one section Of the State over
another section. But in regard to her relations
with the other States of the Union the difficulty
seems almost insnperable.
My feelings would incline TO adopt the
white population as The basis, but my judgment
would direct me to pause and consider, and 70 con-
tide this difficult question TO the combined wis
| dom, prudence and sagacity Of the collected body
who shall form the convention. 10 suggest some
practicable plan Of adjusting this inomentous con-
troversy.
The 1th enquiry presents no difficulty. I am
clearly in favor of a new organization OF the cx-
ecutive branch of the government would not
increase the power Of the governor, but leave it
much as il now stands. His duties are very limit
ed. aud so they should continue. And as they
are not more than can be well performed
by one man, he should take the whole re
sponsbi!ty of their proper performance on himself
The council may all be dispensed with. If the
governor stand in need Of legal advice, the aitor-
ney general the law officer OF the state, can well
supply 1t. II he want advice with regard to the
finances, the treasurer Of the state aard il on
these matters. The new constitution may provide
for the case of the death of the governor, during
his term Of servicc-and authorize the Legislature
TO regulate other details which circumstances may
demand.
On the 5th and last question, which, relates TO
the Judiciary, think beneficial reforms in that
department may we'll be made. The judiciary
should be independent, but not irresponsible. The
existing mode ofremovai by impeachment, is a
mere mockery. plan for their removal for NAL
ieasance, or n-feasance, for other causes not
coming within the scope of an impeachment, must
be provided. The principle ola total exemption
from all responsibility couched under the doctrine
of judicial independence, had its origin in coun-
try where the citizen stood in need ofpro,eciion
by an impartial umpire, ainst oppression by the
Executive power. 1t was in England the shield
oithe subject against the sword of the Monarchy.
Yet even there judges are removable by vote of
Parliament-the legislature of the Nation.
DESTROYS OF placing my views before those who
have asked for them, as speedily as possible,
send forth this letter In the rough garb in which
1t came from the pen. More time for re- xamna-
ton might have led to corrections in the style,
but to none in the sentiments. The conclusions
are the deduction of my best Judgment. deliver
them for the consideration Of my fellow citizens,
trusting that they will consider well the important
subjects alluded TO, and make the best de termna-
ton for themselves which their judgment shall
dictate The matters to be settled by the Conven-
ton whom we may elect. are of great importance,
nor is It OF less Importance that our own minds
should be fully informed upon these interesting
subjects, when we shall be called upon to decide
finally upon the proceedings of that body. That
it may finally rebound iothe peace, prosperity and
happiness OF our common country, fervently pray
The father of all mercies. and subscribe myself,
Your grateful and aliectionate fellow citizens
HUGH NELSON