Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1829-03-17
Proceedings ofte Conuention JNsetin at tie capitol
last ecening

Proceedings Of tie Conuention .Hsetin at the Gapos
last evening.
At a meeting of the Citizens of Richmond. assem-.
bled on Monday evening, the 10th inst. at the Ca
pito according to notice. for the purpose of nomina
ting suitable persons to represent this District in the
proposed Convention, John Rutherford was called
to the chair, and Wyndham Robertson appointed Sc
cretary.
Resolved, that committee of five be appointed NV
the chairman to draft and present Resolutions to this
meeting. And accordingly r. G. Scott, VIM
H. Ftzwhylsonn, Wyndham Robertson, r. A. Car
rington and Geo. w. Mnnford were appointed such
committee. The committee retired and returning
presented the following preamble and resolutions:
Whereas at former meeting of the citizens of
Richmond, it was thought unwise and inexpedient
60 appoint Deputies to recommend Delegates to
the people to represent this district IN convention
And whereas other meetings of those alone who
are friendly to such appointment, have been called
and have deputed persons to assemble at Williams
burg to make such selection. And the present meet
ing coincidng in opinion with the first it becomes
pr per to assign its for Disappearing such
sembage of deputies, that the example thus may
not be followed.
We consider it impolitic, because such recommen-
daton to be effective. must operate restraint
upon the free exercise of tine elective franchise,
by pledging the freehoders to support the nom-
nation thus made, whether approved bv them
not,-er if they are not pledged. it is useless,
ence il is mere mockery to select persons advise
us, to recommend suitable candidates for our
accepfcnce Wnen we are predetermined to follow
the dictates Of our own iudgments.-We consider
it improper, because the very principle upon
which it is based is that of nequality--since the
smallest county or city may have an equal vote
with, or greater vote than the largest, and
since by uniting the Deputies of several small coun-
ties In such assembly representing minority of the
district, the viii of the majority be entirely
defeated or at ieast attempted to be controlled
We have seen the delcterious effects produced
by such meetings in other states, where public
opinion is not only influenced, but actually confronted
by their deliberations And while we would avoid
casting any imputation of improper motives the
present occasion, yet we believe that the system
is calculated to engender species Of mans cement
much to be deprecated;-t it is more liable to he
abused and that the desire of gratifying ambition
attaining particular ends is freqently tho
ruling principle than when the people themselves
take the management into their own hands and de-
liberate upon their own concerns. We believe that
they in their primary assemblies are not only
fully competent to recommend but to make the best
selection for hemselves,-a.l perceive essential
difference between the act of binding ourselves to a.
bide by the nomination of meeting which may be adj
to the opinion of the Delegates may depute
or If not adverse to their opinions, which may be
Numerically opposed to own wishcs,-and the
act ofseecting ourselves, the persons whom we in
tend subsequently, to support and whose views and
feelings coincide with our own, and with what we
esteem the interests of the community
Resolved therefore That relying upon ability, integrity,
B. Clopton and Cen WIN. Chambeayne we will use all
honorable of promoting their election Delegates
represent TINS Dsnct IN the proposed convention
Resolved, That owczens throughout the District
respectfully requested hold meetings and unite in this nom-
nation.
And the question being severally put on the said
Preamble and Resolutions, they adopted by
large majortesthe blank reported il the first
olution having been previously filed with the names
ofJohn Marshall, John Robertson, John B. Clopton
and Gen. VIM. Chamberlayne, who were severally
nominated to the meeting.
On motion, Resolved, That John Ruheroord j. Hayes G.
H Bacchus r. g. Scott W. H. Fitzwtylsonn, r. A. Caring
ton and W. H. Richardson be COMMITTEES to communicate
the gentlemen nominated the wishes of this meeting and
tain their willingness serve, if elected with power in the
of them declining, call second
meeting of the people of Richmond supply the vacancy
vacancies in the nomination.
On motion, Resolved that the proceedings of this meeting
published in the newspapers of the city.
And then the meeting adjourned.
JOHN RUTHERFORD, Chairman,
WYNoasM ROBERTSON Secretary.
JoHs RANDOLPH declines reelection TO Congress
account of i'll health