Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1829-05-01
CONVENTION.
TO The Edifors Of III

To the Editors Of the Enquirer
Gen'emen-l am with others requested thro'
your paper, by "Many Freeholders OF FuvanEa,'
10 make known :" distinctly and explicitly" my
sentiments on the following subjects:
~'' 1. AS to the extension OF the right Of suf-
frage TO non-freeholders, with reasonable quail.
6catioD.
2. As TO a reduction of the present number of
The House of Delegates, with a view to econo-
my Of time and money.
3. AS to equal representation throughout the
State, apportoned according to white population
a. As to new organization of the Executive
branch Of the Government, and for DISPENSING
with the Council in part, or the whole.
s. AS TO a change in the tenure Of Office, i'm the
judiciary Department, as 10 increase the re-
sponsbility Of the Judges 10 facilitate their
motion from Office for sufficient cause"
Our Bill OF Rights declares, that /" elections
OF members to serve as representatives of the
people, ought to be free, and III all men having
sufficient evidence of permanent, common int er.
est with, and attachment TO, the community, have
the right OF suffrage, and cannot be taxed or de-
privcd OF their property for public uses, without
their own consent, that Of their representatives
so elected; nor bound by any law to which thew
have not in like manner, assented for the public
good" In my opinion, those have Z" perma-
nent, common interest with IS the community"
who permanently reside in it, who contribute by
taxes, however small, and common burthens in
peace and war, to the Z" common INTEREST,"" whilst
&c attachment 10 the community, springs from
the social virtue and love OF those with whom ma
ture and affection have linked us. would, there
fore, exclude from voting all citizens who had not
resided IN a county two years, paid taxes, and
borne the common burthens Of the society; those
WHO have rendered themselves infamous as con-
victed ielons; and free negroes and mulattos az
matter Of obvious poicy.-The diffusion of power
among the people, is the Safeguard of their nstu.
raj sovereignty, and the surest guarantee against
It's dangerous accumulation in particular hands
Nor need danger be apprehended 10 the landed
interests oil the country, whose rights all will
guard In peace and in war as the source of their
eussenance and nurture. The earth is not the
natural basis Of political power Labor is the Fa-
Their Of lshe brings forth; and the accumulated
wealth Of the world is but the offspring of Labor in
some Of its modes To this intelligent and active
parent OF human prosperity and comfort should
therefore, be committed the care Of il; offspring
Then will such burthens only be laid on the mo-
Cher and various branches OF the family as is con-
sistent with tho liberty and safety OF ALL That
representation should be based free popul ation
L have no doubt. Slaves having no free will, can
not be represented such; but political power is
claimed for those possessing them, on the ground
that they are, as property, taxed and subject TO be
taxed. Taxation, under free constitutions of go
vernment, is not true basis of potical power. In
Tree communities, taxes are voluntary contribu-
tons t. the necessities Of the society, by them
selves or their representatives.; they choosing the
subjects on which they may be levied. A fixed
representation on combination of persons and
taxes, would be unequal and so unjust, because
the ooses would itself be fluctuaiiDg rs both the
SUBJECTS and amount OF taxation are changed in
public emergencies: and a constitution so framed,
might give representation on particular subjects,
when the tax itself might be diminished enlarged ,
OF Withdrawn. The 'means Of acquiring and pos
sessing property, are enumerated among our i'm
herent rights, as well as liberty ITSELF
Property or wealth spring from the exercise OF
liberty or iree-wil, the guide of n,.nual aud in.
teectuai labor III would be as just, therefore, to
give men representation accordingly 10 their i'll
telectual superiority, the one over the other, as
on their property, accumulated by that ctuaI
power. Superior mental endownents, like wealth,
nave natural power; these, in the nature o!
'hngs, can be possessed, but'by few; and happy
would !. be for the world, il their union with
power, had rot uniformly turned them from pur-
poses Of justice and philanthropy, TO become the
scourges Of mankind
wouii, therefore, give equal portions OF power
10 equal numbers OF freemen-and those among
US who fear dangers To property, from popular
freedom, ot sectional oppression, should have their
apPreheDsions quieted, by constitutional pfovi-
eion, that particular property should not be taxed
Out IN proportion to given standard, on property,
common 10 the whole country
.. An independent judiciary should guard the
Constitution from violation. That independence IA
be secured by fixed and adequate salaries and sta
tsd terms Of service, and their responsibility 10
,ne will Of the community, by periodical appoint.
chts, or elections, subject TO removal on coDyic-
.om OF crime, or nIal-ieasaBce in Office by ioiu,
DahOt OIL BOTH houses OF the General Assembly.
-" principle, the Governor ought to be elected by
we people. ! would diminish the number or a.
u9,,sh TIE council OF State. The executive branci,
" gag government should have as little power ~
va " compatible with Che, execution OF The gen.