Phenix gazette. [volume] (Alexandria [D.C.]) 1825-1833, 1829-05-08
MIR. MERGERS REPLY.

WASHINGTON, hprli ~, 1917.
Mssrs Samuel NJ. Edwards, &C. Committee.
GENTLEMEN Having learnt, on my way
from home, through the friendly attention Of a
member Of your body, that had been honored
with letter from you, which has some how
miscarried, requesting my answer 10 certain
questions touching the gre at principles expect-
ed 10 be inv olved in the deliberations Of the
convention about to be chosen, for the amend
ment Of the constitution Of our state, feel it to
be my duty, without awaiting a renewal ofyour
communication, or attaching any other impor.
lance than that which you, and my fellow .citi,
zens Of Loudoun and Fairfax, may please 10
give to my opinions, to imagine the nature Of
your inquiries, and to meet them with prompt
and explicit answer.
Without referring 10 my votes OF 1916 and
1917, in favor Of taking the sense Of the people
on the call Of a convention, while acted as a
delegate from Loudoun in the general assembly,
my zeal in behalf Of that measure has been too
often publicly expressed before you, since the
institution of those proceedings which led TO
the last Stanton meeting, as well as the prior
memorial from the citizens Of Loudoan TO the
Legislature, on the same subject, TO require a
renewed manifestation Of ii on The present &C.
casion.
The amendments Of our present constitution,
then sought 10 be obtained through conven-
ton, are presumed to be still within the view
of the friends Of political reform; and, by BRIEF
" repeating the sentiments which then advo-
Gated, may hope TO supply an answer to your
inquiries, calculated to subserve the purpose
contemplated by your appointment.
Allow me then, gentlemen, to say, that recent
events have furnished additional arguments in
favor Of equaIizing our representation, in both
branches OF the legislature, on the basis OF the
free white population Of the commonwealth;
and of permanently sustaining that equality by
a periodical census of the people-that, among
the primary objects Of constitutional reform,
should be a just and liberal extension OF the
right Of suffrage, wi,hou. regard 10 freehold
qualification, and with such modification as to
prevent the practical abuse Of that important
r;pbt. TO this should be added, the abolition
Of The council Of state-the election of COVER
nor by the people-the reduction Of the men,
hers OF the house Of delegates-a provision for
the appointment, by the governor, with the ad.
vice Of the senate, Of all public officers now
elected by the jvint ballot Of the two houses Of
the epislature-the Liberation ofthe legislature
from the present restraints upon the power Of
orpaoizipe the judicial tribunals, as expedieney
nav recommend, for the promp, and cheap ad.
ministrstion of justice; while, by one appellate
court. uniformity shall sc maintained in the iu-
terprer alton of the laws; and, by the tenure Of
judicial Office, the purity and independence Of
those to whom that Interpretation is con6ded.
Nor should the occasion be los, Of providing,
bv the constitution, for an equal distribution
Of the public burlhens, with reference 10 the
ability Of those who bear them; and for the