Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1829-05-19

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each Election District attending, and their Susi-
ness completed.
| To the Freehoiders Of the County of BEDFORD
Having the support OF majority of my county,
for seat in the Convention, and foresseing shall
not have an opportunity for personal cominunica-
ton with some Of you, 1 take this mode of pre-.
senicg to you OF the considerations and opiu-
ions by which shalt probably be governed, if
charged with the important duty of taking part
! in the effort to amend our State Constitution.
! IL elected, shall avail myself of all the lights
which the deliberations Of that body may pro-
duce. Who shall command the purse and WELD
! the swords the most important question to be
decided. Connected with this, and the interest
ing questions-wbo shall enjoy the right of suf-
trage! and OIL what basis shall representation be
liked! Political power should be in responsible
hands, and he exercised by those who cannot
make rod for others, which does not affect them
ssioss.
| agree that the right of suffrage ought TO be
extended. But, shall the sgricuIturists. who cup
port the whole community by their labours, put
to hazard their invaluable rights by introducin
partners in rule, who have no immediate concern
IN protecting the interests ofthe tlier Of the earth
The owner OF the soil, and the grower OF the crop
have community and perinanency of interest,
giving them right to ruifrage and rule So have
all men, who, by their pursuits in life, are locally
iastened-and must remain in their places and an.
swer the calls OF their country upon them. Stop
ping short Of this, would exclude from political
power, many men GOlng beyond II,
would, in my opinion, introduce great evil. The
poorest man who has this conuexion with society
should have the political power, the rich
est landhoder: because, the poor mans all is as
dear to him as the rich mans abundance. Many
talk OF personal rights, and derive them from Hea-
| ven But, Of what use are our personal rights
IL We may not employ our faculties in the pursuit
anu enjoyment OF property! III numbers be the
only basis oil rule, what guards have we that those
who may have the power will not use il without
cialx tn ind,
oil the cultivators of the earthl Will they give
constitutional assurances? We would not lead
them into temptation. Hit be asked, what guaran-
~ they have, that their personal rights will be
maintained! the voice OF more than half a CEN
fury answers the question. The legislation OF this
Commonwealth from its foundation, defying the
most astute effort to designate law discriminating
between the two classes, and injuriousIy to the
rights oil those who are now claiming the rule
| furnishes the pledge
but, II the power Of taxing be based exclusive
~ on numbers, is il not plain that the agriculturist
below the mountains holds his property at the will
oil the men above! 1t is known, that with refer
ence to their schemes Of improvement they levy
taxes freely. Why They contribute about one.
fourth: We pay hTee-fourths; and in the disburse-
ment they take hree-four,hs and leave us one
VIII you give them this pernicious power? is
the great question you now called upou TO de-
eide. Our brethren of the North claim through
the tariff protection Tor their manufactures-and
our state brethren of the West that their country
be improved, and with that view seek to place the
power to tar with those who do moi pau-
The country east OF the mountains has suffered
much and il the schemes now developing be
executed, must suffer more from this twotold ac-
, ton.
iregard the bill Of rights of Virginia the grand
depository OF the best principles of government
and as the invaluable legacy of the purest patriots
Ii is expedien, think, that the Legislative pow er
should be vested in two bodies the one sufficient
| " numerous and not more than sufficiently So TO
tkpnk1r and E,..,
numerous enough to secure to its deliberations
caution, wisdom and respectability Under the
operation of this principle, the one house should
consist OF SOor 100 membership other of 80 or
10.
| Ii is not right--it is unsafe--that the leyisla.
tive or any other lunctionaries OF the government
should have authority to increase during their
continuance in Office, their own official emolu-
ments
| The independence of the Judiciary is, with me,
cardinal point III government. 1t is equally i'm
portant that the Judges be responsible. Their In
dependence is essential to the protection of the
rights-ot person and property, well against the
attacks OF unconstitutional legislation as of Driyate
force and fraud. Judicial responsibility is neces-
sary to secure business-doing character to the
body, without which they constitute an intoera.
| Bile grievance. incline strongly 10 the opinion
| that the desired independence and accountability
will be secured by periodical elections by the Lee
gisiature, recurring at longintervals and by Gre
ating and hiking, somewhere, not too remote, the
power to amove judge.for mis-user or non. user
OF office. AS to another and most important class
OF judicial offcers-the Justices Of the peace
am decisively ofopinon that they should not pos
sess the power oil perpetuating their own body. By
what means this shall be done, do not feel assur-
ed. As at present advised, prefer the plan sug-
gested by Mr. Jefferson.
| tbs principle that the Legislative Executive,
and Judicial Departments of the Government be
distinct. The union Of so many powers in the per-
sons OF the Justices of the peace contrary to this
principle, is an evil, which think, may be cor
| rected.
AS to the Executive branch of the Government
there is but little difference ofopinon. Almost all
| agree, that its powers should be exercised by a
| goverDor-aided by few advisers--and that the
Executive Council as il now exists is too numerous
| and expensive.
With proper regard to the convenience and
quiet oil society it is deeply important, that the pu-
rifying action OF elections, be brought to bear on
| all public men. Under its wholesome Influences
as long as the people continue true to themselves,
we must be safe.
If elected, hope to meet in Convention, men
wise and patriotic, who will bring from every quar-
ter OF the state, knowledge OF the wants, inter-
ests, and wishes Of the people, and determination
to act for the public good That the delber atoms
OF this body may secure, and perpetuate the
| union, happiness and glory Of the Old Domiu-
ion, is the first wish Of your Fe low Citizen,
GEORGE BOOKER
Buckingham, May 10, 1929.