Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1829-03-06


the system Of internal improvement, under proper
guation, was system Of which it might be truly
said that the good of the whole was the good of all
the parts But II let loose from the proper restraints
1t might level the distinctions of Property, and prove
the Of interminable dscord among the differ
cnt sections Of the state. There nothing in the
suggestion that the smaller property of poor dis
trct dear to its inhabitants, as the greater
property could be to the inhabitants of wealthy
district. That argument locked only to the taxing
power OF governments but lost all its force on COM
bncd view of the powers Of taxation and appropria
ton. Denying 10 the fedora! government the power
OF making roads and canals, liberal system OF in
ternai Improvement on state account could alone
/ US from becomnIa comparative waste, IN the midst
OF surrounding communities adorned by all the arts
! OF civilized hic Whence would government draw
! the greater part of these vast expenditures? Was
to be reasonably expected that the whole property
the east should be laid open these heavy drafts
without some adequate security against the abuses Of
power? Isit abundanty clear that this security
can be effected without some additional weight i'll
beth Houses of Assembly that must make haste
to settle mere the ratio of representation and send the
question prcutged, TO another body better qualified
10 decide 1t, ana whose decision, Whatever 1t might
be, would give satisfaction to the cornmuuitvo
| But, sir the bare suggestion that taxation,
wei as white population, should be- taken into
view in settling the basis Of representation excites
the indignation OF the west, and calls down upon
the cast the charge OF bringing forward, upon the
present occasion, doctrine, new. understandable and
arisocratic for no other purpose than to sustain by
tern oligarchv.
Mr.. G. said that would be easy to realiate such of
fensive imputations. He might say that the mountain
country had every thing TO gain and nothing lose, by
the dominion OF the future majority. But would not
say, because he did believe, that the representa-
lives from that section Of the State were influenced
! by any but the purcst motives, i'll insisting rs thew
strcnuously did, insist upon what appeared to him an
unexpected untinely, hasty and njudicious commit
ment, upon principle ofthe most delicate character
and OF the deepest interest to Il great and powerful
Portionof the community. lie certainly felt no I'M
! friendly sentiments towards his western brethren
he disposed to erect barriers against the abu-
ses Of power in their hands, which lie would not
deem equally necessary against eastern people under
similar circumstances. Ana as to elimination and
recrimnation lie considered il beneath the dignity
of Il deiiberative Assembly
But, said hir. G. the principle of Il mixed basis of
representation is not novel doctrine in Virginia;
nor IS now for the first time brought forward upon
the floor OF the General Assembly. Again and again.
during the term of his service in the Senate had this
principle been urged and applied III discussions upon
the decisions OF western counties. II doctrine
OF wide spread influence in the community and was
upheld by many OF our abest statesmen and most re-
nowned republicans. In confirmation of this asser-
ton, ne would cite two distinguished authorities. If
SAID Mir. T.. there be any exposition of the principles
OF our republican system of government, standing
upon prcemInent ground, and regarded with univer-
sal respect, IL was to be found i'll the admirable de-
fence OF the Federal Constitution, written by Mr.
Madison, MIR. Hamilton and Mr. Jay known to eve
/
tie would refer to that part of the work where the
authors defending the claim OF the southern states
to encrcased representation founded upon the pos
session of peculiar species ofpropcrty after all
tsay these writers) 'nay not another ground he ia
ken, which this article of the constitution will adj
NIT OF still more ready defence? We have hitherto
proceeded on the idea that representation related to
:! persons only, and not at all to property But
is it Il just idea? Government is instituted no
less for protection of the property, than of the
! persons OF individuals. The one as well as
the other, therefore, may be considered as repre-
sentedby those who are charged with the Govern
ment. Upon this principle it is that in several ofthe
States, and particularly in the State of New York
one branch ofthc government is intended more espe.
c!ay to be the guardian OF property, and is accor-
dinghy elected by that part of the society which is
most Interested i'll this object of government In the
federal constitution this policy does not prevail The
rights OF property admitted into the same
( hands with the personal rights. Some attention
ought therefore to be paid property in the choice
/ Of those hands
! The same principles Of government had for a lono
course of years been inculcGte in elaborate and able
lectures, on the Constitution of Virginia. delivered
/ by q late distinguished Professor of Law and Poll
tics in the University of William and Mary The
minds OF the rising and ingenious youth of Eastern
! Virginia, had been deeply imbued with these princ-
pies; The lectures to which lie alluded. had gone
forth to the public in an edition Of the commentaries
OF Sir William Blackstone, and met the approving
sentiment of the enlightened profession for which
they were destined. They were in the hands of ev-
cry Lawyer i'll the State and of every eminent Juris
i'll the u. States ''The fairest way" (gavs Judre
ucker) adjusting the proportions of benefits and
burdens in the State, seems to be by combining De-
cunary ability and burthens, with such as are mere
ly personal. In Il pcaCcabe commonwealth Decuniar,,
burdens are likely to be the greatest. In time Of
peace, there are personal burdens beyond the or
binary repairs OF roads other triino labour: the
whole burden of government is altogether pccuniary
IN time OF war, personal duties are reulircd but no
cunary burdens must Increase, they increase, an
often be continued after they cease. Witness the
debt contracted during the revolutionary war, which
we are still paying, after twenty years of peace, and
Besides, they who pay nothing or very little
are entrusted with tie imposition Of burdens Of which
they are to feel part, there is too much reason
from the experience OF all ages and countries, to ap
rreh hat hoy he Ioe -