Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1829-04-24

TO strict accountability for their moral Department.
for offences IN these respects, would have them for
tine good of the community, brought speedy trial
before an impartial tribunal consider also that when
ever by age infrmty they shall become unfit for
the due and faithful discharge of the functions of their
office, they should be removed from it as speedily
possible: ut the same time however, bdstowing OH
them some evidence of public gratitude, when by a
long devotion the public service they slo, Id stand
in need of it, But in the organization of the trbu-
nal that should try them l would sedulousiy guard
them against the fury OF faction and the Incorporate
persecution of popular excitement.
The Judiciary system too is susceptible Of amend
ulent aud reform both i'll its superior and Inferior tri-
bunas. ihe Chancery circuits like those of the Su-
perur Courts Of law might, with great proprcty be
brought nearer the doors Of the people for whose
might undergo great and material changes and i'm
provenents as is evident to all those who have occa
sion to resort to them. would amend bit not abo
lish them.
3. The basis Of future representation"
To give my opinion in full upon this subject vii
not hope be expected at this time. 1t has long
since however been f;ivourtc principle with INC
that white population should be that basis-givine
however to the owners of property of every descrip
ton sufficient guarantee against oppression, ant
that the revenues ofthe government should be fairly
and properly 9isburscd. But whilst would do Thu
would not give to those who possess property i'll
greater degree than others, that preponderance il
the government which would enable the to practis
oppression on their part. Equality is the true basi
OF Tree government government of the people
ours is considered to be, and in proportion as you
cede from 1t by giving to wealth an undue weigh
you approach towards odious aristocracy and en-
able the rict to grind down and Cypress the othc
CLASSES, which they could 40 in :; varity Of ways
And wouF quiet the approximations OF the rick b,
withholding from the poorer classes the power .
compelling them TO pay more for their proncv: =
than It's proper rHtio OF taXation which might b
done, by an advalOrem TAX, tax upon ali proper
.ty real anu personal according to its value---o
III some Other way--I should consider it fair tina
every man should pay tax for the support OF IN
government Ill proportion TO his property. He whi
has much should pay than he who has but Ii
because nc has more to be protected. And as il il
the duty OF every man III the community to afford
p, election to oil the property in the community h,
VINO ha. property should pay for its protection i
proportion to its amount.
Snihc contend that the possession of slaves shonI,
give to the county district in which they exist al
increased number Of Representatives iv adding +,
the whoIe number OF white population tAreC-iths u
the slaves.
] am disposed myself to estimate slaves as pyon,r
ty they have been heretofore SO estimated in all ou
State concerns, and 1t policy III relation TO ou
own private interests, ana the peace of the conmun
~ that they should be estimated nov: both by H.
and themselves. ntlIis point Of view canno; con
ceive why as species of property thew should rive
more political weight TO county district than
the possession OF any other property OF equal value
The result would be to give 10 such county or dis
to enable the people living in the eastern section
our State where there is large black population
TO retain the preponderaIce Of power in their hands
as they now have it. ii Is the proprety of retain
ing this superiority i'll this way that is conton,lcd o
" the Eus ana resisted by the West; it is scran
bic for power between different sections OF the State
II there Is any thing III The views have taken ant
the principles have advanced chat would pus an en-,
TO these touds and acnlouslcs, let This be tAe bus
ness OF the new Constitution.
With respect TO government in general / woulS
have II to consist of three departments or branches
an Executive, Legislative and Judiciary branch. ont
these would have separate AID independent of each
other III their modes Of proceeding, each forming
check upon t3e other for The better securing tho
rights OF tho people; have rs yet said nothing o.
the Executive, but the propriety of extending the
iianI o reform to that also cannot be doubted.
That the business Of the Convention NAV termi
nate to the satisfaction OF all and rebound to the
happiness and prosperity of our common country is
the ardent wish of your friend and fellow citizen.
JOHN SuACKLEFORU.