Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1828-1831, 1829-03-12
DEBATE ON THE CONVENTION.
S,sbsss.oc Of Mr.. DR0JMG0OLE'Ss peeeh, deli
vcred In Ms Senate Of Yirginio the subject Of
orrasi<iny Cosvsnfion to amend he Cancellations

q Sc SAFE
Upon what bases then, said Mr.. D. ought the rep
roscntskion in the proposed convention to be cstab
lshsdi Il i nsstsd by the jealous advocates Of re-
form here, that tho free white population Of the
onvcsth IL the only correct rule Of superintendent.
Il deserves TO DO eo,ne in mind sur, that they state
they maintain its universal applicability. Phis rule
cf representation 10 urged principally however for
che purposc Of procuring il Incorporation in the new
Of assembly, and to the future Legislation ofthe coun
try. There are q few, know, who endeavour to
draw distinction between representation in conven-
ton and IN the ordinary Legislature; who maintain
that different principles and different considerations
ought 20 prevail in the constitution of the two bodies
But does such distinction in fact exist. Ifinthe
organisation Of an ordinary Legislature certain prin
cpes are admitted TO be essential to tho protection
ofpersons and properly; it does seem to me- that the
principles ought fortiori to be introduced into
che creation Of body ntrusted with the higher func-
scn cfhsming tho lex icgum the permanent undumen-
TAI law OF the land Tho Senate has been entertained
dare say somewhat amused fnot edited, with the
elaborate arthmstcal calculations Of the gentleman
from Monongalis, Mr.: Morgan.) He demonstrates,
10 siuglc fraction, the relative proportion of repre-
scatatves TO which each section of the state is enti
tied AL these calculations based upon the gra-
tuitous assumption, that the white population is the
true rule Of representation under all circumstances.
protest against the idea of committing the rights of
the people, and safety Of property to the rules of
arithmetic. Pike and Cocker are doubtless good au-
thorities In the schools but do most peremptorly
deny that their treatises ought to be introduced and
received here standard works in the science of
politlcks. Pho highest skill in abstract numbers cam
not establish the position upon which alone all the
aeements and deductions of the gentleman rest the
correct basis Of representation subject of argu-
cnt and reason beyond the power of simple figures to
determine. I learned in my political hornbook a
saying, which thought admitted to be sas true
as 1t s witty, and had been received as an almost
uuquestoned maxim in political arithmetic two
and two do not always make four. IF had enter
tained any previous doubts this point the s,rpri-
sing demonstrations of the gentleman, have re-
moved them. The extraordinary results to which
he has arrived by an ingenious and skful combina.
ton of numbers have almost forced upon nv mind the
cnnyiction that not only in political but in comnon
arithmetic 'two and two do not ALWAYS make four
He has, By the aid Of arithmetic ascertained most
satisfactorily to himself suppose, that the male non
ffeehoiders over twenty years of age do actually
constitute the majority Of this community and do in
deed sustain the greater portion of the burdens
aton!! The organization Of every government said
Mr.. ID. is radically defective, which does not afford
complete security to persons and property and con-
Tain guards against the danger Of INSTRUMENTATION
BY this rule, the truth justice of which cannot be
fmpugued, let as test the proposal to apportion repre-
sanitation equally according to white population If
she rutio increase shall not diminish the vest is
destined in short space of time to gain the ascend
ency. Virginia will then exhibit this curious poiti
cal section of the state will elect
the major part of the representatives and will there
fore in fact possess the power to impose burdens at
pleasure and to appropriate the revenue without re-
striction; whilst the other section owning property
which contributes three fourths of the taxes will e.
lect minority ofthe delegates, and will therefore be
unable to counteract schemes OF unlus taxation II is
no sufficient answer to fears that the property of
the west being subjected to precisely the Same meas
IRE ofcontrbution With the property of the east will
shield US from injustice. If the power of the new lenis
ature we're to extend only the laying and collection
Of taxes, and not to the subsequent distribution
our apprehensions might be lulled by the reply
But grant the principle 20 vehemently urged upon
sro and hon 1inrv
and rate OF taxation the portion of the people, |
having the unrestrained power of imposing all the
taxes, viii pay one fourth ofthem whilst they ,ay
If they please, appropriate the uhoie for their
own benefit. 1Sir can very we'll afford to paw one
dollar when exact three Of You, knowing that have
the privilege secured to me Of disbursnS the aepre
gate al my own arbitrary discretion. In such con.
dition OF things, submit it to every candid man to
declare, if property has any sufficient protection A.
ainst the temptations to Ubiquitous taxation and if
the expenditure of tho public money is properly
guarded against corrupt and abusive practices.
Would Government with its Legislature thus con-
sti.uted correspond with the opinion declared in our
Bill of Rights that, that is the best form of govern
Ioent"vhch is capable of producing the greatest de-
gree Of happiness and safety, and is most efcctu-
ally secured against the danger of NAL -adinstra-
ron." Under laws, for financial prpo ses slaves
subjected to taxation; and from them re rnised
q large portion of the Commonwealth revonue
Nnetenths Of this branch OF the revenue are paid by
the Eastern section of Virginia because ninetcnths
of the slaves reside in this section. The dspropoY
tion great, that the West hardly be said To
have a common interest in them With the East; and
therefore this peculiar species ofproperty might be
solicited foy invdious taxation. Is it the part of Wis
dom, place large aud distinct interest of one por
ton ofthe community at the mercy of another II
is then to my mind perfectly apparent, that system
Of Misrepresentation in Tirgita based upon white popu
lation alone, without reference to the remaining in
abitants or TO the property of the country is I'M
sound in principles because it will afford no security
against unequal and unjust taxation, and will moi
prevent gross abuses IN the expenditure of the public
revenue.
If property is to be protected, said Mr. D. its n1u
ence must necessarily, in NODE be infused into
the operations Of Government.
In oil our IDEAS of Republican forms OF Govern
Tnent, taxation and representation are fnseparabv
connected. Fuxntion with scarcely an exception is
understood 10 an imposition of burdens on prop
erty, and the representative bodys invested with the
power ofimPoslng these burdens. Wisdom Dictates
and justice imperosly demands that the representa-