Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1829-01-30

PerPcuate an oli%archy or llure anu keep down his
brethren OF the west? Such positions wholly
tenable. Thc gentleman from Brooke, is totory
wrong in his whole historical detail and Deductions
The young gentleman from Frederick, for whom
have very high respect, has admitted, that when
new government shall be formed, fixing the ratio of
Representations regard should be had property
as we'll as To persons; but he thinks such should
be required in fixing the representation in the cpnven
tion, which Is to frame the fundamental law
Now sir, this appears to me, 70 if it
be necessary to regard property in laying the basis of
Legislative representation, must not 1t be still moro
necessary to regard property in organizing
tion whose business and duty it shall be- to fix this
ratio of Misrepresentation in the Legislature? What
Security, other than such organization of the
venvention will you have that they oaH lay the basis
OF representation III the Legislature in de-
gree, upon property. The gentleman from Frederick,
has spoken much about physical force, ndhas warned
us over and again, of the consequences which might
result from cxertion of it, by the majority The
gentleman disclainls any Sir, when looked
at him, while using such language. and his pa-
cid and bcnignant countcnance, the first thought
that tltte1i across my mind, was, the expression
OF Shakespeare. used by Hanblin the other night
IN Richard, the III. ale smiles, ind murders whilst
he smiles" But instantly the idea vanished and me-
thought this we'll as THAT, is fiction. Yes,
Sir, mere fction But the gentleman, while he holds
up this physical force to view, no menace
No, sir, no mrsaace. Suppose, sir, man were to
no, sir, it is my property hcired it from my father
He very politely tells me, it is his and although he
means menace, net the least, yet if do not sur
render the watch to him, he veil cut my throat or
Use physical force. Sir, would it be less threat
because OF his mild and polite disclaimer The great
principle to which before adverted, tiet those who
pay should lay the taxes" s what our forcfathers
corttcnded for. The old constitution which thew
established has produced great happiness and altho
It may want revision, SO to equaiize its ope-
ration, this, its great fundamental principle, should
not be forsaken. It is the work of the ilustrious
grandfather of the gentleman from Frederick. Cor
which de ApdT E,or
that the gentleman with his meta physical entities
s about to do away teDauy good realities which his
great ancestor bestowed his country. Mr.. chair
man, the gentleman from Fauquier, proclaims with
greut earnesness, tbu should go into convention
as God Almighty made u.s." Now, SIR presume
that must net be taken literally for least we would
Ike to 60 into convention with clothes on our backs
But he exclaims-What, sr,-the white man with
FIVE slaves, to have three votc9 Why sir if vc on
INTO convention as God Almighty made u.s. accbrdnp
to the gentlenIan's wish, the white map and five
negroes should have six votes. But sir this is all
abstrs ctfun-s1leer abstraction. we are alreaIv
civilized people, with government-we already
possess various rights; both of property and persons.
We should SO organize convention as to take care
OF the whole. | would not wish property to rule
Alone because that would ensure an aristocrucv and
the oppression of the majority of persons would
not wish persons alone to rule without regard pro-
perry at nL because such principle would lead to
anarchy and cpnvulson, and terminate in despotism.
In medic tutissinns ibo. will pursue the middle
the middling class of society, who can never have
motive to Cypress any body. will PURSUE my first
great principle-the principle fine revolutions
those who pay, shall lay the taxes" I will hold in
My hands the square, the rule, and the compass this
great principle will steadily apply them to every
plan that may be suggested, and it will bear ad-
measurement by these or not, will support or
oppose it. viii not be deferred from my pnrnnre by
TN: score-c,r OF aristocracy ana olgarcly on tire
one hand nor seduced from what believe lust bv
the allnring, and it may be triumphant, banner Of
flaming democracy, On the other.
Mr.. DUNCAN addressed the chair as follows.
MI. Charman,-tlhc subject now before this COM
mttee is of deep consequence as any that has
ever arrested the attention of any assembage of men
IN virginia; 1t is not less important than the day on
which present constitution was formed then il
was that the frNners of that instrument set up cur
present form Of Government; and we are novy seek.
ng trust, to perpetuate its glory and renown.-
Hence the importance of the present time, time
which Is looked TO with almost unbourded anxiety,
both the friends and the foes of convention view il
as forming crisis great and moInentous beyond ek-
preston. no less matter is proposed, than that
we shall make arrangements to step Off the constitu
tlonal platform, and either amend certain fundamental
principles explode them forever Formyself am
prepered for the event; though it is of the deepest
Importance, 1T does not thereby become alarming to
me, for have looked with intense desire for more
than ten years to the day which should bring with il
these prospects; dark the appearances now are still
glory in the prospects which are before me- look
with degree OF indifference upon the attempts which
rave been made to clog the wheels of reformation;
know that this legislature if they peuse throw
obstacles in the way of speedy REFORM but the cry
has been heard throughout the western and middle
portions of the state, that there is rotenness in Den
mark the people sir. have caused the political waters
TO begin to move, and the Genius of Liberty which
las heretofore lowered over, and guided u.s. will lift
those waters mountain high, and drown every voice
less than that which from the great body ofthe
people. know Mr.. Chairman, that our situation is
rla iol
our consultation providing for amendment and we are
bound BY our oaths to support the constitutions but
I Ire people, whose sovereign order is superior to all
av and to all constitutional forrs, have demanded of
US the necessary facilities for going into convention,
md we should feel ourselves bound to grant them
those facilities But the great misfortune is that the
representatives of majority of Tire people do not
form majority in this House; on contrary,