Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1829-10-20

marks relative to the important topics that will be sgi-
ated in Convention. What we here advance, we be.
rve can have no important bearing upon the opinion,
(alreaiy made up) OF The Anti Conv onists sit
ting in Convention. But consider il fair, whenever
one-sied view OF the great question: OF settling the
basis OF representation il placed consDcousy before
the pubic, the friends Of reform should attempt 70
counteract any undue effect which such an Eek parte
exposition IL calculated to produce. allude parcu-
lstly 10 the piece subscribed "a EARMEp in yo,ir
paper Of the 9Th inst.
The friends OF reform, since the agitation Of the
conven' on question have been cckless i
ators imp aeut OF established laws and careless of
The consequences that may originate from settling the
basis oil government upon new principles. We do now
~ we have done throug the contest, discia any
such imputs,ion All We desire H. that the government, Of
Virginia may be founded upon free and liberal policy
worthy OF the character OF republic, and suited 10
tho spirit OF tree men. We look upon wild spirit of
innovation, and close and logged adherence to estab
''hed institutions, equally Injurious TO the growth Of
republican principles
But with regard to the important question Of settling
HE basis OF representations the cool unbiased politician
IN Whatever light he views the subject perceive
that the arour with which the Eastern people contend
Tor the present system OF representation is prompted
more ny love oil power, than fear Of being "made
vassais-if the slave population be represented, the
Eastern people to have the asccndancy in our Lee
gsiative Councils IL the slave population he
presented, then the majority of the free white popua-
uon, Wherever IL be found; whether united the
Blue Ridge or scattered thro ghout tn. State, are 10
govern Must the people Of Virginia, then, TO retain
me stern section of the State in its present ascen-
publican governments by suhjecng the majority the
miioi'y! IL evil is 10 come out of undue
Aton OF power in any section OF tho State let il come
by the misconduct ol the majority
The great bug .be0r-the common argument in the
mouth OF every Anti-Convenions ag inst basing
presentation solely on free white population is,-ihat
our brethren of the mountains will have il in their
power to tax exorbitanty our slaves, by obtaining
majority in the Legislature. Ifths should be the case
would only be placing at the disposal OF the majority
the same power OF taxing The minority, which the mi
nority have long had of taxing majority The horn
ell cattle OF the mountain, is species OF property
very common amongst MS, and the people of the East,
have never yet abused the power which they have
heretofore possessed OF taxing 10 any this kind
oil property And we Of the East, should be chart-
,oe as 10 believe that our western neighbours will deal
the same impartiAy towards us, when fortune throws
the preponderance Of power in their hands.
The author OF The piece above alluded to, would
seem to have u, infer from OF his remarks tina,
slaves from principle of natural Justice should be re
presented Now this remark to have the least sem
bauce OF piusibilty, must apply the slaves sending
representatives. immediately by their votes; for, il
has hcen invariably tbe that the immediate owners
Of slaves have uniiorm, had less sympathy for their
misortihes and hard.hip', and greater disposition
to enforce among them rigorous discipline than siran
gers who do not own them-ani besides this there
viii always he portion Of this class Of popula-
ton over the Ridge, which will of course be
effected by any law that may oper ate inurously 10
the slave Immediately amongst us. But WHY should
slave he represented? DO bestow care and labour
in raising them' So do the Western people upon their
stock and so do the Eastern people upon their horses
are they taxed! 30 Is the property OF the population
West OF the Ridge.-Yea, norc in proportion TO the
current value of each Can sati.fAc,ory reason be
assigned, why slave holder in Mathews owning
slaves to the amount OF $40 900, should be allowed
greater share in Legislation. than resident OF Frederick
holding property OF equal value! Yet, such is the pre-
sent condition Of things.
IL has been asserted that If white population be made
the sole basis OF representation, would be obliged TO
yield the same principle TO sister States in the Gen
erai government. Bat the cases are entirely dissmi-
lar. When free and independent States enter into
tnr al Dv e.
reign invaslon and for the protection Of their CONNER
cia INTEREST," the mode OF representation their
cs is not governed by any principle applicable to- and
recognized by republican governme nts-buti is mere
matter OF compromise. Thus, would attempt Ia
defend upon republican principles that Rhoie Island
should have an equal representation, in the Senate of
the United States, with New. York And If slaves
were recognized "a person. and for that reason repre-
senied in General Government why they not put
upon the footing with the white population and
allowed an equal representation: Why compromise,
aud suffer part only TO be represented
IL seems To be the wish OF the " Farmer" that our
Constitution should be framed, TO "aford prospect
Of mutual friendship and harmony" This is certainly
The hearty desire OF every true republican amongst us;
and in order 10 effect this, let take every possible
precauon 10 destroy aristocracy and subordinate
among ireenen-pu the brother of the mountain upon
the same footing with the Eastern slave holder and let
there he no Of strife existing amongst u.s. The
civil wars Of Rome, in her republican DAYS, are only
attributable to the distraction of Pebie aud Patrcian
orders-The republics OF modern Italy owed their de
sucon 10 an aristocratc feature in their
which, after the lapse of few years. swallowed up ev
cry trace OF free Constitution is natural
tendency oil all tree governments, II not continually aid
ed by every fostering expedent that be devised 10
aristocraces The few constantly striving TO en-.
slave the many; and it should be the tax of republicans
TO use their eXertions 10 counleract this Tendency
CONVENrIONIST.
HaIDar Courthouse