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


MIR. SHA CKLEFORD ON CONVENTION.
Mn. BHAn"oRp:-The following is u letter recriv-
Cd Ill answer to a communication addressed to John
Shaoklcford, Esq. nominated by Culpepe1 meeting,
As their delegate 10 convention.
You will oblige also subserve the public in u.
tcr,'st by its publications and although the opinions of
trat gentleman may not coincide with those of some
IN every particulars yet II is believed they will meet
With countenance and support from numerous and
respectable party in this district.
The community at all times have a right to know the
opinions OF Candidates before them especially on
ILLS occtsion moEaentous and critical as il is Laws
arc not there to be made Subsct to aran,Ia repeal
bat constitution framed to endure pray for arcs
Hence the necessity of strict enquiry into the views
and sentiments of such gentlemen whom the people
may delegate their highest and most honorable trust
the power OF prescribing the fundamental principles
by uinch the present and future generation NAV be
governed a CITIZEN OF FAUQUIER.
CCLPErkR CoURT HOUSE, April 7th.-132a.
Dear Slr-Yonr favor of yesterday was politely
handed to me by Capt. McRac. feel ora eii sen
slbyfor the favorable view taken Of me in the couu
~ of Fauquer by the friends the proposed conyrn
ton, and for the very kind s. friendly manner in which
you have made the communication. ! very readily
apsWer the call you have made upon me for my opn.
ION upon the various points stated in your letter and
am sorry that is not in my power at this time on
account of my professional pursuits, during the scs
sion Of Superior Court TO answer Won more NJ
large. have always been ofopinon, upon the great
question OF establishing new form Of government
rs upon all other great and radical questions that the
people should be made acquainted with the political
sentiments of those to whom they would entrust the
power affecting their rights aud their liberties in so
eminent . degree. In no other way can they decide
upon the fitness the characters who are held I'D to
them as candidates 1.-THE opinions entertain should
meet their appreciation, or Oincde with their views
and they should think proper TO favor me with their
confidence, will serve them to the best of my abli
ties-such as theyar
You say that you would call mysttenton, Ist wtothc
suffrage qualification, the extent to which would
GO"
In all free governments, such as those of which the
United States are composed the will of the ma ory
should he considered as the PREVAILING pYinciple. 7
Go not mean majority of any particular class or de-
termination OF men, such for instance rs that of free
holders, but of the whole body ofthe white male pop-
'!aton who have arrived 1T the years of discretion
d1d who are not disqualified account Of such par
tlcn!ar causes as the majority may designate for the
good of the whole community.
For myself should consider that every white ms, ,
person aged twenty one years, who had gained lc-
ra residence ofone OF two years, in the county in
Ehicb he-shoud offer to vote aud had paid his taxes
Should have the right of suffrage: but as there is
scarcely any general rule without an exception I
would to this right have Limitation; would exclude
'Ton the polls according to the rule ITSELF all infants
aud all those who do not pay taxes and are non resi-
DENTS and moreover, would exclude all insane per-
sons, Migrants, paupers and common beggars all per-
sons convicted OF crimes, and Of misGemeanors 20
which infamous penalties are by law attached--and
al" foreigners who have not been naturalized accord
ng TO law According to any rule that cnD be esta!-
sled even that of the freehold tenure itself which is
thought SO highly by somc many persons OF uDwor
Thy character will be admitted to the polls. I vould
however, keep the body polite pure in the nat,rc
81 things 1t is capable consistent with the rights of
She people, and ifn the scale have laid down the
sphere is eHlargcdfo the admission ofsuch persons
ic it be reco,iccted that it is enlarged also in much
greater proportion for the admission Of some of the
Tnost industrious. enlightened, intelligent and pat~o-
nc classes Of the community ErneaD those who chi.
'yate the soil without owning it, mechanics who al
though they do not cultivate the soil themselves arc
essentially necessary to those who do--a those en-
gagged in mercantile transactions, and in that wav con-
tribute largely to the Improvement of the soil and the
prosperity ofthc country al those benevolent and on
lghtcncd young men of the rising generation who
}iave improved upon the example, the intelligence
md virtue Of their ncestorsanc all those literary
scientific ana professional characters to whom Viz
nina IS so greatly indebted for the stand she has
taken amongst the States Of the Union.
2. 'The judiciary and It's responsibility"
have always considered the Judiciary as one of
The main pillars ofthe political fabric and that to the
Independent exercise Of its jurisdiction we are indeb
cd for the wholesome prevalence ofhc laws md the
consequent maintenance Of Oh! civil rrhts Ind liner
fns J wouldnot place it however. beyond rcsponsi.
Diity- ls ours is government Of laws. with Con
sta'ion nj their hcld rs the basis OF primary law
would hive the ministers Of the law subec Ia Ia "
and for viola ion offs nIUacons or a disrarard of
its precepts in their official capacities would in
crease the fac tics fortheir punishment would have
~ c,n!nc Of Justice Kept pure arr would hold hcro