Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1829-04-24

g.s..' .1ss
his faculties; they constitute the means by
which he acquires property anil distinction. lie
cannot be rishtfu!iy deprived Of the use of these
means. But we know that the faculties of men are
naturally unequal; their means are therefore une-
quail, and the use OF them, though left free and
unrestraiucd, will produce corresponding results.
To one is given talent, 10 another FIVE and to
another tsieuts. Tlfe right OF him VIII has ten
talents, to ~ is precisely equal, and no more
TO that one; each has rights 10 unequal things
The right of each member of the community,
should therefore be precisely equal 10 another
as TO those things which properly belong TO EACH
r,y, aud to the use of his 6ities, is eauai; bu.
as these last are unequal, I'd produce unequal
results to the propre,or,i, Appens that men have
rights to unequal things. Hence the difference
between the poor and the rich which is not diff
terence III their rights, but difference 70 the
things to which they have rights. Nrcguircs no
reasoning to itiiy the assertion that the poor (not
the destitute) constitute the majority in every
Community; they therefore numerically constitute
the physical power oil every, ccinmuuity. But
wealth is also power, which is generally con-
hned TO minority, ami by its influence, FREE
the power of numbers. litic constitution be such
as to give to W. an improper influence. the go.
vernnent vii ristocraticai, s. the poorerclass-
es, although the Most numerous, may be oppress-
ed II Is their right that this should not be allowed
by the Constitution. On the other hand as
wealth is ultimate consequence of superior
faculties industry, and the proprietor of il,
hos a rigiN1 equal TO the right of him to his
oWsSh has less property. such proprietor has an
equal right also TO have it protected by the Con-
sttution; ami if this be not done the exercise of
superior faculties md of industry viii be iscour-
aged; and that part of the community which has
less OF property, of provdcnt care and Of
may by force of its numbers, and through means
OF elections and Legislative enactments, impair
the rights OF property which would tend directly
TO anarchy and to revolution. This should be
provided against The Constitution should, there
fore, regarding the rights Of every portion Of the
community, equally, as TO what belongs properly
to each, SO provide, in restraint of Legislative dis
erection, that the rights OF part could be in.
vaded or diminished by another. This being done,
apprehcnd thore would be danger in extend.
ing the right of suffrage according to the Bill Of
Rights. But what ought to be regarded as a "suf-
hcient evidence oil permanent, common interest
with, and attachment TO, the community" l am
not prepared TO say-because 1 could name no
standard which would not be subject to some oh
5ections.-i shall he willing 10 consult the iudg-
ment and opinions OF every part Of the State, and
endeavor to select shat which in my Judgment
shall appear to be most free from well founded OBJ
jections. The freehold qusliGcat is the most
certain, hut IL cannot be regarded the only evil
dence, oil permanent, common interest With, and
attachment to the community; and, as il now ex-
'sts, 1t excludes TOO great portion OF the commu-
nifty from the polls. I have idea that il was
originally selected "a standard with view 20 sup.
at that moment contendng against aristocratical
and unequal government II was probably Sc.
iected because had heretofore existed was most
obvious, and one, TO the OF which, the peopIe
were accustomed, and might be regarded as sort
OF security for The Teto against the Many; whilst
other principles asserted in the Bill Of Rights and
sanctioned by the Constitution, prote cited the ia
my against the power and influence which wealth
might otherwise accumulate in the hands of a few.
But If the security of every portion OF the com
mulity in all its rights, be otherwise provided for
by the constitution, there will remain no necessi-
ty for the restraint upon free suffrage.
Many things are complained of as evils under
the present government which fthey exist might
be remeded as they under any form of govern
ment, subject to Legislative discretion.
have already said more than intended 10 have
said; but could not we II answer your letter bv
saying less. You must not believe me insensibIe
to the testimony of confidence aud respect which
you and the other gentlemen have expressed in
your Joint letter towards me, although I sew no.
thing more of 1t. 1t is an evidence which
reaches the heart, and will be treasured there.
You will communicate this my answer to them.
and assure them of my highest respect and best
good wishes-and dispose of it otherwise as Won
may think proper.
Your most obd't serv't
WM. DANIEL.
THOMAS A. HoLcoMBE, Esq.