Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1829-11-21
FOR YIfE EINQNfRER.
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Thy Gods aud truths ''--ifet.' viii. '
In observing the proceedings of the Convention at
chmond We have been somewhat surprised 10 perceive
that there 10 be very few members Of that body in
favor OF the plan of two distinct bases of Representation;
the one for the Senate the other for the lower house
We had supposed that most of the eastern gentlemen,
would have acquesced in that scheme, and wesi hope
that It may finally prevail. We confess nexperi-
in political affairs; il there be any principle in
politics which we have been taught from our infancy
revere, which may almost be said TO have inbibed
with mothers milk, and, to tho strong express
sion of the Roman Orator, Ad Guam fac sed natl:
institute sed imbut sunns;' it is that minority can
have right to control the majority of the independent
citizens OF tho State and cannot behold what con-
ceve to be attempt TO violate the sancty Of this
ION, without lifting up voice, however feeble and
unheard, against it, Although were born, and have
generally resided, and expect hereafter TO do So in
county below tide water, do not hesitate TO declare
tina if it absolutely necessary TO adopt in both
branches of the Legislature, either white population
alone, population and taxation, should prefer the
former. We know not and not, in the pre-
controversy, whether the rights OF the majority be pro-
Perly called natural otherwise, since the Convention,
in the formation of Constitution, will look only to what
reason iu-tcc, and the public convenience may die
tate. Now, il it were indispensable, either that the mi
nority should be placed within the power of the majority
or the majority In that OF the minority, the former
would be most agreeable TO nardl equity because ii
quite likely that the sEaller number would Cypress
the larger il they could do that the larger would
wrong the smaller; and the happiness of many is more
important than that of few. II is also criminal
and more inconsistent with justice, TO niure multitude
than two or three individuals, is niquous TO
rob hundred than to rob one
We are told that the representation Of any particular
division Of the State should increase with its taxation
that is (or ought TO beg with its wealth; and thus it is
plain that rich minority would rule majority pos
sessiag less property No definite magnitude is assign
ed TO this minority which might dwindle TO point so
that single city might by the acquisition of ind-
cd wealth, swell its power 10 Colossal size and "sway
the rod of empire" over Va Are the sons of the Old Do
niiniou prepared TO admit such doctrine as ths' Was
this the Democratic liberty and equality for which our
forefathers SIZED their blood, Is this all that remains to
US Of the rich legacy they bequeahed TO their ssuc-
Shades OF immortal Washington, of Green, and OF War
rem,
"hrc nll thy oonquosts gorrs, rumphs, spois,
Shrunk 20 this little moasuro?"
II has been said, and in the convention too, that the
iority may always retain The sovereignty by paying the
larger share oftaxcs This however is to require OF tho
majority TO impose upon themselves in fact the very bur-
then which the other party only fear. The argument
runs thus;rhe smaller portion Of the community ought