Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1829-05-26

-
suppose when the contest arose between Great
Britain and her colonies about her right TO tax
them, she had offered TO give US some ten or tweD-
~ members in Parliame nt--would our ancestors
have accepted the proposition No they would
have spurned II Because il would have been in
adequate 20 Its objects. And as we could not have
an adequate representation in that body, the se-
paraion was inevitable, unless she gave ND the
claim oil right to tax US or indeed. to lesisate
for us at all. The connection of the two subjects
was considered inseparable and has been acted up
on ever since. Ii is, indeed, the corner stone of
representative government; and due proportion
between representatives, and taxes has been siea-
dily kept in view both i'm the State and Federal
Government. II is expressly recognized, as alrea-
by shown IN the latter. IL is practically recogniz-
ed in The former. Representation approxiinated
very nearly TO the joint rato-near enough for all
practical purposes-';iil by the repeated division
Oh The western counties, the equilibrium des-
lroyed they got more power than they were Just
ly entitled TO, and contend for ALL Judge
Tucker in his Commentary on Blackstone ms far
back "a 1903, shows that by this ratio (there were
at that time lS7 members in the House Of Dele
gates) the Underwater country. had exactly their
due proportion OF members. the middle country Is
less than their due proportion, the valley l l.2
less, and West Of the Allegheny more than double
their due proportion. He contends in an elaborate,
and think conclusive argument that this is the
true scale OF representation. Yet it was roundly
asserted IN the last Legislature that such doctrines
were unheard OF, that they were Irrational anti
fepuohcan-that the Western people would ne
yer consent to bear the black yoke, TO sit by the
representatives OF slaves, sc. This language was
held, White population is the only true basis OF
representation-we will consent to no other, and
iorce US II you can.' And regret 10 see that in
some OF the late publications. Of the West, other.
wise most moderate. and fraught with good sense
and wise counsel, the same temper is manifested Oh
this soeject-thatit is denied to be even dehasea.
BILE ground. Well, Fellow Citizens if we will no,
compare opinions, we cannot agree; and five can
not agree-i will not follow up the superstition
But, will say that, we are called upon by every
consideration oil justice and of seif-defence both
with regard TO the State and Federal Government
10 insist on representation for our slaves, either
as persons or as property is not material TO us
which, though will remark, in passing that they
stand In place OF the day-aboarers and mental SER
wants of other ommunities and that If we were
10 claim representation for them in that cl,arac-
ter (not IF them, as has been most unfairly pre.
tended) we should be compelled TO pay the full
price ior H. Ihey are, and must continue to be
inc most fruitful source ofrevenue in the sate and
the slave himself may he Sod to paw the tax.
when other means fail, or cannot come at-y;here-
as the tax on the day-lsbourers K mental servants
OF other communities, and OF the non slavehoid.
ing part OF our own, is often, imagine noperaive
or unproductive, for want of means within the
reach OF the tsx-gatherer TO make il. mean no
ouious omparisons or contrasts. The situation of
the labonring class of other communities is inf
nteiy preferable to that of the slave. The conscious
ameiOration of their condition which NAV he
wrought out by honest industry and frugaIity i'm
part ar elevation to their character which the slave
can never 'Aow. Still the consideration mention
ed, while 1t degrades the slave 10 the level of other
property, shows that peculiar regard is due 10
him in the apportionment of power between the
different parts OF the Commonwealth.
upon every view, therefore, which / am able
10 take OF this subject, am fully convinced ths,
the con 5ined ratio of taxation aud white population
10 NJ
Legisiature-that to yield il through mistaken ar
prehension oil the rights of the MAJORITY would b.
suicidal--that the same concession would soon b..
demanded, and must be yielded TO the Seper,l
IaoverDnent-tiil that is DONE that the transfer 81
4 or D representatives in Congress would he made
from the East TO the Mest-tbat there is nothing
IN the principles, commended for by us at all reese m.
ping the apportionment of power between indi-
vdnals according to their wealth or al al, in CON-
ic with the bill Of rights, the just RIG hts Of man
Every Just measure has been, and will be take,
10 ascertain the will Of the majority az to the char
ges desired. All parts CT the Commonwealth Wi,
be LARRY represented in the Convention, and to
work OF their hands submitted TO the people "a,
their ratification rejection. Here lie here wi,
be exercised the rights Of the inajorty--the rights
OF the people, " In whom all power is vested, and
from whom OF COURSE" all must be derived -
Do not confound these rights with the prin.i-
Piles on which the Legislature shall be organized
ihey are totally distinct But look to the actual
condition OF the country, consult past experience
dive into the future ACT for poseriiy and elect men
who VIII so apportion representation, and organize
the government as to secure the safety and han.
piness ofthe people, the prote of all the erea;
interests OF society, TIE permanency of our free
and happy institutions, and the most effcctual safe.
guards against NAL administration. ss OF all the
various modes and forms OF Government, that is
best which Is capable of producing these results"
And that such may be the result Of the pending
elections, and the labors OF the Convention is
mys sincere and fervent prayer.
I'm Eastern pirginian.
ERaAFUM in the i't NO.-Lasl paragraph I4h line,
strike out nO SO make read where the power to levy
the tar, "is in the hand, of ,hc5e, &c.