Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1829-04-17

70 cxospcratc them against each other to the high
est pitch--short oil coming TO blows, then have
many oil our political Teachers been perfectly
right in the methods by which they have thought
proper TO prepare the public mind for the study
and decision OF the all-important Questions AZ pre-
sent before us;-to the full and dspassionate ex-
! animation of which, every mans attention should
now be earnestly devoted. But if the views
which have venturei 10 take, are lust and cor.
rect II greatly bchooves us all to disre gard such
counsels as swords without knowledge or de-
carnations full only of deadly mischief 70 our fi-
turc peace and happiness.
our. obedent servant.
JAMES NJ. GARRETT.
COyHAIU.NIC.ITED.
To The FieeIo,iers Of the Dists&t composed Of
nc counties Of Caroline, Hancrcr. Hing JPii.
i'da, king and Queen and Esser.
Two pieces in the Enquirer addressed TO myself
and others. who have been announced as suitable
persons TO represent you in the state Convention,
which Is 10 assemble in October next, have recent
W met my eye, and challenge my most respect
iul notice. They solicit us 10 say TO you, whether
detected we will serve; and 10 what extent we
arc disposed to amend present form of Govern
ment' Aversc rs am TO appear in the public
prints, my sense oiduty will no, permit me TO re-
main silent under these calls =, particularly that
which is made by "inany Freeholdcrs:" because,
recognize the right of the people or any portion
thereof to know the sentiments Of those TO whose
care it is even contemplated to coniide their in
terest because, no case can exist in which the
exercise OF that right could be less questionable
Than the present; and because, Judging from my
own feelings and wishes, as sui,rsgeu, am sure
the people must desire 20 know, at least, the gem
erai views and inclination of all thoss. on whom
th'SdeIicate duty can by possibility devo!ve. 1t
must be apparent to you that no man can, ough,
to say in detail, what would be his course i'm the
Convention; aud that much injury might result
from exactng from your Delegates pledges which
might exclude them from the benefit OF the wis.
dom and patriotism which will shed their light on
the subjects Of their dc!iberation, or tramme
their judgment, as to prevent their exercising a
sound discretion on tho unforeseen necessities
which might demand its cxertion. 1t should be
recoilected that government in its formation is
cessarily matter OF compromise. How strongly
then do all the circumstances, which have rem
dered necessary revision OF our established form,
require that those 10 whom ths, delicate task may
he cor 6ded, should be under the guidance OF a
conciltatory and compromising temper on all ques-
tons hot involving cardinal and uiiGl principles
Under the influence OF that spit, and with its iu-
ciIenaI reservation, will now proceed TO notice
a. briefly and responsiveiy as can, the various
queries which are pvopounled in the two pieces
aforementioned.
AS TO the FIRST. can only say that DO not re.
cognt2e right in any citizen either TO decline
seek service in the Convention. I certainly
have not aspred TO stallion m that august assem-
bly,, and was much surprised TO see my name an.
nounced TO the public 1 am fully sensible Of my
inability to render much service, and would glad
~ yield whatever pretcnson my most partial
hiends may suppose nae TO possess, to ir,ivid.
nal better qualified than myself 10 discharge its
important duties: II, however, it should be the de-
ere OF the District TO have my feeble eiIarts they
siai! DC faithfully applied TO their service.
1t may not be improper to inform you that was
decidedly opposed to the call OF as long
as deemed opposition proper and efficient. It was
however yielded as as discovered that a ma
Jorlty OF even the Freehoders of the state were in
favor oil the measure; for / can never advocate
nor practice the doctrine that the people may not
do as they please with their own government. /
recognize to the full extent both their right and
theiT capacity TO govern ihemselves.--It is a safe
pohflcd! marin that they can DO no wrong"
W no is 10 adJudicate their c.ime?-Who pronounce
'ieir sentence OF condemnation?--Whoe enforce il:
1T Us quite needless, now TO state the reasons
which actuated me in opposing call of Conven-
tioD. Suffice il 10 say, that still think them
sound and irreiragable, and that none of them
we're based on belief that if we should go into
convention, our present Constitution nigh. not he
much altered and improved. That uues lion. is
now settled and II devolves the people TO select
from amongst themselves body OF Citizens whose
GUY u wiii be to suggest TO them, such changes
in their established government as NAV be deemed
conducive to their welfare. What they will. or
should e.be!ongs not 10 the wisdom of any one man
to PREJUDICE.
most decidedly think, that the three grea, and
many OF the minor departments of the govern
men', may be much improved ny defining more
accurate'y me powers, prescribing more distinctly
the duties, and ensurng the responsibility of their
respective administrators. The number connos-
ing the House of Delegates might, think be
safely and advantageousiy lesseued. This regu-.
ia'lon alone would, in my judgment, have an im-
meoiate tendency To en'ighten the body, to expe-
ute ana improve their legislation, 10 render the
representatives. more responsible TO their electors
than they now arc, and to save the treasure OF the
Commonwealth. I an inclined to the opinion.
That the responsibility of the Senators might be
increased ny curtaiing their present term of SER
wee and also, that their power OF control over
the acts OF the popular branch OF the Legislature.
might be safely abridged. 1t is power which
would be rendered the less necessary, by retiuc-
lion OF that branch, whereby its liability 10 COM
INIT acis OF hasty and careless legislation, would
be certainly diminished. l think tina, most sub
jects, purely local. private, and municipal in their
character, might be adysntageously withdrawn
from the legislative jurisdiction and transferred 10
DINER tribunals, more competent and better suited
10 their due management.
would not, as now advised, disturb .he pressn,
mole OF eiec,ing Governor, nor change his ten
IRE oil o!hee or term of service.--I would not
d00fiSh tie Executive Council, because am in
disposed TO confer power, however small, in The
hands oil single man; and because, l think | see
insuperable objections to the scheme of making
the ministerial, fducary agents of the Govern
ment, oIrf,te o6'cH, the adviser of the Governor
Sanitary changes may, think, be made in The or.
ganization OF this body. by reducing their number,
aeTing their term OF service and tenure of office
charging their duties. defining their powers. and
increasing their responsibility.
would not give to the Executive branch Of the
government, however il may be-constiin;ed. one
atom more power than they now possess; cxceut so
lar a5 an extensions of their duties might neccssa-
my produce that effect Virginia has heretofore
had perhaps the most PowerfuI Legislative and the
IeebIest Executive Bodies in the world. She has |
already passed safely and triumphan,ly tbroue1, |