The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1829-11-19


view of the proceedings and state ofpartics
in the Virginia Convention. The letter is
dated Richmond. Nov. 2.
THE Right Of suffrage, contrary TO the
expectation of many, has become a secon-
Diary object. A majority seems disposed
TO extend that right somewhat according
20 the plan recommended in the report OF
the legislative committee, which plan would
still restrict il very much, according TO our
Northern notions.
"The great question is the apportion
ment of representation in the House and
Senate. and on this question the House is
geographically divided. The western
party claims the basis of white population
aud taxation equally combined. The conn
try. below the blue ridge pays at present
three fDurths OF the taxes, but its white
population only exceeds that of tho West.
crn district by about 10000. II the white
basis prevail, the power OF the trans Ale.
yhanv country will remain the same; that
ofthe tide water district will be dislninlsh-
cd at least one fourth, and tho populous
counties Of the yalley,as well as some coun-
ties Just below the Blue Ridge, will gain
all that the others lose,
the natural rights Of man and Of IN, lorites;
those from the tide water district predict
dangerto their slave property from taxation
and other legislation. But all guarantees
are refused. and the contest, ns among the
members Of the convention turns only on
the possession ofpolitcal power. Accord.
ingly several large slave counties join the
west, anf slave holders who live in them
DO not fear the experiment. The East is
said to have lost by obstinacy and petu-
lance. 1t will certainly gain nothing now
BY the opposite virtues. The East pos
Eesscs men of the most talent and educa-
ton in the house, and men who besides
have a perfect knowledge Of tho whole
theory Of government and Of the nature of
man, as exhibited from the timo Of crea-
ton, to that of George Mason's Constitu.
ton in l776. Although the Western men,
bers have not this general information,
some of them exhibit practical sense
somewhat resembling that Of our country
Legislators in Massachusetts.
"Mr. Monroe made speech today, in
which he recommended compromise by
placing the house or the basis Of white
population, and the senate on that of the
combined ratio. Mr.. Madison is under.
stood to be in favor of this plan, and per
haps also General Taylor. They are pro.
baby the only men who nre in favor it,
unless some Eastern men should adopt it
for fear of being forced 10 accept worse
terms. Still, so equally are tho parties
divided, that a general impression prevails
that this measure will be carried, as the
moderate men will alternately throw tholn-
solves into either scale.
"Mr. Monroe comes from district in
tie Western interest, Messrs. Madison
and Taylor from the East, and they are
| believe the only men whose votes have
not coincided precisely with thcir geo
graphical position.
"If after the whito basis is adopted
for the house, General Tay lor should still
net with the West, it is thought posi-.
bic that there may be q tie, forty eight !
10 forty eight, on the question ofamcnd. |
ing the senatorial basis Of the present |
Constitution. This result would be o.
Quivalcnt 10 Il victory in the opinion of
the Western members, who profess that !,
they will not accept the compromise but |
demand the whole. 1t seems that the |
East and West are divided, on the sub |
lect Of internal improvements, and from !
what ! can learn, should suppose that
the doctrine Of liberal construction of
the u. s. constitution was gaining ground |
rapidly in the West. Manufactures ere |
said to be sprnging up ID that country. |
The alInremcnt Of extensive patronage |
can no longer he offered TO the nsprsnts |
OF political distinction by the leading men !
Of ancient Virginia, and these unrestraln !
ed differences of opinion and local jeal |
onscs forebode, in the opinion Of intelligent |
mon of both parties, less internal tran
quillity than has heretofore existed in the |
Commonwealth.
"The West must certainly triumph at
last, If it do not Immediately; and in the
moan timo Virginia will scarcely he at
leisure to regulate the concerns of the |
nation, as well as her own internal ai-
fairs. The internal parties of Virginin
will probably be more marked if the elcc.
ton of governor bo given to tho people,
hut tho present opinion is that the choice !
will still be reserved for tho Legislature"
Robbery ola Tomb. Some circumstan
ces having led to suspicious, on the part of
the relatives, that the body Of mr.. Wheel
or, who died the 81 inst had been stolen,
applications was made at the Health Office |
for permission, which was granted, to open
tomb 100, in the Common street Burial |
Ground, to satisfy their minds in the case;
end yesterday it was opened and the coffin
found empty. This is said to be the first
instance known of tomb in this city hav-
ing been robbed. Boston Centinel.
One hundred and twenty. eight members
compose The House of Assembly Of New
York. Ofthese 50 are supposed to be in
favor ofthe administration; 6 anti admins |
trafinp. - a.,