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

With very high respect, we remain your ob't
serv'ts. CHRTER BRAXTON,
JOHN X. POTTER,
WIN. II. ROY,
ThOS. S.. DABNEY
ROBT. J. POULSON,
THOS. BOSWELL.
MATHEWS, April "a, 1929.
Gentlemen: Your letter Of the goth inst. in.
forming me, that my name among others, has been
recommended by the meeting Of Delegates from
the different Counties of this Senatorial District
TO represent 1t in the Convention, has been recev
ed
While it is with feelings Of great respect fer the
individuals who have thought proper to recommend
my name for the purpose Of taking part in the de-
liberation, on tho important and eventful subjects
that are to occupy tho Convention, and deeply inn
pressed with the responsibility of the momenious
trust, il would have been really gratifying TO me
If the selection had fallen citizens on whom
the public reliance might have been more satsfac.
torily placed. But, as learn that the selection is
expressive ofthe appreciation of large portion Of the
community, Of which the delegation are tho organ,
and that II serves to concentrate the attention
of the District. divided among several meriorious
citizens, feel irnpelled, by q sense of duty, to
yield obedience to the call.
As my name has been selected by the delega-
ton, doubtless because my opinions and views CO.
incide on this important subject with theirs, and
also with those whom they represented, no de-
claration Of them, understand, is asked or OK
pected. IL the nomination should be sustained
by the will of the District, at the approaching
elections deem Il due TO its just and liberal sem
tirnents 10 carry into the Convention, mind un.
committed and open TO conviction, and proper
cancellation and compromise, to secure and pre-
serve on the most permanent basis, the rights and
diversified interests Of the different sections of the
Commonwealth, and the inestimable blessings OF
Civil liberty to ourselves, and to posterity and in
eQualzing the political power, TO equalize also the
burthens of the government. But il is perhaps
proper that should take this occasion, Tor the
purpose Of satisfying the enquiries of others, to
say, that as have been satisfied with the present
Constitution. and voted against the call of Con-
vention, lest the spirit of innovation might i'm
pair destroy those parts Of the fabric, which, in
my opinion, were better calculated to secure the
happiness and lasting prosperity Of FREQ people,
than any have seen; yet, as it contains some de-
fects, and how could il be otherwise since il is the
work of human hands, am free TO say, that l
would not vote against "aRy amendment that may
be proposed" And whenever suitable and ade-
Quate remedies are proposed to defects either ORR
ginally existing, or which have grown out of the
changed condition of the Community in the lapse
of halfa century, would, in the best exercise Of
any judgment, and in good faith adopt them, If l
were convinced that the remedy proposed
would be attended with fewer Rischefs than the
defect II wasintended to correct.
AS have not been an advocate for Convention,
and having believed that our Constitution, take II
happiness and lasting welfare Of the people, il
was not to be expected that should have natur-
ed any plans Of amendment.
While hold sacred the principles declared in
the Bill OF Rights, sound policy necessarily in my
my opinion. dictates some limitations of them in
their application 10 man in society under the
necessary evil of practical government. A course
that judiciously avoids the consequences of a suf-
frage too extended, and the opposite extreme of
one too limited. is desideratum in every free CO.
vernment. believe the exercise of the elective
franchise might be advantageously extended, SO as
10 suit the change OF circumstances, which,
among other causes, the operation Of the wise and
salutary law Of descents, by sub-diyiding small
freeholds, has made necessary. An interest in the
soil, whatever may be the tenure, though not
the only evidence, nor in all cases the best, APP
pears to furnish as general rule the most une-
qnivocal proof of permanent interest," in tho
prosperity and welfare of the Community.
The adjustment OF this delicate and difficult SUBJ
Ject upon principles founded the rights of man,
tempered with sound policy, is the task of that
devoted TO liberty, embrace knowledge OF the
past. the present, and the future.
The inquiries 10 which have alluded, having
been general, and confined TO subjects upon
which have remarked, those remarks have been
brief and general; and shall decline commenting
on any others.
beg you, gentlemen, to accept my thanks for
the Kindness and politeness which you have mani
Tested towards me in your communication, and TO
be assured Of the high respect of
Your obedient servant,
TIL. r. YEATMAN.
To Messrs Carter Braxton, John X. Potter,
Wm Ii. Roy, Thomas s. Dabney, Robert j. .Poul-
son and Thomas Boswell.
NORTHAMPTON, April %.
GENTLEMEN: have received your letter an
nuuncing to me, that, at meeting Of Delegates
rom tile counties composing this Senatorial Dis.
trict, held al Nj athews Courthouse the goth in
slant Tor the purpose expressed IN your letter, j
was nominated and recommended to the people as
one Of four suitable persons to represent then in
the Convention to be held in Richmond in Octo-
Der next This fsttering testimony of the good
opinion entertained of me by that meeting is high.
~ gratifying. II elected, will cheerfuIly serve
tne District; and endeavour so 10 discharge the
trust as to demonstrate to the people that it was
safely deposited.
You say that you were instructed by the meet
ing to request me, and the other gentlemen nom
mated, to visit the respective counties OF the Dis
trict ON their court days in May. The superior
court OF Law for the county of Accomack, where
4 nave professional engagements. commences its
session on the LIST Monday in May and the Gouces-
ter Elections is on the same day. The Northamp-
ION and Mathews Elections are on the End Mon
uay, and the middlesex and Accomack Elections
90 the last Monday in May. Tho extremely in
convenient to me, have it in contemplation to be
~ '"c GIouCesteT anu mathews Elections.
Very Respectfully yours,
SEVERN j.. PARKER
To Messrs. Carter Braxton, John X. Potter,
W ,H ii. Roy, T. s.. Dabney, Robert l. Poulson
Thomas Boswell.
To The Editors Of the Enquirer.
NELSON, April 10th, 1890.
GgNrLYmEN-Your paper Of the 18th, con-
tanning Communication from Many Freehold
ers OF fiuvauns," was received by tbs last Mail.