Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1829-02-28


one delegate in the convention, and their aggre-
gate Of population is only (which sends eight
members to the convention, each representing
1927, when the county Of Accomac will send two,
each representing 1893. And yet after all this
inequality of representation, greatly in favor Of
tho small counties, which this bill secures to them,
the gentleman from Northampton (Mr. Parker)
and all the members from those counties oppose
this bill because it does not give those counties
their rghiul weight in convention. This is strangss
il is passing strange. The friends Of convention
IN this House ought not 10 yield more to minor
it's of the people Of Virginia; and If they do, our
constituents will not. This inequality of repre-
scntation willno longer be submitted to by our
constituents, and this House may be assured that
the majority Of the people Of this commonwealth
know their rights and will enforce them.
Indeed some wise men are Of opinion that we
have no constitution obligatory the people. The
judiciary have decided; we have and that the peo-
pie are bound BY it. But what is the fact! The
delegates who formed end promn'gate that con-
sitution were elected as legislature and had no
other powers conferred upon them. The govern
ment was obligated by the governor. When the
legislature assembled there was no time for de.
libera,ion; they had to sc,--to fight These states
men patriots knew they had tbs confidence Of tho
people, and they did not Intend 10 abuse il. They
formed the constitution, and Immediately put the
government in operation by eleciing the high Of
6cers Of state. But the people were never con-
suited. OF their wishes obtained on the new con-
stituGon; for il WINS only intended al the time TO
take them through the war; and have the au-
thority of Mr.. Jefferson that the very mon who
formed this government at that time intended as
soon as they established their independence, to
reform the constitution and if they did not succeed
England would reform it without asking their APP
probation. And If the legislature which formed
che constitution assumed aud exercised powers not
conferred upon them, for the protection Of the
people and their liberties. il is what many great
and good men ought to do in times of great public
danger;and so acted Gen. Jackson at New Orleans,
who with the revolutionary statesmen Of Vir-
ginia will receive the everlasting gratitude Of the
nation.
Pass the bill, beseech sou, in the form it has
now assumed, and aliay the gathering storm. The
friends OF reform have conceded enough. You
may call into convention the best men in the state.
The freeholders are not restricted in the election
of delegates to the convention to the residents Of
their county, they can choose them from any part
Of the state, which will ensure the election of the
first men of the state: Jas. Madison, John Mar
shall, and James Monroe might be prevailed upon
TO serve some remote county.
II was my ardent desire that the bill would
have provided for the extension Of the right OF suf
fage at the election of members to the conventions
that principle has been tried and failed, which
greatly lament, but for this time it must be SUB.
United 20, and will take the bill without. But
will not give up much more, even 10 ensure u
nifty and harmony, however desirable. The re-
striction Of the right of suffrage il is ex-
ercised, and the unequal representation Of the peo
pie in the legislature are the causes OF complaint
that my constituents lay as crimes against the |
present constitution. will not at this time urge
the propriety of restoring to the people the great
principle OF liberty, the right Of suffrage, with
cry moderate restriction; it would consume more
time, than the House is prepared TO bestow to me
It Is too plain proposition to be even doubted, and
he who now doubts when the science of free gov
is we'll understood in the United States
will doubt for ever. For the proposition is not
now to be tried for The first time. The expert
nent has been made; il has completely succeeded.
Yes, other states have long ego made tho trial, and
we ought TO profit by their wisdom. They pros
per; there population and wealth most rapidly in
creasing by emigrants from other countries, and
even from this State. Men will elect to live un-
der governments the most free. Look to the great
State Of New York, and your neighbours. Ma
ryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Kentucky, Teunes-
see, and North Carolina; do mobs, tumults and
obstruct their laws prevent elections,
AID they have almost an unlimited suffrage. Form
your convention upon liberal principles, and you
will have constitution upon the most free aud APP
proved plan. The right Of suffrage will he ex-
tended emgrants will come and purchase up lands
and increase your population; agriculture, man.
liactures and commerce will advance TO more per-
!econ; this great State Of Virginia, which is now
the third in the Union. and in great danger of
being the fourth, viii DC second TO New York a.
lone.
Mr.. Speaker wish now to be permitted 10 |!
answer some observations made by the eloquent
-
gallant ehivalrous and learned friend from North
amp.on, as he has euiogized him; and before pro-
coed, ought 20 know whether the House is will
ling to hear reply to arguments made in commit
tee OF the whole, and will give to me as great
latitude in debate at this late stage of the discus
sion. IS was assumed by gentlemen at the com
nencement. (hfr. Bay,ey paused, and the mem.
bees from several parts of the House said, pro-
coed, go on-the Speake. disec:ea Mr.. L. 10 pro- |!
ceed.)
Mr.. e. saii, ,haak the House, and will pro. |
coed. To tho gentleman from Northampton ] |
shall FIRST give my attention, and to fortfy myself
20 that may not be considered as departing too |
ar from the constitution, and this bill, which il il
passes into law will annul il, I will avail NY
self Of the position taken by the aiable gentleman
from Charles City (Mr. ChrisGan.) lie says, |
when there is no mai-administralion Of the gov.
erDmcnt, that ne doubted whether the majority
had an arbitrary right TO reform or abolish that
government. though they had the power. And
his argument was founded upon the principle |
laid down in the bill Of rights, "that when the !
government is found inadequate or contrary 10 |
hese principles. majority had right to reform |
'r abolish IT," And the gentleman inquiries where |
mas there been any misTule or oppression under |
ms governments Who has been injured by it {! |
Sir, no part OF the present constitution is favor
lie with M constituents; indeed such is their g.
version 10 the misrule under il, they would pre- |
Ter 20 obiterate it, TO blot il out forever and form
new constitution, without any regard to the old |!
The Executive, Judicial and Legislative depart !
Inents Of this government require very great a. |
nts, and q complete reform. have not |
time now, 10 examine the abuse of power by the |
srst and second; but will confine myself 10 the |
abuse Of power and misruie OF the General As. |
'enbly, towards their transmarine Colony, Acco-
mac.
In 1902 the General Assembly laid of the State !
INTO Congressional districts, the ratio being estlb
aftnA taffG ~ ri