Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1829-02-07
VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE.
DEBATE ON THE CONVENTION.

II.
The bill TO organize Convention being under
consideration, and the question being on the a.
doption of Mr.. F,zhu,th's substitute in prefer
ence 10 Mr.. TerFll's system of county represcn-
Ia ion--Mr. Gordon spoke in reply to Mr. Goode,
and Mr.. Gregory in reply 10 Mr.. Goydon
Mr.. GREGORY viewed ii as his misfortune 10
he placed o.near two OF the brightest ornaments
OF the House AS the two gentlemen who last adj
dressed the G. air-The circumstance was acciden-
tai, his will had no coutroul and il added m IN.
ave with which he entered upon the discus .ion of
30 great question. NJ sat he hope for the LEND
iy nte est Of the House!-Sir,. said (Mr. G. the
warm aud generous feelings ofmy friend from Al
bemarie, seem an ineXhausibe source of social
good vii! and political fellowship heart is that
OF true Virginian; who but kin,iles at its czhi
hition Of patriotic feeling? And, sir he has con.
cluded his argument with greet effect with an
apostrophe to The immortal w Washington, and TO the
elevated purposes OF his mind when, in the hour OF
his cOUntry's dropping, he looked 10 the bepht NJ
her mountains as refuge for her gallant sons:
there Ike the eagle, gathering inagnanimitv from
the prospect of the height TO which he was about
TO soar! His friend had spoken of the CAPACITY OF
the people for self government-an The ripbi NJ
the majority TO rule-and, sir, do not perceive
any difference ofopinion, beig e.n us-his spirit il
right and places him on tte0 Summit of the sub .
jet Harmony in the general principles however
does not always produce unity OF action; the appIi-
cation of all general principles is suhc 10 yari
alton more or less liberal-both parties are vet tho
advocates OF free principles, aud relative position
TO some particular interest, forces upon us some
difersnce-or as my friend would say, warp. the
COOL opinion. The difficulty, however, Of going
into Convention, which we have experienced and
which now puts us upon the trial of our skill can.
moi be solved by Imposing what does not exist. TO
wit an original state of the communicative are
not in the condition Of tribe OF North American
indians; we are above the simplicity of pastoral
iiie-anh our work must spring from the bed of So
cety. Here, sir our interests are complicated and
gentlemen must regard the Condition of society as
Legislators. He would not say that the will of
m Joriiy was paramount 10 The conditions of The
compact, or could properly act against the moral
principle. Protection or security of person, Al r;b e
and rights Of property carried men into societv-
ana the right 10 do what was necessary for the
good OF the whole, resulted from the general obu
CATION 10 project alas the power to do 20 springs
rom tne United strength Of all--Tbis makes the
right to rule correlave fthe obligation 10 pro
tect an ROW, sr,ibe rule OF the majority is intend
ed, IN The ir'me Of republican government to be in
principle The government of the whole Frst il t.
n cessary that the major interest should yield to
we MINOR since unity is necessarily broken, by
tn very condition Of things-the greater good j.
preferable 10 The lcss--heDce the right rule j. in
The inajority-and, sir, upon this very theory Of
republican government stands the institution Ut re-
sticted sufirsge--To landed estste-the greater
interest 10 be secured was in The apprehension Of
tn trainers OF the cons tuition Tho agricultural
community Of farmers IL Is now the greater inter
es,, and IN The time Of ancestors, the govern
m mt Of the freehnlders in operation and pin.
cpe, the rule Of he majority, 50 II nay be well
TO be now. These wise men, were con-
spiring Tor poor purpose against the Iigh, Of The
majority and in favour Of an oil. rcNY whcr hev
st np fhc Government Of thu ireeboiders-cvt O
owned The greater interest. This sir, is a part Of
the good science Of the present constitution 1t
the principle. however, proceed onward, an i'll
all can come in a share W power upon thc basis
Of common interest, lc, u be done by those who
ought to DO the work; taking care 10 pfeserv
the identity ofin rest between The governors anil
the governed. government is good or bad as hi.
is or Is not Us Sir, IL is strong or weak, ac
c0fdine this princirle IL found s.the bottom -