Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1829-04-07
COMMUNICATIONS.
CONVENTION.


and Madison.
FELLow-CIrIzENs-You will probably be in
formed, thro some other channel, that l have
been included in recommendation lately made
by deputation of gentlemen assembled al Orange
Court House, TO consult and recommend four per-
sons deemed suitable to he voted for as represent
tatives Of Senatorial District, in the approach
ing Convention for altering State Constitution;
and that have given my assent TO the recon-
mendatiOn, and authorised il TO be made publicly
known, that should the people Of district choose
me for one OF their representatives, they may re-
iy upon all that my abilities Of mind and body can
do to serve thom faithfully and usefully. Upon
an occasion OF this kind, II justly due to the dis
trct and to myself to state, that for several years
past the i'll state OF my health, and other personal
concerns, have Withdrawn my attention almost en-
tirely from public affairs, and at this time, with
ont regard TO personal Inconvenience, have no
desire whatever to lave public agency in them.
But, while consider the late Recommendation
frem Orange Courthouse merely evidence Of
the wishes of a respectable portion Of fellow
citizens, can truly cay, that II is the FREQUENT
proofs have received OF the prevalence of this
wish, in various parts of the district and especial
ly inmy own county, that has induced me to set
inside all personal and private considerations in ia
YOUR of the wishes OF those who may desire my
services.
From persons situated as am, in the habit of
strict retirement from all concern in public affairs,
and not personally known TO a considerable portion
of the district, it il, perhaps Justly due to the
people, that they should know beforehand the
opinions Of those to whom they may give their
SURFACES. upon al least some Of the most important
points which are expected TO come under the con-
sfderation Of the Convention. Ii is no. in my pow
err at present, TO go largely into this subject do
] suppose il will be deemed necessary.
The point which seems to be the most interest
ing, and which, for some years past, has held the
most conspicuous place, in discussions concerning
our Constitution, ia the alI-important Right of
Suffrage. tits, and long has been, my opinion,
that in country like Virginia, possessing an ex.
tent Of territory sufficient TO sustain population
capable Of defending and preserving its sovereign
~ and Independence against foreign powers, the
owners aud cultivators Of the soil ought to be the
political masters and rulers Of the country. Their
occupations produce the surest and most essential
means of subsistence, comfort, and independence
TO society: and experience has well established
the opinion that their pursuits and habits more
c0ngcnal to virtue and morality, than those OF any
other class of persons. And in times of great pub
lie danger and trial, consider their patriotism,
naturally arising from ownership of the soil, and
local attachment, as more 10 be relied on than that
OF any other class Of society. And the peculiar
nature of their property, and the stability of THEN
residence, renders them more directly and certain
y liable to the burden Of legal contributions to the
public treasury.
But, by no means consider these reasons suffi.
Gent to justify the exclusion OF all other classes
from all share Of political power. But, would
require Of them strong and bona Jide guarantees
T" of permanent common interest with, and at
tachment to, the community" And l consider
the most obvious and practicable guarantees to
consist in local residence, and in not only the
seesmeot, but the actual payment, Of valuable
aud not merely colourabe, contributions. for the
e,Ipport and maintenance OF tl.c government and
Independence Of the republic
The state Of public opinion with regard TO the
tight Of suffrage. at this time suggests the obscr
WALTON, that in framing, or altering government
Tor free and intelligent people, as Virginians al
present must DC admitted 10 be, / think much
respect Is due to the opinions aud feelings OF ih'
different classes OF society; for, 10 matter how
perfect In principle and form any government ina,
be. If large portion Of tho people, Ohio IL be
finority) be dissatisfied with il, and likely 20 con
tinue so, that Is not good government for tia
people. And in al cring our state constitution, a
present, should not think it wise 10 lose sight @
tsis principle, but TO yield something 10 it, whcr
ever il would not evidently jeopdrdize the peae
and liberty OF the society.
With regard 10 the legislative department, III
most important in every government, there is bu
one observ alton which think il material 10 max
here. Tho I think that our present number Q
delegates would very we'll bear some diminution
sin In favour Of numerous representation. !
may DO slower and more expensive in its opera
tons, but " in a multitude OF councillors there j
more honesty, aud more safety" would hav
tire number 10 be so great as 10 preclude the ina
JorIty from having any personal or private utter
cs, IN the multiplication Of Offices, and IN the dis
Gibuiion OF the ioaves and fishes.
Nish 'be executive department OF our SO