Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1829-05-21
CONVENTION.

| What is the true basis of representation in n
Representative Republic, and what must be The
| consequences OF adopting ilse basis
10 pure democracy the people assemble to-
gelher and transact their public business III
perSon--no man having more votes or political
We ght than another Blu where the country
is OF considerable territorial extent aud the
population NUMEROUS, II IS not prcatIcable 10
! assemble the people III one body together.
Hence, the origin Of aud necessity for repre-
sentative republic IN which public affairs are
transacted in the name md behalf of the PEG.
pie by Delegates or REPRESENTATIVES, Does
not this shofl view of the subject point out,
without, possibility of error The true pTiHc,ple
which should govern the adoption oil n basis of
representation In the case first instanced,
no Que would pretend that property ought to
confer right TO more votes, or exclusive po'
liical weig ht--ueitheT should II In the Sc
cond.
The existence Of freehold suffrage ia Virginia
in lnCes us 10 prejndge the above question Out
It a ises from superficial or mistaken view OF
that subject Many persons suppose that land
gives nr creates The right TO vote no such
thing: All men having sufficient etidenee OF
permanent common interest with, and At
iAchn6m 10 the community (shouid) have The
does not confer the eight hut is considered to
furnish the evidence" of interest IN, Rnd at
tachm ut TO the community (By the bye. ey'
idence higher and more conclusive, is furnished
by being born ia The country, having family,
parents, kindred and friends residing there aud
discharging faithfully all public duties rrqut
red owning land constitutes but temporary
interest. which may he sold or transferred at
pleasure but nativity, family. kindred, and
friends entwlne themselves around the afiec-
tions, sink deep into the bosom, aud expire only
with life itseli)
The existence oi supposed diversity OF in
terest between Eastern and Western Virginia
has excited in the former certain underlined
fears, apprehensions, and pre- udices against
the true basis of representation. But these,
like other fears ndprejuiices are shorr.sishle
If not blind Personal liberty, rights OF prop
erty, aud individual interests are secured, not
by usnrping or arrogating unjust power, but by
adopting aud preserving sound principles.
Power is temporary and feeling. Ii Eastern
Virginia, possessing 1t al this moment, use her
power 10 attempt the adoption of unjust aud
unsound principles, she could not complain
When power changes To the other side, of any
thing which Westesn Virginia might do Let
power be employed TO enforce right, not TO de-
feat il.
30, il is excellent TO possess a Giaot's strength,
" But It is tyrannous 10 use It like Giant
What must be the consequences of attempting
thr adoption of A false and unsound bass Of
represent alton In the first place, the alyo-
Gates Of property basis cannot, as they sho Id
not, succeed in their efforts For the West will
be as one man against il and the Number be
low the mountains who prefer principle to pre-
judice, and consistency to thar popularity &C
CURED by swimming with The current, will con
stitnte an oyerw belmins majority favorable 10
The true basis Hence the effort. win havr,
with other characteristics, tho impoteney Of er-