Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1829-04-28


and virtue, recognized by all who know them in
the Judiciary of Virginia.-You will not consider
me the apoogist or euiogist Of the Judiciary-it
needs neither. My remarks (mutatis mutsndis)
making proper discrimination, will apply 10 eve
-ry class or description Of people in the common
wealth; and do most religiousry believe, that no
such number OF any one description Of men, will
DC able 10 make its way into that venerable body
a, to give just grounds Of apprehension to any
other class, whatever may be their wishes.
i certainly am for no half way measures: the
people have called for reform--let il BIZ complete
and extend to every department Of the government
capable OF It. Let the augean stables OF each de-.
parinent be swept and cleansed from all impur tiles
without regard to the time. manner, or cause oil
their accumulation: let all excrescences be Topped
off they weaken and deform the body polite no
less than the natural body.
Let the responsibility of our judges be increas-
ec, without invading their independence. Tx
amples yet in the full, tide of successful expert.
ment," after the lapse OF thirty years. arc not
wanting in some OF our sister states. As to the
county COURTS it not possible, having properly
jurisdiction in all cases. either in law equity
not otherwise specially provided for, originating
in social OF commercial intercourse, that even
in this domestic tribunal, so admirably calculated
Tor the safe, convenient and speedy slministra-
ton OF justice, TO which Virginia owes much TO-
wards the maintenance OF peace and good order in
society-nay, owes more, q speak with profound
respect) than to any, or to all other branches of
the judiciary-msy yet be found, when broupht
TO the test Of wisdom and the experiences (unier
This constitutions OF more than fifty years. within
we 5eacn OF sanitary REFORM and indispensable a
mendment. Is there any "mau or set of men,"
attached to this important branch of our jurs-
prudence entitled to exclusive or separate emol-
uments, or privileges from the community, and
not IN consideration Of public services:' Seat
ed like warts or wens on the body polite. adj
herring like leeches, sucking its very hearts blooa
tne sui badges OF our former vassaIage handed
down from father to son, and although not strictly
nereditary, nearly approaches it. the incumbents
in'renchng themselves under the great antiquity
ana uninterrupted possession of their privileges,
it such men there are, and who can doubt n.
ask no prescription, dsQuaiifcation-all ask
is the liberty Of Withholding my support, when
they ask for new honors or additional privileges.
j, Tor one, am not satisfied with the consolation
sometimes resorted 10, -" that If a man can 60 no
good, he DiH do no HARM" and must believe these
petitions, "lead US not into temptation but deliver
us from evil" recommended by the union of per-
!ect wisdom and perfect benevoiencc, TO the prac-
''ca aud daily observance of the greatest and wis
est OF men, were kindly intended TO warn them
o, DANGER ana the frai'ties OF human nature, In
all contests oetwixt duty and interest.
as lar as my observation extends. there has
oeen no uniform plan adopted through the State,
81 nominating members TO the Convention; many
nave sa adopted your method. others perhaps with
'iisht variation; probably none could be that would
meet with general appreciation, or escape strong
ana well founded objections; that which has been
partially adopted in some districts by sending an
equai number from each county to II eet and Sc
ect The candidates, is obviously liable to this OBJ
lection; 1t gives equal weight in the nomination
% inc largest and least county in the State should
'hey ,aii into the same district; and this is giving
upail Tor which contend But what more
does it do' 1t actually removes the election from
the people. and gives it TO the man of manage
nent and intrigue, who may, who will play off
Inc people against each other, may best subserve
heir own interest. or that OF their avoriies; and
sage OF the general ticket law, and the adoption
81 It's friend and inseparabIe companion the caucus
system. i have ever been opposed to caucussinp
and would prefer any other honorable method OF
presenting TWO or three of the most prominent,
characters in each county, to the people of the
aistrct 1t would then be no difficult matter to oh
lain such information OF the pretensiors and stand
Ing OF the several candidates, as would ensure a
prudent choice; thus informed, the people in their
sovereign capacity, would approach the polls as
rec from contamination OF improper influence as
The air. and irresistible as the tornado
am told, and believe correctly. that q number
d me ireehotders and citizens of Bath, at their
last March Court, formed hasty meeting ON this
SUBJECT and nominated Charles l.. Francisco. esq
as proper and t person to that district
m Convention; and refused to add to that no,nina
lion. or accept ticket for the district proposed nv
, gentleman in his place, containing the following
names, to wit: Gen. Jas. Breckenridge, of Bote,
ourt, Hugh Caperion, of Monroe CYRUS Carey
1f Greenbrier, and Saml Blackburn OF Bath, AS IT
& proper persons TO represent this district in Con-
gention.
All, perhaps. which, ought further TO be said on
ms subject is, that the right of any number of
Athens, thus TO assemble and consult on public
neasnes CANNOT be denied: the policy of the
curse pursued may be more questionable. Bath
anking Numerically amongst the smallest coun |
les III the district, and ny GRACE or coURrysy
MY. can claim representation In Conye ntion Il !
you'd seem, ought not to decline an association
With other and larger counties. in measures lead
ng to concert and union: more especiaIly "a none
u hef own citiZens could presume to challenge IL
8 due to decided superiority of talent or sprvi- I
es, III preference to many individuals in the dis /
rict. III also appears the Legislature intended Tn I
xienh the rage OF the elective franchise, az we'll
regard TO the DISTRICTS 10 the field seIectiom
the limits OF the state only; and this perhaps is
ne most valuable trait in the bill, opening the |
ooF to super eminent worth and talent whereso-
yer 10 be found in the State This, it is belle
VII IN many instances supercede the questions
$ 10 the particular county or district in which tina
resides; substituted by those Of much
reater Importance, To wit: Is he fit! Is he hon
,sn m ne be faithful to the interest of Virginia,
ne meeuDgin Bath appears to have overlooked |
his wise policy .af 3 -,
have already said the constitution OF Yirenf, |
vas the manual OF the youth ina my day IL was the
iornbook OF my political creed; my first ideas on
politics were moulded in il, and derived from II. |
hey grew with my growth, and strengthened with
ny strength; had been accustomed 10 speak of n
With affection. as the ark of our political safety
he palladium and guarantee of our liberties. and |
d that band OF heroes and patriots who formed n
n the darkest moments Of the revolutionary war
-"times that really tried mems souls'' 1 mean
40, ana not W or 90, as the behefactors OF man.
Sind, and sayiours Of their country
On the adoption of the Constitution Of ille Unit
I'd States, chung to that also, as the only means
bleqaiuOa a.. RI