Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1829-03-31

ho0eTt G. ScOff,
I'm. Fl. Fitztchyfsonn.
Richurdd. CdrTiii gton,
I'm. II. Richardson.
Committee.
JOHN MARSHALL, Esq.
RIcxsioNp, March 2s, 1929.
-1entetnen-l have received your letter OF the
ztth, with emotions which the sentiments il comnu.
nicates cannot fail TO excite in a mind feel
lingly alive to the esteem and appreciation Of
friends. dare not indulge the hope that my ser.
wees In any situation, can have the value which
your partial favour attaches to theln and therefore
cannot, without real difficulty, change the resolu-
ton had deliberately formed respecting nv
course as regards the Convention. That defer
ence, however, which have always felt for the
Judgment aud wishes Of those whom respect,
and Of my feow-citizens generally, will still in
huence my Conduct; and if 1 should, ON this great
and last occasion, be the choice Of the district my
repugnance TO becoming member Of the Con-
veritou shall yield, and my services such as they
| are, shall be at their command.
am,gentlemen, with great respect and esteem,
your obedient servant,
J. MARSHALL.
| Messrs. John Rutherford, John Hayes, q. Fl.
Bacchns, Robert G. Scott, VIM. H. Fitzwhy lsonn,
X. A. Darlington, and Vim. H. Richardson.
MIR. ROBERTSoN'S REPLY.
RICHMOND, 18th March, 1929.
Gentlemen have received your communion
ton announcing my nomination by meeting of
the citizens Of Richmond, one Of the Delegates
to represent this District in Convention, and re-
guessing my assent 10 serve, if elected.
cannot but feel highly honoured and gratiied
by the confidence thus manifested in me, by those
Of my Fellow citizens, who may have regarded me
as worthy trust so interesting and important
Should the nomination made by them, receive the
appreciation OF the District, arduous the service
must prove, should not feel at liberty to de-
cline il.
Holding il all essential that the political opn-
ions o! individuals proposed Delegates TO the
Convention, touching subjects likely to engage the
deliberations Of that body, should be well UNDER
stood by those in whom the right of election ex-
lists, brief exposition Of mine will not, hope,
the present occasion be deemed obtrusive.
rank myself among those, who, thinking the
present constitution not wholly unsusceptible Of
Improvement, and trusting TO the capacity OF
the people Tor sclt-government, have desired the
call OF Convention, and anticipated from il saluta-
ry reforms. Ardently, do now hope that this
measure so long demanded, SO long delayed, may
eventuate in promoting and perpetuating the
due portion of political power, and just particle
patton by all classes of citizens of the blessings ,ns
well as the burthens OF government.
The persevering refusal of the General Assem-
bly,, to ascestain the public will on this much agi-
tated and momentous question, and when ascer-
tanned, their attempt to transfer to privileged
der the right ofdecidng in the first instance on
amendments to the constitution, have been viewed
by me with the deepest concern. have ever
regarded the people--not the freeholders-as the
ultimate depositary and sole legitimate source of
all power. | have believed that the right" to
reform, alter or ABOLISH the constitution was
vested I" uDdiienabfy and indefeasibiy in major
ity of the community" The doctrine which sup
poses this right to be derived from any privileged
class Of citizens, from the legislature, from
any Convention or Government, however consti-
tuted, by whomsoever exercised, though perfectly
Ineligible in countries recognizing the right d
vine" OF Kings, has been long considered in |
Virginia as an exploded heresy. The recent
attempt by act OF Assembly to ALLEVIATE the
sovereign power in the manner before aud- |
ed to, Is obviously in accordance with this |
obsolete doctrine, and at war with the elemental |
ry principles of free government:-and, for one, |
freely declare, organized as the Convention is |
proposed TO be, | could not consistently with my
principles accept seat in il, did not regard il
possessing Inherently the power, rather as
charged with the sacred and indispensable duty, |
Of submitting the results of its deliberations to /
the peoplc-to be by them ratified or rejected.
Recognizing the right of suffrage in call meE |
having sufficient evidence of permanent common
interest with, and attachment to the community"
am in favour of modifying the provision on that
subject in the existing constitution, so that,
far practicable, s'noue may be taxed or deprived |
of their property, or bound by any law, without
their consent or that OF their representatives"
l am in favor OF equalizing representation |
throughout the Commonwealth, adjusting il on the |
basis, and in the ratio, Of the white population.
am in favor of increasing the responsibility Of |
the Judicary-either by periodical elections, or
by some other more efficient remedy for neglect |
or ncapacity, than now exists. i
The Executive Council might, I think without |
detriment to the State, be abolished, or greatly |
reduced in number. II be retained its org aniza
ton might probably be advantageously altered.
As il respects the Governor, unpossessed as he |
Is, and ought TO be- OF extensive patronage or dam
gerous powers, do not discern any serious objec-
ton to the present mode of appointing him. or to the
tenure, or duration, of his office
The House of Delegates il, | think, unneces-
sarily numerous. Owing to this cause the bust.
ness OF Legislation Is evidently much retard
ed, and serious burihen imposed upon the |
community without any equivalent benefit.
have donbted the proprety OF Senate, con- |
stuted as ours is, with Ueto on the measures Of |
more numerous and responsible body of repre- |
sentatives, elected by the constituencies
Yet, would not wish the experiment hazarded, |
OF dispensing with branch OF the Legislature,
whose utility is so generally conceded. / should
think ii desirable, however, TO reduce the term of
service TO two years;and to prohibit the final re-
lection Of any measure, adopted by the House of
Delegates, by less than majority Of the whole
Senatorial Body.
The Fundamental laws Of the State should, il is
thought, provide for equitable assessment of |
taxes requiring from each citizen as nearly as
may be, contributions in proportion to his
means il may superfluous to add they |
should guaranty the liberty Of conscience, Of
speech, and Of the press, and contain some provi-
sion for their future amendment.
These are some OF the opinions entertaiu, and
some Of the leading principles by which, if elect
ed, my course would be regulated; reserviDg the
right TO avail myself Of the light OF farther ex-
perience, and more mature deliberaton, in de-
Gliding to what extent, or in what mode, it might,
under all circumstances be proper to insist car
ryiog them into practical effect. Personally un-
known to large portion of the citizens of the
District, have thought il incumbent on me frank
ly to avow my sentiments, that If dsspproved,
they may have an opportunity of selecting Dele
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