Martinsburg gazette and public advertiser. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1826-1833, 1829-04-02
whole No. 1853

ths 2fN uey OF march, 1897 MIR PILL
LIP HOFFMAN was called to the
chair, aud MIR. OTis DUDLEY appointed
secretary, when the object Of the meet
ing was explained BY p. g. Nj Cabe, esq.
whereupon " was
Resolved, That Nessr. Andrew Hun
ter P G. M'Cabe, Robert Keyes, VIM
Chambers, aud DIR. j w, Roper be a
committee to prepare preamble end
resolutions, and report the same 10 this
meeting for their consideration.
The committee retired for short time.
and on their return reported the follow.
ing preamble and resolutions, which
were unanimously adopted.
Whereas large majority even az
Freeholders have made known tleir
wishes, that a Convention Of Delegates
should be consoked tor the purpose If
re -modetling the Constitution of this
Commonwealth and whereas the &C.
neral Assembly. by th IL late act, or
eanizing said Convention. have solemn.
y declared, that a majority OF the free
citizens of Virginia, falling under the
class ofnon freeholders, shall be exclu-
ded from the exercise Of their original
and unalisnable right Of suffrage ID q.
lecting said delegates, thereby involving
The political absuFdity OF body, Great.
ed merely for the purposes of ordinary
legislation. subordinate to The coLstitu.
ton, arr ogatins TO itself the high pre.
rogative OF determining virtually what
shall be the character of that constisu.
tion; and whereas this meeting require
II as sacred duty they owe 10 posts-
riiy rs well as to themselves. TO protest
against, and repel such an high handed
usurpation Of power tits therefore
Resolved, That 80 uuch If the late
act Of the Virginia Legislature, organ.
icing convention. as excludes non.
freeholders from their right Of suffrage
IN elect'ng deiegatesto said convention,
is an usurpation oil power repugnant to
the spirit OF republieanism. and the die
tafes of natural reason.
Resolved. As men, who wish and
ought to be free, that we hold this 10 be
just aid self evident principle, that
the right Of suffrage and the right of
taxation should be inseparabIy connec.
ted; and that disunion Of them is TN
Just and tyrannicaL
Resolved. That il |. our indubitabla
right peaceably tn assemble together. to
adopt the best and most .fifieut meas.
ures OF self government, and to obtain
those rightiul privileges eppettanirg 10
freemen. which have been uniustIy. nav.
anonymously withheld from " by the
Landed arissoesacy Of Virginia.
Resolved, That we consider the late
law authorizing a Convention, entirely
unnecessary that surh as il 10. is a mere
mos kerry OF Justice partial and unjust
10 all its bearings; and wholly fcrgetful
OF fundamental principles We there.
fore' will cooperate with those favour
able 10 the extension Of the right Of sui.
fsage throughout the State, aud will usa
all just and honorable means in being
heard and represented 10 the contem.
plated Convention, any thing 10 that
law to the contrary Notwithstanding.
Resolved. That all free white male
inhabitants who have permanently resi-.
ded within this commonw ealsh. suffi-
ciently long to afford an earnest II q
common interest 10 the public welfare.
ought, OF right, to be represented in
said Convention.
Resolved, That IL be Recommended 10
the non-freeholders. friendly to tho
recognition Of our rights throughout this
Senatorial district. to hold public meet
ings in the several towns and villages.
and at other public places: and from
each meeting 10 send al least Eve deis-
gales, to meet at Wine hester on the lih
day OF April next, for the purpose Of
nominating, in behalf Of said non-fsee-
holders &c four suitable candidate. to
represent them in said Convs alton. and
TO adopt such other measures as their
common interests may require
Resolved, That the five dele gates. to
De appointed on the part Of this meeting,
shall also constitute a committee. with
power to call another general meeting
II required, and TO do, on behalf Of this
meeting. whatever else may be neees-
sary 10 turthsrsnee the great end in
view.
Resolved, That Messrs. Gee. Rowlss.
Timothy Harrington, Andrew Hunter.
Robert Ksyes. aud r. C. M'Cabe. be
appointed delegates on the part sf this
meeting. to meet delegates from the
different sections of this Senatorial dig