Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1829-05-15


american Repuhhc, i'll its Capital; as patriots had
hope1, the Eternal City" designed to perpetuate
sne gin and consecrate The principles of Civil Free
dom, IN Tue name ofW asainGroN.
RICHARD HENRY LEE.
Washington, May 9Th, 1924
OH the list Of Executive duties in characters too egbe 10 be
oveflooSed the task of REFORM which require particularly
the Federal Government into conflict ,ui The freedom OF ,c.
h"ns and The con,erac,ion Of abuses which have ,r-
rnued power In mf,i,hful or incompeun, hands''
tSfe Gen JacRsons Ltune,u,uy .idiress
u In complying with thu can of the citizens of
Berkeley to publish their proceedings in opposition
to the present limitations upon the elective franchise.
We take occasion TO express satisfaction OF the
estimation they have put upon o,x humble efforts
III the cause of the DISTINGUISHED citizens OF Virginia
In good vii! aud ntcntion il actual service To
the cause we conscious al hayig deserrea ,helr
favourable opinion.
At meeting ofthe citizens Of the county of 8erls,
ley, opposed To the present Constitutional limitations
upon the elective franchise and friendly 10 moro
liberal and extensive enjoyment Of that right held al
the Court House, on Saturday, April 25th in purs,-
nnSe of public notice, Mr.. WILLIAM GOOD was
pointed Secretary.
on motion, 1t vas resolved, that Committee be
upPohteu 20 prepare q prenmsle and resolutions ex-
pressave OF the sense Of the meeting upon the sub
lect which had convened them together; whereupou
Charles JnIIlss Faulkner james Nonrse Riddle John
Hedges. Hezekiah Hedges Peter Gardner Jas Rob
i1son, William Faris. and William, G.. Burns were
appointed said Committee. The Committee after
retiring few moments, returned and reported tb,
following preamble and RESOLUTIONS, which were
adopted:
Whereas at the late session Of she, General As.
Semhiy Of this Commonwealth, act for the or
canHation OF Convention passed, combining to
freehoffes alone, the right of framinea Constitu-
ton OF Government for the good people Of this State
when 1t was distinctly escertained too that the free
holders constitute but small minority of the free
white maie citizens of this Commonwealth which
law cannot Otherwise be considered than us an ey-
travagant and Unprecedented, of Legislative rs,,r
patton. alike urjrstIhabe upon principle and DANCE
rcus to the liberties oftiis Republic. And wbeyeas
we mold that the right TO amend, alter establish or
abolish Constitution Of government resides in the
majority OF the people Of Community and not in
tile minority, however distinguished for wealth mr.
landed possessions, which right cannot be effected
orr orfeited by any Legislative whatever-Legis-
latures being bodies created for specific PURPOSES
and endowed with limited powers-and whereas we
further hold 1t to be the solemn duty of the citizens
OF this Commonwealth, resist every act of Lepis
lave usurpation deracting from the sovereignty of
the people, and transcendinr the powers vested in
them, by the charter under which they derive their
eXstence.--It is therefore
ReSotUed, That much Of the late act Of The
General Assembly ofthis commonwealth, providing
for the call of Convention as restricts Ia II,os
holders alone, the right of voting for Delegates to
that body, is an exercise Of power which has not
and cannot with pr0prey, be invested in the ordi-
nary Legislatures of this State That Is therefore
an act OF dangerous usurPation and that it ought to
be dlsregarded and considered void aud of no effect
by the citizens Of this State.
Resotoea. That all free white male citizens of this
commonwealth, who twenty one years of aee
and upwards, and who have resided twelve months
LINT Hos Nfofn IL 4 H.
the unaenabe and ndsputable right Of having their
voices heard in the formation ef Constitution OF
Government for this State--apy pretended I.spisIa-
tive acts to tire contrary notwithstanding.
IfesoUe6, That it be solcmnly and earnestly recon-,
mended to the citizens of the county of Berkeley,
possessed of the qualifications above described 10
come forward at the Polls on the second Monday in
May next, to record their votes,-aBd that
be and they are Hereby appointed committee to
frame address to such citizers uToinr upon them
the exercise of this right.
1.-THE blank in the resolution was filed ny the chair
man, with the names Of James n. Riddle, Anthony
/ y. Chambers and Peter Gardner
] ResOfUeR That should the Sheriff. reijrrc TO receive
and record the votes of such non-freeho1ders above
described, may present themselves at the polls for
the purpose Of voting, that Peter Gardner, James n.
Riddle, and Davenport Orrjck be and they are here
| by appointed committee 10 open poll and record
the votes of the non freebolders, and after haviro
the same properly authenticated to transmit if to tbe
convention, by the Delegates chosen from the Dis
| trict
! Resotced That the proceedings OF this meeting be
signed by the chairman and secretary, and be publish
/ ed in the Martinsburg Gazette and Richmond Cunsfi
tutona Wing.
On motion Of james y. Riddle.
TWAS unanimously Resolved, That the thanks Of Chi:
meeting, and Of the ou-frceholders generally throurb
! out The State eTniuently due to John HnnDie7
Pte1s1nts, Editor Of the CONSTITUTIONAL Wbio. 70,
the early, able and independent stand which he assn
med in behalf Of tho right Of his DISTINGUISHED fellow
citizens.
! On motion, the meeting then adjourned die
WILLIAM GOOD. ctaftran
i WAeffNGT0S Nv .I@ secret az