Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1829-04-07
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Upon what bases then, saia MI D. ough, the
representation in the proposed convention 10 be
established 1t is insisted by the Jealous advo-
Gates Of reform here, that the free white popu,a-
ton of the commonwealth is the only correct rule
OF apportionmcnt. 1t deserves TO be borue il.
mind, sir that they state their proposition in broad
and general terms; that they maintain lis uniycr-
sal applicability. This rule OF Representation is
urged principally, however, for the purpose OF
procuring its ncorporatonin the new constitution
III reference to the election of members of ASSEM-
bly,, end to the future legislation OF the country
There are few, know, who endeayour TO draw
distinction between representation 10 convention
and In the ordinary Legislature; who maintain that
different principles aud different considerations
ought to prevail in the constitution of the two bo-
dies. But does such distinction in fact exist, If
in the organization OF ordinary legislature GER
tain principles admitted TO be essential TO the
protection of persons and property; it does
10 me, that the same principles ought, forori,
TO be introduced into the creation OF body in,rust-
ed with the higher function of framing the lex le-
gum, the permanent fundamental law of the land.
The Senate has been entertained, and dare Say
somewhat amused, If not edited, with the eiabo-
rate arithmeGcal calculations OF the gentleman
from Monongalia, (Mr. Morgan.) He demon
strates, to single fraction, the relative proper
ton of representatives to which each section of
the state is entitled. All these calculations are
based upon the gratui;ous assumption, that the
white population is the true rule of representation
under all circumstances. l protest against the
idea of committing the rights OF the people, and
the safety OF property, TO the rules Of arithmetic.
Pike and Cocker doubtless good authorities in
the schools; but DO most perenptoriiy DENY that
their treatises ought to be introduced and receiy.
cd here as standard-works in the science OF poll
tics. The highest skill in abstract numbers cam
not establish the position upon which alone all the
statements and deductions OF the gentlemen rest;
The correct basis Of representation is a subject of
argument and reason beyond the power of simple
hsures to determine L learned in my political
hornbook saying, which thought was admitted
10 be " as true as it is witty" and had been re-
ceiyed as an almost unquesiDned maxim, that in
political arithmetic two and two 20 not alway,
make four."-lf had entertained any previous
doubts on this point, the surprising demonstrations
oi the gentleman, must have removed them-
The extraordinary results to which he has arrv-
ed by an ingenious and ski.iul combination Of NUN
bers, have almost forced upon my mind the con.
vfction that not only in political, but in common
arithmetic, " two and two DO not always make
four" lie has, by the aid Of arithmetic, ascer-
tanned most satisfactorily e. himself, suppose that
the male non-freeholdcrs over twenty-one years
OF age DO actually constitute the majority OF this
community, and DO, indeed, sustain the greater
portion OF the burdens Of taxation The 0rgaui-
cation OF every government, said Mr.. u. is radi-
cally detective, which does not afford complete
security TO persons and property; and contain
guards against the danger Of NAL Administrations
by this rule, the truth justice of which cannot
representation equally according to white popula-
ton. If the ratio OF increase shall not diminish,
the west Is destined, in short space of time, 10
gain the ascendaDcy. Virginia will then exhi-
bit this curious political pheponeu nom One sec
ton OF the state will elect the major par, of the
representatives, and will, therefore, in factpos
SSe power TO impose burdens al pleasure, and 10
apprcs-iate the revenue without restriction; whilst
the other seStio, owning property which contsi-
butes three fourths Q, the taxes will eject mi.
nority OF the delegates, anu will, therefore be I'M
able to counterfeit schemes Of unjust taxation IL is
"a sufficient answer 10 our fears, that the proper-
~ Of the west, being subjected TO precisely the
same measure of contribution with the propertv Of
the esst,wiIl shield US from injostice If The DOW
er OF the new legislature were to extend only to
the laying and collection OF taxes and not To- the
subsequent distribution, our appreheGsions tnieht
be iulled by the reply. But grant the rrincipe so
vehemently urged upon us, and then even accord
ing to the present mode and rate Of taxation, the
portion of the people, having tie unresirained
power Of imposing all the taxes, will pay one
fourth Of them; Wills; they may, If they please,
appropriate the ctoie amount for their own benefit
J, Sir, can very we'll afford TO pay one dollar when
exact three of you, knowing that / have the
privilege secured TO inc Of disbursing the aggre-
gate al my own arbitrary discretion. In such a
CONDITION oil things, submit it 90 every candid
Jnan 10 declare u property has any sufficient protec-
ton against the temptations 10 Ubiquitous taxation
and II The expenditure Of the public money is pro.
IeTIy guarded against corrupt aud abusive prscti.
ces. Would Government with its Legislature
thus constituted correspond with the opinion de-
clared in our Bill Of Rights that that IS the hes,
form Of government" which is capable Of proluc.
ingtthe greatest degree Of happiness and safety,
and is most efeetually secured against the danger
Of nal administrations" Under our laws for f.
0ahciD purposes slaves sre sJhisc.ed - taxation.