Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1828-1831, 1829-04-22
WALLER UoLLADAY, Esq.
Spotsylvanla Courthouse.

SPoTsYLvANrA, 18th April, 1920.
GCntlemcn: Your letter of the 4th, requesting me
'to give you an outline Of the principal amendments
Which, III my opinion, the constitution of VIRGINIA re
qulrcs, D. ! have this day received.
Before %swcrin your inquiries, I deem it proper
to state, that in April, | voted against a convention, be-
cause | appreIlcnded, that the new constitution when
made might not be as good in the main, as the one
which we now have. was aware that the latter
vas not free from defects. Yet to me it seemed 10 be
IN some measure, consccrated by time, and by the We
nernblc names of those who framed it; and 7 was OF
opinion, that under 1t VIC lad enjoyed rs much tran
guilty and happiness "A had ever fallen 10 the lot Of
any people under the sun. IF occasionally we had
experienced Temporary distress, that distress, as !
thought, had not been produced by the form of our
government. Satisfied with good practical results, n
continuation OF which the experience of fifty years
had taught us to expect, | was unwilling to put them
to hazard, for the sake of any theories untried by us,
however strongly urged upon the attention of the
public, by men of acknowledged patriotism and Ia
lent.
Having made these preliminary remarks, ] will
proceed to state, rs concisely as possible, such alter
atoms in the constitution of our state as, according
to my present views, would meet my appreciation.
IL. / would be willing TO extend the right of suf
frage to persons holding leases for terms Of years, 10
such as own lessthnn twenty-five ocres Of land having
a house offxcd value upon it, aud possibly to rever-
sioneTs; though cOndour requires me TO state, | had
rather it should romsin "as exercised at present"
Cd. ] would he willing to lessen the number Of tue
iHSHlDSIS VI III IiOuSB oI representatives., so tnut
they shall not ezcecd ono hundred and fny.
Sd. j would be willing TO increase the number Of
the members Of the Senate, so that they shOll not
srceed t~hirty-six.
9TH. / would be willing 70 give TO the Senate the
power oforiginatng oil bills, except money bills.
5th. Two-thirds Of the Members Of each House
should nc required, as think, TO constitute II quorum.
9th. ] would be willing 10 cqualize the representa-
ton in both Houses of the General Assembly, so far
M IL may be practicable to do 80, making white popu-
lntion aud taxation combined the basis Of representa-.
ton.
9Th. ! would be in favor Of mixing the Judges
more responsible than they arc ut present; yet care
should be taken not to mako them too much So
This perhaps may be effected, by requiring their re-
moval on the resolution Of two-thiTds Of the nom
bers o both Houses Of the General Assembly, each
House acting on the subject in its separate and dis
tiHct character.
The Governor Of tho State, under the existing
constitution, il ht,le moro than an instrument in tho
hands If the Executive Council. Sufficient rcspon-
sibility does not rest on him. ] have therefore i'll
clined to the opinion, that some alteration ought to
be- made IN the organization Of this department Of
our government; though / have not been able TO sat
isfy my own mind what that alteration should be-.
Peforc J conclude, J deem e proper 10 remark.