Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1829-05-12

/,,o,I sacred principles, the plan Of Constitu-
ton having for its object now, and to the most
distant ages, the freedom, the tranquility, the
prosperity, the dignity, and the of this an
Gent and parental State.
=, The following the outlines Of the opinions
upUn the questions which have been suggested for
solution in this District. They offered with
unaffected ditiidcnce, ard with the most profound
respect for the opinions OF others who may differ
with me-and with the admission, that as they are
not the result OF very matured reflection, they
might be surrendered, in part least, upon further
examination, and after they shall be submitted to
the ordeal OF superior minds.
lst. As to the Legislative Department and topics
connected with It..
Ist. should be for considerable reduction in
the number OF the House Of Delegates--for some
modification in the form and powers OF the Sc
nate. -
I'd. For adhering TO the Freehold right OF
outrage secured by the present oIstitution-as
being the best test Of the principle, prescribed by
the Bill Of Rights, that all men having sui'I.
Gent evidence OF permanent, common interest, and
attachment to, the community, have the right Of
sufrage"--but would not oppose such nodifica-
ton or the right, ,oifhin The Influence of the prin
eipie, might have the effect to extend the pri-
vilege.
. Upon elementary principles, as "that all men are
by nature equally free s. independent and are TO
be presumed capable Of self government, who have
attained to years OF maturity, and are endowed
with an ordinary degree OF inteliigence-my mind
lust demands of the nom Freeholders, $50 respec-
table in numbers and in charactor)--fer an equal
participation in the law making power OF the Co
vernment. But, according to the formula of the
social compact, each member of il is bound 10
render portion Of his inherent rights 70 promote
the general good; and for this season and because
that policy and expediency demand the concession,
and not only because the non-ireeholders are less
liable to contribute to the support Of the Govern
ment by the payment of taxes, an OF opinion, that
the basis of the existing constitutional Limitation
should be preserved The demand for change in the
present order Of things would be refused, under
the influence of fears and doubts that it might not
prove salutary 20 the whole body polite, and
therefore, not even beneficial 10 those who make
the demand disposition 10 be liberal, wll.not
say just, is repressed by the admonitions OF evil,
strengthened by my experience OF the practical
operation OF the principle claimed in another
state-and by my observation upon different COM
monwea iths in ne Union. III err in this opin-
iop the is sngendered in feelings of patriot
Ism and is derived from the counsels of history
Sd. am opposed TO graduating the power of
Representation by the scale of free white popu-
iation; but would adopt rule, founded in mag
naninty and in justice, which would secure to
every portion of the Commonwea lth, its proper
weight in future legislation, that might be calcu-
hated to allay heart-bnrnings and local jeaouses-
but taking that no one portion Of the State,
should become tributary 10 another.
Ar to the Execuhve-l am in favor of total
or at least Of partial abolition of the council,
and OF transferring the discharge OF its duties to
other officers Of the Government.
Judicial-ls. The Judges should be held re-
sponsible indirectly 10 the people; and thereby,
the present grievances, and others that may here
after arise, be provided with effectual remedy.
But, in the application of the antdote, should
be taken, not to impair TO destroy the necessd-
gg vital principle of Judicial independence.
End. The County Court System is a necessary
domestic tribunal of justice, which deserves all
the high eulogums that have been passed upon it.
state of perfectibtiity. This System, think, can
be greatly improved, by notifications as to the
powers, duties, &c. of the Magistrates.
There should be, and doubt there will be
clause in the new Constitution Tor amend-
ments-and those amendments should be, hum
bly, think, within the sovereign power of the peo-
pie, at not very distant periods Of time; but to
commence after full and decided expression of
the public will, and to be consummated in man
ner, least calculated to disturb the public tran
Quiility.
After all have said, wish il distinctly under
stood, that am conscious that may be wrong in
many of the views I have taken-and that make
no pledges to adhere, with obstinate pertinacity,
TO these opinions hastily conceived and expressed
Sincerely wishing that the result of the election
OF Delegates for the Convention, in this District
snd throughout the State, may display the sound
Judgment Of the Independent FreehOders in the
Commonwe alth, and afford to the world another
evidence of capacity for self government, and
cur jealous love Of free Republican principles and
Institutions, am, your ob't servv't,
JOHN GAINES.
MATHEWS CoURT-HoUsE,)
April 10th, 1929.
no .ajei p. Upshur,
DEAR Strata meeting at this place, of the
Delegates from the counties Of Accomack Nor
champion, Matthews, Gloucester and Middlesex,
ON this day, to nominate four suitable persons 10
represent tho Senatorial District, composed of the
aforesaid counties, in the Convention to be held in
Richmond on the first Monday in October next,
TO form Constitution for our State,-you, with
Thomas X. Joynes Severn +. Parker, and I. X.
Yeatman. were nominated and recommended to the
good people of the District
The subscribers. by a resolution Of the meeting,
we're appointed TO inform you of the nomination
and it affords us pleasure TO announce TO you the
determination of the meeting; and to assure you,
that we reposo the highest confidence in your in
tegrity, love of country, and distinguished talents
We are requested by the meeting also to say to
you, that IL your convenience will permit il is
nv much desired, that each Of the gentlemen NOM
mated, should visit the respective Counties of the
District, during the month of May, on the Court
Day Of each County Be pleased 10 address your
Communication thro' the Richmond Enquirer and
Norfolk Beacon.
Very respectfully, your humble servants,
CARTER BRAXT0N,
JOHN X. POTTER,
VIM. III. ROY,
r. s. DABNEY,
ROBERT |. PoULSON,
THOS. BOSWELL.
IA NORTHAMPTON Co., April 81, 1920.
no Garter Brartop, John X. Pot
) ter, w. II. Roy, T. s. Dabney, : Esquires.
y II. L. Poutsor, aud II. Boswell,
}GENTLEMEN-I regret that 1 did not, until
within the last hour, receive your letter Of the
Goth inst announcing TO me the fact, that the del
egation from the several counties Of this Senaor-
al District, which recently met at Matthews
Courthouse, have nominated me, together with
Thos. r. Joynes, s. f.. Parker, and r. II. Yeat-
man, Esqrs. as suitable persons to represent the