Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1829-03-27

however, 10 aiiay excitement, rather Than to pro-
duce il; TO preserve the public tranquility, rather
than to the seeds of strife. In exhibiting this
spirit of moderation and forbearance they furnish
the strongest evidence Of the patriotic motives by
which they are influenced, and give triumphant
rebuke to the aspersons of those who denouuce
the extension OF the right OF suffrage, as being
traught with the most injurious Consequences
leading inevitably 10 corruption and turbulence
IN our elections, and what's still more to be de-
prccatsd, 10 sacrifice OF the permanent interests
Of the State. This calm temper, il is fondy hoped
by this meeting, will continue to be displayed, at
least until il shall have been demonstrated that the
non freehoiers have nothing 10 expect from the
deliberations of the Convention. Impressed with
these sentiments, this meeting do Resoire,
LIST. That when Commonwealth determines
TO "change, alter abolish" its fundamental law,
every man, who, in the language and the mean
ing of our Bill Of Rights, has given evidence Of
permanen, interest in and attachment to the soil,
possesses clear and indsputable right TO a voice
in the selection Ct the agents to whom that change
is to be entrusted.
2dly. That reasonable term of residence with
in the State, enrolment among the militia, the
payment OF taxes, and the performance OF such
other duties as may be required by the laws Of
the land do furnish the most uuequivoca evidence
OF such "in,erest and attachment'-evdenc far
more satisfactory than the possession OF few acres
of ground
3dly. That, deprecating disturbance Of the
public tranquility, which would most probably be
the consequence OF an exercise Of the elective
franchise by the non-freeholders in the choice Of
delegates to the Convention, TO be held in October
next, this meeting deem it advisable that they
should refrain from going 10 The polls.
4thiy. That committee OF nine individuals
be appointed, whose duty it shall be to prepare
Memorial, to be addressed to the Convention, re-
specfully representing TO that body, the grievan-
ces to which they have so long and so patiently
submitted-and demanding, act OF sheer
justice, that their claims TO participation in the
enaction OF the laws by which they are to be GO
verued, be recognized in the Constitution which
they will be delegated to frame. And that the
with other Committees which have been or may
heretofore be appointed in other parts of the Com
monwealth, and 10 do all other acts which may
promote the object OF this meeting.
5thy. That the said Committee shall obtain
the signatures of all free white male citizens,
the age oil II years, who may be disposed To adj
vance the great object weshave in view and that
the names OF the JTeehoiders who may suhso Ne it.
shall be kept i'll separate and distinct columns
from those Of the nOn-freehO,deIS.
6thly. That DISTINGUISHED brethren in other
sections OF the Commonwealth, be earnestly re-
quested TO unite with us in this peaceable mode OF
procuring an act OF political justice.
Tihly. That il, cannot for 4 moment be-
lieve, the claims OF the non-reeholders should be
rejected by the Convention, it be recommended TO
them, Immediately after the adjournment Of that
body, to convene within their respe ctve precincts
throughout the State and to adopt in concert such
ponens what they viii in vain have demanded Of
their Justice.
On motion made and seconded, resolved, that
committee Of three he appointed to nominate the
committee contemplated in the 4th resolutions:
whereupon John d. Urquhart, II. III. Toler and
d. r. Eiiey, EsQrs. Committee appointed by
the chair, proceeded to nominate the following
gentlemen, TO wit: Albon Mcdaniel, John Han
cock. S. I. Watt, Samuel SchooliieId, Robert
Morris. ]. w. Pegram, NJ. Ii. Garland, +. +.
Bowen, and J. J. Puryis.
On motion, resolved that i. D. Urquhar.,
Richard II. Toler and d. Il, Edley, be added to
that committee.
Resolved, that the Editors throughout the Com
monwealti be requested 10 publish these proceed
ings.
J. HANCOCK, Chr'm.
S. /. WATT, Sec'ry.
PETERSBURG, March "a. AT an adjourn
ed meeting OF the citizens of Petersburg, held at
the Courthouse on Saturday March 81, Jos. Bragg,
Esq. in the Chair, and WIN. III. Macfarland Sc
cretary, j. +. May Esq. submitted the following
preamble and resolution:
This Meeting being sincerely DESTROYS to pro-
mote a salutary reform in our present Stale Con-
stitution; but anxious 10 preserve unchanged and
uninpaired the great principles which character
iZe 1t, Is disposed 10 cooperate with their fellow
citizens OF the district in tie selection of The most
competent persons as delegates in the Convention
10 effect these important purposes. 1t disciaims
all disposition TO depart from the ancient usages of
Virginia in her general elections, or To SANCTION
any appearance of dictatiOn TO any portion OF the
people. But, on the present momentous occasion,
il concurs in the recommendation which has been
made 10 appoint Committee to confer with other
committees OF the District, and TO nominate, as
candidates for the Conye .on, persons Of tried
worth and experience, anu whose view upon this
question will accord with those of the District.
RESOLVED, therefore, That this meeting will now
appoint Committee OF three persons, to meet
other Committees of the District at Amelia Court
house, on Thursday next.
The question having been put on the adoption
OF the preamble and resolution, and carried in the
affirmative, Messrs. Richard G.. Pegram, David
I. Branch and John Baker, were appointed a
committee to represent this town in the contem-
plated meeting oil Deputies at Amelia Courthouse.
JOS. BRAGG, Chairman.
VIM. MAcFARLAND, Secretary.
At meeting of the citizens of the town of Pc
tersburg, called for the purpose of considering
the propriety OF appointing deputies to meet at
Amelia Court House, and to coYler with such
other deputies, or committees, shall be, or may
have been, delegated from any OF the counties of
this Senatorial District, TO recommend hit persons
to represent them in the Convention to alter the
Constitution OF this State, Preamble and Resou-
tons were offered TO the meeting by Mr.. John T.
May, in favor Of appointing deputies, and
substitute was offered by Mr.. Robert X. Collier
cy and propriety Of the measure, the substitute
was submitted, and upon count being had il was
announced from the chair that the same was re-
jected by vote of 80 to SO. am request
ed, and BY The minority, to send you the annexed
substitute, for publication in your paper, and also
to request all editors who may publish the prean-
BILE and resolutions which were adopted by the
I is. LII.