Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1829-04-10

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state Of Society. Our Constitution, upon tbs
Right cf Suffrage and the power Of the Legisla-
ture. Is too vague and uncertain. The history OF
our laws will slews in some instances. that the
tuted for the supreme law OF the land. They
ought to be defined with greater precision and ac.
curaey. The fifth article Of the Constitution
prescribes, In Pafts that " two representatives e
Of West Augusta, annually, Of such men as actu-
ally rcside IN and freehoders Of the same or
duly qualified according to law"
Whether in the construction Of this part of the
Constitution, taken In connection with the 7,h Sec
lion, limited the Legislature In its action to tho
laws then in force, or to such laws as the Assem-
bly, might think il expedient 10 enact. In practice
the latter construction has sometimes prevailed
Where We have written Constitution, am for
adhering to the strict letter and meaning OF the
Instrument. and not yielding 10 that iatitudinous
construction, which may happen to suit the inter-
est or caprice Of those who are in power. and
thereby convert the Government into a Govern
ment Of discretion. fully subscribe to the doc.
trine declared in the 9Th article Of the Bin OF
Rights, " That elections Of members to serve as
representatives Of the people, in Assembly, ought
70 be free; and thatall men, having sufficient ev-
idence Of permanent common interest with, and
auachMent to, the Community, have the Right Of
Suffrage" The word permanent, used in this
menber Of the sentence, clearly indicates the
meaning attached toit, by the framcrs Of that ia
strumont: It Is that which is 6xed, lasting, dura-
bic, unchanged.
The Constitution, upon the subject OF the Right
Of Suffrage, in my opinion, is responsive TO the
Bill Of Rights. There many persons to whom
the Right Of Suffrage might be extended, without
endangering this provision Of the BIZ Of Rights,
or in the slightest degree isnpairng tho force of
the freehold Right Of Suffrage. am now, as 1
have ever been, opposed to that chimcrical and
mischiesous idea Of Universal Suffrage. Some of
our Sister States, furnish with sufficient warn
ing, to guard Us against the deIsterious effects of
Universal Suffrage, or that which approx mates
very nearly toll. They have reaped an abundant
harvest OF Bank Laws, Stay Laws, Relief Laws,
farmers Of the Country have been almost literally
ruined.
"A provision shouldbe engrafted in tho proposed
new Constitution, to provide for future amend
ments, a. time and experience might render ne
cessary.
/ will nottresPzss longer upon you. have
given very hasty and imperfect sketch of the
general outlines of the amendments, which think
tho same time, am free to confess that upon ma
tnrer reflection, and better lights being throw n
upon tho subject, should feel myself open 10 con-
viction. and should act accordingly.
In conclusion, / can only say for myself that r
have never entertained the most distant idea or
wish, to be in the proposed Convention. Being
personally an entire stranger to large portion Of
the Freeholders Of the District, I confess was
surprised, at seeing my name associated with such
distinguished individuals, who are better known. to
the District, and who have acted upon more n
lsrgcd theatre mime has been more humble
lot. have been content, for number OF years,
n snSs ~ ,h 70 represent my and
opinion, pariiaiity, and kindness, have more than
compensated me, for sacrifices which NAV have
made in other respects. have the honor to be,
Your Fellow Citizen,
LINN BANKS.
-Madison County, goth .MdHh, 1929.
N. B.-Since writing the above, have been
informed that the intelligent and highly respecta-
oie members composing fire delegation from the
several counties Of this Senatorial District, have
recommended to the Freehoiders of the District
four distinguishes Citizens TO represent them in
the proposed Convention.
Concert Of action is all-important BY division
among ourselves, men may be elected, who are
not the choice OF a majority Of the District. In
this election, plurality and not majority of
votes will govern.
Patriotism and magnaninity would say, that we
should not suffer local feelings and personal con-
add nothing o'the Gentlemen nominated, for mo
% say, in their talents, integrity and patriotism,
have the most entire and perfect confidence.
L. BANKS.
To the Editors Of the Enquirer,
Iperceiye that :" Many Freeholders 81 Louisa
County," have called upon me with others
spoken of, to represent this District, in Con-
Changes IN the State Constitution, and il elected
whether would be willing TO serve.
Hsvs always 5eos au advocate for tho cali of A
Convention to amend our State Constitution and
the defects which consider to exist some of
which have increased with time, have been full.
ly and fairly expressed byme in Louisa more IN an
once; but lest my opinions shonld be nsuude rstood
IN the District,I will state what alterations and
amendments ought to be made, in my opinion. to
our State Constitution.
will premise, that the Bill Of Rights prefixed to
our Constitution, contains principles in themselves
most excellent. and such az trust, will be
departed from in any new Constitution that NAV
be formed; but that those principles have been
lost sight OF in the Constitution, sub sequsntIy
adopted, which will now proceed 10 enumera te.
Our State Constitution was the first formed in
the Union, and preceded the Declaration of indie
pendence few days, during the heat and the
prunt OF the revolutionary contest II is not there
lore. "onderfuI, although il came from the hands
81 the best Of patriots, that It should contain de-
ferts in its details aud practical operations; nor did
fley think 1t perfect, but considered the scienc e
of Government like every thing else lin state OF
progressive improvement, and, thereto express
! ~ declared, " That majority of the community
hath an indubabIe, unalienable, and indeieasible
right, 10 reform, alter, abolish it, in such man.
ncr as shall be judged most conducive TO The pub.
Tic veal. The Legislative, Executive, and Jul
dietary departments of tho Government arc all
more or less defective. The Legislative, by far
the most efficient, and more directly responsible
to the people, is much too numerous in one branch
thereof, and the representation of the people too
Representation ought to be based upon q
Just compound ratio Of population and property -
Ours Is the most numerous, Legislative body in
the Union, with the exception Of the General
Court of Massachusetts, too unweldly for the or
binary purposes Of Legislation; the consequences
4 OF which are, proracted sessions, and about one
fourth Of Che annual rerente, absorbed in the ex
Pences Of the General Assembly. The grea,
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