Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1828-1831, 1829-11-19

-...-c ...-- - ..--..- 0.-io-i .lo},,..l,
pc or representation, deserving the name of
principle, has ever been acted on. We are assem-
bled here 10 declare what the principle OF representa-
tlv;l ought to De, a'.! shall be, i'll all :c - come.
The question what is tins; true principle, is one
1hch hay. heretofo discussed and shall not nov,
touch. The gentleman from Norfolk saws tina. the
true principle by which, regulate the aDportion-
rnent OF political power is he representation of all
the different interests OF society interests Tie
Bill of Rights declares, that the true prncpe is the
equal representation Of tie people am content 20 rest
the question ON the relative weight of the two an
thorilles.
NOTES
Sec See S sns siac: at LsTse vol pase 10
80 See ilennG's Statutes a, Large, vol /, page 25S
90 See heninss Statutes at Large, vol J. pages ala, 42
81 See Henipss Statutes Large, vol. ?, page 90
Mr. LEIGH said that reference having been made
TO Colonial Government, to disprove the statement of
the gentleman from Norfolk, ne would read an ex.
tract from the history of that government for the
accuracy of which he would vouch as he took treat
pains to ascertain facts. Mr. LKIGH then read note
which Is appended TO the Revised Code in Henng's
Statutes, p 49, 1t appeared he said, that Bacon
rebel, was the first who adopedthe notion OF uni
versal suffrage in the country, and that he had it
from the soldiers Of Cromwes army.
He stated that the substance Of the note which
nc had read was confirmed in its accuracy by the
late Judge Roane, and SAID few words as to the
manner of dividing the State into Plantations dis
trcts and hundreds, all founded on that prinipc
OF interest which the gentleman from Norfolk had
U.
could be no doubt that 1t the principle
Again, he stated that the College Of William and
Mary was allowed a representative until the com
mencement OF the revolution 1t was represented
IN the Convention of 775. WHY was this hut that
the principle of the interests oderent branches was
acted on III the apportionmcnt of Representations
Here was representa- ion OF the learning of his
College, which had been until lately most useful
institution and he hoped might bee iine so again.
He considered that the gcnticman from Norfolk had
been fully sustained in his statements and views.
Mr. COOKE S3iI that he had not learned The con
6utona history of Virginia from the notes IN the Re
Tiscd Code but from the documentary and legislative
records set forth ut length in Uonings Statutes al
largo" am nevertheless thankful. said he To the
gentleman from Chesterfield, tNr. Lcgh.) for read
ing the long aud elaborate note from tho Revised
Code which has refreshed my recollection of sundry
particulars which prctcrmtted in the sketch that
gave oil the history of representation in Virginia, be-
cause did not consider them precisely 'germanelo
the matter under consideration. | am vet 10 learn
however, III what point particular have misstatcd
the HISTORICAL facts which undertook state said,
apo repeat, thot the ordinance of 1921 recognized
fho rec "nhdoHdnt5' Of the colony as the basis q
Tcpresen'atlon-and have heard notbinr inconsist.
cut with that statement IN tho history that has been
read by The gentleman from Chostcr6cld
thank him, however, for calling the attention 81
the Committee TO The history Of suffrage I'm Vroinia
as think ttGt history rcplctc with valuable and in
terestlng iacts The learned gentleman. Sir Inns Won
tured to say this Committee that the idea of univcr
sal Suffrage was never heard Of in Virginia ill il was
started ia England by those crazy enthusto ,tics
the "Ggiiaors," the time of Cromwell; and thai
was through them introduced into the COLONY. I
confess tina; heard this statement made with no
small surprise.
What is the meaning, Sir, the phrase "universoI
suRrage as commonly used and understood by nclli.
gent mem Does IT mean right Of suffrage belonging
80, q exercised by, all the ALT the women 81 all The
ldren of community? Such an absurdity never
W. So!into the head-evcn oi "a reforHer." howe