Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1829-05-01

successful representation, may be vet so limited
as that 1t may proceed in business with facility
and despatch. and 50 as to avoid useless consump.
| ton oil time. and consequent waste Of public mo-
ney-and according 10 my present views, 1 should
he In favor OF reducing the presen number OF the
touse OF Delegates to about one-half, or fixing
the number at about one hundred, as the number
most likeiy, In my opinion, TO avoid the two ex-
tremes alluded to- mean TO speak to our pre-
sent state oil population only. 1, might be proper
TO make provision for an increase OF the number
according 10 circumstances, when our popuia-
uon may nave become considerably increased.
The third point il, az TO the equality and basis of
lrepresentation-ihat representation ought to be
equally apportioncd throughout the state, is prn.
cip'e too clear, presume to admit Of any differ
ence in opinion about il. The oniv ,iitlic,,v yv,,
be as to the mode and praciicability OF rendering
equal My opinion is. that the most suitable and
effectual plan should be devised to effect that oh.
lect and substituted for the present county system
The question to the true basis of repre- sentation
Is one, which, from the conflicting opinions re.
speeding il, would seem to be fraught with much
difficulty. 1 find there are many persons in our
state who occupy the highest ground for their la
Tents and capabli,y OF judging correctly in such
matters, WHO entertain the opinion that the true
basis OF representation is TO be ascertained in a
compound ratio OF population and taxation; and
Notwithstanding, am willing TO concede to those
persons the high reputation which they have SO
desetvedly gained for their talents and judgment,
md myself compelled, after hesto"ine on the
subject all the reflection Of which am capable, TO
differ, with them in opinion.
the proposition that representation and IA \ alton
shouid go together, or that those who pay the tax
es should lay them, il admitted to be CORE ct one
IN the abstract, or IN its general application 10
community or state. But, il certainly will not
mold good, in my opinion, in its application To the
individuals ut community, state or TO different
secuons OF The same community state, in the
way OF discrimination, or in reference as to pro-
poitions Of property owned and taxes paid. il it
be applied 10 individuals, then he who owns the
greatest amount OF property, and, of course, pays
a proportionable greater amount of taxes, should
nave his individual weight of representation in.
creased, according to the compound ratio spoken
oil; put thus the mind Of every true democrat
would, at once, recoifat, savouring too much Of
arisfocracy, and as contrary TO the genius Of our
Government. Then, let Us test the correctness
oil ITS application to different sections Of the same
community or state-and for the sake of illustra-
tion, we Will suppose, the state divided into two
equal sections as 10 territory With equal popu-
laton in each; but in the one double the
value OF the property that is contained in the other
ihen, give to the wealthy section representation
according TO this compound ratio, Whatever it may
be, Tor, indeed, confess my ignorance in not
knowing how to calculate it, and it will be en-.
tireiy obvious that the representation of the veal
my section wildly Its superior weight, be enabled
norony to overrule the Representation of the other
section on all questions of taxation or conflicting
sectional inereststs, but all other questions or
subjects OF general Legislation whatsoever, in
WhASH 'iSic arise u UiIeTenCe OF views ana
opinions between the two seetions-and would not
this in many cases go completely 10 destroy the
representation OF the less wealthy section, or make
1t a more nominal one, shadow without the SUBJ
stance? 1 think it would-Hence, therefore,
conclude that the only true and legitimate basis
OF representation, is that of white population; and
as to any jarring conflicting. interests existing
likely TO arise between the two sections by reason
oil there being larger portion Of property, in
lue, and also Of particular kind or species subject
tCtdyatOn caction than in tbe 9TH ais
to the danger OF unjust appropriations of money
raised by taxation chiefly in section to objects
within the other--these matters together with all
others OF like character which might, by posi-
bility, disturb or affect the peace and harmony of
the state; or as to which, either section should
think ii has Just cause 10 fear abuse of power on
the part Of the other, should, in my opinion, be
guarded against by special provisions to be incor-
porated with, and made part Of the social COM
pact; thereby leaving the principle of representa-
ton, according TO white population free, equal,
cred and unimpugned, as think il ought to be.
Having beenJnuch mere pTolix than intended
as to the three first points, | shall make but few
remarks as TO the remaining two-as 10 the Exec
utive Department, my opinion is, that the present
council might be dispensed with unnecessary,
and that the Executive duties might all be per-
formed by the Governor himself; or if council he
necessary, that might he constituted in some
other form at less expense.
AS TO the Judiciary Department. my opinion is
that the Judges are not at present responsible
they ought TO be-according 10 my present views,
do not know that should be opposed to their
present mode OF appointment and tenure Of office
being continued; but think that more eifectual
means ought TO be provided for their removal from
office whenever they become obnoxious to the
censure Of the community, by reason OF failure 10
render the services expected at their hands, either
wilfully. negligeny, or through inability TO dis
charge the same.
JOHN TIMBERLAKE, Jr.
In the " Enquirer" of March 2i, met with an
unexpected mention Of my name; and in the last
number which have seen of that paper, find
certain questions addressed to several persons,
among whom am named as one. In reply,
submit to the Public. with all due Difference, the
following summary Of my views:
The members of the House OF Delegates are
too numerous; but reduction upon the plan of vot-
ing by districts, is liable TO strong objection
Would it not he better to have one member sent
from each county!
presen. organized, deserve approval. Perhaps
amendment might result from iessenine the mum.
Der oil which that body is composed.
If such he the will of the majority, clearly as
certained, the Risht of Suffrage must be extend
ed1how far, | am not yet advised. This is
subject which requires very mature deiiberation.
But it is certain, that the freehold qualification OF
voters has not mainly contributed towards that
steadiness and elevation OF political character,
which Virginia has uniformly maintained?
The Executive Department is susceptible of
reform. Ought not Governor to be elected
by the People' and should he not possess quail
fed negative upon the passage Of laws as a safe
guard against entertainments on the part Of the
Lcgisla,ure'-The Council divides and lessons re-
sponsbility, while it occasions large, and per-
haps, unnecessary expense.
The Judiciary establishments defective.
The county courts, so far as they have come
under my observation, answer but imperfecty the
ends Tor which they were instituted As the Jus
tees receive no pay. some take the nriyilcpe Of