Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1829-04-14

TO reehoiu suliraSe now seems to me, that here
any where is to be found the meaning Of the much
abused names liberty and equality and that the legis
lature might have recognized t-meanng lin society
the liberty of doing whatever can be done without in
Jury to others-and equality in law; what is tanta-
mount equality in right. 1ad this feature been en-
grated on the bill, it would have aun,red fayoura-
bly, to the rights of freeholders and would have
presented to the convention in characters too terrible
to he misunderstood, the sentiments ofthat honorable
body ON this interesting question, nor would such
hint from tat source have failed in produc,pr the
most desirable results.
end, As to the basis which our future reoresen-
tation IN the General Assembly is to be scaled or ap
portioned, l have as little hesitation in DECLARING INV
decided and perhaps unaltcrabe opinion that the free
white population is the only equal and lust standard
by which it can be scaled. VIII eastern brethren
take into estimate our large stocks Of horses and
mules, ocks andherds, in word the cattle that
range and browse on thantcn thousand hills
to the west and give them their proper weight i'm this
question: When they do, claim for representation
for any portion OF their slaves will with better
grace True, they are human beings and who are
our non frccholding brethren? The members of our
families our neighbors our sons, the husbands of our
daughters, very bone OF our bone and flesh of orr
aesh-are they less than human beingse-u make
no comparisons) yet they have no representation
but it is equally true they property even person
al property frequently attached to and passing with
the freehold, and too frequently, Try to say it.
treated as beasts of burde,-Bu flbear, you ask
cd my opinions, not my reasons for them.
Having thus explicitly answered your specific en-
quiries, permit me to add u few remarks on passing
occurrences, going still further to dcveiope my
views-l have discovered m some of our public nriuts
an attempt 10 close the DOORS and strike from the rolls
othonour. certain descriptions of men, in the cornmu
n!ty-e. e. the Judiciary. Can this course he cor
rect-in an undertaking which involves the interest
OF every individual IN the State, to black Jcu anv
,nin or set of men i'll the community by mark more
intolerable than that imposed upon the fratrici6c
Cam OF old! But what is to be thought of the ,oicy
OF measure, excluding from the counsels of the
nation at this all important crisis the mass ofinteii
gence, patriotism aud virtue, recognized by all who
know them Ill the Judiciary of Virginia. will
not consider me the apOogist eulogist of the Ju-
dlcary--lt needs neither. My remarks (murats mt
tands) making proper DETERMINATIONS, will apply to
every class or description of people i'll the common
wealth, and L do most religiousy believe, that no
such number of any description of men, will be
able to make its way into that venerable body as to
give just grounds ofapprehenson to any other class
whatever may be their wishes.
certainly am for no half way measures; the people
have called for reform-let it be complete and extend
to every department of the government capable of it.
Let the augean stables of each deparement be swept
and cleanscd from ali impurities without regurd the
time, manner, of their accumulation: let all
excrescences be Topped off, they weaken and deform
the body polite no less than the natural BODY.
/ Let the responsibility OF judges be increased,
without invading their independence. Examples yet
'ln the tnl tide of successful experiment" after the
lapse OF thirty years. wanting in some of our
sister states AS to the county COURTS rot pos
slble, having properly jurisdiction i'll all cases. either
IN law or equity not otherwise specially provided fer,
! originating ID social or commercial intercourse that
even III this domestic tribunal so admirably calculated
tor the safe, convenient and speedy administration OF
justice, to which Virginia so much towards the
maintenance OF peace and good order in socety-nay,
owes more, Il speak with profoned respect than to
any, or to all other branches of the udicary--may
yet be found when brought the test of wisdom and
the experience under this consttution of more than
nifty years, within the reach of salutary reform and
indispensable amendment. Is there any man or set
! OF men" attached to this important branch of our
jurisprudence entitled to exclusive or separate emoI
unents, or privileges from the community, and not
IN consideration of public services" Seated like
warts or wens the body polite, adhernc like
ieeces, sucking its very hearts blood the still bad
ges OF our former vassaage handed down from father
10 son, and although not strictly hereditary, nearly
approaches Its the ncunbents intrenching themselves
under the great antiquity and uninterrupted posses
sion OF their privileges if such men there are, and
who can doubt it? ask no prescription 10 disdual-
hcatlor-a!l ask IS the liberty of withholding my
support, when they ask for honors additional
privileges l, for one not satisfied with the con-
ISOLATION sometimes resorted to, ''that if man can do
| no good, he .r0W do no HARM" and must believe
these petitions, "leaG not into temptation but de-
lper us from evil recommended by the union of per
feet wisdom and perfect benevoence to the practical
and daily observance of the greatest and wsest OF
men, were kindly intended to warn them of danger
and the ratIes of human nature in all contests h.
twiXt duty ard interest.
AS far observation extends there has bean no uniform
plan adopted through the State, of nominating members the
with slight variations probably could be that would meet
with general appreciation, escape strong rel founded
objections that which has been partially adopted dis
cts by sending equal number from each county meet
and select the Candidates, obviously liable objections;
gives equal weight in the nomination the largest
county III the State should they fall into the dsc and
this giving up all for which But what more
does it do' actually the election from people,
and gives to the of management and intrigue may
VINO will play OFF against each oher may
subeSve their own interest or that of their avore aud this
has been uniformly the since the passage the general
ticket law and the adoption Of friend nseparabe COM
panlon the caucus system have been opposed 10
caucussng and would prefer other honorable method of
presenting two three of the prominent characters in
each county to the people of the district would then be
dfcu matterto obtain such information of the pretenons
and standing of the several candidates. would ensure pr
dent choce thus informed the people their sovereign capa
CITY, would approach the polls free contamination or
improper influence the air. and irresistible the tornado
an told and believe correctly that number Of the free
holders and citizens Of Bath their last March court formed