Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1829-12-14
VIRGINIA CONVENTION.
MIR. MADlSON'S SPEECH.
"WEDNESDAY, Dec. 9.

WEDNESDAY, Dec. =.
Mr.. MADISON rose, and addressed the Com
mitIee 10 a speech, of which, the following is
the outline and substance;
Although the actual posture Of the subject
before the Committee, might admit full sur
vey of il, il is not my purpose in rising, 10 en-
ter into the WIDE field OF discussion which has
called forth displayed intellectual resources d
varied powers of eioquence, that any country
mig hi he proud ot-and which have witness
ed with the highest gralIieatlon. Having
been, for "A very long period withdrawn from
any participation in proceedings OF deliberaive
bodies and under other disqual &c cations now,
oil which am deeply sensible, though perhaps
less sensible than others, may perceive that
ought to be- | shall not attempt mure than a
few observations, which M suggest The views
have taken OF the subject ami wblch WI
consume but little of the time OF the commit
tee now become precious. IL is su.hcieohy
obvious that Persons aud Property are the Two
great subjects on which governments are 10
act-and THAT he rights Of persons, and the
rights of property, are the objects for the pro
ectlon Of VIII Gu government was Instituted.
These rights cannot well be separated. Inc
personal right to acquire property, winch is a
natural right, gives 10 property, when aequlF
ed, right 10 protection, AS SOCIAL rIsh''
The essence of government is powfr-and
power, lodged, as il must be III human
hands will ever he liable 10 abuse IN mon
arches, the interests and happiness OF ali may
be sacrificed 10 the caprice and passions OF a
despot: In arstocracies, the rights ana vel
fare OF the mauv may be sacrificed to the PRIDE
and cupidily OF few In republics, the great
DAGGER is, that the majority may MT saiiltIsht-
ly respect the ghis of the minority BONE
gentlemen, consulting the pun aud Gthefosi
1, Of their own minds, without adVtr'hg 10
The lessons of experience, would lind security
AGAINST the danger, in DOR socIa! feeling-in
respect for character-in the dictates OF me
monitor within IN the lat rests of individuals ;
in the aggrenate interests Of the community
But man is known 10 be- a selfish, as well as n
social being. Respect for character, though
often salutary restraint, IS but too often over
,uIed by other motives. When numbers OF
men act in body, respect for Character Is
often lest. Just in proportion AS it is necessary
10 control what is not right We all Know
thai conscience is not a sufficient safeguard
and besides, that conscience itself may De ae'
ludpd--may be mlsed by an UNCONSCIOUS o.
as into acts which an enlightened conscience
would forbid AS 10 the permanent interest," Oh
individuals in the aggregate interests OF Inc
community, and III The proVerOIal inH&im 'h"'
honesty is the best policy, present temptation
is too often found TO be an overmatch Tor those
considerations. These favorable attributes oil
the human character are all valuable, as auxI'
ia,ies-but they will not serve as SUBSTITUTE
far the coercive provisions belonging TO gov
eminent and law. They will always, IN pro
norton as they prevail, be favorable TO a nIo
administration of both-but they can never be
relied on as guaranty of the rights OF the
minority against a majority disposed to take
unjust advantage ofits power. The only Ell
fec,ual safeguard to the rights OF the minority
must be laid in sue h bass and structure o
inc government itself as may atiord, III Ger
,ain degree, directly or indirectly, defensive
authority in behalf of q minority having righ'
on its side.
To come more nearly TO the subject befor'
the Committee, viz: that peculiar feature u
our community, which calls fora peculiar d'
vision in the basis Of our government, | mea
the coloured part of our population u is az
,rebended, il the power OF the Commonwraif
shall be in the hands oil a ma ority who nav
no interest in this species of property that tror
the facility " ith which il may be oppressed o
excessive taxation, injustice may be done
;ts owners. ltwould seem, therefore, II
ca, INCORPORATE that interest into the basis
our system, it will be the most opposite and e
fe ctual secur hy that can We devised Such