Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1829-05-12

ment OF our judicial tribunals, is not perfectly
well adapted to the prompt impartial. and economi-
cal administration OF justice.-Various modifca-
tons OF the system have occurred to my mind
which seem 10 me plausble; but would not con-
ide in their solidity without further considerations
and comparison OF my own reflections with those
OF others, from whose judgment and experience l
should expect 10 be enlightened. 1t is, more
over, surely desirable, that some efficient means
should be devised, for the purpose of pre-
venting The business OF our courts from be-
ing suspended or unreasonably retarded, in conse-
quence OF the intirmity, incompetency, or neglect
oil the judges. That subject will, no doubt, re-
| ceive the grave elaboration of the Conye ntion,
and 1t is one pregnant with the serious difficulty
OF harmonizing two distinct propositions, both Of
which unquesonabiy true On the one
hand. It's manifest that public servants ought TO
be subjected to sufficient accountability, and
their comfort and advantage never preferred to the
welfare of the Community; and on the other, the
people are deeply interested in preserving the i'm
dependence oil the judiciary, which is a tower of
safety against oppression, and sometimes the only
bulwark which can resis. the assaults of faction.
hope to see this interesting subject placed by the
new constitution, upon safe and satisfactory foot
Ing but before could venture to express opin-
ion upon any particular project in regard to il,
should feel myself constrained humbly TO seek in
strnction from the political Patriarchs of our
| country.
| IL only remains for me to notice two of YOUR in
quries, invovingsmatters of reform interesting in
themselves, but comparatively of minor import
ance. You will perceive that refer 10 the sug-
gestion, that the number Of members constituting
the House of Delegates, ought to be diminished;
and to another, that the Executive Council ought
to be abolished. These propositions deserve our
attention, chiefly from regard to proper frugal
ity in the public expenditures. Astothe first,
do not perceive, as at present advised, why the
number OF delegates might not be greatly dimin-
ished, without jeopardzing the public interests;
for though it is orthodox that in the multitude of
counsellors there is safety, is certainly not he
recal, that the safety does not increase in proper
ton to the NUMERALS to the other project,
will merely remark, that the preservation of the
Executive Council has never, so far as my infor-
nation extends, been regarded, since our revolu-
} tionary struggle, as an object of much import
ance; and that although such BODY might, per-
maps, be useful, a check upon the Governor, if
he should be clothed with great power and patron
age, yet that no safeguard of the kind need be
CURED, if, in imitation of our national government
the Senate should be made to participate in the
I most important executive functions.
cannot close this letter, tho already too much
protracted, without suggesting for the reflection of
others, an enquiry, which seems to me worthy of
consideration Are not the people of Virginia too
sanguine IN their expectation Of benefits from the
t contemplated amendment of their constitution, 1t
D Is true, now that we are embarked in the enter
prize, that we ought to keep in view, as possibly
:, aitainable, all the various blessings TO which I
< have adverted, as objects TO be regarded in our
: pursuit OF perfect government. Eat is this Con-
y venton, TO which so many look forward with fond
S expectation, to shower upon US wealth, and COM
fort, and happiness: Or is it true, that in
try perfectly Tree, the sources Of prosperity lie
much deeper than he precise notifications of the
political! system; and mainly to be found in the
q genius, the character, the habits of the peope!-
n Every one, in the least acquainted with human
nature and the affairs OF life, perceves that indi-
vidual happiness is for the most part, founded up
on the practice of those great moral virtues, which
our all-wise and benehcent Creator has implanted
in the heart of man; such as industry, integrity,
$ temperance, frugality, benevoience, fortitude.-
ihese, Oh course, are the chief fountains OF en-
n joymen' Throughout the Community, which Com
= munity is made w Of individuals.
u While, therefore, we are strenuously engaged
IN reforming the body polite, wedding out abuses,
and sowing good seed for perennial harvests, may
it not be we'll Tor to consider whether we ought
u not to begin with ourselves, and reform many
things amiss in our individual inclinaons pas
srons, opinions, and practices? If some great
q Ormer, gifted by divine Providence with uncom-
j mon abilities, and distinguished for his influence
S amongst his counirymen, were TO undertake the
4 mighty task OF pouring out blessings upon his
i tive land would he not commence endeavouring
to elevate the moral character enlighten the I'M
derstandings, and refine the sentiments of his fell
iow-citiZens? 70 effect his noble purpose would
, he not resort to some extensive system of public
instruction. and abour TO establish throughout
the republic primary schools and other temples
; OF learning, where knowledge should minister at
the affairs otvirtue, kindle holy flame to umne
the paths of youth, spread before them the re rds
OF sesidenia, integrity and PATRIOTISM and teach
, them how to acquire the APPROPRIATIONS Of con-
science, the applause of mankind and the smiles
OF approving Heaven,
have the honour to be-, gentlemen, with SEN
timents OF friendly regard, your obedient humble
servant,
ynesSrs. John WGyt James Bell, P,iHiam .1fof-
felt, Saml. Hans6arger, George Eskridge, Ro-
: bert S. Brooke, and Henry J. Tdpp.
The paria!ity of my friends having placed my
name before the public person TO be voted for
to represent in Convention the District composed
OF the counties of Albemarle, Amherst, Nelson,
Fluvanna and GoochlaDd, and having been called
upon among others to declare my sentiments on
some OF the leading points insisted on by the friends
o! reform, deem it duty, owe to myself, as
we'll as to them, to avail myself of the earliest OPP
portunty, OF expressing my sentiments upon those
important and interesting points.
Ii is due TO candor and the respect owe to
those who have placed my name before the pub
lie, that should briefly state the part have &C.
ted upon in this interesting subject and the prirci
pies which VIII govern my conduct. should &c be
the pleasure Of my friends to place in the Con-
vention.
The gu bject Of Convention to revise and i'm
prove our state constitution, has been before the
legislature OF our state for number OF years:
part of that time was member, and uniformly
voted for referring it to the people. considered
1t due to its Importance and the solicitude of the
people in many parts of the State, that the sense
Of the people should be fairly ascertained, and as
legislative aid was necessary was willing 20 ex-
tend il.
When the people were called on to vote for or
against a Convention, gave my vote in the mega
tive, not that did not consider there defects
in our constitution, and that ii might he improved
in many of lite parts, but because considered the
time inau5picious, for measure of that kind. II
will be recoected that at that time the all absorb
ing question Of the presidential election was before
the people and produced a state Of excitement in