Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1829-04-21


first to last heste to the only mode of doing all these
things, which he says "otght to be done! These
are the opinions which the Conventionsts have al
ways held and they had supposed that their advcrss-
ries held the reverse.
Let 1t not be imagined that VIC have entered into
tins examination from spirit ofcarping and cavilinr
Our object, is to put the friends of Reform on their
guard and to induce them to conde the sacred trust
ofrepresenting them in the Convention, to old advo-
Gates of Reform, rather than to ne,o converts-rnen
who opposed the Convention as long as any hope was
lett, aud have since cast their skins and come out fla
ming advocates of Reform-who by their own
confessions, were Oh opinion that reformation was
necessary, at the very moment when they were
resorng to the most desperate expedients to defeat
1T. We hope our excellent friend at whose solica-
ton we publish the letter orJudgc Daniel will find no
fault with an exhibition fthc Inconsistencies which
were evident 10 US, and which We thought il RICH, TO
point or.
Reply OF Judge Daniel, to Communication address
ed him by several gentlemen of the Lynchblrr
Senatorial District, on the subiece of the Convcn
ton:
l.xScHBURc, April IItf 1922
SIR; onr note at the 18th instant was delivered
to me Of Campbell Court-ilous on the evennr ofthe
same day 1t enclosed letter addressed to me bv
number of other gentlemen who with Yourself de
sire to present This Senatorial district as person
to DC voted for as Delegate to the approaching Con
yentlOn to amend the Constitution OF our State -
and am requested to say 'swhcthcr if elected I
stall be willing to s',rvc in the Convention?"-th
letter III conclusion adds, that as the subject of the
judiciary system viii doubt be brought before the
Convention, and as You exercise the functions Of q
high Judicial Office under the present Constitutions
your opinion OH any change in that system, as well
as upon any other important alterations Won might
approve in our fundamental laws. would be desirable
III order that they might be communicated "a the Free.
holders Of the District"
An answer has ocen DELAYED hr necessary s:tcn-
ton to other business. For the very reason that
hold the Office which is mentioned under tin, present
Constitution, should not of INV own mere motion
have offered myself Candidate for seat in the
Convention, even if thought myself as ser,iieptly
qualified by talents and experience aid in the great
work OF reform as in your kindness towards me-
you seem TO thirk;-uot because there is any lust
ground for excluding Judge more than any other
person from Joining in delberatiou upon the impor-
ant subjects which must necessarily come before the
Convention; bnt because would not voluntarily seek
to expose my actions to the inputaton OF Improper
motives. On the contrary, consider that judge
or other pcrson. considerable part of whose life
has been devoted to the study OF the Constitution and
OF the laws of the State they have been and now
are, would be very proper person to advise With as
10 the operation OF the present SYSTEM of laws and
the probable operation of onv new system which
might be proposed BIT neither ne, nor any other
person, ought 10 be trusted upon any OCCASION SO
eventfi 20 the future interest and happiness OF the
community without the almost confidence in his IN
segr'ty and patriotism we'll as in his ability.
You and The other gentlemen, whose names are
associated with yours, III the letter which have re-
celved have expressed that Cofdcnce iowa rds me-
and believing that no person will vote for me- with
ont feeling the like confidence I have no hesitation
in saying that, If elected. shall willingly ard faith
fully serve the psople in the approaching Convention
according to the best Of my abilities. I will
add without affectation that have no belief that
possess the capacity, which the partialify of some of
my friends including YOURSELF attribute to me, of
rendering extraordinary aid to the dclibera tons in
which the convention will be necessarily engaged.
Our present Constitution, with tbs system of Gov
erEmcnt which 1t prescrbcs, has been instu cd for
more than half q Century. Iii evidently the work
OF much wisdom and patriotism. have habitualiv
regarded 1t with great reverence it is associated
N my mind, with the glory and fame of our ancestors
"ho achieved the mighty decd of American indenen-
!ence, and gave liberty to world, should de-
part from any Of its preccpts witt: r7.c, ri,icancc
md cautious circumspection yet it l. M me work
7f man. never in al things perfect: made mt IN,
requiring action, and forbidding long deliberations
Tor state and condition Of things very diferon! from
the present, and Tor community which i'm many i'm
oortant respects, has changed its relations Howe
YER wise and good, therefore, ii might have been q,
It's original institution, it has ceased in Some res
poets, to be suited to the present Condition of this
generation; and in those respects, ought 10 be re-
formed.
imagine that few, if any, think that the general
principles of rights and of government asserted in the
Bill of Rights, and recognised in the present Consti
luton, ought to be abandoned 1t is new, moditi-
cation OF the practical application Of those principles
which is demanded. Many separate and individual
opinions exist as to the reforms which are neceeya
~ and as to new provisions, wish ought to be in
.roduccd. Reform, according to any ot'these opir
oIS VIII more or less aHect, the Judiciary, Execu
i've and Legislative departments Of goycrnncnt and
hat article of the present Constitution which limits
ye right Of suffrage.
With respect to the Judiciary--I should no, an
prove OF any system which would render the Judges
dependant, ia the tenure Of their Offices mon The
favour Of any man. set Of men, whatever. Few,
men haze virtue 50 nAcTLlc and integrity 81 irwin
chile as upon all occasions be superior 10 temnn
ton, and to the influence ufsclfintcrest. A motive
therefore, should be removed from the Judre which
might possibly induce him to decide one way or ann
iher' except that which the law and JUST = of each
case should prescribe But the Judge should mover