Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1829-04-21
TO THE Eprroas OF TIE wurc

Messrs. Editors:-IIavnp sesn nhii...;o,, -
Petr oi tne so INST, recommending me to the
honcireeiolders of this Senatorial District to be v6
ted for as member of the convention which iu =,
meet III October next, for the purpose of amend;nc.
me OLD or forming new constitution I think II re
cessary Tor me to make my opinions known mon ,h
Subject lest my principles may he mistaken by
1t Is nay opinion the last Legislature, had mn ,-;,
or authority to pass law upon the subject of con-
Ventlon-the constitution makes NO provision for t
amendment, and as the people had determined to al
ter the Old, or form one the only nover Tho
Legislature possessed, was to recommend su. ,nC,
sures to carry the will of the people into effect no
they thought most conducive to the public veal and
tEe mode recommended, ought not to have infringed
the principles of the bill Of rights.
1t must be manifest to aH that the state of V;roi
MA belongs to those who hold the sol--the goye9n
ment Is now IN their hands, and there hope IL will
remain out would notwithstanding, extend the right
OF Suffrage to all free white male citizens over ff,,
age OF twenty one years, who have not been nuiltg
OF some infamous crime and who have resided two
years in the county where they tender their vote
ano pald their state and county taxes--I would ex-
tend TO them, this right because am of opinion tho
foundation of all free govei nments oupht to no hid
IN the affections of the people: withhold the ri1bt
and there will always be dscord and contenfion -
Inc welfare OF the people Of this State, depends
more upon agriculture than upon any other branch F
industry, because all others are more or less denon
emf upon 1t for support. would therefore exclude
nonroeholders from being elected to either House e
Ihe uehcra Assembly, or to the Congress of the IL
states The best security the land. holders can have
u.s. that the interest OF the representative Ehond be
Identified with his own, and take it for granted tbe
non-freeholders would not have that fslIov-f
Tor the land hoders, to ensure faithful rnpreot
ton to the landed interestI should therefore no mn
willing for any person to be elected represenfst;n
unless be were qualified agreaby to the present law
l am in favor of dispensing with the Exocntivo
Council, but would provide Lieut.. Governor 10 nct
when the Governor is incapacitated and make tho
Attorney General and the Auditor of public accounts
the Cabinet Council of the Governor
am also in favor of amending the i,,dieal svsfeyn.
think the Judges and magistrates have too roncb
power, they are IN some cases placed beyond the
reat' OF Iaw-contempt Of court, should be defined
and embraced IN the constitution, that the peonle
may Know what 1T is-under exstingfcircurnstapcss
he liberty ofthe citizen, is at the mercy Off cantio
ludge, or an overlooking magistrate-when men
nave power, they may abuse it, | therefore. tbnL
they ought to be placed under Constitutional Tes'
tralnt, and made responsible.
nave objections to that part Of the cons,;tnt;ar
vesting the judges ofthe court OF appeals with poc
TO try the Judges of the general courtif iudc arc
guhty OF rDal-feasance IN Office, they ought IN bo
urea by the representatives of the people, from whom
tney receive their appointment.
mere arc other defects that reouire anoendr,.nt
ject. Rios Sp'p pr 1r9 SUD-
Ias'ev County, .9prft 12,F,