The Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1822-1829, 1829-01-26
CONVENTION.

The anticipated difficulties in the adjustment
of the "a tho OF representation in this body, have
been fully realized Local interests spring mp
whichever way we turn, 10 Interfere with the ge-
neral good. The beautiful theory of MIR. X. w.
Leigh that IN the consideration OF questions of
State policy, local feelings and interests would
not he permitted 10 enter, has been exposed ia
all its ahsmdity. For xampie look at the
course pursued by Mr.. Terrill. of Allcghany
county, aud by members Of other small counties
IN the " esiern sect n OF the State. No can
question for moment, that the permanent in
ferests of hese counties are identified With those
of their larger neighborS--and II was upon this
sys,em of classification thai Mr Leigh built his
,hcory. Yet, because they are afraid of being
State Legislature, they do not hesitate to d,seri
their natural friends, and to unite with rhe MAJ.
arrl caemie, of the tnst.-To preserve their own
power ahd privileges unimpaired, however IN.
just aud unequal they may he. they are wiling
10 perpetuate system Misrepresentation which
has improperly given the ascendancy TO the
Eastern section oil the State, and which has re.
suited in the complete neglect of the v est. And
the argumeni by which the memhers ofthc small
Western counties justify this mistaken pol'cy,ls,
that they are acting in accordance 10 the will of
their ronsttuent.--nOt because majority of
the people of the State are in favor OF such a
plan However, there is 10 fear that such
ratio of representation W III be consented to by
the Legislature The friends Of the Convention
would themselves ma ii to the counter bill clog
ged with such aprovision.
Mr.. Mason, of Frederick, whose abe and elo'
quent speech we published in our last paper so
clearly demonstrated the improperly OF per
mtting taxation 10 be regarded al all in the aP.
mort comment Of representation, that we have a
banioned the proposition which at first appear
ed to us to be more jus, than any other which
had been offered to the House--that proposed
by Mr.. Rutherford OF Richmond (which unltes
nopula,icn and taxston As the proper basis. II
cannot, indeed, be doubted, if the claim which
some gentlemen are wild enough 10 set mp ior
slave representation be just aud adm hle, that
then this would be the only plan which could
be possibly agreed upon, For, slaves being
merely regarded by our constitution, laws aud
policy in the light oftardbe property. and not a
persons, il follows that they could not he taken
into the account al all. except on the condition
thatevery other description Of property should
be allowed like privilege. But, the idea OF
slave representation is strongly repudiated,
particulary by the Western Intends Of the Con-
yention that there is no probability such prn'
ciple will be incorporated in any bull which the
Legislature may pass.
The ONLY two other schemes which have been
proposed, and which have friends enough 10
render their adoption probable, are Senatorial
and Conere ysional District representation. In
deciding between the two, We think members
who are disposed 10 act fairly aud above board,
and who do not wish 10 defeat a measure de
man,,ed BY a large majority %. freehoiders, by
in .ir;ous means, can be ut no loss. They have
onlv 10 .xan,;ne caudidiy the comparative e.
quality OF the two aud 10 base their decision Oh
tho result OF that examination Our Own opin-
Az. Is decidedly IN iavuF Spaatoriai districts