Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1829-04-03
VIRGINIA LEGISLATURE.

DEBATE on THE CONVENTION.
Substance of Mr.. DRoa1GooLE's Speech, deli
uered IN the Senate Of Hirginia on the sub
Ject OF organizing Contention 10 dn,end
The Constitution Of The Stote.
Mr.. Dromgoole said, it had been his fixed pur-
pose not TO have obtruded himself upon the notice
Of the Senate during the discussion of the Con-
yention question; and that il was only eince the
debate had commenced this floor, that he
had felt inclined TO forego his first inclinaton.-
the magnitude OF the subject which cngrosses
our deliberation, said he. and the high RESPONSE
biiity attached on this peculiar occasion, to the
character OF a representative, have filed my mind
with perp!exing doubts as 10 the course most pro-
per 10 be adopted. Conscious, deepIy and sim
cereiy conscious, OF my total want OF Intellectual
strength TO grasp this mighty topic, and untold al
its various relations and delicate conne xions had
resolved TO content myself with voting in silence
idr The particular measure which my judgment
might prefer. 1 was not irsensible To the inii,-
ence OF an apprehension, that the weakness Of the
advocate might impair the justice of his cause;
and that my feeble effort might in some degree
deract from the strong claim OF nay constituents
10 ia!r and equitable participation in the revision
of the existing government. l found powerful
additional reason in support ofmy wish 10 remain
silent, in the consideration that it was prudent
and therefore advisable, to ALL discussion and
collision, calculated 10 enCender an uLpeasant
excitement here, which would in all probability
IN an aggravated form, infect the whole coinmu-
nifty
During the agitation o. this question in the two
branches of the Legislature doctrines have been
advanced fraught with errcr and full of mischief
leading in my humble judgment 10 an abandon
meDt OF Virginia principles; paving the way to-
loss OF the relative weight of Virginia and the
south. IN the federal governmeni;-tendin 70
destroy the sa', defences which guard the pro-
peTty OF the citizen from oncrous exactioDs; pro-
ducing gross inequality in the appcrtionment Of
taxes and representatives.; and ultimately rem
dering, fear, the tenure of a.cer,an species of
,,,zn -
ror. I have the honor, said EIr. d. 10 repre-
sent 10 this body slave. holding people; but
they are not degraded by the sergiude which
surrounds them, and which they impose on others.
no sir, they are patriotic and chvalrous and " in
tire midst o! seryiude, they keep alive the spirit
Of exalted ircsdom." To such constituents, who
have viewed my errors with indulgence, and sus-
tanned me beyond my merit, can never prove
ungrateful or unfaithful. IN my zeal TO vinjicate
their rights, my own weakness is forgotten, and (
am constrained from solemn sense CT duty to
protest against the novel and pernicious doctrine 3
which have grown out Of thi, struggle for funda-
mental reform.
The advocates of reform, said he, have referred
10 certain declarations 10 our Bill Of Rights, and
with an air OF triumph, have ad3uced them in
support Of the positions which they have assum-
ed. Repeatedly have our ears been assailed with
the sound, that call men are by nature, equally
iTte and independent" This IS an abstract truth
which no man will question. Yet, sir, the infer
ences attempted TO be deduced by gentlemen, and
the points desired 70 BIO established By tie
quotation oil The phrase, are, according to my poor
comprehension, perveTsion of its plain import
Zach man IN state OF nature is equally free and
independent; no man can naturally claim superb
GRITTY over his fellow.Tnsn. But whom society
energies from the chaos OF nature, when govern.
rnent Is instituted, when the actions of man are
subjected to the saluiary restraints Of municipal
law, and when for the common good some are in.
vested with powers which others do not possess
the natural equality Of man is then necessariI,
dcstroyed.-This dissolution Of native equality
fs eherted by voluntary association and mutus
consent. The exercise Of power under any 20
Vernment, cannot be rightfu!ly traced TO any ma
!ural claim; ii finds its origin aud sanction in Ia
express or implied assentof those who have unite
"a the formation Of The civil community. If in In
dlstribuuon of authority under The terms Of Tn
social compact, larger share is allotted 20 on
nan than to another, this constitutes no yolatio
on natural equality. II the community have es
tabhshed representative government, and If 70
me better security Of property, or from a regar
20 local convenience, smaller number Of inIabi
taais in one section Of country are permitted
slect a delegate, and larger nunber in apoth
er section enjoy similar permission, such on ar
rsrgement surely Is not inconsistent with the ma
fufai equality Of man. The assertion OF this yreai
Universal and unimpeaehed truth studs gisrinp
~ opposed, and was intended 10 stand opposed
Nrs.wf'o would impndontly claim thc au'ho.i'