Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1829-04-24
WALLER uoLLADAY, Esq.
Spotsylvania Courthouse.
SrorsyLvAs1A, 18th April. 1899

SrorsYLvAsIA, 18th April, 1929.
Gentlemen: Your letter of the 4th, requesting me
TO give you an outline of the principal amendments
which, IN my opinion, the Constitution of Virginia re-
qulrgs," l have this day received.
Betore answering your lnquiries, deem il proper
to state, that in April voted against convention be-
cause unprecedented, that the new constitution when
made, might not be as good in the main, as the one
which we now have. J was aware that the latter
was not free from defects Yet to me it seemed to be
IN some measure, consecrated by tme and by the We
ncrable names of those who framed it; and was of
OPINION, that under 1t lad enioyed as much ran
guilty and happiness as had ever fallen TO the lot of
any people under the If occasionally we had
experienced temporary distress, that distress as
Thought, had not been produced by the form of our
government. Satisfied with good practical results a
continuation OF which the experience Of fifty wears
had taught lis to expect, was unwilling to put them
to hazard for the sake of theories untred by us
however strongly urged upon the attention of the
public, by men Of acknowledged patriotism and ia
lent.
Having made these preliminary remarks, I will
proceed to state, concisey possible, such alter
atoms in the constitution Of our state as according
to my present views, would meet my appreciation.
1st would be willing TO extend the right of gllf.
fFage TO persons holding leases for terms of years to
such own lessthan twenty five acres ofand hayr
house OF fixed value upon it, and possibly to rever-
sioners; though candour requires to state had
rather 1t should remain ''0s exercised at present"
I'd: would be willing to lessen the number of the
members Of the House of Representatives. so that
they shall not erceed one hundred and fifty,
Sd. would be willing to increase the number Of
The members of the Senate, so that they shall not
erceed thirty-six.
9TH. would be willing to give to the Senate the
power oforignating all bills, except money bills.
5th. Two-thrds Of the members of each House
should ne required as think, TO constitute quorum
9Th would be willing to equaize the representa-
ton IN both Houses Of the General Assembly SO far
as 1t may be practicable to do So makiuowhte popu-
atou and taxation combined the basis of representa-
ton.
It'll would be in favor of making the Judres
more responsible than they are at present; yet care
should be taken not to make them too much so.-
This perhaps may be effected, by requiring their re-
moval on the resolution of two-thrds of the mem
6ers ofboth Houses Of the General Assembly, each
House acting on the subject in its separate and dis
tnct character.
The Governor Of the State, under the existing
constitution is little than an instrument in the
hands Of the Executive Council. Sufficient respon-
sbility does not rest on him. I have therefore in
c1ned to the opinion, that some alteration ought to
be made IN the organization Of this department Of
our government; though have not been able TO sat-
lsy my own mind what that alteration should be-
Before | conclude, deem it proper to remark
thatno member ofthe convention, as think should
he strictly bound to any particular plan Of reform
Coming from different parts of the commonwealth,
ana representing different and apparently opposite