Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1829-01-24


political power Wherever the one exists, the other
is felt also. Thus reaching from the chief magis
trate OF the Union, TO the most inconsiderablc nu
nicipal officer, its discreet exercise must OF ncces
sty frequently involve principles OF action, OF a
character entirely dissimlar. in some cases,
great and difficult questions OF rational and state
policy are put at issue; whilst i'm regard 20 Others
it is mere dispute rs TO the relative capacities o
individuals for the discharge OF specific duties.
is not 10 be hoped that electors coming the polls
under the pressure of such dissimilir motives.
viii exercise their privileges discreetly as might
under different circumstances, be expected But,
we are not left to con- upon the subject. We
have complaints from numerous sources, OF the in
furious consequences that have resulted from the
practice Of choosing federal, state, and county
officers at the same uIne-a practice which pur-
sued in no other state in the Union. Many nsian-
ces may be referred TO, where the public mind has
~ town officer, whilst che subjcc; OF President OF
the U. ). wa in great degree lost sight of. AL
low me, therefore, 20 suggest Tor your cunsidera-
ton, the propriety OF amending election law.
in this particular, tar at least, 20 direct the
choice of electors OF President s. V. President 10
ne held at time different from any other election
Recent events have made so strong an impression
on the public mind, and provoked SO free discus.
sion, in relation 20 our present district system for the
choice OF electors, as 10 render any observations
from me unnecessary 90 secure your promp, atteu.
ton TO that subject.
There is another matter connected with this sub
iect, OF Il sun Er1Ner Cfl0racteT, and upon which
must ask to be INDUCED in few observations !
allude 10 the extent TO which the use of money nj
our elections, has increased within a few wears
do not mean 10 affirm. that yet direct corruption
has, TO any extent, been practised; the contra
~ hope that such has not becn the case nor Is IL
necessary that the evil should have arrived at that
height 70 require your Interpolation. The prac-
iice o! employing persons TO attend the polls for
compensation, OF placing large sums i'll tie hands
of others 10 entertain the electors and the various
other nv yyli ri, he xis,fr
vadcd, the cnpdity OF the electors strongly tempt
ed, their principles undermined, and the cleo
tive franchise, the most valuable Of all our tempo
raj privileges, brought into diSrepUte, is too well
known 10 need description. \ cannot refrain from
pressing the existence OF these practices upon your
consideration, evil OF the greatest magnitude
OF the santsry agency Of this privilege in tie pu
r1ca;ion OF our public councils, and lis indspen-
sable necessity TO the maintenance OF public iiher-
ty, no ciuxen can he insensble; and we should all
lie alive TO the obligation at upon US whose
enjoyment o! It is unlimited 10 preserve itfrom
the dangers 20 which it may any limo be expos-
ed. The allowance OF such means is giving 10
wealth superiority over virtous mediocrity, that
should excite approximations in the mind of ev-
cry real friend 20 the equal rights of man.
u the expenses oil our elections continue to IN
crease with ule rapidly that they have done
for some years past, the time will soon arrive
wfen man IN middling circumstances, however
virtuous, Will not be able 10 compete, upon any
thing like equal terms with a wealthy opponent
The evil is certainly within the reach of esisla-
ron. i.vasions OF any law that YOU may pass
will, without doubt, take place; but their range
can be greauy circunscrihed, by the discreet and
Intelligent action Of the Legislature. respectful
y submit II to you: consideration, whether law
which should impose severe and enforceable ne
mates upon Tie advance OF money by individuals
Tor any purposes connected with the election
except tie single one OF printing would not be
saiu,ary III is consequences, and is not called for
by the deep interests chat our constituents have in
the subject:
Il is u.neccy7ary 30 say chat these observations
arc not intended 20 have reference 10 any one
class OF men, more than another. If injurious
practices have existed in :is respect, il not pro-
oabie mat they have been confined 10 any deScrip-
ton Of politicians.
l transmit he n with report from AIr. Mosely,
VINO was III pursuance OF an act passed in April
last, and which will expire in May next, appoint
ca specIsi attorney 10 make certain inquiries and
perform certain ,uties in relation 10 the abduction
of william Morgan.
Oi his fate we have as yet no positive evidence;
but 1t is certain that the laws OF the state have
been violated in his person, il not the highest crime
committed. Than an act so alarming in It's char
ac,cr: so destructive OF the peace OF society and
the safely O! its members; should have made a
deep impression upon the public mind ought no,
~ surprise us il would have been an unfavora-
be indication o; the state o! our public morals and
our respect Tor he laws, had it been otherwise.
We have accordingly witnessed an excitement
upon the subject, OF great interest and extent a.
inonsst portion OF our citizens, greatly and Justly
distinguished tor their piety, industry and intel
gcnce. III would not be extraordinary if attempts
should be made 10 pervert this honest INDIGNATION
OF the people, 10 selfish and sinister purposes But
the character o! those who really feel what they
profess upon this subject. affords the best securi-
~, that the success % such unworthy schemes
ean.oi he great, or Of long duration.
u IS the duty of those to whom the people have
delegated the sacred trust of eX cutting their laws
10 see tha' no constitutional means are left
ployed, that tnay contribute exonerate the in
nocen', and satisfy the requirements of the law
ny brLngInS down judgment and punishment upon
II heads OF the guilty. Whatever portion of those
duties deyoives upon me, shall be discharged
with diligence and fidelity. IL will be for Won 10
consider whether to that end, any further Icgi,la
tion IS necessary.
An opportunity was recently presented to me,
through The polieness al the managers of the So
ciety for the reformation of juvenile delinuuents
10 Visit the house OF refuge established by that So
ciety IN The city OF New York. The public are
indebted tor Che original establishment of this in
sututon, to the benevo!ence of the association;
and 1t has subsequently,, in consequence OF its OBJ
vlous and great usefulness, and the extension of
lis operations TO the state at large, received the
patronage OF the legislature. or its salutsry aeen-
~ 10 promoting the objects Of its establishment
iheFe can he no doubt. The nature Of this com
nuDcalion viii not allow me 10 present you q !
more particular statement of its beneficial results
but they will be fully laid before you by the So
c"ty, on an application which il is their inten-
ton to make Tor your interposiiion. The nature
oi The relief to be asked, is such as VIII enable
the institution to conduct its operations with more
stability and success, without az thc MANAGERS
suppose, materially increasing the present al. !
iowance made by the state. should do inius- |
tee 10 my convictions Of duty, if failed TO re- |
commend this praseworthy establishment 10 the |
protecting care OF the legislature. Permit me |