Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1829-04-21

arc my present impressions upon the subject OF
change in our constitution, there may possibly be
others, not now occurring TO me, which, il propos-
ed, siight he willing to vote for: ana that I
should, If elected, reserve 10 myself the right,
unless, indeed, should be Instructed upon, any
particular point, to avail myself of all the lyhts
which might be struck out, by the collision OF ar
gument, and the interchange OF ideas, and to
change an opinion which may Rows entertain, IL
should become thoroughly convinced tina, Il
was erroneous; and also TO ucquesce in any reason
able modification Of the principles on which
should act, though might not deem it the best;
for Ills obvious, thai II each member Of the Con.
venon, were TO adhere iui,e xibly to his own pre-
conceived opinions, they could no more terminate
IN any harmonious result than two bodies occu-
plying different places. could be brought into con-
tact, without either being removed.
Yours respectfully, p. p. BARBOUR.
TIE The Editors of the Enquirer.
GENrLEMEN-In the number OF those who
have been proposed 10 the public as suitable per-
sons to be voted Tor, Representatives Of this
district, III the Convention which is to assemble in
October next, my name has been announced in
tine Newspapers; and some Of my fellow cizens
nave expressed desire, thati should make known
the opinions entertained by me, upon the subjects
which will occupy the attention of that Body
Every eiectorh has an undoubted right TO full and
open development of the sentiments and views of
any Individual. Go whom X may be expected, that
nisinterests are TO DO in any conli1ed: and
The exercise oil thin right, at NIL times justliabie,
iutEis particular attention, when the representa-
i've 10 he called upon, TO be engaged in the inn
portant duty of proposing alterations in the fnda-
mental laws of the Statc.-Born and nurt,ired in
this District, with interests and feelings common
to the great mass of the people with whom have
been raised, have no motive 10 withhold from nv
CouDtrymen, any of my opinions or wishes in re-
taiion 10 matters connected with the welfare of
Virginia. But, whilst proceed freely and frank
iy to answer their inquiries, hope tina. may not
he understood as manifesting an undue so,ici.ude
become v'.,nh tuh a,,1
responsible nature OF the trust, the deep interest
which feel in the subjects, upon which the Con-
ven,ion viii deliberate, have inspired me with
sincere and honest desire, 10 see that trust and that
interest, committed to ADLER and safer hands than
mine.-At the same time, l am sensible that no
Citizen is at liberty to shrink, upon such an occa-
sion, from the performance of duty, to which he
may be Thought competent by others; and there
lore, should The District think proper to elect me,
shall repair with aiacrity tothe most assigned me-
resretting that Ito rot possess greater strength,
but prepared and disposed TO exert all that do
possess, IN sustaining its interests. No member
oil The convention can reasonably expect, that his
own particular plan of amendments and altera-
tons, in the Constitution OF the State, will meet
the appreciation OF all. or even majority of those
VINO may be associated with him. Each must
yield much oil what he prefers himself, TO that
which is preferred BY his fellow members, or no.
thing will be agreed upon. In setting forth, there
lore, the particular amendments and alterations to
which am now disposed to assent, would not
WISH W bc uHutISNOnu as DlnClng myself TO dG-
here TO them literally. The general principles 10
which shall advert, would never consent 10
surrender; but in settling any particular modica-
ton of those principles, should desire to have
the privilege OF proti,ing by the lights which
might he afforded by discussion and by association
with those deputed to serve with ME.
Ii may be proper to premise, before | proceed
to specify the amendments TO which would now
agree, that as member Of the Legislature and as
private citizen, l have uniformly voted against
a COnVentIDn OF tna tarI
ing TO that purpose. In looking back upon the
history OF my native State, and Of the American
coniederacy, saw nothing TO induce me to con-
slider Virginia behind her Sister States, either in
the ardour oil her devotion to republican princi-
pies, or in the republican character of her States
MEN; and having lived happily under her present
government was not disposed, for slight causes
to disturb the order established by her ancient and
venerable institutions. Alibo' did not consider
her Constitution fanltless thought saw i'm those
who were most clarnorous for its alteration, spi-
rit OF innovation. which, when reinforced by the
Struggle Tor political power, in different portions
oil fhe State, would call into action all the passions
OF our nature; and when thus excited, was not
certain, (howcver patriotic our intentions might
be- that we should stop at the point of temperate
reform thought it better, therefore, +" 10 bear
those Ills we had, than ily TO others that we
knew not OFFS large majority OF the Com,nn-
nifty, however, has decided that it is necessary to
go into Convention. and in their determination no
man IS more ready than / am TO acguiesce; but
IN taking this step, animated by the same feelings
winch nave heretofore cherished. nv disposition
VIII be rather TO improve aud repair than 70 over
turn and destroy, the temple OF liberty in which
have so long worshipped.
Our ioTeiaihers, in arranging the powers Of the
government, have thought it wise 10 separate and
divide them into three distinct depar,,nents-,he
Legislative, Executive and Judicial. The princ;-
pie which caused this arrangement is i'm INV i,,,jg
inenf, Just and ought not 20 be disturbed. But in
eacn OF these departments, there are alterations
which time and experience have sewn TO be ne
cessary, and which, think. it would be proper to
make. In the Legislative Department consider
me tiouse oi Delegates too numerous. Ii is so
unwieidy as TO re;ard, instead OF facilitating the
business OF legislation. and draws from the Treasu-
~ an undue portion Of the public contributions
It's numbers ought TO be diminished. Experience
mas proved, that unnecessary delay is produced by
refusing to the other branch of the same depart
ment, the powerof originating anv measure what
ever. In a State so large as Virginia, having 90
many and such various interests 10 protect n more
numerous representation in this latter branch of
the Legislature, seems TO me 10 be necessary: and
when thus re-nr ganized, do not at this time per.
ceive any objection TO invest it with legislative
powers, equal to those of the other branch except
IN the oTigination Of money bills.
IN the Executive Department, would lop Off
the whole Executive Council, retaining only the
Offices OF Governor and Lieutenant Governor; and
unless greater power than he now possesses
should be conferred upon the Chief Magistrate.
the propriety oil which | doubt, should have no
objection 10 his being chosen by the Legislature
as he IS at present. In regard to the Judicial De-
partment, my opinion is, that the Judges should
be independent and responsible. ! am utterly OPP
posed 10 an elective Judiciary Connected 40 IL
this Department with all the ordinary concerns Of
life, 1t Is necessary TO its utility, not only that lis
decisions should be impartial, bat that they should
be beheUed to be impartial. lis ministers should
ne placed, as far as practicable, beyond the reach