Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1829-11-10


not understand him to impeach motires; and as
sure him 10 not question his, those oil any other en-
eman. This Is vital q'ieson; and must all be in
dulged with perfect freedom in debate.
Sir, we the people Of the East demand Of our fellow
citizens Of the West the same principle Of representa-
ton for the security Of property, which the South
States OF the Norhe IN md these cor c..d
in framing the Federal Government Look to the expert
snce OF the Federal Governments and IL will be fonnd
hat The representation apo toned TO the Southern STATE
n's not been more than adequate to the security cf
heirincrcsts--no, not adequate gigantic system OF
protecting duties is proposedthe Southern States in
vain excai against its partial and oppressive operation
in vain deprccate, demonstrate, struggle-a bare
majority hesitates not to impose the tariff. OF the
conshutionaiity OF that system of measures-of its
policy, considered by itself, with n view to po-
cal economy shall give opinion now: all l
have to say, Is, that in government constituted like
ours never can be wise to persist in sny system Of
measures against which large portion of the nation
Tho II he minority, separated from the rest nv geo.
graphical and political divisions, and by political inter
es too, FAR the proposed are concerned
raises its united voice. In my poor opinion, every
commercial operation OF the Federal Gorer nme nj
since attained to manhood, has been detrimental to the
southern, Atlantic, slave holding, planting states In 1900
we had great West India and nourishing Eurorr an
raie-We imported for Ives. and for good part of
NCso'ina perhaps Of Tennessec-whereis all that trade
now annihilated--Where is the capital which carried
II on! gone Sir. have not an adequate representa-
lion in the Federal Government. And az to that which
We have have heard. one gentleman doubt the wis
dom and justice OF the principle which rave il to
the gentleman from Abemarie. Mr.. GORDON explain.
ed-he thought he had said that wise Statesmen might
III
the gentleman does not doubt him.e have only TO ask
hts attention 10 another aon SUPPOSE the
aue OF t. state reformed and based upon white pop
ulanon; me lime comes Tor making appor TONNE
oil our representation in Congress; the West inss
that too shall be apporioned according TO while popu
laon; the Ioudoun district Joins the West as il doc.
now and Albemare. in its Zeal for the rights OF man,
fogets her old love absnous State Righ,s-then .hal
we see Virginia. like Kentucky, hi,ched to the car of
the Federal Government for Internal Improvement and
prote citing duties.
Mr. LrIc II. being fa,igued, here gave the floor to
Mr. Powell.
On the motion OF Mr. Powell who EXPRESSED
wish that the Committee would ri-e in order TO allow
the gentleman from Chesterfield another dsy to Con-
eude his remarks, the Committee and reported
progress
| The Convention then adjourned till tomorrow at IL
| o'clock.
Chr. Legh's Speech concluded n ourn ert)
SKETCH Of latest PROCEEDINGS
| SATURDAY, Nov. 7.
| - me Convention was opened with prayers by the
Kew. Mr. Lee OF the Episcopal Cburch-and the Presi.
The President laid before the Convention letter
from Robert b. Taylor, Esq "a Delegate from the Nor.
| folk Distrct.) which read as follows:
SiR-Many of my constituents have instructed me
10 support the proposed plan Of apporonng representa-
ton, with regard TO white population and taxation
bine i and have believe that large MAORI
ty OF the people of my district in the desire ex
pressed in those instructions
1t is due to myself 10 prevent all misrepresentation
J oil my Official conduct. elected this body,
with the full knowledge Of my constituents, that la
vored reforms in the existing Cons tuition. came
here untrammelled by instructions; and restrained by
no pledges am unfortunate, indeed, in This, that my
opinions do not harmonic with those Of my consttu
EMS hut have disappointed expectation; violated no
engagemen betrayed no trust.
Having always believed, and maintained, that the
value OF representative government mainly depends
the principle, tina, representation is only mean where
by The deliberate will of the constituent body to
expressed and efsctuated act Of mine shall ever
impair the principle. Had my constituents instructed
ME on some matter Of mere expectancy; required
me TO perform any thing which possible; it would
al
submission, would give effect their opinions, rah
er than my own But they ask what is impossible They
require me to violate my conscience and the sentme
oil hlial devotion, which owe to my country.
Believing, as onscientiousy do that the measure
am instructed to support j. hostile TO free institutional
destructive 10 equality Of right among citizens, and
in'roducve OF principle, that minority, account
OF superior wealth, shall rule the majority Of the quail
he'd voters Of the State 1 should he guilty Of moral
treason against the liberty OF my native Iand i( allow
ed myself to he the instrument by which this mischief
is Gefected In this state of mind by executing the
wishes OF my constituents, should Justly subject my
sell to their reproaches for my bssene.s and to the
more insuilerahlc reproaches of my conscience
One mode only remains to reconcile my duties to my
Constituents, TO the higher and sacred daties
owe to myself. and my country. 1t is to resign the
Office, which they conferred upon me; and thereby TO
enable my colleagues select successor, who more
fortunate than am, may give effect TO their wishes;
without violating any sentiment OF private and public
duty.
Allow 10 ask tina. this letter may have place. on
your Journal Forgive the feeling, which prompts this
request If any eye shall hereafter read my humble
name, wish that the same page which records my
renent from service, may also record the motives
(mistakcn perhaps but not unworthy0 which OCCASION
ed it,
leave the Convention, sir, with sentiment, of
profound respect, and vencraton for the virtue and
lent, which Cnnoble and adorn it,. My heart will still
attend your counses and shall supplicatc
the Almighty, that he may inspire and direct Them
that Virginia may be regenerated united free and hap
Ply. have the the honor TO be- your obedicnt servant
| ROBERT B. TAYLOR.
| JAMES MONROE ESQ.
prr,ideuf or tn, C0nrenfion
On Mr.. Mercets motion, the letter Of Gen. Taylor
was laid on the table.
| MIR. G,ig.by, of the Borough of Norfolk has been
serve in the pacs Of Robert Il. Taylor, Egg: resigned
The standing order having been read The Cow enton
resolved Itself into Committee Of the Whole the
Constitution. Mr.Powe in tiio Chair.
Mcssrs Scott and Green made explanations in
relation to the remarks presented by Mr.. Moore Of
kockhriige on Friday, the improvement OF the
James River.
Delegates, 10 shew that various occasions members
rom the region Of country below the Ridge in the
Valley hal voted with the West for objects Internal
Improvement, even when their own country was not
| specially Interested.
Mr.. Green detailed the circumstances Of the COM
promise, by which The embers from the lower coun.
Try were induced TO consent 10 larger appropriation
| Tor the James River improvements than they would
otherwise have done, in consequence of stipulation
in the act for that object, that the tolls should be
raised until the rate Of transportation lowered.
MIR. Moore explained on the subject; showing
That he had voted for Internal Improvements which
were on the West East Of the mountains. He dis
claimed all sectional feelings, however other gentlemen
might entertain them.