Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1829-05-12
70 ths ,E.......l..s Of Zee Ikh;..

10 Ws 4ss@!9!s 81 ice Mig.
NELSON, April cath 1900
GENTLEMEN: The Enquirer ofthe l7th rnn,s;~;.
a communication from sMany freebolders ~ E,n,.a.
20, ? YES rcceyed BY the last mail II reouests ,ha
persons by name. who have been nominated. 10 rop-
sseal ,his district IN convention, among whom
ah included, to publicly make known their senti.
inents on the following points, viz:
~ AS 10 the extention of the right of suffra ore
ton. 'o"oo'e quahnca-
Y. AS to reduction of the present number 81 rho
ttouse OF Delegates, with view to ECONOMY of time
and money. - '''i0
3 -As.A IN equal representation throughout the
State, opportionea according to white population.
q. AS to new Organizations of the Executive
branch of the government, aud for dispensing with
the Council IN part or in the whole.
5: AS to change of tenure of Office in the
'uaciary department so as to increase the respon-
sbility OF the Judges, to facilitate their am,tion
from office for sufficient cause"
iuiy recognize the right of the Voters of the Dis
triet, or any part of then to enquire into the senti
men!s OF those, who are proposed to them for
Pu6ic trusts; and although, have not sought
and unknown / am to the greater mart Of
the District, have not expected. to be chosen one
OF Its Representatives; yet, nevertheless where
possibility exists, feel it my duty to answer call
VIGOROUSLY made, which request to do through the
medium of your paper, presuminp that was the mode
contemplated by the quersts
In relation to the first question, thinking that free
government should withhold no more privileges from,
are indispensably necessary to the peace safety nu
prosperity OF Society, it is my opinion the Ripbt
OF Suffrage ought to be extended. Many of our Sis.
ter States have found the extension of that right ou
deo on mature age, previous residence and The INV
ment of taxes. compatible with high degree of pub
nc prosperity. think rule of that character mirbt
be adoptedhere &C.
Inc liouse OF Delegates, have long thought too
perhaps to one. half its present amount would in
my opinion. have the tendency of procuring an ADLER
representation, expedition in public business and n
saving OF public treasure.
My answer to the Sd question is That think rcnre
sentation throughout the State ought to he eouazed
and that white population appears TO me- as at pre
sent ADVISED, to be the proper basis. But when il is
fecolieced' how large u share of public burdens is
Dorne by the country east of the Blue Ridre that of
The immense slave popuationof Virginia nearly nine
tenths are located there; that from that source alone
larger revenue accrues to the Treasury than is paid
hy the country West of the Blue Ridge, from every
source Whatever; when it is also remembered that
tho w est Is rapidly increasing in white ponulotion
Wne the East IS nearly stationary, and that the time
Is not lar distant, when majority of white non,,a
tlon VIII be found in the West the necessity of an adj
equate constitutional security against the undue
alton OF the East, will, think be apparent
1t is subject of great difficulty and delcncv-por
am now prepared to say, what would be aieouate
constitutional security; but without wishing to ipute
improper motives any where, 1 feel it NV duty to
say, that should it be my fate to be chosen nenbo-
or the convention, would give my assent to no con-
sttutlon, which in my judgment, did not furnish to
the East Just and reasonable protection.
Nor is this District slightly interested in that ones
ton, as is exceeded in its contributions to the rea
sury' by only one other Senatorial District in the
State. " ~
With relation to the Executive branch of the Gov
eminent, the subject Of the fourth enquiry, must
frankly confess, have formed no decided opinion
Ii no more power is given to the Governor than he
now possesses, perhaps the present mode of appoint
inent with reduction in the number of the Conn
Gill; might answer well as another
rinay, .vtlr Irgortl to the Judiciary n subioct II
is pecuiariy incumbent to approach with dit.
huence, little conversant as have been with iuris
prudence, VIII venture to suggest that the respon-
sbillty of the Judges ought be increased but their
independence retained Holding their offices durinp
good behavior, but subject removal for good cause
by Joint vote of majority of both branches of the
Legislature tor some similar provision) would an
prehend, sufficiently increase their responsibtv.
without destroying the Independence essential TO a
iuithtul administration of iustce.
In conclusion permit to obscrvc that some Ia
ttude OF discretion ought to be allowed to the mem
hers OF the Convention. 1t will be vain TO on
there to deliberate, If deberation is not permitted
Should the representatives. of different portions ofthe
State assemble, irrevocably pledged to confictino
propositions public expectation must be greatly dis
appointed in the result.
am, gentlemen, yours respectfully
T.