Daily Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1828-1831, 1829-04-24
CONVENTION,

Ia y.
Mn. BRAproRD:-The foowingis letter recriv
Cd 10 answer to communication addressed 70 JOIN
Shackleford, Esq. nominated by Culpepcr mcetinc
ds their delegate 70 convention:
You will oblige me also subserve the n,,hic in
treSt by its publication; and although the opinions A
that gentleman may not coincide with those of some
In every PARTICULAR yet is believed thcv will NEE,
with countenance and support trUni numerous and
respectable party in this district.
The community at all times have riolt 10 know tbc
opinions OF candidates before hcnl more especially on
tuis occasion, momentous and critical as it is Inys
are not there to be made subject to an annual repeal
h0t constitution framed to endure pray for arcs
Hence the necessity of strict enquiry into the yevs
and sentiments Of such gentlemen TO whom the peop'e
ny delegate their highest and most honorable trust-
tire power OF prescribing the fundamental PRINCIPLES
tY witch the present and future generation NAV he
govtrncd. a CITIZEN OF FAUQUIER.
CcLprrER CouRr House, April 9Th. 1929.
Dear Sr-Gour favor Of Yesterday was poI;tcl,,
handed TO me by Capt. McRac. feel a nrate;jl sen
sIHlty for the favorable view taken of me in the conn
ty OF Fauquer by the friends Of the proposed conven
tton and for the very kind $ friendly manner in which
you have made the communication. I very readily
answer the call you have made upon nue. for nv oDjn
ION upon the various points stated in your letter and
am sorry that it Is not in my power at this time on
account OF my professional pursuits, during the ses
scn OF our Superior Court, to answer you more At
large have always been of opinion upon the creat
question Of establishing new form of government
as upon all other great and radical questions TINT tho
people should be made acquainted with the political
sentiments of those TO whom they would entrust the
iwer affecting their rights and their liberties in so
eminent degree. In no other way can they decide
upon the fitness ofthe characters who are held up to
them as candidates. 1.-THE opinions entertain should
meet their appreciation, co-incde with their views
znd they should think proper to favor me with their
confidence, will serve them to the best of my abi-
tles-such as they are.
You say that you would call my attention 1st "t5tc
spfrage qualification, or the extent to which would
81"
IN all free governments, such as those (which the
United States composed, the will of the majority
should be considered as the prevailing principle
20 not majority OF any particular class or de.
domination of men, such for instance as that of free
holders but Of the whole body OF the white male pom
ation vino have arrived at the years OF discretion
and who are not disqualified on account of such par.
tclllar causes the majority NAV OBSTINATE for the
good Of the whole community.
For myself should consider that every white male
persun aged twenty one years, who had gained le
gal residence Of one two years, in the county II
which he should offer to vote, and had paid his taxes
should have tire right Of suffrage: but as there is
starcely any general rule without an execution.
would TO this right have Limitation; would exclude
tgdm the polls according to the rule Itself allTnfants
and all those who do not pay taxes and are non-rcs
dents, and moreover, would exclude all insane per-
SINS Migrants, paupeTs and common begrars all per
spns convicted Of crimes and Of rnisdemeanors 10
winch infamous penalties by law attacied--aDd
al orcgnGrs vho have not been naturalized accord
ing 10 law According . any rule that can be csab
lshed even that Of tire freehold tenure itself which is
thought so highly ofby somo many persons Of uuwor-
my character will be admitted to the polls would
however keep the body polite pure as in the nature
ut things IT ~ capable consistent with tho rpbts a
the people, and IT in the scale have laid down. the
sphere Is enlarged for the admission of suclnerson
let u he recolccted that IL is ENLARGED aIsn in n,,cL
greater proportion for the admission of sooo NJ rio
UrDst Industrious enlightened, utcllircnt and notr,
~ classes OF the community. Jnean those who c,
tJvate the soil without Owning it, mechanics yIo ii
trough they do not cultivate the soil theusolve. ave
essentially necessary 10 those who doall those on
gsged IN mercantile transactions and in that wav con
tribute largely 70 the improvement oftho soil and e
prosperity Of the country all those benevolent md on
lightened young men Of the rising generation ,,l,a
have improved upon the ex0mplc, tho intollirenco
dnd virtue OF their anccstors-and all those t6rorv
scientific 0nd professional characters 10 whom viz
GINA ~ so greatly indebted for the stand sire has
taken amongst the States Of the Union.
2. THE Judiciary and its responsibjluv"
have always considered The Judeiafy as onn n.
the main pillars ofthe political fabric, and that 10 tho
independent exercise of It's jurisdiction we are indeb
ef for the wholesome prevalence ofthe laws and tho
Consequent maintenance Of our civil rights and bcr
t'rs ] wnuldn 4 place IL however. beyond response.
bTity- is ours is government Of laws, with Con.
stHtion AZ their head The basis, or pr airy Jaw,
would have the ministers of The law, subiec. 10 law
and for viola ron ofits njunctiOns or disregard of
J's pteceDrs ia their official capacities, | would in
erase the ac tics their punishment Iwoud have
ihe ernjnn ~ Justice kept pure and would hold them