Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1829-04-10

complain? 1t may &c replied, perhaps, that slaves
are not included in the estimate OF representatives
in any OF the states possessing them. They nei.
Their vote themselves, nor increase the votes Of
their masters. Upon what principle then, ought
they to be taken into the federal estimate Of rep-
resertaon! In rejecting them altogether, the
! constitution would, in this respect, have followed
! the very laws which have been appealed to as
the proper guide. This objection is repealed by
. a single observation. tits a fundamental princi-
pie Of the proposed constitution, that the sggrc-
gate number OF representatives. allotted 20 the
several states is to be determined by federal
rule founded ON the aggregate number Of inhab
itants; the right Of choosing this allotted
Der in each state, is TO be exercised by such part
Of the inhabitants the state itself may designate.
The qualifications on which the right Of suffrage
depend, not perhaps the in any two states.
In some OF the states, the difference is very
material. In every state, certain proportion OF
inhabitants are deprived OF this right by the
constitution OF the state. who will be included in
'the census by which the federal constitution ap-
portions the representatives. In this point Of
view, the southern states might retort the COM
plant, by insisting, that the principle laid down by
the convention required that no regard should be
had to the policy OF particular states towards their
own inhabitants; and consequently, that the slaves
IS Inhabitants, should have been admitted into the
census according to their full nuinber,in like man
ner with other inhabitants, who, by the policy O
other statesare not admitted TO all the rights OF CHI
zens. rigorous adherence, however, to this
principle, is waived by those who would be gain
ers by it. All that they ask is, that equal modera-
ton be shown on the other side. Let the case Of
the slaves be considered, as it is in truth, pecu
liar one Let the compromising cxpedient Of the
Constitution be mutually adopted, which regards
them as inhabitants, but as debascd by servi,ude,
below the equal level of free inhabitants, which
regards the Stare as Invested of two-i!ths
Of the man. After ALL may not another
ground be taken, on which this article of the Con-
stitution viii admit of still more ready defencei
We have hitherto proceeded on the idea, that re-
presentation related to persons only, and not at all
to property. But is it just idea? Government is
than of the persons Of individuals. The one, as
we'll as the other, therefore, may be considered as
represented by those who are charged with the
government Upon this principle is, that in Sc
veral OF the states, and particularly in the State Of
New York, one branch Of the government is in
tended more especially to be the guardian of pro-
rerty, and is accordingly elected by that part Of
the society, which is most interested in this object
OF government In the federal Constitution, this
policy does not prevail. The rights of property
are committed into the same hands, with the per-
sonai rghts.-Some attention ought, therefore, to
be paid TO property, in the choice of those hands,
II had been my most unfeigned wish, said Mr..
D. ito avcid.the discussion Of questions here which
moro properly belong TO the approaching Conven-
ton. 1t was most ardently desired by me, that
the ordinary legislature should not undertake TO
establish tho basis of representation for the new
government; and by hasty and prejudicial de-
eision, attempt TO impose rule of action on those
who may be selected to frame il. But, sir, the
pertinacious and untiring effort, which has been
used, from the commencement of the discussion
OF this subject, in the other branch OF The Iegis-
ature, up TO the present time, 10 enforce and main.
tain the opinion, that white population is the only
true basis of representation, has reduced us to
selection between the alternatives of silent acoui-
essence, Or resistance by argument. To avoid the
former imputaton, have ventured freely to ex-
press my Observation-Disclosures to embark in this
debate, have nevertheless deemed it my duty,
not to permit the principles OF my adversares 70
pass uncontroveried. Tie views which have
presented, in opposition TO others, are not pretend
ed TO be inla'lib'y correct, is it desired that
they should be acknowledged and incorporated in
the bill TO organize Convention. If the Senate
is awakened TO the vital Importance Of this subject
and convinced of the iinpolicy of attempting to
rammel the proceedings of the Convention by
previous legislative divisions my Objects fully at
tanned.
In accordance with this idea, shall give nv
vote for so much OF the amendment proposed by
the gentleman from Orange, (Mr. Dade,) as pro-
bers from each senatorial district as now establish
ed by law. This plan, do sincerely believe will
bring together body of able and Impartial men,
who will fairly and honestly examine these con.
tested opinions concerning the ratio of representa-
lion, and in their decision will be actuated by the
patriotic desire Of rendering equal justice every
part OF the community. This plan receives my
support also, because its adoption cannot be con-
strued into preference, by the legislature, of any
one proposed system OF representation. The bill
Of lsl6'I7, equalizing the senatorial districts,
am aware, has been confidently produced to prove
that the principle OF white population has been
coded by the General Assembly. Ii this act could
now be quoted fairly 10 prove any thing, il would
prove directly the reverse. Think you, sir, that
this bill could ever have grown into law, had il,
not, in addition 10 the equalization OF tie Senate
borne on It's face the Concating feature of equal
i,y of taxation, IL cannot be regarded as settling
conclusyeiy any abstract principle. II was COM
promise-a boon granted 10 quiet, for the time, the
wish for Convention. The inequality in the Ii
of Delegates, with all the other subjects of com
plant, was abandoned, and left uncorrec.ed in
consideration Of this arrangement, equalizing the
representation in the Senate, and the land tax.
Ills affirmed that the apportionment Of represent
tation according TO white population, has ever
been the great object OF reform, and that the vote
OF last spring is unquestionably decisive Of its
adoption. In all innovations established govern
menis, differences OF opinion will exist, as TO the
point TO which thoy shall be carried, as to the OBJ
ecss 10 be accomplished. and 10 the means 10 be
| employed, whilst there may be perfect concur
renee in the pTopriely OF commencing REFORM
The general question OF Convention, propounded
10 the voters last spring, united all who entertain
ed the least objection to the existing Constitution
Some were solicitous for an alteration in the ar
rangement Of the Judiciary;-some were for the
abolition OF The Council OF State; many desired
reduction in the House of Delegates, whilst their
plans for efec,ing 1t were varisnt;--every man,
who wished to alter or expunge any article, or
who desired the introduction ofany new provision
induced TO join in the general cali for Conyen.
ton. Under these circumstances, il be Justly
alleged, that the majority have designated any one
specific object Of reiprm!s The aggregate vote of
last Spring, presents a corcpoiInd mass of Earring
and conflicting opnsns; aud no method of politi.
cal ANALYSIS. known 10 this Jepislafure can die