Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1829-05-08

tie, Would quickly assimlate our elections 70 those
1--WE nave spoken OF III other states WhilstI feel the
apprehension which here express, feel also con-
vCton that there was large portion of non freehol
ders who had cause to complain Of their exclusion.
who might be admitted to the polls with safety and
TO whom have ever believed that the privilege would
oe, and ought To be extended, whenever the matter
was acted on in convention. II am here asked tn
whom of the non-frcchoders, being free white male
citizens above the ago of II years, l would be will
ling to extend the elective franchise would answer
tbat after the most mature reflection which have
been capable OF giving the subject have been unable
TO devise any better test of the claim for admission
than reference to the time of residence and the tax
list; leaving however, the precise limits to be adjusted
upon the fullest considerations of those
whose duty 1t may be TO decide. That the claims of the
-freehoders will be- they ought to be- respect
fully considered, and admitted to liberal extent
nave no doubts but that they ought to be- or will be-
admitted to the extent of what is generally Under
stood as universal suffrage, do not believe. Is
ine or proper tha men hanging loose upon society,
who have no ties that bind them down to the COIN,
try, who arc here to day, and gone Tomorrow should
coutioui, by their votes the property and personal
rights OF those to whom the country belongs and
VINO oeiong to the country Suppose the Potomac
Canal to be brought into the county of Coudon.
OF OF Fairfax, and that three or four thousand la
oorers brought together by all the winds of heaven
snail have resided III such county twelve mouths en-
gagged upon that work, and havng been subjected to
the payment offs county levy, should present them
selves at polls, led on by some influential oop
ractor and elect the candidates of their own choice
for the county, or the district, what I would ask
would then be thought of principle that could lead
To such absurd results? 1t is true such n th;ny s
not very likely to occur but that It MIGHT pussbly
happen, Is enough to test the principle. That such
ueeterous influence in smaller degree will be exer-
cised when large manufacturing establishments shall
gro" up, and where universal suffrage shall prevail
there can be no doubt as we'll as in other cases
where the population may be dense.-Fhe wealthy
employer will there be found on particular occasions
leading his hundreds to the polls and dircctinr thdr
votes by his single w-Can such things assure per
ahency to Tree government; rather are. they not
tie most fatal enemies to its existence by the currnp
lion to which they lead both in the electors and the
candidates? WV
Having said thus much upon this all pervading part
Oh tue subject, shall briefly touch upon the other
amendments contemplated, and to which your oue-
fies direct my attention Amongst the wrongs clan-
ing redress by amendment of the constitution no one
Is more prominent, than the highly unequal and con-
eequehtv unjust, representation in the House of Del
esates, SO Offensive to the feelings and So puYous
to the interests, of large majority of the nrone If
Hsih'a-ihe apportIonment Of representation to the
numbers OF the free white population will be the
remedy for this evil and the only proper basis upon
winch that matter can be placed.
The House of Delegates, l have lons thouu,t
might, with great advantage, be reduced to one half
lts present number. From this reduction would re
SUIT not only great saving of public money! but also
much more efficient legislative BODY
In the general sentiment in favour Of reCor,onr ,b
executive department of the government. cnti,elv
CONCUR The council Of state presume will fall Of
'uurse' as an unnecessary apPendage. NV irnyres
onS are IN favour OF the election of the govern
u ny the people; and, | you'd confer upon him.
aef the constitution, some augmentation Of powers
AS 20 the judiciary, no can estimate more h;gb
than myself, the principle OF its independence
.h.lst oeeve that some salutary provisions may be
uopea 10 secure further responsibility: and IN cor
ain cases of disability to effect renewal from of;;
nave, myself, long thought that our county cour
ystein required some important notifications.
ana TO your last query, reply, that am in favour
u iai'niS INTO the constitution provision for such
amendments as may, from after experience, be found
necessary. ~
tiaVing tnus, with the utmost candour replied TO
he various inquiries of the committee J would ra
ai NJ tna'' Wnen we reflect that the contemplated
ohVention VIII be composed of Men, renresen,;un
ne various interests and opinions of our wide extnn
ca commonwealth, and may be expected to embrace
'ltiin Its body SO much Of the wisdom and exuer; |
nee, and weight OF character which beJonr to Il if
'ouid seem to be unWise that anv man .vbG n;obt m
expected to take a part therein sboud hn bn,nJ
own by premature pledges to such extent MS t lnsc
ne Deneht of the consultations and tscuss;ops |
cn VIII mere shed lIghtuPon every subject brought
'!et eAah''natiGn'-in The conflict Of opinions and
interests which must be found in such an assembly
omething OF concession may be necessary ON all sde
eHcct the object The public good rco,lires thep
lat the representative should be left in such cases TO
&c exercise OF asound discretion; keeping however
ont
maintain. " ''i "'e SeH' .
iorDear to add more than an expression of nv re-
et' thas IN justice to myself should have fonnd il
ecssary to trespass frnpon The PATIENCE Of tic
,mmittee, and of - 'A' =,
The great respect with which an y
Sentlemen, your ob't servant d
. NJ, g., CUTHBERT POWELL.
MesSrs. Sanl. NJ Edwards, WIN en-.
zey, Fayctte Ball, Burr w. Harrison,
IL Is. Powell, Saml. Dawson, Nathaniel ,
tylef, John Janupy Tnhn II Ai.rrok
Jas. Military. !
MIR. HENDERSoN'S REPLY
= :, WINCHESTER, April Is, 1929. o
tssrs Sam1. M Edwards, William Enzev. /
Nathaniel Tyler, Jas. McIlhany. John t
Jainey' Burr w Harrison, Sanil Daw
and F. Ball. 2
ENTLEMEN,
received, to day, your favour of the 18th s,. in
men, as committee of our fellow citiz,ns who as
III II 4