Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1829-01-23

CONVENTION.


merely from necessity, and indicating that the lam
guage of recommendation instead of requison shall
BIZ used in the bill to be passed by the Legislatures
conformably to the pursued by the Convention
ut Philadelphia, and other prccedcnts point. These
resolutions having been rejected it not now neccs-
sary to notice them particularly but containing
as in opinion they do, the doctrines upon this
question, shall avail ourselves of the first opportu-
trnty to present then, to the public.
Mr.. Gordon next submitted plan for organizing
the Convention by graduated county representation,
differing III detail from similar plans heretofore noi-
ced' This proposes to give to II counties of the
State too members, to three counties three members.
and to three counties f1u' members To all the rest
aud the boroughs, one Misunderstanding GO west, and
83 east Of the Blue Ridge.
fhe vote upon this plan unexpected and cleo
tr1fylng having 10 for it, to 02 against it. Though
hegatved, there is to hope for its ultimate sue
cess, or the success of some equivalent propositions
we nave never seen more warmth and generality of
congrauatlon, than ut the vote of the House of De-
ieSates on Mr. Gordon's proposition-a vote which
though unsuccessful gave promise of the humiliation
OF the e1unl county and slave plans of representa-
tion-propostions in our estimation, equally unjust,
Wtenable on Republican principles, and which no.
tng but necessity can permit any Republican to vote
Tor We congratulate Republicans, that these une-
quail, and therefore ant-republican modes of organ
lzlng tho Convention, are both quailing before the
rights Of man. We know that many Republicans
IN the House of Delegates, feel bound to vote for one
OF the other: We pity them. the necessity real or
imaginary, which requires them to 20 for the wishes
OF their constituents, In opposition to the principles
of universal justice and equ ality.
We have said tn ut the debate YESTERDAY, becmse
very PERSONAL 1t is tEue but there less oc-
caslon or les necessity for personality. Mr. Nav of
'etersburg taking occasion to express his opposi-
uon to The exclusion of members Of Congress, and OF
the Judiciary, from the convention and saying that if
THIS were done, the General Assembly ought to ex-
tend the exclusion to Themselves Parker of North
ampton, put himself into very interesting passion;
construed the general proposition of mr.. May as
personal to himself, and favored the House with
much mock and preposterous chivalry on the &C.
casion The most that by the most forced and il
liberal construction, could be inferred from mr.. NAYS
argument, was, that certain gentlemen were in
favor OF county representation and of exclud-
ing MEMBERS Of congress and others from the con-
vention, that they themselves might secure seats
upon its floor. This was no fair Inference from the
argument. But admitting that it was, why did the
gentleman form Northampton, take it to himself?
Why did he put hin1selfnto so very great and unne-
cRssary passion, at argument, general in its
terms, and which, if it could not be used with
out personality, general argument could be
Used, which some gentleman might take to him
SELF
We are induced thus particularly, to notice the in
cdent of this debate from the fact that the indivi-
dual in question, referred to mr.. Mays speaking
what had been said out of doors, (mcanng in this
per and from the additional fact that he has cho
shl, pending the Convention Debate, and before to
draw into discussion, and to ccnsure the sentiments
of this paper, the subject of Convention.-I
Having used the term billing and cooing" in reIa
ton to the coalition between the small counties of
tho East and the West, the individual in question
took it upon himself arraign us on the floor of the
House of Delegates, and express his "py" and in
dignation at the interpolation of the term We pass
edover thcwhat shall we call tat the time becauss
VIC looked upon the gentleman from Northampton as
having valor than discrction-as one from whom
the wire edge not yet taken, by the practical -
Formation, that oticts had rights and feelings that
we're much entitled TO respect as his own.
We ask that gentleman, what he means
by drawing the course or the sentiments of this ma
per into discussion, the House Of Delegates Docs
he wish to intimIdate that Press, whose freedom Is
guaranteed by the Constitution? Or does he mean
to display his chivary, by attacking its editors where
he knows they cannot reply to him. In either event,
the gentleman reokons without his host. If ever
that gentleman shall escape the just structures of ibis
Press he must render himself too contemptible for
ifs notice. lie will most assuredy, not escape them
by a course of clustering We know exactly what
that sort of thing is worth.
We have observed the course Of the gentleman
with some solicitude, because we were disposed TO
Eel for him much personal respect, and we can
not refrain from giving him the advice, not to act
upon the floor of the Legislature of Virginia the part
Of Bonlbardnion in the mock tragedy. We adj