Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1829-04-21
MIR. oPIE,s LETTER. .
JEFFERSON COUNTY, April 3, 1922.
essrs. Josiah Lockhdrf, HIN. Lynn, FIR

\ MIN. OTiES LIZ C4t,
-, JEFFERSON COUNTY, April 3, 1922.
I To .Nessrs. Josiah Loekhdrf, HIN. Lynn, Trr,.
Syuaters and roseph HACKNEY. -. =
Gent'emen--l have just received your. cor
tmunic alton, stating that you had been chosen by
freehclders OF tho different sections of the scns
torial district composed Of the counties Of Frederick
and jefferson, as delegates 10 meet and nominate
suitable persons 10 represent the said district in
lconvention,-and that in conformity with tho
wishes Of those who bad conferred upon you tho
trust OF mekine such nominations, and in order
that you may select and nominate suitable ind'-
viduais you request me explicitly 10 declare my
sentiments on the following provisions Of the
Constitution. as it move exists, 70 svft: whether
the right Of suffrage may not be advantageofisfy
extended; whether a perfect equalization Of re-
presentation agreeaSy 10 the white population Of
the state would not be predcated on equitable and
just principles; how far the judiciary branch OF
che cocstNution may be new modelled, so as to-
promote the interest Of the Gtate generally, and.
whether fhe executive and ministerial officers
should not be elected Immediately by tho people
Those inquiries pre-suppose that may possibly be-
ono Of those individuals towards whom come po,-
ton Of the people of this district look as SUITE
bile member Of the convention for altering revising
and accommodating tie present constitution; uron
which 81. ject have only to say. that as II ~ IN
honor no man ought to seek, SO il Is one which,
none without the most imperative private reasons
ought to decline. / am Ike others who may he
thought Of for this high trust in the hands OF tlvs
people; and acknowledge as well their right to-
command my services as to ascertain my political
feelings, in this, or any other expedient mode, in
order that they may have the means of detcrmin-
ing whether those services will be worth accepa
ing. am cure il is not your intention, nor that
OF the citizens whom you represent, 10 COMM.
those you may delegate TO the vention in relation
TO al! the details Of the measures which NAV
be there proposed ard discussed nor as to inoli-
cations or principles which tree discussion an,
comparison Of opinions may shew TO be expeaien,.
But whilst in my opinion, il would be unwIse 10
require this, achnow ledge the justice and prcpri-
ETY. OF your ascertaining the general leading prn
ciples ct those whom you may be disposed to tsest
upon certain prominent points; such you hayel
presented TO my consideration, and /, Therefore,
proceed to answer your several inquiries in tbs,
order they are proposed-remarking, moreover
that should the choice of the district fail on me "a
one of the four they entitled TO send TO the cor,
vertion,i shall! feel bound to conform 10 their with
es in whatever mode l. may be able 10 asne rtair,
them; in other woss, delegate Of the people
should endcarour to represent their rights, inter
ests and wishes.
opinion the right Of suffrage may and ought 10 be
extended TO and conferred on those who in the mrs
guage OF the bill Of rights have permanent con:-
mon interest with and attachment 10 the comma
atty" From this it will properly be inferred that
am not in favour oil universal suffrage. :
SecondIy,I am in favour CT rqpalizing re Fesenfs-
tion agreeably to the white population Of the s,atr
and believe that such basis is predicated on eonf.
fable a-ii just principles of government
Thirdly, ! have thought heretofore with ,!;,e
Difference to the opinions of others, that the ud-
ciary branch OF the government might have 6een
ne modelled so IA 20 have wavded off some of Tho
evils so long complained of, and TO have promoted
the interest Of the state geDerally.-My idea Is,
that whilst the judiciary should he Independent, as
TO the tenure Of Office adequate mode should
be devised to render them responsible and accom-
table for neglect OF duty NAL administration in
Office, and 10 fix a limitation beyond which No
Judge should serve; and TO the organization OF
the different courts that tbnk should be left *
the Legislature TO alter and Se-model from time "a,
time, as the public convenience may require
Upon the last question, have here tofore bestoyy
ed not much reflections; and il is Of so general "A
nature to require particular consideration As
a republican, have been in favor Of the peopa
exercising in person all the powers which neccs-
sity manifest convenience did not oblige them
To delegate to others. But whether all the exec
6tive and ministerial officers oS the government,
could be adyantageously elected by the people. IL
proposition requiring carefll investigation and !,
knowledge of the practical effects which have re-
suited FROM the adoption of the principle i'm
other states. In relation 10 il can now only ga,
that ] am favorable TO the abstract principle. he
cause it is consonant with my views of govern
Inent Of the people, and that should be prepar-
ed to apply il in every where reason and ex
perience did not manifesty Convince my Iudc-
inent that it would be attended with great incon-
nenience or evil TO adopt it. am, gentkmen.
III n npfr,