Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1829-02-21
To the Editors Of the Enquirer.

Messrs Editors: am truly sorry TO find that the
respectable names of Jas. E. Heath and j. b. Har.
vie, subscribed to two communications published
in your paper of yesterday, imperiously call upon
me TO appear before the same tribunal. in vndica-
ton of the part took in the proce edngs upon
which they have commented.
II is well known that the meeting held at the
capitol on Saturday evening last look place in conse
quence oil call addressed to non freeholiers s. the
citizens OF Richmond, generally, who were friend
ly to the extension OF the right Of suffrage to de-
lberate upon measures proper to be adoptcd TO eff
feet tina object. Under this general invi,ation.
very crowded assemblaye came together all of
whom were necessarily presumed to be friendly
to the cause, and willing, according TO the letter
and spirit OF the invitation, said i'm the delibera
TONS" Such, doubtless, was the implicit reliance
OF the non-freeholders generally, who being uni.
formly remarkable for their moderation, and their
patient expectation OF spontaneous justice from the
ireeholders, came TO the meeting uDprepared, in
the hope that the iTeehodeTs themselves, friend
~ 20 their cause, would suggest the course for
then 10 pursue. Under these impressions, I re-
paired to the meeting, a non ireeholder to be
sure, but without any expectation of taking an ac-
tive part in the oceedings-accordingly it was
late when arrived, and yet, the assemlbage had
not organized. Shortly after, not having learnt
the cause OF delay, I was utterly asionshed
to hear MIR. Pleasants state to the meeting
"that the gentlemen who had been expected 10
cooperate in their organization, having failed 10
come TO proper concert for that purpose, the I'M
pleasant alternative devolved on him 10 announce
that they would have to be dismissed without TAX
ing any steps in the business for which thew had
convened" Flushed with the anticipation e .
inevitable discredit that must be consequently vi
sited upon the cause Of freedom from such an A.
bortion, Immediately resolved TO lend my aid in
sustaining the laudabe purpose Of the meeting
aud Nominated Mr.. Pleasant to lake the chair
which being agreed TO, | then nominated Mr.
Abbott as secretary, which was also carried with
out opposition.
The meeting being organized. I remarked, that
1t must be obvious 10 every man present in this
numerous and respectable assem- lgc. that il was
pregnant with the great design which had brought
them together: and doubted not Of every one
had expected TO be much gratified il not instruct
ed, by the discu.sioDs that might be icie in de
vising the proper plan TO redress the grievances of
non-fre eholders but apprchended that what was
every mans business had proved 10 be no mans
bnsness-that each one relying upon the rest no
one had taken II upon himself to digest a course
suitable TO be submitted to the meetng:-that so
sanguine was my reliance on others, had repair.
ed TO the meeting a spectator only, unprenared
to say any thing, submit any proposition or even
interchange thought with my friends on the sub
ject. then added, that to test my conjecture. I
would give way for any gentleman who might
be prepared to submit his views TO the meeting, in
default OF which, should move that the object
in view be referred 10 a select committee 10 Teporf
10 an adjourned meeting on the Tuesday following
No one responding to this invitation, the motion
for a committee was then made, modified by the
suggestion Of friend, that they be instructed to
report Immediately While the Chairman was
appointing the committee, it was also suggested
10 me to move the meeting that J. n. Pleasanis
be added TO the committee, which did, and on
the question being taken by the Secretary, il re-
ceved their unanimous ancton. No do ibt the
Chairman Of the meeting presumed as ! did. that
y, present were friendly TO lis object, and
- .,ttf sralI
the co.opsTatioB Of freehoIders on the commit
tee that the proceedings might have the con-
cstory countcndnco Of the liberal portion Of
tl.o.e wh by lOrtuitou- acquiescence have
long mOnopoIzed ihe sway OF government
The names of the committee were called over,
and rot man Of them objected TO his appoint
mont. Mr. Heath served on the committee. Mr.
1asants offered in committee, preamble and
resolutions, which were read. Mr. Heath made
objections to parts Of them without paricuarising
his objections, without Offering amendments, or a
substitute as he was invited 10 do. Mr. Robert
son offered preamble and resolutions, as a sub
stitute but upon reading them, stated that they
were not complete. ! observed 70 The committee,