Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1830-03-09

rorty, let its superiority of numbers be what they
may thus suelectng the majority TO the dominion and
control OF the minorty and prohibits to the people
the right of making such constitutional CHANGE
as shall restore an equilibrium.
1t retains the county courts with all their obnoxi-
Gus powers-an institution which, for Iespotic fea.
republican government. Sclf.created and selfper
petuated, besides its judicial authority it enouphs
the whole power eff appointment to office in the coun-
ties, both civil and military and is moreover invested
with the oil important prerogatve of taxing the peo-
pie, approprating their money and selecting objects
OF expenditure at their pleasure and without legal
responsibility.
Lastly, as if to show contempt for republican
eeing the new Constitution perpetuates the aristo-
cratic method of voting uva voce, which gives to the
wealthy and powerful opportunity to intimidate
and influence the votes of their dependent neighbours
is Constitution, with all these heterodox prnci-
pies, and more which might be enumerated, and
which cautiously closes the to future amend
ment, suited to the atmosphere of republican State.
AND Is he who opposes its adoption, with warmth, to
De deemed an nconsiderate enthusiast? Is this the
form and vlsage ola Constitution, the ratification of
which, you and Mr.. John r. Cookies (professcd
friends of freedom and reorm srenuously press upon
the People OF Virginia. the specous plea that it is
better than the existing one? The proper question
IS, is 1t such an are in Justice entitled 10.
Is IL such as our gallant ancestors offered up their
lives and fortunes to establish? If in the absence of
the Just requisites of free Constitution it removed
the difficulties which, have heretofore existed in brnp
Gs
10 reform, alter, abolish their government" the
erpediency of its adoption with all its defects MIGHT
DE subject of deliberation But when, by its very
terms, it appears to be designed if adopted to be
saddled on for perpetuity say let it be rejected
and we will take the consequences.
Ihat 1t contains some amendments, / admit. Be-
sues the partial extension of the exercise of suffrage
the reduction in our annual expenditure which II
proposes is valuable alteration But cannot agree
to offset personal rights with dollars and cents!
Having been absent from the State at the time the
Convention rose, and much engaged in my private
affairs since my return have had little opportunity
OF minglng with my fellow-citizen at distance or
ascertalning the public sentiment the ratification
of the Constitution: but fthe opinions of my inme-
diate neighoorhood afford correct sample of the
feelings of the People of The West, predict that it
Will meet with little favor in this section of the State.
by dsJolnting sentence in the 4th paragraph of
the extract, you make the language positive, which
was intended to be qualified, and impair the sense
Instead of the period after me, it ought to read 81
cast the unclean thing from me! Unless meet with
different arguments in favor of its adoption from any
winch have vet occurred to me- neither my country
nor my posterity shall reproach me-" &c.
Were it not for my acquaintance with that gentleman and
knowledge of his talents might be led believe that the
blaze OF eastern eoquence which he graphically describes
had bewldered his mind the Convention and seduce him
into that devious track he took.
We insert a communication from another Western
correspondent, with much pleasure. We are happy
to hnd our surmise confirmed, that the body of the
people OF reenbrer did not participate in the de-
sire to divide the State and hope that the next
intelligence from Pocahontas, will bring tidings of
the abortion of similar movement made or threat
ened, In that county. Let the people try how the
new constitution will work, before any new project
is commenced.
10 THE EDIroRs OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL WHia
LEwIBURG, March LIST, 1880.
ientlemepl have recently discovered that the Wing and
other public Journals have taken publication which
appeared IN the Lewisburg Palladium Of the 18th u
ing the feelings OF dissatisfaction and disgust entertained by
the people OF 'eebrer county generally in relation the
amended Constitution" The object of that publication was
10 call meeting TOR The purpose Of discussing the proprety
separation OF the Old Dominion to The cause of
truth and TO the character Of the citizens Greenrer county,
10 state that that publication, far from expressing the feel
ngs and sentiments of her citizens made without their
knowledge and that the production of merely
one or two dissatisfied individuals No meeting was attenpt-
ed ana confidently that had the exeon been
used procure they would have proved frues and una
vans The Palladium in Justice the public and people
OF the county particularly should have canidy stated the
character OF that article 81 presented public
sentiment of the people of Greebrer generally fact
sentiments
The people here will be unanimous for tie new Constu-
on some oil them disappointed in their expectations,
ana tbs circumstance win induce many overlook the avan-
ages we have gained and because have gotten all
expected, oppose its adoption But while they will their
choice n1anfy and independently, believe they
prepared to unite in the division Of the ancient dominion
Yours respectfully, CITIZEN fIREESBRIER.
MONDAY MORNING, MARCH 8, 1880.
~ writer in tho VIRGINIA a fxoc,te IssA V;r