Martinsburg gazette and public advertiser. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1826-1833, 1830-04-08

theory being silent as 10 the question, on whal
does the turtle rests
And here win take occasion 10 saw. tina,
whatever doubts Imay have heretofore en-.
terLdned about tho ekpediency Of annexing
declaration of rights to every organic
law, founded on the idea that the expression
OF some rights might be misconstrued into
Tue Hegator OF others not expressed. I am
thoroughly convinced OF the great practical
utility OF such solemn declarations For
now know by experience, that such is the au.
daelty of the human intellect. rionng in lis
strength, and impatient Of the restraint OF
established principles, that il delights to call
IN question ali established truths, human and
DIVINE. The fundamental and essential prin-
cipies of az free institutions might have tccei.
yed then desih-wound, in the convention OF
Virginia, from the hands OF daring innovators
hut for the fictitious aid they derived from
the solemn anaunciation that was made al
those principles IN the .tieclststion of rights.
en- instrument endeared 60 the people OF Vir
einis by its association with all their glowing,
reeollections Of revolutionary glory. No
eandid man. who was member OF that body
viii dc, J that the declaration Of rights was a
stumbling block IN the WAY of The read limo
vators to whom have alluded. They could
not openly assal L. because il was embalmed
IN tboaiicetons of the people: neither could
they, on the other hand, entirely conceal
the what shall | say2--di4aoa contempt
with which they regarded 1t. II was. unle-
nlably, ON admirable instrumental very able
paper, containing very correct principles
very. Bat, after all, they we're abstract prin ,
cipies-mefe MISUNDERSTANDING great
modification when applied to the actual con
ceros Of men.-Ai which means, in plain
Engleh, that they are OF no sort of uss on
earth hut to furnish fine sentiments for ath of
July orations
seek not. fellow citizens. by this state
inent of facts, to excite. or to foster, in your
minds, feelings of section al dislike, already
too strong for the welfare OF our common
country. And | therefore accompany the
statement have made with the strong assev-
GRAFTON OF my belief, that the gentlemen allu
ded to msfepresented, in these points, the o.
pinioas and the feelings OF their constituents.
Neither do assert that the heresics | have
described prevailed generally among the
eastern aud southern netnbers. And while
! am on this part of the subject, my feelings
pnpel me to say, that If the eastern and south
ern members generally We're fair sample of
The eastern and southern people, they are a
people whom we may be proud to cali our
couniryinen and iellow-citIzens
uoyou ask me how 1t happened that /, so
deeply impressed with tho delormty of these
anti republican doctrines, and SO thoroughly
persuaded OF the truth olthe great rev olution :
ary principle, the equality OF men, voted for
q constitution which does not propose pre-.
cisely oq,p.l distribution Of power among the
frcelnen Of the state, ! answer you in the
Language which used on the floor Of the
convection, when, on the 18th of Decem-
Der, FIRST announced, in consert with nv
friend Mr., Henderson,, of Loudoun. our
determination TO support tho compromise
pi7n OF representation proposed by General
oordon, and assigned our reasons for tho
course we intended to pursue.
81 chung to the hope that constitution
''wou' be formed by which the equal repre-.
col the legislative bodies, wosid be carried
into full effect till MY reason Told me 10 DIES
''psir Of It's accomplishment After pro
"tracted, an obstinate, and may almost say,
"a fierce. contest in this assembly OF several
weeks dafation, it was bat too apparent
"that victory had deserted tie banners of the
"hiends Of reform--that they had not nuiner-
"ical strength III this assembly to carry into
Gull effect the principles Of their political
"erecd-thet the siiort TO obtain an equal re-
presentation of the people Of Virginia in the
"gove,nme'a of Virginia, must be abandoned
"as hopelssss
y presume that most Of those who will do
me the honor 70 read this address, are all easiy
acquainted with the most Prominent of the facts
here alluded 70. Parliamentary usage aud de
corim forbade me to explain then in the house
nor was such sn expsanation there necessary
ss all The fats were koown to the body that /
addressed. Some oil them, presume, are not
generally knawn in the counlry and under
that inpre s-ion will bre fly state the whole.
Il was supposed. at an early period Of he
session. that the torty.nine IN n6ers, coustita
ting a bare majority of the whole body, who
voted for The swblte basis 10 the house Of de
legs'es, could sad would vote fer tho same
principle ~ representation in regard 10 The Sc
maze. And think II probable thai fost, sven,
At least. if not lsrty eight &c that uumbe, ,wefs
psrsenaly inclined TO adhere % The White bass,
IS lie prncpie Of representation in bou 3
THO legislative bodies. n is matter Of history
and here -, therefore, no inslt I,eacy in sdser
ting TO the act that the venerable pres dent
cfthst body. one OF The forty mine, announced
In the committee Of The whole. early in No.
veraoer his determination 10 pursue differ,
ent course. Frem about hat sime all hope OF
making white population the bssis OF represent
taiion III both o The legis alive bodies, was ~
eeessrlly abandoned IL Col. Monroe had been
the only disssnlieRt. he would probably have
vacated bis seat, and given place 20 a mernher
disposed 10 support The primo pie Throughout
Bu. tbs would not hsve asaiied any thing For
on the DAY AFTER he EXPIRE sed his vie VS., in ID,
committee, another member of the tortg u,,c.
aDxulx dertxrf.d. ia crnv4rxattcn h.sf nts a.,