Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1830-01-07
VIRGINIA CONVERSATIONS.

YESTERDAY, the Convention resolved itself into
Committee of the Whole, Mr.. Sianard in the Chair,
On the Report of the Select Committee.
Yhe Chair proceeded to read the Report, section
BY section. 9he third section having been read,
Mr. Naylor complained Of the apportionment of
representation in the House of Delegates as it re-
sarded the counties of Berkhy and Morgan, which
were thrown together and allowed but two members
Fhe county of Shenandoah, entitled by the ratio
to three members, and was given three accordinsy
bnt that county with 10000 white inhabitants,
g5yeR Senator to itself Whereas Berkeley which
nearly approached the standard which would entitle
her to tive members, and Morgan than which many
less popuous counties were allowed delegate to
themselves, were given but two members between
theSn. In consideration of this circumstance, Mr.
Naylor proposed to take delegate from Shenan-
doah, and give it to Morgan.
Mr. Boyd supported the views. He did not
think that equal justice done to the different
portions of the Valley. Berkeley had 9os5 white
ihlrabitants, yet allowed with Morgan, but
two members Every other county, save Mononpa-
ia which came near Berkley in population, was al
lowed two, and many counties with small popu
lation as Morgan, was allowed one. This was not
Jst or equal Phere were three distinct interests
the Vallay-the James River the Shenandoah, and
the Potouaac-and representation ought to be appor
toned with eye to equality among these various
interests. MIR. Boyd gave various tabalar state
nents to shew the excess given to Shenandoah, the
Injustice done to Berkeley and Morgan, aud the pro :
prety of taking one of the three from Shenandoah,
dnd giving 1t to Morgan, SO as to allow to Nor
gan separately, and two to Berkeley.
preceded him, that in al probability, a proposition
would be made in the course of the consideration of
the report to add 10 members, to the House of Del
cgates, to the enst, and to the west, which would
enable the Convention to satisfy the dissatisfied
portions of the Convention and supcrscde the neces-
sty Of the motion Of the gentleman from Hampshire
tNr. Naylor.)
Upon this hint MIR. Naylur withdrew his motion 10
amend
Mr. Claiborne expressed his satisfaction OF the in.
flmatlon given by the gentleman from Frederick
CMr. Cooke) which without disturbing the principle
OF r Gordon's basis would contribute to the rene
raj contentment.
Mr.. Cooke then moved to increase the Number of
Delegates frtnn 1877 to 14o-7 to be added to tire
East ana To the West preserving the relative dis
fs'eution OF power among the grand divisions of
tho Stato, provided in the scheme of apportion
Igent Of tho gentleman from Albernarlc fAIr. Cor
don.l This would enable tho Convection to satisfy
Various counties whici we're ren!ly aggreved by the
present npportIonment.
Mr.. Leigh Of Chesterfield (thc craftsman Of the
legislative portion Of the Constitution commented ar
the difficulty which had been experienced in nakinn
the apportionment-and suggested that if the sppor
tfounent were arranged anew, it would be cxped,en,
TO FIX maximum number Of Delegates and leave i,
discretionary with the committee select that mum
her which could bo most equally ap Dortioued pYc
serving the relative distribution Of power among the
four great divisions of the State. The number 40
nc thought might answer the purpose.
Mr. Fylet Expressed his appreciation of the pro-
position OF the gentleman from Chesterfield. In re
gard to his portion Of the State he believed the
Committee had done full and entire Justice vet h.
thoughtit was possible by the addition of IA single
member to improve the arrangement, and to unite
that district as one in favor of the Consli
-tuion.
The question was then taken on striking out 127
and carried III the afirmative--ayes ID.
Mr.. Leigh of Chesterfield, now moved to recon
Jnt the Sd article Of the constitution with instruc
lions 10 apportion delegation anew and preservn,
INC same reiotion among the great divisions o
ne state, as IS provided by TIE plan Of Mr.. Gordon
and paking 1870, the minimum Dumbcr oPtbe JIous
Of Delegates