Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1830-03-09
Tte Constitutional gNbtg.
SATURDAY MORNING, MARCH O, 1880.

We can well conceive the indignation with which
the progress and termination of the Convention
calculated to inspire one of the warm temperament,
and the radical views of reformaton entertained by
the author ofthe letter below. Disgust and resent
ment were naturally, the first sentiments that pre-
sented themselves. 1t was however, quite us natu.
RAIL- that these should yield farther deb Grafton to
comparison of the old and the new constitution and
to the solid acquisitions which the friends of reform
had achieved, far least, as to induce an accep
tance of the labors of the Convention. This has
been the case to some extent, and we have
believe, will be yet more extensively the case. We
are sorry that the author CT the letter has not ex-
perenced the salutary influence of those reasons and
that he persists in his opposition g. what is yet more
unfounded as we think in considering the friends of
reform as a vanqushed party. We protest against
thus dea-it is every way unfounded--the friends of
reform gained infinitely more than they lost--an
they did not gan-and where the division of numbers
was SO close, and apprehension SO much excited
they ought not patriots, brethren of the same
family to have desired to gain all which they thought
right, but which others thought ruinous. pan
&c had gone forth through lower Virginia. causeless
but slncere-the people violently alarmed and
1t signifies nothing, that there sufficient cause
Tor their trepidation 1t existed, and respect was
due to it. Victory may be too dearly purchased and
every man will admit that it is better to live united
under consultation not entirely perfect, than in
state of feud, sectional animosity, and constant ap-
prehension, under one more theoretically excellent
The full truth of these POSITIONS was experienced in
the Convention.
The author peremtorily declines 'forming his es-
innate of the value Of the constitution by com
parson with the DID," Vhy will he not do this.--
Why will he choose to look at it in the abstract and
IN no other ways Is not the question between the
old and the new If the new is rejected, must not
the people of Va. continue under the old? His refu-
sing to abide by this test, is the atterng con-
cesson to the constitution. 1t an admission in
the strongest form, of its superiority. If pushed,
he is evidently prepared to confess in TERMS the SUI
periority of the constitution.
The proper question then for the people of Vir-
gnia is not whether the Constitution sis such
one as they are justly entitled to- If the Con-
vention was still sitting, and it was possible to
obtain sucha Constitution the writer describes,
then indeed his question would be the proper ques-
tion But the Convention has adjourned and the
two alternatives presented, are the and the old
Constitutions. The acceptance of the new Consti-
tuition, does not pledge ones assent to its perfection
nor in any manner fetter those who accept it, from
We have often said, but the author has made it
necessary for us to repeat it, in defence of
sistency, that the Constitution is no darling of
We take it indeed with peasure-but it is an
indirect sort of pleasure, caused by getting rid
of the old, than by obtaining the new.
1t is incumbent on those who think like the au-
thor to prove, that by rejecting the New Constitu
ton, they help themselves or their cause. When
ol,on, L.
more sagacious than now esteem it.
ARcHvILLE, Feb. 93d 1880
Messrs. Editors Your paper of the 18th inst, has
Just come to hand, in which observe extract of a
letter written by me to friend in Richmond touch
ing the proposed Constitution.
The main subject of the letter was of private con-
the remarks the Constitution were
merely incidental, unprecedented and hasty; and
certainly without remote expectation of their ap
pearlng IN public do not however complain of the
liberty taken, nor would now have noticed in this
manner, the pubcat had it not been for its edito
rial introduction.
You say, "the writer is in towering passion
quite too much excited we think for the occasion.
Juster views have, trust, suggested themselves TO
his mind before this time"
understand the drift of your criticism to be, to
impress the public belief that the submitted Con
stitution will meet general acceptance among the
intelligent and rejecting part of the citizens, and
that where feryid opposition has arisen more
calm and dispassionate consideration viii tend TO
may have other mems minds but with respect to
myself, the supposition is erroneous. If by those
cluster views which you imagine time would sug
gest to you mean more favorable opinion ofthe
instrument before us, your conjecture is wrong
Neither my remarks the offspring of 'stowcr-
ing passion" but the honest expression of Just in
dignation at the offered imposition upon my country
of unjust and aristocratic system Of govern
ment With me the impetuosity of youth has passed
away, bot not so my soicltude for the honor and
welfare ofmy country and the rights Of posterity.
| form not my estimate of the value of the ne,o
Constitution by comparison with the DID, / choose
to assay it in the crucibe of those great essential
fundamental, might say, eternal principles OF politi-
cal justice upon which liberty and national INDIE
pendence are founded--those political axoms set
and come out pure, it is worthy of freemen But
brought to that touchstone, it fails egregiously 1t
is destitute Of the first principle of democracy, an