Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1830-03-05
CHE Go,rstttmtlomal ggIbtg.
1.-THE IGNORANT PEAsANTRY."

place, 1t might be supposed that we feared Its niu-
ence upon the adoption of the Constitutions This is
So and rcpublsh IT, but protesting against the
fairness of its reasoning, and deprecang it's spirit.
Augusta ought not to forget that the hand of Re-
form was laid most heavily the tde-wa country,
and that she and all her sisters of the Valley and
neighbors at the foot of the Ridge, have received in
actual power oil they were entitled to. The coun-
try from Richmond to Hampton inclusive, had under
the old Constitution 6 representatives--unde the
new it will be entitled to but g. No other section of
the State has lost much positive and relative
er. 1t will be answered. that this sheer justice
that it possessed great and acknowledged excess.
We grant that it was SO, but the fact nevertheless,
proves that the Convention did regard exclusive
iy the East, in its distribution of power. As popu-
etion at this moment is distributed, very nearly
justice is done to every part of the State if slight
injustice is inflicted, the extreme West only has re-
ceived it-and that to an extent very inconsder-
nble, that in practice, actual legislation it will
be known or felt. IF remedied, it might in some ca
ses, increase the size ola minority; or swell the num-
bers of majority, but it is hardly possible to con-
ceve tina. it would in single instance, put differ
emit face upon the practical Legislation of the State
Why then make it the for rejecting benefits,
positive, ascertained long sought obtained with in
finite difficulty, and which if thrown away, may
never again be our power Is this prudent, wise
or reasonable? AS for the great argument which the
enemies of the new Constitution principally justify
their opposition bythat if they vote for it, they in
measure deprive themselves of the right of seeking
immediate farther change,it does appear to our
minds sound or patriotic What is it but admis
sion that the new Constitution is tte best Tits lie
g. 49, g lo
est good doing evi in the hope the improba-
bic and remote hope, that good may oft. Nor
is the argument founded upon truth They do not tie
their hands from seeking further improvement. On
the contrary they strengthen them against the next
contest. Every acquainted with the history of
the struggle for getting Convention, must know
that the great difficulty was in overcoming the power
of the little counties who possessed hostile and in
flexible majority in the Legislature and for twenty
five years. successfully resisted the measure to which
the People were friendly during that whole time, or
for the greater portion of it. That difficulty, peculi
arlyh hard to deal WITH because it had it's origin in
selfinterest, is annhilated for the future The small
counties sorn of their supremacy and the power
lodged where it ought to be, in the people, and
less within county lines. This obstacle, formda-
ble SO ever present, will never again modest those
who may seek Reform, and if it be desired to bring
the State again into Convention, it may fairly be
sumed, that the new Constitution removes him
drance to the efecting that object, which unremoved
will, with the experience lately reaped by the small
countless forever defeat the call of second Conyen-
ton. Upon their own principles, and acting with
view to obtain their own objects, it appears most
clearly and irrefutaby to understandings, that
the enemies of the new Constitution are doing IN
wisely, and suicidally, in opposing it. We have
acted with them, felt with them and now sympathizc
With them at the compromise of Principle by the late
Convention. But the thing unavoidable at the
time, and most surely, is not to be remeded by the
means they propose Let US take what we can get,
aud trust to time, chance exertion and Justice, for
the remainder.
BILL OF RIGHTS.
declaration of the rights pertaining good people of
principles which the constitution form of govern
nen which been recommended by the conventions
was framed
Intended to have been preised the constitutions but
bes being opposed to long session. was accidentally omit
tcd)
be- equal three ignorant peasants of the westand
this ratio of equality inherent right in the negroes of
2 That all power IS in, consequently derived
fom the people Of the cast, including three ft of the
grocs That the people of the west are set of ignorant
peasants and should at all tines dependant upon and
under strict subordnation The people Of the east
g. That is ought to be- instituted for the ben
eft and protection of the people and Of the Of ell
forms of governments that is best which best calculated TO
the power in their hands, and eectuay guarded
against danger OF participation by the snoant
ry OF the vest and when any government shall be found
adequate contrary TO these purposes, majority Of the peo
pie of the State counting three hs of the negroes of the
by way of off the "ignoaD peasanryp west,
have absolute unaenable and indeeasibe right alter
REFORM abolish shall be deemed to the
attainment Of these great ends
A. That wesiern peasant nor SET of ''9escTn peas
ans entitled any emolumens privileges under this
government bot all officers executives legislative and judicial
ought be chosen by the people the east hree hhs Of the
negroes present coneurng,) from among themselves
s. That the executive and legislative departments of govern
ought 10 be kept separate and distinct from the judiciary
except that the former should have full power supervise
the conduct of the western Judges and turn them out of Office
they should prove refractory and raise constitutional
objections 10 the validity of any Of tho legislature
8. That the ignorant peasany" of the west have right
uniform with the people and negroes of the
east because Of their Ignorance and poverty The owner
ship of slaves and the reciprocal attachments incident TO that