Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1831-08-11
FoR THE RICHMOND WING.
10 TIE VOTERS OF THE CITY OF RICH |


Fellow CIrIzENs:-In two articles published ir
the Wing OF yesterday evening, the the
signature of Z" MANI other Voters" the other over
the signature of ." A VOTER" certain queries have
been Propounded to me, to which l have determin-
cd respectfully to respond.
L am requested to the following ques-
tions:
''Will you engage, faithfully to represent the
known opinions and wishes of majority of your
constituents, all occasions in the Legislature
IN meetings of members of that body, when acting
IN reference to the measures, the policy the
administration of the general government, the
appointment of U. S. Senator'S, whether the opinions
and wishes of those constituents accord with your
own not 2"
''If there should be Presidential Caucus opposed
to the reelection of Andrew Jackson, and major
lty of your constituents should require it, will
you go into such caucus and express their known
opinions and wishes there 2"
''In the event of Clay Caucus, being desired,
will you attend such caucus, and promote its sue
cess by your best exertions?"
No man recognizes more fully than do, the
well established republican principle, that the
resentdtiue rs bound by the lo of his constituents
1t is a sentiment which have entertained and
.avowed, and in accordance with which have inva-
riably acted during the period have served in the
Legislature / accordingly do not hesitate to saw
that ii reelected the delegate of this City, would
endeavor, as have heretofore done, faithfully to
represent IN the Legislature, the known opinions
and wishes of majority of my constituents" ON
ALL OCCASIONS WHATSOEVER. More than this ought
not to be required or expected Of any man.
But, am also asked, what would be my course
''in meetings of members of that body" (meaning
the Legistature) If, by the words just quoted be
meant regular sessions of that body held under the
constitution and laws of the land for the perform
ance of Legislative duties the question is already
answered. If however, am asked, what course
would pursue in irregular and inotfcidI meetings of
portion of the members of the Legislature, as in
dividuas and not Legislators-I unhesitatingly
declare, that l would attend such meeting, an
less should approve the object. In all matters
ted wifi, d,fie Of tboT To-
gslature, would truly represent, and hold myself
responsible to, my constituents. In all matters
not connected tOith those duties would, in
with tho rest of my feow-citizcns, claim and ex-
.crcise the privilege of free mall If for example,
the duty devolved by law upon the Legislature of
Virginia, (as is the case in of the statcs,l to
appoint electors of President and Vice President of
the U. States, should consider IT my duty, acting
as legislator, to vote for electors opposed to the
election OF General Jackson, because would be
then engaged in the discharge of duty required by
the law of the land,-my vote would be bindlDg
upon my constituents and it would be my desire
faithfully to represent in the Legislature, " their
known wishes" The however would be
terialy changed, if the act to be performed is not
required by LAWS binding upon nobody-and
done cut Gf the Legislature.
I may be asked, if such are my opinions why
would not attend in favor Of the election
of General Jackson1 The answer is obvious A
caucus is calculated TO make an impression upon
the public mind that the constituents of the mem
as,) are in favor of the election of the person who
may be recommended as President. 1t is now well
ascertacc, That majority Of tho citizens of Rich
.nond are opposed to the election of Gen. Jackson:
and as would not Knowingly have any agency in
making erroneous impression abroad respecting
public sentiment here, have determined, ifelected,
10 take no part in the caucus which may be held
next winter. But, regard the attendance non.
attendance ut caucus, any other iRoDcidI meet
ing of members of tho Legislature, the discre
tonaTy act of the members composing it, in their
individual characters. While therefore, the respect
and courtesy due to nv constituents (as IN the in
stance Just mentioned,) would prevent me from at
fending caucus, to whose object might BIO favo
rable-resPect for myself, would not permit me tc
attend one whose object [ should disapprove. On
all subjects having connection with my tegistd
4tUe duties. would be governed only by the dictates
of my own judgment.
Having given full and explicit answersAo the va
Tious interrogatories which have been proPovHdcd
TO me- have only to add, that it is with much Ee
1uctance have presented myself 10 your notice II
the papers n second time. All who acquainted
with me, must be we'll aware, that can have M
desire to engage in such discussions. To have dc
ycined reply, however, might have been miscon
strucd by those who do not know me, into dispo-
stion to conceal opinions which have never he
stated TO avow, and which the people have RICH
fully TO understand. But, as ] cannot forcsec T.
what extent calls may be made upon me, through
dhe medium Of the newspapers, II is my determine
lion to take no farther notice OF anonymous publ
cations.
Wits p,pch respect
Your falloe7-citizcn,
JOHN RUTHERFORD.