Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1842-02-03

lion has grown out Of "a supposed %conflic,
oil interests, or that on this point the cas-,
have INDUCED II much in the vivid color.
mrs OF ,maginstion, and dweli rather up.
on the possibility Of the abuse on the part
Of The west, than upon any reasonable
grounds for the apprehension. On the
CONTRARY. recurring to past Legislative
history, they might confidently appeal 10
facts for their Justification. This. how.
ever, they will forbear to d.. With a
sincere desire 10 avoid all disturbing to.
pics, they have endeasored to- discuss the
great question al issue temperaitly and
fairly, to prove to their western brethren
tina, the east is not actuated in the course
they pursue with the desire Of retaining
power for the purpose Of IFS mere exer,
else, but they have a juster principle for
,he,r Sanction, that principle which is
pa rted 10 man at birth, which furnishes a
rule Of conduct 10. all mortal concerns
which lies at the foundation OF society,
and without which society could not ex.
ist, the principle Of seli-proiect'on.-
Resting upon this great law OF nature,
they utterly repudiate the assertion, that
this policy is al war against the +" genius
OF our republican Institutions" and M
moved by persuasion, unterr,tled oy men
ace, with a firm reliance on the justice OF
their cause, with a determination not only
TO resist oppression when il comes, bu, to
guard against its approach however they
lament the necessity, they will bear with
the moderation and fortitude which be.
comes them, the "protracted conflict
with which they are threatened.
The undersigned beg leave TO add, that
the proposition now submitted by the ma.
iority Of the committee to the general as.
sembly, is presented under circumstance
lar more object ,nuble than attended the
Same proposition when submitted to the
late convention. That boiy was con-
vened for the purpose Of revising and a.
mending the constitution, and in making
the distribution, &c the legislative power
between the several members ofthe com.
munity, they he'd it IN their power TO Sc
cure the peculiar interests Of one mem
Der against the invasion Of another by
provisions in the fundamental law. In
tact the history Of its proceedings shows
that such security was rendered by the
advocates Of the white basis, admitting
thereby the necessity Of some guard o.
gainsi the abuse Of that power which was
So arden,ly sought. But the authority
Of the general assembly extends not 10
jurisdiction over the constitution what.
ever security we NIGH, siipulate, would
be but the weak creation Of law, having
no higher sanction, liable at my moment,
TO be repealed on the mere ~volition OF the
majority.
The undersigned, therefore, recon-
mend the adoption of the following reso.
luton !:
l.. Resolred, Tha, the Legislative pow
er Of the commonwealth ought to be APP
portioned between the several great divi.
sions thereof according to the number Of
white inhabitants contained, and the a.
mount of all taxes raised by the Legisla-
iure, paid in each.
Q. Resolred, That the existing uppor-
tionment approaches so nearly to that ra.
TO, that il is inexpedicnt to change the
same.
r.. f. SCOTT.
JOHN z HOLIDAY,
o NJ CRUTCtIFIELD.
H.. HOPKINS,
II. BAYLY.