Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1842-01-06

its When The voice 81 citiZens u
other portions ri the Commonwealth identified IN in
erest and sentiment with the memorallsis would be
heard through their representatives on this floor. He
presumed that according 10 Parliamentary usage, this
facility would be afforded to the friends Of the object
sought for IN the memorial.
MIR B said he confessed he approached The subject
with e. soc,lnde bordering deep anxiety. lie well
knew subject that had ag;tated the Common.
wealth lis very base, and which might give TO
feelings favorable to the wsest ot legsla
ton. lie deprecated the improper influences with which
lis discussion liable to be iraugt and he trusted
that members would make up their minds 10 consider
the subject with that lorbearance with That courtesy
with that discretion and that regard 10 the deep interest
involved, which they must regard essential TO pro-
per issue In regard 10 the elective franchise, know
II is founded on fixed principles and once established,
it must be uniform. But the difference between It and
the distribution of power IS great That presents
spectacle somewhat remarkable aud singular, and un
known, far as s information extended 10 the Sister
States Of the Conrderacy 1t is, of course, founded
on supposed conflict OF interest amongst different
portions Of the Commonwealth. Whether the suppo
he not he expressed opinion nj this
time but, il II wcfr II served to sew The greater ne
cessity nr apportionment some liked principle.
Mr.. Is. asked, IL not all mpprant that should
adopt princpl OF representation We have none
at present-no apporllonment OF political power, ex-
ccpt b. arbitrary rule. Can such state Of things
continue Mr. i. answered. tmphaticallv, No, no ;
il cannot long continue Circumstances are continual
Nv 10 demand new construction OF tn
according - the altered Of the country. What
changes have passed The State from border bor
der What changes have everywhere taken place in
relation To the popuation-both white and black-ln
relation to the OF the Siae-to wealthto
taxation Mr. Il. expressed II, his opinion, that
action was required at this PERIOD which vas the time
contemplated by the Constitution. lie ii 4 de-
cided-he would not say tmmaoJte, because the sub
cct ought not TO he approached with such a spirit
-npinion, that great c!inges should he made in the
fI.n Sstut, - In ala
the subject might be considered IN the spirit of har-
mony and justice. lie reminded gentlemen that they
did not here combatanls for victory and
mower and he trusted that citizen could be found
say he wished power for the sake OF lis exercise. A
physical motive could find response in the bosom Of
patriotic citizen
Representation, Mr. B said, might be apportioned
cordng 10 the white popnation according 10 The num-
Der of voters 10 taxation 10 wealth. other
rule if a Just one could be found in combination OF
portions Of those elements. lie had now, and always
had a decided opinion 10 what is the proper prn-
ciple but lie iorebore at this time, any thing like
n discussion Of the subject lie hoped that
principle might be adopted winch would prove ga-
lsiac,ory 10 all, otherwise, he feared the result
would prove a grieyous calamity, and irausht with
an INJURIOUS and unhappy influence IN the LegIsla-
tuic Of the State. We know the influence Of party
cuds. We know, and the country ought TO know II,
that the blows which parties constantly dealing Out
10 each other, otener fall upon the country than upon
is no,v groanng and lnngulshlng under the wounds
H!c!ed by the conflicts of political parties When
come have GGooraphtcdi partteStha species Of par
ties which the great father 81 his country III has minor
tai legacy 10 his children strenuously warned
us arainst--th then il Will indeed be time l1r 10 fear
and 10 despond 1t was from divisions like these that
Mr.. Is. hoped the proud Commonwealth Of Virginia
would be relieved II was due 10 himself and also due
to those whom he had the honor to represent on that
floor say that he and they had no interest IN this
matter except that winch common 10 all the people
of the State. They had nothing TO gain, did they
wish to gam political power BY apportionmcnt
vet they wished the subject settled common and
fixed principles. They desired temporary victory
over other portions OF the State-nohing that might
merely crafty their party teclngs-nothing that could
not be obtained without deep injury TO the country.
Mr. Is. hoped the subject would he taken up, con-
s.dered at the proper tme and decided in such
would promote the interest," happiness and glory
Of Virginia.
The memorial was then taken up and referred 10 a
select committee Of -.
Mr. liorkINs resolution for the election Of Pres
dent Of the Court OF Appeals was, after discussion
adopted, and the day of election fixed for the 18th OF
January.
The bill "To authorize ferry from the land of Sar
dis Cole, III tic county oi Wood, across tie Ohio was
read third time and passed.
RESOLUTIONS.
Resolutions were offered by the following gentlemen
and adopted BY The Ilousc:-By Mr.. SMITH OF Rocking
ham, that the Second Auditor he requested 10 furnish
statement Of the amount of the debts Ut the State
the amount created at each session since 1870, the
amount OF certificates ISSUED and to be issued TO
plrlc existing engagcments the amount Of debts qua
ran,ed loaned ny the State, and also the amount OF
the available and unavailable stocks of the Common
wealth, specifying the productive and unproductve.-
BY Mr. SrRoTmER. the Committee of Courts OF Justice
inquire into the expedency of providing that debts Sc
cured by deeds Of trnst shall be postponed to sach other
debts as have been sued prior 20 tie proba Of such
deeds, and which Judgments afterwards obtain
ed.-By Mr. DASlEL that the Superintendent OF Pub
lie Works provide one or more rooms IN the Govern
ment house elsewhere, for lodging the corps Of Ca
diets from Lexington, on their arrival in Richmond.
PETITIONS.
Petitions presented by the following gentlemen
and appropriately referred BY Mr.. ToLrR, Of Z. ID,
Christian, for the remission Of fine imposed for play
ing marLes-By Mr. Scorr, Of citizens Of Fauqner and
Culpeper praying that part OF Rappahunnock River may
he declared lawful fencc-By Mr.. BRAwSra, of. II.
Roc for the release from the payment Of certain a,ore
licences
On motion of Mr.. EARLY, adjourned.