Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1845-01-16
To the Editors Of Ms Whig;

~" m Edgfors Of fc WhIg:
Gentemen-A critical state OF things eSis; in our gov.
ornamental affairs. The recent triumph % the Locofoco
paf'y istraught with evils and dangers Of the most alarming
magnitude, and there is 10 every rejecting mind a strong
tendency towards total Reorganization. l see, in the pre-.
sent ss''a'ion Of the subject Of a convention to remodel the
Constitution, a Fastening Of the cstastrophe-the object,
disguised though II be, OF universal suffrage, or q cheaper.
ing OF the elective franchise. History teaches us that in
all democratic excitemenr, this has been the fayorite OBJ.
Jectoi tue people. All men, it is said, are BY nature equal
The superior privileges enjoyed by some are the result OF
i1Justlce and superstition; and the first step towards free
dom, is to restore equality. This might be Iue. if the OBJ.
Ject OF government were alone the protection of persons
from Injury and injustice. and every man, in whatever rank,
were equally capable OF Judging Of political subjects, then
those not possessing property would have n claim TO an
equal share OF representation, because every mans life j.
Of equal value 10 himself. But It's object is not lees the
protection OF property than OF persons. and from this dou.
DE duty arises the necessity, the imperious necessity, ol
limiting the right of election to those possessing the latter
advantages.
The Supposed interests of the great body of the people.
are not only different, but adverse 90 that of the poe SIS
sors OF properly. To acquire, is the interest of one, 10 re.
tain, that OF the other. Agrarianisin, or measures tendir @
indirectly TO that effect, will always be the wish OF the IN.
thinking Multitude. who have nothing apparently To lose
and every thing 10 gaia by such Commissions. In 4 quies
cent state OF society, superior intelligence may be the
means OF controlling this natural tendency Of things, bnI
universal suffrage must level all barriers and reduce the
coniendlns parties 10 a mere calculation OF numbers and in
times oil agitation It will occasion ! general array of the
poor against the rich.
Are there no means of averting this calamity7 On,
only, end l much fear 1t is now too late 20 be effectual-
the restriction Of the right of suffrage. Can there be
any justice IN that system Of election which places upon
equality, the Millionaire with one possessed Of a few pence
a foihschlld, with an overseer who pays tax upon a hired
siavef Ridiculous! 1t is not 30 III private affairs. Look
to the Banks oi your own city, where (wiihout knowing
much OF banking silairs) | warrant you will find that stock.
holders are represented in proportion TO the amount oil
shares they hold. Let then the property holders, bear ex-
eiuslvely, the burthens and expenses Of government. Re
lease those not possessing that advantage from all taxation
and even II necessary to the attainment Of So desirable ar
end, exempt them from Military duty. In the declaration
OF rights, Is secured to all, the enjoyment Ut lie and liber
~, with the means OF acquiring and possessing props
that being secured, what further interest can they have in
legislatiOnl
A basis of representation, founded upon these views
might perhaps avert lie calamity which we now have >,
much reason To apprehend. Were there the probability o.
a Convention being actuaied by such or similar views,
Tor one would say, IN Gods name, let 1t forthwith be called
But should greatly fear the complexion aud character o
u Convention assembled now. How would il contrast il
virtue and talent with that OF ls29-.3Jl Where shoul,
We look for the BnTbours, Leighs, Giles, Randolphs Of tha
dsyf Alas they have all either passed from the stage O
fallen under popular disploasare. and their places would }.
thled by noisy Dsmagogues, who prostitute their cbaracte
and talents IN Pandering to the low and vicious tastes Of TN
ignorant suiiragans. AMELIENSIS.