Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1845-08-21

ius, true and Republican representation; and that
,,oan pur. and lawful views. As far such fears
co. we Of the Vaasy have az much right TO object
az Eastern virginis-we have large Slave Pops-
!atiou, and were the Constitution changed and rep
reseniation based upon the free white population
Of the State, would not gain single member
on the contrary. should Ioope. But we believe
the "RkAe basis" 10 be the emily true mode OF rep
reservation, an therefore we are for il. We have
idea ofdsfranchi.ing four o. the Young men
Of Virginia. BY any such Constitution a, the people
Of this State now live under. We are not afraid Of
Virginians-we care not in what section of the
State they residc--ws wish 10 deal justly and 10
be Justly dealt ~; and as much as we are in favor
Of reform, could immagine for one moment that
any Of the evils Of which the "Iimes" comPials'
would result 10 Eastern Virginia, we would
stop our pea and silence cur tongues and say not
another word in behalf Of Convention-but We
do not, and with all due respect to our friends of
the Times" must say to them, as we have
said before, that their fears and suspicious OF the
friends Of Convention, are unsound, unworthy
and chimerical. The only thing that we fear is,
that some of the advocates for Convention are
disposed to run the matter into radicaliim and
Dorrsm-ihe moment ,his is done, we declare
"war to the knife against tive would rather
suffer "the ills we have than fly to those we know
not Of" Give US representation upon white ba-
si.--exend the right of suffrage 10 the free white
male citizens OF the State above the age Of 81 years,
of lawful residence, &e.,-provids for the improve
men, and intellectual development of the people
choose your Governor by the people--maks such al
terasona in your Judiciary system as experience
may have shown to be accompanying seda-
iousiy and ''ietly againa suffering tito be bandi-
ed about in the political arena and content.
Virginia can never rise until her shackles are
for it---that is more, we think, than some other
States are doing.
BY the way, there seems to be quite rage upon
the subject, and this may emrha,ically be called
the era of constitutional tinkering. In New York,
the sense of the people is to be taken upon the
question whether Convention shall meet re-
model the Constitution Of that State. We do not
KNOW exactly WnHt tbey Whut, OUT We pohofe tue
Editors tired of paying damages for bsls upon
J. FEssinoRK CooprR, Esqr.. and desire change
in the law to enable them to give the truth in
evidence.
In Maryland the question of a Convention is ag-
i,ated with view, as in this State of change in
the basis of representation. This seems the ost
prominent object.
In Louisiana, a new Constitution is about to be
submitted to the SURFACES Of the people.
In Missouri the people have just voted upon the
question of a Convention, but whelher in favor, OF
sgainst. We NOT informed.
In Mississippi. . proposition has been made to
alter that clause ofthe Constitution which prohibits
tho introduction of slaves. VIII ether for traf
&c, after the present year
Iowa and Florida have just formed Constitutions
after the latest Democratic models. Texas, too,
has probably by this time completed her new char
ter, which, from the limitations have received,
will be somewhat moro conservative than was ex-
pected, the Judiciary will not be elective, al
| unnecessarily introduced.
Was there ever such q rage for hsmm ering on,
Constitutions! Really there ough, to be MANI
factory opened at some convenient place-say
Jackson Hall in Washugton-to supply the wants
of the people We do not know what will come OIL
all this progress but we rather think our friends
the Locos, will be the greatest gamers in the end.