Wheeling times and advertiser. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1839-1849, 1845-11-03

VIRGINIA. We have ever entertained
and evinccd strong attachment to virginia
and her people; but We have, at the same time
ever considered her present constitution
stain upon her fair fame. Nine years ago, we
raised the banner of reform. aud we cndeayof-
edio point out the leading objections OF the con-
sutuuon. We then as we do now, urgently
called for u convention to form new consti-
tuition, more congenia To the wants and hab.
its OF free people. We named the prominent
defects OF our present organiclaw and called for
/. Equality oi representation, III the lcgis-
latuc
,. The right OF suffrage, uniform aud extcn-
dcd To all free white male citizens over the
age of 81 who have bad a years residence and
paid the taxes with which they were assessed.
3. The election of Governor by the people.
4. The appointment OF justices by the
Legislature.
D. The appointment of sheriff BY the legis-
laturc irrespective of the County Courts.
.. The fair compensation of justices aud
liuries for their services.
T. The election of supervisors by the people.
and other amendments which will b. obvious
ON reading the constitution and laws enacted
on that foundation.
At that time comparatively few Of the west
ern people were willing to enter into the mea-
surcs necessary 10 obtain sucha constitution.
Our sentiments, however, have continued 10
gain ground and have now found advocates in
every section in such numbers that there APP
pears TO be no doubt but the legislature, soon 10
assemble, will take the necessary steps TO rro-
vide for convention 10 frame new consti-
tuition at as early day as practicable.
We find that a meeting is called in Berkely
county TO expressive views OF the people OF
that rich country upon the subject and we are
assured by the able editor of the Martinsburg
Gazette That majority OF the people of that
county are in favor OF the measure.
We quote the following from that source :
We shall rejoice to see the people of Berke.
ley put their mark of condemnation once more
upon the present worthless, Anti Republican
and odious State Constitution-whi in vio-
lation OF the FIRST principles of the fundament-
al law OF our Union, repudidteS the people as
the Legitimate source OF all power-which. in
violation OF the first duty which all Republican
Governments owe TO the governed, denies TO
them participation in IFS pripiiegts while
! II Compels them TO Dear its burdenS-whch.
III violation OF all right, compes the majority
10 submit TO the minority power of the State
which, III mockery OF common sense. and
all sound policy, is annual y-depopulating the
State by driving her "toiling hundreds into
other and more liberal States where labor is
rewarded, encouraged and digniiied. aud where
they with free spirits, willing hands, and hon
est hearts can look forward with encouraging
hopes 10 daily increasing prospect of prosper
lty IL is time that this incubus was thrown
from Nirginia--it is time the uuculiyatcd and
hidden treasures OF her soil were being dcvei-
oped--it Is time her people were being lead
out OF the bondage OF ignorance into the glor-
Gus light OF knowledge and educaton-it is
time that they should know and feel that thew
live in Republican, Government. and that
they are Republicans and treemen and not the
Sidces OF minority poaoer, whose memorable
commands and DEGREES they must forever obey
unless they effect their dclivcrance through the
destruction of that Constitution under the au-
thority OF which their oppression is sanction
ed. People OF Berkeley, through your Repre-
SenfutireS IN the Convention OF 1929, YOU SOL
EMMY voted against and repudiated the pre-
sent Constitution of Virginia, and we ire sure
you will condemn il again if an Opportunity
be given you. What say We then-are Won for
or against Convention? Let your voice be
heard emphatically aud distinctly on the 10Th
OF next month.