Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1845-01-02
AMENDMENT OF THE CONSTI-
TUITION,

The call Of Convention for the amsndnent OF
the Constitution Of this State, s question that
growing in importance, and the western portion Of
the State seem determined. possible to press it
10 successful issue during the present Session.
Mr.. Stephenson, Of Tyler, from select commit
tee, having charge OF the subject, has reported
bill in the House Of Delegates provoking for taking
the sense Of tho People upon the question. We
have not seen the bill, but understand that it pro-
yides in ease a majority at the spring elections
shall vote Cor Convention that its members shall
be forthwith elected, and the Convention shall sit
during the present year. The bill, in this shape,
will give rise to irhuits contention fot the princi
pie upon which representation in the Convention
shah be based but if,his question can now be set
tied, il would be well.
We regard the present time suspicious to
sound deIiberation upon the resisal and amend
men. OF our FUNDAMENTAL law. Party passion ia
somewhat at reN, and the judgment Of mon less
;iksy to be enslayed by its influences, than will
probably be the case, as another Presidential con-
test approaches. Ifthis fact be true. and major
iiy Of the People wish change in Constitu-
ton, tho present time should be seized upon.
We are Of those who advocated and voted for
the adoption of the present Constitution. We did
90, not because regarded it as perfeet--not be-
cause many Of its features were not disiasteful,
odious. and anti Republican. but because we look
ed upon it better in itself and especially better
for the West than the old ono. Those Of this re-
sion of the State, who then supported its adoption
generally looked to early day Tor further amend
ment. We are of those who believe that that day
has arrived.
Representation is now apportoned by seograph-
ical lines. II cannot be expected that while one
portion of the State is rapidly and constantly in.
cressing in population and another portion is sta
tionary, that the People can long remain content
with such an arrangement.
Every years experience teaches the necessity OF
sltering tho suffrage justification. We are incli-
ned to regard Uoiversal Suffrage. (with about as
much restriction, for instance as exists in Mary
land.) as the right of the People of a Republic;
but setting aside the question Of principle the
certain, underlined, and unintelligible limit of suf
frage in Virginia. of itself, produces evil enough
10 justify an amendment OF the Constitution. We
DO not doubt that since the adoption of the present
Constitution, the settlement Of contested elections
by orr General Assembly, has cost the State more
money than half a dozen Conventions would cost.
We regard TOO the principle of double voting as
essentially wrong, and while we would go as far as
any to exercise such constitutional privilege, we
have never hestated to condemn the principle
which conferred II.
Another evil sought to be rem-died, is the Coun
ny Court system. Our own County Court has been
much complained of, and we think entirely unde
servediy. But while we are willing to pay just
tribute to the intelligence, uprightness, vigilance
and impartialiiy of the County Court of Berkeley,
we are obliged to regard the system as one found
ed in gross error and productive of evils for which
adequate remedy ia can be provided short of
radical constitutional reorg snizaon ofthe system.
We have thus thrown out some of our views up
on this important question which is growing uPon
the attention of the People Of the State. They
hastily thrown together, but have been deliberately
formed and long entertained. We have not full
means of knowing, but we believe they embody the
gene, al sentiment of the People of Berkeley.