Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1846-04-30
ATTENTION! REFORMERS.

AITENT1UN REfURMEkS.
We find in the "VIRGINn REPUBLICAN,"
of this week, an article headed the "STAUNToN
umns and express our acquiescence in its
views. We have also conversed with many
OF our Reform friends, and are satisfied that
they will most readily assent to any time fixed
by our AUGUSTA friends for the meeting Of the
Convention The State Election being now
over, we are ready TO go TO work, and we call
upon the Reformers throughout the State, TO
come up to the work now in earnest and de
termined action. Let the Summer Of 1916 De
come celebrated in the annals Of Virginia for
a noble and successful struggle upon the part
of her sons in behalf of the great principles of
Popular Liberty and the Rights of Man. We
wish to see no violent and agrarian measures
adopted by the people in their primary meet
ings or in the Convention when assembled. No.
Move wish to see free people act worthy
of themselves and worthy Of the great cause
in which they are engaged-with firm, de-
termined, and dgnifed resolution to do all IN
their power to strike down the Anti-Repueli-
can and oppressive institutions under which
they now live, and establish in their place
such institutions as are consistent with the
true principles Of sound Representative form
of government, and suited TO the wants Of an
enlightened and improving age.
We are well persuaded that the nne-tenths
Of the people of this Commonwealth, are sick,
tired, and disguised with the mongrel Constitu-
ton under which they now live, and that they
will so decide at the Polls as soon as they can
be permitted legally to do so. The minority
power which now rules the State, is fully
aware of the stale of public feeling, and hence
it is that they take advantage of their position
to vote down and sufle every effort made by
! the majority to try the issue at the polls. The
ability given 10 the minority by the present
| Constitution TO act thus, is, in our humble
judgment, sin enough (if no other existed to
render it distasteful to the people and to decide
| its downfall. Let us then TO the work like
men determined on victory. In this work we
havea common duty to perform. Its the work
Of the people-then let us forget our party
names and party distinctions. and look to the
establishment of sound Republican institutions
in Virginia. Upon the subject of ConStitu-
tional Reform we say, as we have frequently
said before, "we are all Whgs-all Demo
Gratis" We hope TO see this spirit prevailing
throughout the State. and the people coming
up TO the stanton Convention with a firm
ness and determination which will give weight
TO their action. If the Press be an exponent
of public opinion, glorious will be the meeting.
All of our Exchanges, as far as we have
heard from, with the exceptions of ttco, who
perhaps are waiting to see which way the
wind blows,) respond enthusiastically TO the
Berkeley meeting. We have no doubt the
voice of the West will be unanimous.
STAUNToN CONVENTION.
The f" Augusta Democrat" in noticing the
Berkeley "Reform meeting" held here, says
it has been requested to suggest the propriety
of changing the day of holding the STATE RE
FORM CONVENTION Cat Staunton) TO Monday
the 18th day of August next, instead Of the LIST
day of September.
We have conversed with several of our Re
form friends here, and in reply TO the "Demo.
crat" we can only say that the Berkeley Re
formers are not particular as to the day. Per-
haps il would be as well for our Stanton
friends, upon whom the preparations for the
meeting Of the Convention will necessarily de-
volve, to fla the day themselves Any day fr-
ed will suit the Berkeley Reformers, and We
have no doubt the Reiormers throughout the
State We would respectfully suggest to our
Augusta friends to fix the day at once, 50 that
time will be given to communicate intoIma-
ton throughout the State, and give the people
the advantage of their court days in June and
July for holding their meetings and appointing
their Delegates.
The time has come brethren when we mus
be up and doing. No man must slulnber Al
his post now. The people mus; speak--aye
and act too We have sent our petitions Il
the Legislature time after time, and they have
been cotumellously rejected. The Legislature
Will do nothing unless the united voice OF thu
Reform Counties is carried to them in such ;
shape as to awaken their solemn and serious
consideration TO the grievances of which TIN
freemen OF the larger portion of the Common
wealth so justly complain. We regard til,
! +" Staunton Convention" Of the most solemn
importance to the People Of Virginia. Free
, men Of Virginia, are you willing to stumble
while the enemies of Popular Rights are bus
around you7 Let your actions speak for you
" Co We invite the attention of the Public 10 tn