Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1846-06-30
To the Editors Of The Enquirer

To the Editors ~ inc E"1hHI.
Gentlemen: In looking over your paper OF The
Oh H., vas very much struck win lhe error
of your correspondent from Halifax, (noi inten-
tional presume,) who states that the people se-
neralIy did not make the convention question
test in the county" for delegates TO represent them
in the next General Assembly Of Virginia. am
not particularly anxious 10 correct the opinion as
therein expressed by your correspondent, but tar
play would seem 10 require that justice should be
awarded to both parles all being interested in The
matter.
profess myself 10 be not entirely unacquainled
with the acts and doings OF both parties who hgu-
red actively and enerset;cally 10 secure the sue
cess of their candidates upon the express issue,
emphalcaly so, OF convention or no convention
This issue was proclaimed from the stiles al the
Courthouse, and al every point in The county
where the candidates spoke: that Stovall and Ma.
ior were the convention men, and Hughes and
Watkins opposed 10 it. Upon this ground alone
the whole county was traversed, every corner
stirred up. All who intended TO go 10 the polls,
il is believed, went. Every man voted under
slandingly; there may be some exceptions. The
candidates made the issue. found them at work
in good earnest upon the subject. had heard be-
loro that they intended TO make the convention
question The issue, but merely regarded il Seeing
no necessity al that time 10 make the issue) as a
hobby gotten up for the benefit, IN future, oil some
aspiring politician. The result will prove dealh-
blow: "dash these people, how uncertain -
You may rest assured Of The fact, land cha-
lenoe serious cunlrad!ction,l that the conven-
ton question in the great county OF Halifax was
Of universal notoriey as much SO as any ques-
ton ever brought before The people OF The county
AL the information the candidates were capable
of afording, in my judgment, was spread before
6 :. fhnpry nnah IOh
still remains covered up with regard 10 The present
Constitution, (which was scarce half made up,
and tina, so lame and il4proporioned as 10 require
a thorough reproduction, there was enough eicl-
led TO demonstrate 10 The entire satisfaction OF
those who carried the election, that such gross I'M
perfecton as perYades our organic law, ought 10
h. looked into; how far and 10 what extent,
those inlrusled with The work will be, perhaps,
most competent 10 decide. East and West have
declared il. Let every man who thinks himself
secure in The enjoyment OF sinecure iavors, beware
of The Tdes oil March! All government ought TO
be instituted for the benefit OF the people; and BY
wise distribution Of the powers OF the Constitu-
luton, those Who hold Office from constable up
10 President, may expect 10 reap lair reward
for his labor and toll The tide OF public feeling,
advanced by The progress of knowledge in
our country, is, according 10 every principle
of reclitude and propriety, fast setting against
irresponsible agents-asenls not 10 be called 10
account Immediately by the people The Gus
,ody OF this right and prerogative ought not TO
belong to any body oil men exclusively. Your
correspondent acknowledges the TACT, that "thelc
are many imperiections in our present ConstIlu.
ton that might be remedied, and some radical
changes and alterations probably made" and
asks, "bul have we any assurance that we shall
get these desirable and wholesome alterations and
amendments, and stop, were we to go into con.
| vention?" The friends of reform, here, believe
that it is cardinal principle IN our torn of GO
vernment that a majority shall rule, and if by
that direction they try the project, no matter IN.
der what disadvantages they 10 into convention
(Which doubt, after clear field and fair fight
j, i. The duly Of all genuine Republicans TO yield
hearty acquescence. We are unwilling 10
believe any assertion which goes 10 impute un-
worthy motives in an attempt 10 submit the CUES
lion of call OF Convention by any part OF our
people; that the main object is TO get The power
| and ascendercy, and, by consequence, exercise
il over the majority with an iron and mis-
chevous rule. They cannot, dare not do that
Neither do We believe, if they could, That the ma.
jority would proceed upon such hazardous ex.
pertinent Messrs. Stovall and Major, instead
OF being "loh 10 begin the canvass anew" will
| no doubt take pleasure in announcing 10 the PEG
pie of Halifax their fixed purpose Of renewing
the issue at suitable subsequent day, "makine
Convention or no Convention the test with the
distinct understanding, that each voter shall ex
press his sentiments on the subject by his VOTE
CONVENTlONIST.
Halifax. June 18th, 1876.