Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1846-10-29

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Come tin the end But until such Instances can
he found tile friends ogpassive submission must
excuse as FOR differing with them IN opinion.
We feel an abiding Confidence, iaat u the
friends or equal representation on the white
bass will rsfnalH firm and act together as one
man; IF as f.semen they contend for their
rights, and appeal 10 their Eastern brethren IN
tones Of decision, but Of temperance, for
that share in The government. which, by
the terms Of the constitution i,self s their ''R
2ubtsble, unalicnable and indeseasibic right"
they will surely, and at no distant day, achieve
il. And we feel as sure conviction thai, II
through a too greedy desire 10 attain the re-
torm Of sofaa minor grievance, they shall rush
into Convention on the disgracetul terms pro-
posed BY the East, they will not only incur
the contempt Of their brethres, and he world,
bat will tsreyer be deprived ofthose rights for
which they ara contezdiag. Why, what IS II
proposed that we surrender, but the only
shield Of protection that the Constitution has
thrown around US. That instrument while
it deprives the West Of equal representation IN
the Legislature, yet declares, that "a power
is vested in and consequently derived from
the people," and that whenever government
i, found inadequate or contrary to the purpo-
ses Of promoting the common benefit, protec-
ton and security Of the people, nation or com
nunity, ga majority Of the community hath
an indulrtable, unalienable and ndefeaslble
right, to reform. alter or abolish it, in such
manner as shall be Judged most conducive to
the public veal" No other mode is recogni-
ZeJ by tie constitution for changing the gov
eminent but by the action Of the majority of
the community. And while tho Constitution
has fixed one basis Of representation for the
Legislature, it has ~ plainly fixed another
(the white basis) for any Convention that
may ever be called to alter the Constitution or
form Of government We ore then asked not
only to surrender the guarantee Of our equal
rights prov ided by the sacred Constitution, but
TO aid and abet our Eastern friends in tramp
ling ii under foot, and setting it at nought.-
With what face could we then come before
them 10 assert any right. Would we say to
them ''the Constitution gave us shield Of
protection, but we have surrendered it and
choose rather TO crave your mercy and CHAIR
ty as slaves, than to demand our rights as free
men, Do in mercy and charity accord TO
your humble servants this or that BOOM
Would they not spurn us2 Ought we not to
be spurned ; Would they not say, "Base
slaves we need not your complaints we
fear not your resentment; we will not only
keep the rights you have surrendered, but
usurp all others that you have LETT Hence
forth who will regard the Glowing ofthe Wes-
tern herds % II you have not the courage 10
defend your Constitutional privileges from in
vasion, you deserve neither respect or charity.
But suppose the West adhere rs one man
10 the white basis, and refuse a Conyen ion
Ion any other farms. Suppose as one man
they appeal TO the Constitution what will
prevent the friends of Reform in Eastern Viz
sinia, sanc,ioning their claim? The present
Constitution is odous to them in many paEfc-
ulars. They call for Reform almost as loudly
as we do. We Of the West say TO them,
I'VE are your friends; we too are in favour
Of Reform, and oil we ask at your hands is,
that II the Constitution is amended, its amend
ment may be effected by those who are ap-
pointed for that work by the Constitution IL
self, viz: by a majority of the people. Ryou
viii amend in obedience to the Constitution,
then we are by your side but if in the spir
II Of "Dorrism" you fly in the face Of that sa-
cred charter, we cannot countenance you.
Does any one believe such an appeal would
be UNDECIDED in Eastern Virginia? The in
terest as well as magnanimity of the friends
Of Reform there, would compel them TO hear
it, Without union of Eastern and Western
Re'ormss, no Convention can be had We
of the West desire Convention, and only
ask, that in the call of one, our unalienable
and indeioasibls rights may be respected.
WhS will dars say that Eastern Virginia i. so
lost 10 our just demands? There may be
Some there too deeply Imbued with the spirit
Of arlstocracy to remember the principles of
the Revolution-to remember liberty and the
equal rights Of the people: but they are not
the friends Of Relorm-they are not the great
mass the people. And if to the people of
that part Of our Commonwealth, it shall ever
be told that their representatives refused to
unite in Convention with Western Virginia,
because the latter would not go into Conven
ton on the terms of surrendering the Consti-
tuition, rely on it, such representative. would
be r-buked in voice Of thunder at the polls,
by their own constituency.
TIiOS. J. NICHE.
ID. w. PATTESON,
WIN. KINNEY.
Sirmtsn. October 10. 1916.