Martinsburg gazette. [volume] (Martinsburg, Va. [W. Va.]) 1833-1855, 1846-12-17

III fSopNH NHSiuid, uut 10 postpone the Hndl
call Of a Convention 10 future day. He was
now satisfied that he was mistaken, and he
would cheerfully vote for the amendment as
proposed to be amended.
The question on the amendment 10 the
amendment was then put and carried unani-
mously; and the question recurring upon the
adoption of the amendment as amended, by a
unanimous vote Of the Convention. il was
adopted.
The preamble and resolutions were then
reported by the Chair, and are as follows:
PREAMBLE AND RESOLUTIONS.
The members of this Convention, assem-
bled for the purpose Of considering, and de
termlnlng what course it may be most expedi-
ent, under existing circumstances, for the
advocates OF Reform in our State Constitution
to pursue, in order 10 ensure the call of a Con
~vention, in which the people of all portions of
the Commonwealth shall be fairly and equal
ly represented-have, after due deliberation,
adopted the following resolutions, expressive
Of their opinions upon the important subjects
therein referred to, which they beg leave 10
submit to the candid consideration of their fell
low citizens throughout the State of Virgin
ia -
lst. Resoired, Tha, the White People Of
this Commonwealth are the only parties to the
social compact, to which the Government un-
der which we live owes its origin, in whom
"all power is vested, and from whom all pow
er is consequently derived" and that they and
they alone constitute the Community" for
whose benefit our form of Government was
Instituted, and a majority of whom have, in
the language of the Bill of Rights, ian indubi-
table, unalienable, and indefeasible right, to
reform, alter, or abolish, (their form of Gov
ernment,) in such manner as shall be judged
most conducive 10 the public veal"
I'd. Resolred, That whenever the people,
deem ii proper, from n~,otiues Of convenience, TO
transact their business either in organizing a
government or in administering it afterwards,
every portion OF them ought to be fairly and
equally represented i'll the body TO whose
hands such agency is committed.
Sd. Resolred, That the white population
is the only basis of Representation in the Gen
eral Assembly, which ever ought TO be recog
missed by the people Of Virginia.
4th. Resolred, That whilst we hold every
civilized community, to be bound by the most
sacred obi cations TO protect its citizens in the
full and uninterrupted enjoyment of thier prop
erty, we cannot acknowledge a mere unloun-
dtd Apprehension tiIdl ii NildiHt III tilt tOlSt-
tuition may render the possession Of property
less secure, furnishes any apology, much less
a justification, TO those who endeavour to hold
power, accidentally or u~njustly acquired, in
opposition to the wishes, and IN violation Of
the rights of a majority OF their fellow citizens,
and Of the principles Of justice.
9Th. Rssolred,-That the allegation that
property would be rendered less secure. by a
re-appor.ionment of the representation in the
General Assembly upon the basis of white
population is utterly uniounded in fact, and
grossly unjustto the ma ority ofthe people of
this Commonwealth.
9th. RcSotred,-That the existing Constitu-
ton of this State, is N many respects imper-
feet and defective, unequal and unjust in its
operations, and Inconsistent with the great
fundamental principles ofsree government as
set forth in our Bill of Rights.
9TH. Resotued,-That Notwithstanding a
majority of the representatives of the people
ia the General Assembly hayerepeatedly refu-
sed, either TO call Convention, organized on
fair or sound Republican principles, or TO sub
init the question of calling one, TO the people
themselves we still feel too much confidence
in the integrity, patriotism and good sense of
that portion of our fellow citizens who have
more than their just proportion OF representa-
ton in the General Assembly, TO believe, that
they will persist in the vain effort to retain it.
when the inequality Of that representation
shall become, Gas IT soon will, too palpable 10
escape thar own observation.
Sth. Rcsclred,-AS the sense of this Con
vention that the friends of Reform throughout
the Commonwealth should spare no efforts TO
procure the call of a Convention based on
sound republican principles of representation +;
and that the members OF the General Assem-
bly, friendly to Reform be requested TO adopt
such measures TO secure this end as 10 them
shall seem most ~ludielous.
On motion of Mr.. WATTS the following res
o~lutions were unanimously adopted:
/. Resolped,-That the thanks of the Con-
vention be rendered TO its officers for the eff
Gent and very satisfactory manner IN which
they nave discharged the duties devolved upon
them.
2. Resolred,-That the thanks of the Con-
vention be rendered to the Trustees of the Nj.
T.. Church for their kindness IN extending 10 II
the use of their Church building.
3. Rcsolred,-That the Editors of the various
newspapers published in this Commonwealth
be requested to publish the proceedings Of this
Convention.
On the motion Of MIR. GRATTAS,
Resolred,-That this Convention adjourn
sine die.
EDMUND P. HUNTER. Pre,t.
M Man,' " T. s Sannar, Secretaries.
.. Srntpt1