Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1846-12-10

He hoped that the members of the Legis-
lature friendly to reform would consider
themselves as TO some degree instructed to
declare TO the people of Virginia the prin-
ciple Of the rcformers.
Mr.. Moore was pleased that the amend
ment had been offered. He liked il, ON
consideration, much better than the reso-
luton which had been adopted-He was
satisfied that the members Of the General
Assembly friendly to reform ought to con-
suit upon the most judicious course to be
pursued; and 10 prepare an Address TO the
people OF the Commonwealth on The sub
ject OF an alteration of the Constitution
He would vote for the amendment as a.
mended.
Mr.. Niche disclaimed any intention of
trespassing on the time ofthe Convention
He knew that there were members here
from distance who were anxious to leave;
and he would say but few WORDS
He thought the amendment 10 the amend
ment ought to be adopted-that simplici-
ty and plainness in the annuncation of
principles should be aimed at. Wheth-
er properly so or not he urged that the
word republican" was an ambiguous
term-that the word republican" as APP
piled to the institutions of Rome, and of
Europe, where Republics had existed, con-
veyed to the mind meaning different from
that involved i'm the term, when used i'm
reference TO the institutions of our own
country. And so, the word Republican"
when employed in speaking of the Consti-
tuition Of the United States, was not the
same in its meaning, or was not consider
ed the same, as when used to characterize
our State Constitution. He wished it to
be clearly understood that when he used
the term republican" in reference to our
State government he intended thereby to
give expression to those principles of gov
eminent recognized by the Bill of Rights.
Col. Baylor stated that he had voted for
the original resolution which had been re-
considered. He had at that time thought
that the extreme West was lukewarm on
the subject of the call of a Convention
and he had thought that there was a gene
raj disposition in that quarter, to post
pone the agitation of the great principles |
involved in the Reform movement. for there |
was no such disposition in Western Vir-
GINA, but 10 postpone the final call of |
Convention to future day. He was now |
satisfied that be was mistaken, and he
would cheerfully vote for the amendment
as proposed to be amended.
The question on the amendment to the |
amendment was then put and carried u
unanimously and the question recurring
upon the adoption of the amendment as |
amended, by unanimous vote of the Con-
vention, it 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
determining what course it may be most
expedient, under existing circumstances for
the advocates of Reform in our State Con-
stitution to pursue, in order to ensure the !
call Of Convention. in which tho people
OF all portions of the Commonwealth shall
be fairly and equally represented-have, af-
resolutions, expressive of their opinions
upon the important subjects therein refer
red TO, which they beg leave to submit to |
the candid consideration of their fellow |
citizens throughout the State of Virgin
la -
LIST. RESOLVED, That the White People of This
Commonwealth the only parties to the social
compact, to which the Government under which
we live owes its origin, in whom call power is vest
ed, and from whom all power is consequently de-
rived" and that they, and they alone const
tute the s'communty'' for whose benefit our form
of Government was instituted, and majority of
whom have. in the language of the Bill of Rights,
an indubtable, unalienable and indefeasible right
to reform, alter, abolish (heir form of Govern
ment,) in such as shall be Judged most con-
ducive to the public veal
3D. Resoired-That whenever the people. deem !
1T proper, from notices of convenience to transact
their business either in organizing government !
or i'll administering it afterwards every portion of
them ought to be fairly and equally represented in
the body to whose hands such agency 10 committed
Sd. Resolued,-That the white population is the
only basis of Representation in the General Assem-
pie of Virginia.
4th ResoIred,-That whilst we hold every civil |
lied community, to be bound by the most sacred OBJ
legations to protect its citizens in the full and unin
.eILuPtea enjoyment OF their property, we cannot
acknowledge mere unfounded apprehension that !
change in the Constitution NAV render the posses
sion OF property less secure, furnishes any apology
much less justification, to those who endeavor 10
hold power, accidentally or unjustiy acquired in |
opposition to the wishes and in violation of tbe
rights of majority of their fellow citizens. and of
the principles of justice.
9th: Resotved.-!That the allegation that property
would be rendered less secure by a re apportion-
ment of the representation in the General Assembly
upon the basis OF white population is utterly un- |
founded in fact, and grossly unjust to the majority
Of the people of this Commonwealth
9th. Resolued,-T the existing Constitution
OF this State, is in many respects imperfect and de-
iective. unequal and unjust in its operations, and
inconsistent with the great fundamental principles
OIL Tree government as set forth in Bill of Rights
7th. ReSotUed,-Tbat Notwithstanding a majority
OF the representatives, of the people in the General
Assembly, have repeatedly refused, either TO call
Convention, organized on fair or sound Republican
principles, or to submit 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 representation in
the General Assembly, TO believe, that they will
persist in the vain effort to retain it, when the inc
quality of that representation shall become las il
soon Wild too palpabe 10 escape their own obser-