Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1849-12-19
THE STAUNTON SPECTATOR.
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THE CONVENTION QUESTION.

uc YueSNOu vi u Stat6 convention Is again nc-
fore the Legislature, and will probably be discuss
ed with more good feeling and moderation than at
ithe session of 1856. Then, the basis upon which
Convention should be organised, placed two par
ties in direct and earnest opposition to each other,
while both professed to be governed by principles
admitting Of no compromise. Now, it is pleasing to
find asPeres passing away under the influence Of
our public Improvements, acting at the chan
nels of INSTRUMENTATION and the bonds of friend
ship. writer, the signature of "Potomac,'
who has published series of essays on the subject
Of reform in the esprit of Jefferson"-a writer ia
miliar with the history of his subject and whose
ability and zeal will command the respect Of re-
formers generally, has recommended Convention
upon the basis of the House of Delegates. We
quote from one of his letters
"Besides, know that many of our friends and
some among the very ablest and most learned among
them, (and who in the Convention itself will con
tend To the last extremity for the principles of the
white basis, hold to the opinion that the Legislature
have no power 10 pass bill for the call of Con-
ventien upon the white the mixed, or the Federal
basis, but that any bill which might be passed must
'ec neccSsitate rei," rest upon the arrangement of
the present House of Deegates-that the same
power that made the constitution had created them
and prescribed their powers, and that for them TO
prescribe any other now, would be assuming to
themselves the sovereign power to revoutonize 90
verninent-a power which all know and agree can
he exercised alone by a Convention of the peop!e
am not acquainted with single Eastern consti-
tuuonal lawyer who does maintain this position
as well as many of friends on this side of the
RIDGE
Again, from potomac :'-"Ihave never vet seen
any practical good arising from stubbornly persist
Ing In extremes when they are clearly unatainable;
and after the repeated efforts and failures to gain
either the white basis tho extreme, or the
mixed basis on the other, very much question the
sincerity OF any mans professions OF REFORM whom
see standing out and refusing Il Convention I'M
less called upon his peculiar basis NV hopes of
the 'chte Dasts are in Convention of the people,
we have given these extracts, not for The pur-
pose OF indicating that relormers have yielded their
principles but as evincing better state of feeling
and more compromising spirit, altogether becom-
Ing the patriotic citizens of great State We have
all due confidence In Convention calmly debera-
ting upon the interests of the commonwealth and
inc republican rights and privileges of its people ::
and have strong hope that like spirit, which is
30" so happily adjusting the question of organiza-
ton OF a Convention, will settle other vexed oues
lions dividing, and honestly dividing public opinion,
when that body shall meet We are not, however
without OH! fears on some points. We may recur
to these at more convenient, and as we deem.
more appropriate time.
For the present, ii may suffice TO say that "a our
opinion, all free white male citizens not criminals
OF II years of age, of fixed residence whether own
ing real estate not, and clear of Stale dues are
entitled to suffrage, and that the Governor should
be elected by the people entitled 10 vote.
With respect TO the various and complicated
questions connected with the Judiciary profound
learning and wisdom are necessary TO investigate
and adjust them. Ii is one thing to see a defect in
picture, and another, yes, very different one to
take the brush and correct it. a Roman Consul
in bearing off from Corin!h of The best speci-
mems of Grecan painting, charged upon the officer
TO whom he committed them, the responsibility of
replacing them if lost, repairing them if damaged
Both were green, and the anecdote still amuses
boys. The Judicial System, under despotsm, is
always simple. Sic voIo, sic .j,tbeo form It's base.
In free governments, this system is delicate ,
necessarily involved, and requires the utmost care
ard skill in the management.
If the Editor Of the Nindicator will, instead of
asking questions, give us his views, not simple
sic uolo, upon this momentous question, we shall
consider them calmly and inform him wherein we
agree and wherein we differ.
The ST. LOUIS HoMIcIDEs.-Leitersh have been
received in this country from Mr. RIvEs and other