Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1849-10-15


among those, upon whose harmony OF feeling and
concert OF action, depended the salvation OF their
country, they left it, therefore, az they found 1t.
The non-fret holders, moreover, unrepresented III
the Convention, and tol the most part. proba bly,,
eagaged III resistiG. the common enemy, II is fair
hter, i'll the actual condition OF the country,
had neither the opportunity nor the inclination
10 press thel cldims. Nor should it be forgotten,
that the Convention having been chosen by the
treehodefs, whose political power was derived
from the abrooated Government, many OF oar
wises Statesmen regarded the Cons titution it
self, as wanting in authority, or at least rs re-
pealable by succeeding Legislature : and, &C
cordn@ly; it has in poitt OF fact, since und' r
gone material change, in the very provision
now III QUESTION, touching the right OF eafils4ga.
If the Bill OF Rights may Eot challenge respect,
the opinions ofahy individual, however eminent
will be still more lightly regarded. Yet your
memorialists cannot but exult in the countenance
their cause has received from him, who was
ever foremost to assert the rights of HIS fellow
men; the yenelated author Of the Declaration Of
Independence. and OF the Act of Religious Free
DOM When these rights are brought IN question,
they know OF none V hose sentiments are worthy
OF higher estimation. 10 noHe among the toun-
ders Of our Republic are we indebted for more
III its Institutions, that is admirable in theory or
valuable i'll practice. His name is identified
with the Independence OF his country with all
hat is liberal and enlightenedn her policy
Never had libeIty All advocate OF more unafect-
ed zeal OF more splendid Abilities of purer
principles Nor is there in ancient or modern
times an example to be found Of ore, who in his
life and conduct, more strongly eaemplif9d the
sincerity Of his faith or more brightly illustrated
the beauty OF his tenets.
Your l1emorialisis could not on this occasion,
in Justice TO themselves omit all ausion to .Ec
avoWed sentiments OF this lIustrinus Statesman,
nor Withhold from his memory, passing tribute
OF admiration and gratitude
Hreading the INFLUENCE OF the doctrines aud
opinionsnow adYeItedto, conscious Of the futiity
OF any attempt 10 reconcile with thanl their IA
vofite policy,the enemies OF visionary politicians.
The Bill OF Rights, until it becatae necessary for
their purposes OF its theory, they paradoxicav as
sert, tDds in practice to ,nischlevous results
It's principles: they cantiot deny, are founded in
| truth and justice. But these practical politicians
| look 10 /, higher sanction, and sacrifice without
femo.se both justice and truth on the altar Of ex-
pediency. Would it not be well they should ell
tighten the world with a system Of their own
which should conform 10 the practice they would
| approve, aud sGbstitGte The exploded theories o.
the ist q State snen, the purest Patriots, and he
souades; republicans, who eyer adorned any agt
| Or country.
Rat uot to the authority OF great names merely,
DOES the existing restriction upoG suffrage stand
opposed reason aud Justice equally condemn it
The object, it is presumed, ueiut 10 be attained,
was, as lar DIS Practicable, to admit the rnerito-
roas and reject The unworthy And had tins
! Object really been attained, whatever opinions
might prevail as to the mere III at, not Inur-
muir probably would have been heard Surely
| it we're much to he desired tna, every citizsi
should be qualified for the proper exercise Of all
his nights and duties. Blt the same qualifea
tIons that enit!e hiin TO assume the management
OF his private affairs, and 10 claim all other priv
leges ct citizenship; equally entitled him. III the
judgment OF your menolaEst, 10 be entrusted
with this, the dearest ct all his privileges, TIL.
NEST important OF al his concerns. But other
wise, still they cannot discern III the possession
Of land any evidence OF peculiar merit, OR supe-
rior title To aserbe TO a landed possession,
moral or intellectual endowmsIls, would truly
be regarded rs lGdicrous were it not for the gray
ty with which the proposition is maintained
aud still more icr the grave consequences flow
lug from 1t. Such Possession no more proves
him " ho has ii, wiser OF better, than it proves
him taller OF stronger than him WHO has it HOT
! hat cannot be lit Criterion for The exercise OF
any right, the ptss; ssioE u aicf does not ini-
cate the existence ler the want oil 1t the absence,
OF any essential qualification.
But this criterion, it 10 sirenuously insisted,
though not perfect, is vet the best human wslonl
can devise. 1t affords the stronsss ST if not the
only evidence Of the requisite qualifications; more
particularly of what are absolutely essential,
permanent common Interest with, and attach
ineut to the comnunity.N Those he cal!not
furnish this evidence, are therefore, leservedly
exclu.led.
Your menlorialiss dc not design to institute