Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1850-05-29
cow UNEC TIONs.

the purpose 10 be held in each Conventional Dstrcn
to which the State has been divided the 4h Thursday
in August next and it behooves improve the interval
which is thus afforded us in pondeng, gavely and serious
w. upon the many and various matters which necessa
rly involved in the attempt we are making to remod
ell and improve The Constitution Of the State.
In The outset the first thing TO be considered is the nature
and extern, of the reformation which seek effect by
this appeal the sovereign power of the Commonwealth.
Ii is agreed all hands, believe that in every wereg
ulaed republican constitution, the principle that The major
y should govern ought to be recognised and established,
but the great difficulty which have encounter this
State is in determining what in fact constitutes that major
ty If we were homogeneous population, that is, all
white or all black, the matter could be easily disposed Of
and it would be conceded with entire unanmlty, that
bers alone should constitute the only proper basis Of repre-
sentaon But the misfortune with is, that popula
lion is Of mixed character and hence the conflict Of opn
ion which has arisen between the East and the West and
from which the very worst results 10 be antcpaed I'M
less some happy expedient be hit upon compromise
and ge, rid OF the difficulty. There doubt that the
tables of the census which is 10 be aken will exhibit
considerable preponderance of free white population in
the Western tie Eastern section ofthe Stae and upon
the principle Of numbers would consequently entite The
West to the political power Of the Commonwealth; yet
whilst this is admitted cannot be denied that by far the
largest amount Of revenue which annually flows into the
public treasury is derived from The East and if the political
axiom that taxation and representation should 90 hand in
reasonably contend that ii would be unjust to deprive them
Of the political influence and power which they enjoy under
the existing order of things Amid this unhappy conflict
of opuien AND interest between brethren Of the ami
ly, would suggest that if property Of any kind is to
be taken into The account as element In adjusting the ba
sis OF representative there be good why pro
pery of all kinds should not stand upon the footing
hope therefore, that lands and enemens, horses mules,
mares and cois and in Short every kind OF property which
is made the subject Of taxation, will be allowed their
due weight in the arrangement and final adjustment Of This
matter. In this way the influence and power Of the West
may be increased though there is hope that such in
will be sufficient TO west the scepte from the clutch
es Of our Eastern masters
The next point 10 be considered is in reference 10 the cleo
tive franchise. The present system is universally condemn
ed and in both sectuns Of the State there will be united
and vigorous effort for its utter su5veson and overthrow
For myself in favor Of universal suffrage, and shall
peenaciousy insist upon extending this invaluable pvi
eye every free white citizen of the Commonwealth male
and female as the voter arrives years Of diSce
onhe former at 10 years Of age, the latter six months
many months ialer, if it shall require
compromise settle the difficulty if one should arise Let
il be remembered, however, that do intend 10 embrace
slaves free negroes aud naitoes, In this my idea OF uni
versatility.
Thirdy-The abolition of the County Court system
For this would srenuousy contend to the bitter end.
admit that has served IN times past very Convenient
and somewhat economical OF tribunal for the adjust
ment OF disputes arising between citizens, bu! it appears
10 Inc that we ought TO keep pace with the advancing spirit
of The day, and that calls loudly for the adjustment of
what it consders most useless ppendage to judiciary
system, shall hesitate moment, and DO think
the Convention ought TO hesitate 90 in for IT, The bu
shess Of County Courts might be turned very ad
vanageously 20 the Judges OF our Superior Courts They,
under the present system, haven't half enough to employ
them, and if this accession made to their business,
doubt very much whether would hear of delays
again in the administrator Of justice. Give our Judges
fill nd unrIf ,of
ceny and expedliluusy than they have done before
ldenes is said be the thief Of time, and that is the moth
which has been praying for so many years upon the vals
Of our judiciary system. In connection with this subject
the great question Of Elective Judiciary is ourlhy to be
considered.
Besides the principle Of full employment which has just
been advered TO, important auxiliary in accoIeaiing
the administration Of justice would 60 in for election
OF our Judges al the end of every nonthsthus giving
biennial aspect Judiciary, shall in the sequel,
propose 10 give To the Legislative and Executive Depart
nentS Ut our Government. Let Judges know and
feel that they be SO snugy ensconsed in their
wousacs hereafter they present, and The
y Of losing their places; in the event OF failure dis
charge their duties faithfully operating with The princi
pie Of full empoymen will go far towards eiectng rad
cal OF all the evils which have complain
in this Department Of the Government. The progressive
spirit Of the age demands this innovation upon the old sys
em and in despite the influence of that old fashioned con-
seryalism which has The audacity and them TO lift up
lis head, the thing going 10 be accomplished. am aware
that the dum bene, operates, the life Tenure by
which Judges hold their stations has always been con
sdeed clement indispensable 70 the preservation of
Judicial Independence, and The consequent impartial admin
isation Of justice between and man bat who cares
for that, and oil what consequence IT, when cOntrasted
with the high satisfaction shall derive from conscious
Of having that arrogant and naughty corps OF officials
always under thumb? We donl WISH nor will we al
low them 10 be independent Of their masters and il is
prevent that very thing, that We would 60 for the six
months tenure.
Then for the Clerks Sheris Cons,ables and Jailos-
1t requires know, many years OF patient, and unrenng
toll AID study TO qualify man properly 10 discharge the
duties Of our Clerks Of Courts and doubtless great confusion
would result from hcgnent changes in public officers of
this claSsbut that consideration ought not 10 weigh ealh
er when we reflect how greatly it will add 10 dignity
and consequence be awned upon and coured by every
lick-spe in the land for the iavors, which trust,
shall soon have it in sovereign power to bestow That
after all is the great desdealum and let what NAV be The
consequence of asserting and maintaining this sacred prnc
pie, we go emphaealy and decidedly for engrang the
fundamental law Of the land Of our naienable rights,
The recognition Of power in the people 10 the Clerks,
Shers, Conslabes and Jaiors from office at their
elgn will and pleasure, barring days notice which in
reason ought to be allowed lhem For the sake Of being
definite however, would suggest the propety of limila
Ton to Offices OF this casssay thirty sixty days,
king them ineligible for long enough period of time there
alter, as would give chance all the lean and hungry
prans Tor said offices in each County 10 g taste Of the
leaves and fishes As il respects the JailOs, would
mend in ola lie any election that The prisoners should
have the casting VOTE it nothing but reasonable that
they should have word to say, 10 the who is to
rule over them. 1t would be powerfully operative in Sc
curing them better fare. The length of this communica
ton admonishe that is time draw my remarks to
close. Tho important suggestions which yet have 10
make will be reserved for another number
A TAoRoUGH REFoRMER UPON EXPERIMENT
.NeSsrs. Editws:-The subject of the coming Conven-
ton to form Constitution for our State very properly at
the present uncure occupies prominent place in The pub
lie mind. Nearly all Of US admit that there are many de-
feels in the existing Constitution, and Of my County
andamend it, surely then becomes in selecting agents
change the fundamental law of the State, 10 lay aside
personal prefeencest keep down the whwind of party
excitement and uncalled for aspertes, which sometimes
al L.. G e