Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1850-08-15
TO TIE VOTERS OF AMHERST, NELSON,
AIRFN F..

Fellow. Citizers Having been announced candl
date represent in part, in the Convention. To he
held in the city Of Richmond in October next for the
purpose Of reforming the ing Cons u'ion OF Vginia,
1t hecomes duty give yon exposition ct my opn-
IONS relation to the necessary reforms 10 be made IN the
Constitution
am of those who believe that all power rests IN,
and inherently belongs the people, aud have never
feared them in the exercise Of hal power. in any
WAY. or at any time, that they may deem expedlent
and necessary to better their condion.
In the recent vote given by ihem-fr or against
Convenion-thev have decided by large majority IN
favor of it, This vote ndspntbly indicates their be-
lief in the defective character of many provisions of the
present Constitution, and determination to reform them
tvnted for Convention, believing if the people decided
in is favor. it would reform The defects which
they believed to exist in the present organic law of the
Stale, and that The Convention would present them
the result f their labos, Constitution bet adapted to
their wishes. more congenia II The age, and more npnb
lican in its TEXTURES.
With these preliminary remarks, | will now briefly
state the most prominent and important reforms which
believe necessary be made in present Cons uiion.
The right Of suffrage should be extended giving every
free white male citizen. q years of age and If sound
mind, one vote and He should be a resitn
Of the county where he offers vote, twelve months and
shall have paid State ,r comfy tax
am in favor of the election of all public Officers, from
Judges to Consables, by the people, for limited periods
Of time
For Biennial Legislatures We have TO much legisla-
tion it costs too high for its quality.
Giving the Governor authority to convince the Legsla
ture in cases Of emergency.
The Executive Counsel should he abolished believing
it TO be unnecessary appendage to the Gubenaoral
department. and an expense that may very well be dis
pensed with.
am in favor Of mixed basis representation based
upon taxation and population cnmblned-s principle wise
ly adopted in present Constitution and successfully
advocated BY of the most talented statesmen and
patriots in the Convention Of 500 and 80.
lhave thus given you, fellow citizens bret state
ment OF my opinions regards the mast prominent re-
forms which deem necessary to be made IN our present
Neutrality-suspicious. in which am gratlfed in bellev-
ing large number of my feuw-czens concur.
There are many other reforms Of perhaps, less I'm
poriani character necessary 10 he made all OF which,
deemed necessary required by the people IT the DIS
'rict WILL if they should elect Of their dele
ga'es receive my support.
In announcing myself candidate Cor seat in the ap-
preaching Stale Convenin, independent of party meet
hngs or Conventions. have been acluaed by no selfish
aprons Whatever, but have done in compliance with
the Wishes of large number Of my fellow ctz1ns with
out distinction of party
iiad seen any disposition evlnced the part OF the
people OF the District assemble either in primary meet
ihgs or IN District Convention. without distinction Of
party to select candidates. my name, with my consent,
wond never have appeared in the public papers, sng
vocated.
In the absence of any such Indication but directly to
inc reverse ie't no hesitation cnnsenlng To become
san'sda'c Should you, fellow -czens, deem me worthy