Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1850-07-01

To Mcssrs j. Girens Fulton, C. R. Harris.
Franklin HlcCue, Sam'l B. Bro,tn and others.
GENTLEMEN Your hattering note addressed
10 II. w. SHEFFEY, Esq, and myself, "asking
permission TO announce US as candidates tor
seats In the Convention, subject to the approval
| OF the reform party" has been received and
considered with all the care and deiberation
which its grave importance demands.
| but imperfectly give expression to my feel
ngs, in rendering you my most grateful ac-
acknowledgements, for the high honor you propose
to confer upon me.
Disrusine, as I do, my own ability, I can
but regard your callas evidence of your kind
Partially for me, and devotion TO the prnci-
pies OF REFORM rather than the possession on my
part OF Prerequisite qualifications TO discharge
duties SO arduous and responsible.
though sensible ofmy inadequacy TO such a
task, the confidence manifested by your note
VIII tend TO strengthen and confirm me in the
justice OF our cause and will greatly stimulate
me in advocating all those judicious and saua-
ry reforms which we deem SO essential to the
prosperity and happiness of the people Of this
old Commonwealth.
i In my BILE efforts 10 accomplish reform,
but followed the examples set us by twenty
two of our sister States and in cause like
this, 10 have the aid and support of men of great
worth and intelligence; is most grateful to my
feelings.
do not feel at liberty to Withhold my assent
to your request, coming as it does, from so many
Of the most respectable and respected of my fell
low-ciizens, of this my native county.
/ | have heretofore, unreservedly and frankly
1 in private and in public, given my opinions on
| the various subjects of reform, but it may not
be out of place, to set them forth briefly here.
/. Our government rests upon the virtue and
intelligence of the people; | am, therefore, a
Jealous advocate for a liberal system of Educa-
ton. 1t is only bya general diffusion of knowl-
edge that we can secure 3 firm Foundation for
the permanency and perpetuty of our free in
stitations. This subject is under the control of
ordinary legislation, but so important is it, that
| am in favor of making it the duty Of the Le-
gslature to provide an efficient system
The right of Suffrage should be extended
to every free white male citizen twenty -one
years of age, not convicted of crime who has
resided in the State sufficiently long to give him
an interest in and an attachment TO the commu-
nifty, and who has performed the ordinary dutie.
Of citizen.
3. would place representation uron the
white population !; that being the only legitimate
basis which can be recognized in Republican
government.
4. The Legislative, Executive and Judicial
departments, should be kept separate and dis
tinct fiom and a check upon each other. Each
should receive its direct and immediate propel-
ling power from the people-as all power is de-
rived from the people, SO the people SHOULD ex-
ercise all power, whenever they can do so with
convenience.
S. The Governor should be elected by the
popular voice, for term of years; and the
Council Of State abolished
g. am a warm advocate for biennial and
limited sessions ofthe Legislature: first because
it will be saving to the State of about $4,000
per annam andSecondly, because it will great
ly improve the general character of our legisa-
ton. 1t would be WE'LL also, to place some
restrictions upon the powers of the Legislature,
in relation to local and private legislation, and
large appropriations for Internal improvements.
T. The most important of all the reforms pro-
posed; is the election by the people, of all the
Judges, and Justices OF the peace for term of
years. This is the only mode by which we can
secure responsible and efficient Judiciary
Some practical meaning should be given to the
Republican principle that the people are COM.
petent for selt-govegnment.
The time has arrived, trust, when the peo-
pie will resume their rights, and with one voice,
exnunge from their organic laws the remain
ing aristocratic feature-"Me life tenure"
8. All ministerial officers Clerks, Sheriffs,
Constables &c, should be elected by the popu.
lar voice, for a term Or years This would Sc
cure prompt and faithful discharge of duty.
9. The County Court should be lemodelled,
and rendered prompt and efficient, and jurors
should be Paid.
These are my fixed and decided opinions,
formed upon the most mature consideration, and
after careful observation of the operations of
our government for many years
The reasons in support of which, cannot be
argued here, but having the most entire conf
dence In their correctness, stand prepared at
all times and upon all occasions to plaintain
| them.
And if i: shall please the people of this dis
trict, to honor me as one OF their representatives
in Convention, do not desire to go there in the
language of another, Gree from pledges or pro
misses Of any kind" On the other hand l avisA
it distinctly understood that go pledged to
carry out, in good faith, to the utmost Of my
feeble ability, the opinions l have proclaimed.
And it shall not be, until every effort has been
made, and all fair and honorable means exhaust
ed, that will consent to yield up one jot or
title, in the way of compromise or concession.
Permit me 10 congratulate you upon the una
nimity of sentiment that prevails throughout the
Commonwealth on the questions of Constitution
al Reform. If the people are faithful to them
selves, and doubt not they will be, they have
it in their power to secure TO themselves gov
ernment more perfectly in accordance with their
wishes and wants, than, perhaps, has ever been
vouchsafed to a free people Republic pure
in its character, wholly relieved from every
monarchical and arisocratcal principles which
will afford the most ample security and protec-
ton to life liberty and property of the citizen,
at the samo time, that it extends to the people
the utmost degree OF liberty compatible with the
most enlightened and free form of government.
Iremain,
With great respect,
i Your fellow citizen,
/ DAVID FITLTZ