Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1850-08-07
MMUN xCATIONs.
TO THE VOTERS OF THE CONVENTION DISTRICT COMPOSED OF
THE COUNTIES OF AUGUSTA, R0eKDRIDGE AND HIGHLAND

FE11ow. CITIZENS Having received various socila-
lions from portion of my friends in different parts Of The
District to permit the OF my name Candidate for
seat in the approaching Convention amend the Consn-
ton OF the Sae have at last concluded to yield to those
solicitations and to announce myself as Candidate TO rep
resent in part this District in the Conventions In making
this announcement justice myself and sense fduly
vou REQUIRE of that should freely disclose you my
views upon the leading questions likely before that
Convention.
LIST. As the basis Of representation my decided opinion
s that the free white population of the State is the only
true and proper basis The intelligence and virtue Of the
people constitute the foundation Of Republican Sale as
their patriotism and courage the of lis defence
the hour Of danger, and property possessing Of
these elements but standing in need OF them all for lis pro-
lection should Tot into the basis of representation.
2nd would extend the right Of suffrage to every free
white male citizen, who has resided in the State Twelve
months Of the age of2 years, upwards, who shall have
paid all assessed against him and who has been
convicted of some infamous crime. No citizen should vote
in more counties than one
Srd should favor the election of all officers, from the
Governor the Constable directly by the people for lin
tied terms Our bill of rights declares that a power is
vested in the people and consequently derived from tbe
that Magistrates the and of the peo-
pie and at all times amenabe them, think that it's high
time that the practice OF our Government should be made
conform TO It's theory and that the people should be vested
with the power which is naturally theirs for calling their
servants 10 account.
DIR am ii favor Of the election of all the Judges and of
the Justices of the peace for limited terms by the people,
If the people capable OF eecling their officers,
the beautiful theory of Republican Government is at an end.
5th am warmly in favor of the Legislature meeting
but in two years. and of limiting lis session to ~ or
90 days. An annual saving Of more Than 100000 of pub
lie money would be saved, which might be applied TO edu
eating the poor or carrying forward works Of nterna5 i'm
provemen'. The Governor might be invested with the
power Of calling extra session in Of emergency
or great necessity.
9th should favor the Incorporation of an article in the
Constitution providing for its amendment and thus avoid
in future the great expense Of Convention would re-
quire the Legislature to submit any amendment that may
be deemed necessary 10 vote of the peopeii they dec
ded in lis favor should be adppied, if decided against
il should be rejected The advocates of reform may
cure all their aims in this Convention, and, as reforms
90 backwards, they might be able in this pner to
perfect the glorious work without sublectng the people to
the heavy expense Of another Convention.
7th No man more desires than do tie introduction Of
genera system of Education among the people; should
also roce change in our jury SYSTEM which would
subject jurymen TO less expense and inconvenience The
latter might be effected by summonng urymen before the
the Court, and paying them for their services. But
these matters might be remeded by ordinary legislation if
the people will call upon their representatives, and COM
mand il 10 be done.
Tbse, Feow-citsens, are the views which entertain
upon e leading questions before the people, butt hold my
self bound all times to give my views upon any questions
which, in the hurry of the moment, may have Omitted
1t has been many years since my retirement from public
life and yielding the solicitation Of my friends 10 be
Candidate, am not governed by the dictates prompt
ins Of political ambition, but by desire to the asio
cratic iearres Stale Government substituted by those
Of republican character plain farmer, and ifeecl-
ed shall upon the discharge Of my representative
duty with deep of the responsibility which rests
upon me- with The snceest gratitude for the honor which
you havedone me- and earnest desire 10 carry out your
wishes. Your fellow citizen.
PETER HULL.
July so, 1850
CO. The Staunton, Lexington and Harriaonburg papers
please copy.