Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1850-06-12
COMMUNICATED.
TO THE VOTERS OF AUGUSTA, ROCKBRIDGE
AND HIGHLAND.

Elo,r Cii.ens-I have determined, without further
delay to announce mysea candidate to represent in part
this District in the Convention to amend the Constitution
of the State The chief consideration that induces me to
offer is the conviction that the failure Of the people of Au-
gusa to secure my services in the Legislature at the late
Election was mainly owing desire on their part to re-
serve me for the more important work of revising the Con-
stituon In the card which had the honor Of addressing
TO the Voters of Augusta last Spring. (and TO which beg
leave to refer the people of the Dstric) gave my views
oil the subject OF Reform - xs5iot chAnged the
opinions then expressed, although am inclined to think
that my splan of arbitration" is somewhat in advance Of
the age and cannot this time be adopted nevertheless
am well satisfied that have planted "grain Of mustard
seed" in the popular mind that will in few years, spring
up into mighty tree under the protecting shade of whose
branches the "Reformers" of the present day will be glad
to seek shelter. 1t formerly deemed of the first inn
portance in choosing delegates Convention, to revise,
alter or amend State Constitution, to select of mature
age great experience and of enlarged and satesmenke
vews-men who had improved ntellects, literally endow
ed by nature by study and reflection and whose pursuits
in life had, least to extent turned their attention
to the science of Government But these oldashoned no.
tions have happily long since been exploded. In fact,
refrain from smiling at the simplicity Of the people
of that time for entertaining such notions How ridiculous
to think that requires vast learning and experience or pro-
found thought and careful study TO make Constitution
Why we have in our County of Augusta dozens of men
who have not yet attained to that indefinite time of life
called "middleage," who in rce, dash off much
better Constitution than present one which cost many
of the most learned of State months of labor. In
this age of "Lightning Teegraphs, and Patent Wash-
MATURE all the qualifications necessary for fstrate
Constitution maker s to be sound all the "great ques
ons of Reform" | fatter myself shall be found so-
But before proceed to state my views at length, will lay
down general principle that shall guide my in the
Convention in fact consider it political axiom, it is this
that the people ought to delegate agents any pow
er they can exercise themselves The fact that many things
be better done by agents than directly by the people,
no reason for the employment Of them For every such
delegation Of power argues want of confidence in the wis
dom and integrity of the people, and also implies doubt
of their capacity for selfgovernment.
After this, it will hardly be necessary for say that
for the people elecng all their officers from the high
est to the lowest. will now give my views somewhat in
detail.
The first reform that shall go for, will be prohibiting,
under heavy penalties, the common practice of designating
Virginia as the sod Dominion" 1t has had most dis
tessing influence all the great interests of the State
am in favor of eecting all the Judges for short terms
For it is the only way which can, law suit, ad
vantageousy avail himsefof his popularity, his wealth, his
influence in the community his extensive connection by
blood marriage, BOTH Under present system, with
Judges holding office by the independent tenure Of good be-
haviour, had just well be completely isolated
from all the world and the rest Of mankind, Dogenes in
his tub the fly in the piece OF AMBER be poor
Lazarus, the wealthy, influential and popular head Of an
extensive and powerful family eonnexion, for any good he
derive from il in the decision Of suit at law but give
us an Elective Judiciary" and then all these adventious
circumstances be brought to bear directly upon the de-
cision of the Court, through the "Baot Bor" Further
it will make the decisions Courts correspond with
public opinion, which will relieve the Judges from vast
Of dry and aboious investigation ofauthortes, and
substitute for it the agreeable task of ascertanng pub
lie opinion by mingng freely with the people at the "cor
ners of streets and roads," They consequently can
afford to labor for smaller salaries would also require that
each party chancery suit should file exhibit, show
ing the number of he control in election,
that the Judge may be under the necessity of taking
eap in the dark Another advantage of this system of
eecting Judges periodically, will be The greater despatch Of
busnesshe people will no longer be annoyed by the claws
uelay tne JuuSe VIII oe eAPeuiious3 VIC
Lawyers will be punctual and always prepared-w cease
to consume time unnecessarily in tedious and proftless
examination of wnesses-and instead of pox and ncohe
rent haangues more remarkable for length and repetition
than perspicuy and argument, shall have clear, con-
ce and pointed speeches addressed to the judgments
of the jurors and not to their passions and peudces-
Suitos will longer desire connuances but will always
be ready for tral-wnesses will fail to aend-ju
res will always agree and both parties will be satisfied
with the verdict: in fine shall have perfect Judicial
millennium.
Another good that will flow from the election of all Off
by the people, will be the promotion Of kind feelings
in the community for all those who hold offices and wish
10 keep them and all those who want to get Office will at
once become imbued with most tender and affeconate
concern for The welfare Of the dear people," which will be
exhibited in many ways, but especially in anxious soll-
ctude for the health of the wives and little Ones" And
as the two classes have named will include nearly the
whole people, FIVE do not exactly realize that happy time
beautifully described by the Prophet Of old, "when the
wolf and the lamb shall DIV ell together," shall make
8 very near approach to it,.
am in favor of the people eecting the Foreman CT the
Grand Jury 1t is very important and responsible office,
and one in the proper discharge Of the duties (which the
people have deep interest they ought therefore to fill it.
As to the Clerks Of the Courts am for having the du.
ties of these offices performed by contract let out to the
lowest bidder, requiring the person getting the contract to
keep the record in such hand that the Court, Bar and
Reormers generally read itas to the speng would
let him do that he pleased for look upon all rules and
standardsn reference that matter, direct Infringement
upon the liberty of the citizen. Spelling by rule and writ
ing according grammar being what is called the Kings
! English" are therefore decidedly anti-rcpublcan
am opposed to the "Home-stead reservation" because
there many who have to reserve Butnsead
of this am in favor Of clause in the next Constitution
thorzing every body by the next Census, S6O) to be
worth at least OO-one-thrd in real estate and in