Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1850-06-24
TO THE VOTERS OF AUGUSTA, ROCK.
BRIDGE d HIGHLAND COUNTIES.

FeHow- CataSens:-l have been induced to be-
iieve that it is the wish of respectable portion
OF the people that should become candidate
for a seat in the Convention which is to meet in
October, to revise Our State Constitution.
therefore announce to you my willingness 10
serve you in that capacity, if you shall think
proper 10 horror me with your confidence And
in order that there may be a full and fair UNDER
standing between us; beg leave to submit 10
you frank and explicit avowal of my opinions
in regard TO the leading measures Of reform
Some individuals claiming to be the exclusive
friends OF the people, pretend 10 regard the ques-
ton OF reform as matter involving popular
rights. | look upon all such notions as the off
spring of deluson or of disposition to deceive
The people. No wel-intormed man can deny the
proposition that all political power is vested in
and rightiully belongs to the people, They
have the light to ordain and establish any form
OF government they may think proper, and TO
alter and reform it from time to time, as their
interests and safety may require. The only
question which is presented when proposition,
is made TO change The form Of government is one
moi OF poper but of erpedieney. Not whether :
the people have right to make the change-foE
that is unquestionable-but whether it will pro-
mote their prosperity and happiness. The pow
er of the people in this respect knows ITO limits
but those which the laws of God and the Con-
stitution OF the United States (Which requires
that the government Of the States shall be re-
publican may impose.
In all that shall say therefore wish TO be-
understood as speaking not to the right Of the
people to make particular changes in the struc-
ture Of the government, but Of the propriety and
expectancy OF exercising that ght.
All cha ges III the organic law Of the Stale
should be made with great caution and upon
due delibegation We should beware how we
pull down, before We well assured that We
can substitute better institutions in the place Of
ihnso Iosfro n,,r nh, !,
and hot ,erol,aaon. We should be content 10
correct the evils Of our present system, rather
than IN a reckless spirit OF innovation, seek to
discard those forms and principles OF govern
ment " hich were established and transmitted
to US by our ancestors, and which have hitherto
guarded and guided us in our unparalleled pro-
gress III the march of improvement.
4 But whilst | entertain these conservative Sell
timelts, am now and have been since | was
capable OF forming an opinion, All advocate Of
many important changes in our Constitution. l
believe ii to be nnwise and unjust III lis pro-
visions in regard to the right Of sufrage-and
the apportionment OF representation. And am
equally well satisfied that it is essentially defec-
tive III the organization OF the Executive and
Judicial departments Of the government.
therefore voted with pleasure for the caM Of
f the Convention which the voice Of the people
has decreed shall be held in October.
Among The most prominent duties which in
my Judgment, will dey0lye on that Convention,
are the following
l. The right OF suffrage should be extended
, to all White male citizens over the age OF "a
years and nst convicted OF crime, who have re-
sided tor tW elve months III The County in which
they otter 10 vote aud who have raid all their
public assessments and performed all their duties
to the public Rig and duty should go hand
III hand. The man who has performed all his
duties to his country should have all The rights of
In
abolished and no man should vote more than
once in any election.
Ill. Representatives in both branches of the
Legislature should be appointed on fair basis
which shall secure to all parts OF the Common
wealth their just weight and at the same time
give adequate guarantees 10 all against erpreS-
sion. In my opinion there is no principle hick
would work well i'll practise unue1 ali circum-
stances. % But believing that in the existing con-
dltlon OF affairs III Virginia, white population
furnishes the rule liable 10 least exception, |
should advocate it as the appropriate basis of
; repro senlation-but at the same time | should
, ieel 1t my duty 10 provide tHectual safeguards
against the abuse OF the taxing power
Ill. would limit as far as practicable the
) patronage OF the General Assembly, and would
impose restrictions Oh lis pow er to involve the
} State i'll debt.
TO give greater dignity and responsibility to-
the Legislature and 10 secure the services OF IL
bier men In it: would reduce the number of
It's members and have biennial sessions 7
should be inclined also 10 give to the Senate the
power 10 originate all bills except tax bills
lhis charge would shorten the sessions materi-
ally and believe would improve the character
} OF our Legislation. Experience has shewn that
small bodies can perfect great measures more
readily than large ones Hence we find that
most OF lie important business Of Congress is
natured III the Senate. Under our present sys-
} tenn the senate ofYirgnia is idle during The
hist month OF the session and as the close draws
nigh the touse IS unemployed for weeks await,
t ing the action OF the Senate
t Nv. The Governor should be elected by the
: people and be Ineligible 10 any other office du-
} ring his term. Iwould remove from him all
temptation 10 use his official position fol elec-
tloneering purposes. The Executive chair
| should be filled by man devoted to the inte-
rests OF Virginia alone. 1t should not be convert
ell into political spring board TO enable the
Governor 10 leap into better Office
} would make it the duty of the Governor to
sign all bills which might be passed by the Leg
, slature when he approved them. If he dsan.
proved any Iii he Should have power 9'v yet uS !,
to the house in which it originated with his OBJ
} ]ectlons But 1t the Legislature should by
; second vote pass the same bill, notwithstanding
has objections, it should then become the law Of
the land. My purpose would be not to defeat
the will OF the people, but to secure fair ex-
preston OF It and to check hasty, nconsderate
and fraudulent legislation.
V. would elect all ministerial officers by tbe
| people for limited periods, so as to secure dill.
! gent attention to their duties and proper de-.
gree OF courtesy on The part Of the officers
" !. would provide for the election of Ju1oes
by the people Of their respective districts and
would prescribe an age beyond which no JUDGE
should continue in Office 81
AS the Judge is required not only to administer
: justice between man and man, but to nrunonnca
on the constluonali'y Of the action Of the Len.
stature. and frequently TO be the arbter between
sne government or the people on the one hand