Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1851-05-27

last census of 1870 again distinct recognition OF the
nr;neiple BY the east as well the west It is true
that some gentlemen have denied that the representa-
ton of the Senate based upon white population
corlino to the census Of $780, and Mr. Tazewell has
been quoted as authority upon this subject regret
that Mr. Tazewcl should have been quoted in support
of such all statement nave taken the pains
to take ND the census Of 1910 and make npportion
ment according to the white population and find i.
would give the west nine representatives in the Senate
and the east fifteen, which is the apportonment provi
ded in that bill.
Well air. when did the people of Virginia act upon
this question again In 1929 And what was the de-
csou then allude to the returns of the delegates to
the Convention of 1929 The east as usual always pro-
toctno themselves Mt the expense of their neghbors
tool care to take the lions part They gave the
tbirv.sx delegates while they took care TO give to
themselves sxty-a majority of twenty -four in house
of pinety-sx-a pretty large majority, and yet, with
tbis majority what did the pc ,ple of Virginia do
| They returned TO that Convention a majority of six
White bass men, 1t has been stated that there was
majority of ony white basis delegates in that Con-
yeiItion but the facts of the were these Fifteen
white basis men were elected from eastern Virginia
leaving forty-fivc mixed basis men, By adding these
fifteen TO the thirty-sx white bass Of the west YOU
have fifty one white basis to forty five mixed basis In
this calculation have included DR.. Reid of Northamp
ton who was announced a white basis candidate and
| elected us SUCH knew Dr. Reid we'll and most ex.
cellent man he But unfortunately for the west
| he died before he took his seat in the Convention
The lamented and distinguished General Taylor from
| the Norfolk district white basis man. Besides
these there were thirteen white basis men from Pied
mont four from the Loudoun district, four from the
Albemarle district, three from the Bedford district
and two from the Pttsy lvania and Franklin district
making in all thirteen, and with Gen. Taylor and Dr.
Reid fifteen thereby showing at that time there was
most decided majority of the people in the State OF vr
gnia in favor of the white basis When DR.. Reid died
mixed basis man was elected in his place. Gen. lay'
lor was driven out Of bis seat by instructions from his
constituents which left majority of two in favor OF the
white basis in the Convention
Now, how did that Convention acti Did they force
upon the westth at obnoxious mixed basis principles
wish to call the attention Of the committee to the con-
duct Of the distinguished men composing that conven
ton whose memory we all delight to honor At that
period the east had majority OF booOO OF the White
population the State with this majority of the white
population east of the Blue Ridge, they did not dare To
force upon the west this mixed basis principle. They
lrous BIT forward, and adopted compromise. If you
will examine this question You will find they took what
was then the last census the Of 1920 the basis
upon which they made the apportionment, which was
made according to the white population have made
out a statistical table which shows concusvey that this
apportionment was upon white population 1t gave to
the west ftysix represent aves, and to the east
weight We lost by that apportionment the increase
Of population from 1920 to 1929 This the compro
mise which was proposed and adopted. If you will
make the calculation, you will ma 1t would De about
medium between the representation the east and west
would be entitled upon your present mixed basis and
the white basis taken upon the census OF 1880 The
latter would have given the east majority OF eleven
the compromise gave them majority OF t%enty-two
The mixed basis would have given the cast majority
of thirty three in house of hundred and thirty
four so that this was medium between them. This is
what the Convention did in 1928, and yet We are
charged with supporting novel proposition say the
charge is altogether unfounded. should like any east
rn gentleman to point out instance where the lcgis
ture or any other body elected BY the people Of Virgin
ia have ever sanctioned the mixed basis principle {
They did it is true pass act authorizing the appor
ronmon of this Conv to se made most unequay
by districtng the State and adopting arbitrary and
unequal rule of representation but they took not to
in that bill any principle approving the mixed ba
ss Now according to the prnc Piles avowed by many
eastern gentlemen in this discussion they hound
adopt the white basis principle, unless they show
hat owing to peculiar condition of things in Virginia
that principle ought to be departed from Unless they
IAN show that it absolutely necessary for the protec
principle of the suffrage basis according to the argu
nent of the gentleman from Fauqucr and other gentle
men upon this floor who have advocated the eastern
side of this question they bound to support the su
frage basis.
would ask, have they succeeded in establishing the
position that it is necessary for the protection of proper
y to depart from this great republican prnc plel On
the contrary, think have demonstrated, we'll n
other gentlemen who have gone before me, that far
from there being any danger to property from the adop
lion of the suffrage basis it will afford the ample
protection to property.
should like to know upon what principle gentlemen
apportion representation one-ha upon property and
the other half upon persons This IS really novel
principle to me- had not looked into the Constitution
Of South Carolina at that time was not aware ut the
time that the .mmittee made their report, that this
principle had ever been adopted anywhere
And thought when heard the remarks of the gen.
.lenan from Fauquier that those who acted with me
mad much better to complain that the gentleman
mad introduced novel princip than he had to
plain Of u.s. The clatnor of this gentleman about the
novelty reminded me of the old adage that when the
Try stop the thief is raised the cry Of the thief
always the loudest.
wish to know whence they derive their plan for ap
Forthcoming one-hsf upon white population an: the 9th
er half upon taxation, and thus to give to 900 of
taxes the representation they give to 9nO,O00
white persons. agree with those who have preceded
me that there is principle in it.. cannot for my life
lind any principle in it. Nor have heard any gentleman
who advocates this propositon-not even my young
friend from Essex iNlr. ~ r. r. GAENErr)-undcrtake
o explain its principles. had hoped the gentleman
would come that part of the subject and would have
given US definition. AS the gentleman is very expert
IN such matters expected hear from him clear de-
non of the principle of the mixed basis but he took
care not to favor with any definition whatever We
ind that all that can be said in future Of this system
.iat precisely the same system was adopted in South
CAROLINA My friend from Berkeley (alr FAULKNER has
INV estgated the subject and found that it originated in
this much abused French republic established by the
constitution Of 1889 suppose the gentleman who abuse
he republic would claim credit to it Oh that account
The French republic is uuquestionuJly entitled to it,
oaternity lift has worked badly according to their
own showing, imagine gentlemen will hardly expect
it to work we'll here.
1t seems none Of our sister States have thought prop
er to adopt this system except South Carolina. Well
that Recommendation do not intend to induS in
what has become fashionable OF late in rejecting upon
South Carolina. l greatly deplore the condition in
which she has placed herself. believe in my heart if
all the yeomanry of that State had equal representation
IN the government, South Carolina would not occupy
her present position in this confcderacy. believe her
condition be traced this aristocratic principle
ler government.
Since this debate commenced, have met with some
gentlemen who have visited South Carolina, and who
are with the workings of her institutions
and learned from them that in the rich planting coun
ties few planters elect the delegate upon this system
hat counties which really give but thirty
forty entitled to delegate while other coun
ties the upland part of the State which give four hun
red five hundred votes only entitled the same
representation; thereby enabling few rich plan
ers to control the whole legislation Ii is this cotton