Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1851-06-21
The Staunton Messenger holds this apolgetie
language touching the dongs of the Convention


language touching the doings of the Convention
We discover the part of many OF our cotempora-
res of the press disposition find fault with and cri-
tcse the acts and dongs of the Convention all
casons Really if we 10 believe one half that is sale
OF this body OF the peoples representatives, by these
discontinued censors the free citizens OF Virginia.
the most injured, outraged insued, and ramped upon
race OF men that ever committed the fatal bunder OF
conhding in abandoned, corrupt, idle, proigae and
senseess pack OF asses. According the views OF these
fault finders the Convention has done nothing right, and
do nothing right Now entertain different ideas
In regard to this matter. We think that probably on
the basis question time consumed than
cessary, but OF this we by means certain. On
the part OF the West fearful battle had to be fought
against fearful Odds The consequences OF victory
defeat to affect, not only ourselves but poster
ity to the remotest eraions. If successful
be no mere temporary advantage galned-no evanes-
cent triumph to be forgotten when the shout that proca-
med had died away with the breeze that bore it along.
On great issue OF this Sort prepared say
that victory is bought at too great price, when has
cost two three months more time in Its achievement,
than was originally anticipated Instead of blaming,
feel rather disposed to honor and applaud the
who had the moral courage the ''unconquerabe wilP'
10 fight perish in the BREACH rather than surrender
to the first naughty summons of the proud Cavaliers,
who invested their little camp. But for this determin-
ed spirit the part OF the West should this day be
as far from the enjoyment of right of political equal
ity. were the day the Convention met. But by
perseverance, patience and courage the East have been
forced into recognition of our rights, and the tender
OF compromise, which will as certainly eventuate in
the Of principle of the white basis, in 1865
as day follows the rising OF the sun.
From notice given some time ago in the Conveu-
tion it feared that the compromise would be dis
turbed by motion to reconsider the vote by which it
adopted The day fixed upon-the llth inst
for that motion has passed and the motion has not been
made. And it is now conceded on all hands that the
compromise is "fxed fac'-unalterable and irrepea
able in the Convention.
Considerable progress has been made in Committee
otthe Whole various branches of the Constitution.
The Bill of Rights has been agreed upon-the Right of
Suffrage fxed-lhe Executive Department we believe
81 tho
tionment under the Compromise being the most mate
rial point yet to be settled. For the last eight
days the County Court system has claimed the aiten
ton of the Convention. From the progress made in
Committee think the present system will be rege-
nerated, reformed, amended and retained.
The higher Judiciary will occupy some time. That
the Judges are be made elective, longer be
doubted regards the Circuit Courts and the present
impression is that the Judges of the Court of Appeals
will also be elective by the people, We have no doubt
but that the Convention will get on harmoniously,
and with as much expedition in their remaining work,
as is desirable.
To what the Messenger says in praise of the
constancy ofthe Western members, in contend
ing for the principle Of representation which they
demanded, we have no demurrer to make. On
the contrary, we have, more than once, taken &C.
casion to commend, in no grudging terms, the
endurance and frmness of those gentlemen, and
to lament the deficiency of some of their Eastern
opponents in those important qualities. But, in
regard to the manner in which the Convention
has been transacting its business, since the dis
posal of the basis question, the editor of the Mes
senger evidently INDUCES a more favourable
opinion than he would entertain if he were an
eyewitness. The single fact, that about third
of the body have generally been absent for the
last two months (not the same individuals, but
;oF,y
lie that the proceedings are not conducted with
that sense oftheir importance which is desirable
and necessary. The questions, whether payment
of State tax should be qualification of suffrage,
whether there shall be system of free schools
whether Judges of the Court of Appeals shall be
elected by the Legislature, and others of great
moment, have been hurriedy determined in COM
mittee OF the whole by narrow malorities, when
the number of absent members might change eve
~ decision. Yet, such is the present disposition
to offend the public patience little more as pos
sible, that it is not supposed the action of the
committee can be materially modified in Conven-
ton. The truth is, the nordnate length ofthe
basis debate has spot the body. The members
acquired the habit of inattention during the deliv
cry of set speeches, that were intended not for
their ears but for the eyes of the readers of the
"Supplement" When the basis-Mr Randolph
called it the pons asinorum-was passed at last,
they seemed inclined to lie down and rest from
their abours. Like horse that has travelled
long days journey, and is eager to be unhar-
messed and fed. they felt it hardly possible to take
the road once more, and if they have drawn rather
lazily, it is perhaps not surprising. Yet the
gravity of their duties imperativey demands some
sef-denial and industry. If the work they are
doing was of a temporary character, its neglect
might be excused But constitution made by
hap-hazard is too vast an evil to be lightly con-
templated.
GEoRGA.-We noticed, the other day, the
standing of Georgia, with reference to the other
Old States. We find in one of her papers the
following statistical summary of her positive con-
diton as to population, property taxation and
health: