Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1851-05-30
Rennvks Of lfr. CARTER, Of Loudoun, IN Committee
tie Whole, on Thursday March 18TH 1851.
On Monday.

Mr.. CARTER, Of Loudoun. Mr. Chairman. NIL Of
nearly all the gentlemen who have preceded in THU
debate, have apologsed for obtrudng upon the aten
ton of this committee; beg leave to say, sir, tha
though like poor Cordelia in the play, cannot eavt
my heart into my month, to express all that fell,
am not the less sensible of all owe this honora Die
body for oceuS ping any portion OF It's time.
Unaccustomed to deliberative bodies, Unparalleled
the Of debate speak nothing but truth when
say that if actuated only by personal considera
tons, would remain silent and listen to the words OF
wisdom that are uttered by others III
But sir, have choice in this matter. Duty duty
to Others duty TO others not here TO speak for them
selves, demands of me- if cannot do all that would
do all that can to establish in thisStato what be-
evs to be the principles of republican government
Gentlemen who have gone before in this debate and
particularly the gentleman from Fauquier, (Mr Chill
Tos who addressed last night, have told Us that th
great, monentous question involving great IN
terests but that it did not involve any principle. Sir,
agree that it great question, but it il great mo
mentous question: because it involves great and mo-
mentous principle, and that principle is, whether ma
orty of The qualified voters of this commonwealth shall
control the gorernement OF the State or whether u
TO be controlled by other power resting upon some
other principle And here must be permitted to say
that have been little surprised at the Of argu
u,ent INDUCED in by gentlemen on the other side they
seem to think that those of who advocate the s
or white basis of representative throw out Of view en-
trely the protection Of property: beg gentlemen te
lodgment there; it is all mistake. ~
Mr. Chairman. if these gentlemen would 60 with NV
ON or about the 1st day of June ana stand upon GER
tain point in Loudouu county known al Mount Gieard
and look UP Diggs valley, and then turn and LOOK 70
the country stretching itself out towards the PGtont
river If they will consider that the lands Of that
ty assessed n 1900 at An average value OF one dol
lar and thirty cents per acre. and that Id issl
these sume lands nssessed Mt twentyseyen dollar
and ifty cents m acre. amounting ut present the
pf dol n IN 10 Md
Iuun paws into your State treasury fifteen thousand dol
lars annually; andf theY will recollect that all this ha
been done BY patient industry literally by the sweat Of
mans brow, (or, sir it is disgrace TO work there
they will think, be satisfied that at least caDuot bt
Indifferent to the security OF property
From these and like in all the considerations
have been able to give this subject have endea,ored
look at it practical question: and to go for 'rac
tca government, republican government, rep',bll.
representative government government that shall
take in all the interests of this commonwealth; ov
eminent that shall throw its broad shield OF protection
over the liberties of this people, aud give full am e,
efficient protection to their property OF every kind An
believe thai that shield and that protection can bes
be found in the honest hearts and strong arms OF ma
uriy of the independent voters Of th. commonwealth
There is another morbid feeling that is sometimes ex
hibted here Gentlemen to think that IN dscuss
ing this question: in taking into consideration what this
State has been what she H. and what she ought to be- II
the slightest criticism is made upon the past, II the slight
oN-Si
States, her disadvantage that it indicates want Of
love and respect for Virginia Not so, sir, if could
would with mantle of ample charity and love, walk
ing backwards from the eyes OF ALL every ueiect
that may exist in this parent Of all But we must not
suffer such feeling prevent full. free and proper en-
quiry into the present existing state of things or pre-
vent from applying proper remedies Wnere oeiects are
discovered.
do not know how it has been with Others but IN the
discussions this question which have taken place IN
-oI ,pofr1J
heard many things that gave me pleasure but have
heard also some opinions advanced which words are
to carry their usual import did sound harsh ana grating
upon my ear. ,...o. :.
We have been told that looking at the history of the
past we win see the rule OF the people mas oe7
10 exercise that there the despicabe mas @
va co in the aars of the that there, there
has been the greatest destruction to anu 10 81
that man holds dear And we have been told that De
ing thus warned by the example Of osher' we are to
avoid ths rock less persdventurs' We too should suffer
shipwreck.