Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1851-05-20
WEDNESDAY. april 3Oth, 1851.

WEDNESDAY, April SOh, 1851.
The Convention met pursuant 10 adjournment
Prayer BY the Rev Mr. LEE.
The Journal of the preceding day WAS read and ap
,rovcd.
PUBLIC MEETING IN wETzEL COUNTY.
Alr. JOHNSON. rise to present the proceedings q
meeting held in the county OF Wetzel ask that the!
nag be read.
The proceedings were Their read by the SECRETARY,
oows:
At large and enthusiastic meeting it being genera
nlser day, of the people of Wetze! county assemble
i james Cochraus Esq, on Saturday, the 10th day OF
april David NJ. West, Esq. called TO the chair an.
.scph {. Nnorc was appointed sccretary.
james Il. West, Esq, in few remarks explained tn,
cci Of the meeting to be the consideration Of the bas
representation now pending before the State Convcn-
y committee was thercupon commissioned to draft
resolutions, who reported the following, which wcr,
unanimously adopted
PREAMBLE. Whereas it has become evident that the
people OF the east through their agents in Convention
ssrmbled in the city OF Richmond by their late AUD
declarations, are disposed without pretext prece
enl and in violation Of the fundamental principles OF
epubiicansu of justice and equality, to fastcn upon
ner brethren OF the west that odiou distinction known
the combined or more properly, black basis, and
believing that governments should be Instituted for ii,
good OF The whole and that the period has arrived when
orOearance is longer virtue and that in order t"
the rights Of representative government and the
nuntcs and blessings that and citizens Of Fir
mia we inherit radical change in our State policy lie
allied for. and of right, we should enjoy.
l. ReSoired That in the formation of government.
he great principle of equality should be the consttu
lonal tree, upon whose trunk should be engraed the
State guarantees, and the foundation which Il"
car the grand structure Of human government and that
Any form of restriction privilege that has for its Oh
the advancement OF the few the expense Of tn,
tnv, is utterly lrreconcilahe with and in violation
he fundamental principles Of free institutions.
. Reso!ted That the constitution winch secures the
good the creates, number and creates no &c
o5raphica or invdious distinctions the only security
or the future freedom, prosperity and happiness of the
,eupe.
s Resolred That regard all power as derived from
he people. and that sovereign mind property shuuc
constitute the principal element of popular government
md that while heartily accord the cas-, good
share OF intellectual excellence and full aud fair
,,litical equality with the west, not disposed
D grant superiority i'll the former nor to fail to EN-
haticlv claim Mt their ha"'s proper consideration
Of the latter.
l. iesp.re That all attempts to minsle or coniound
cuple with property in the distribution of representa-
ion To frame wealth property, in exclusion of the
rec born citizens Of this commonwealth into cum.
and powerful engine Of political power will be 10
oppressive osarchy, aristucrecv of wealth
tIcriug from those i'll Europe but in name q cousun
!aton regarded BY this meeting gross usurpation
fnaturul rights and will meet with their upeouyocal
disapprobation and contempt.
1850 fcd, nat hafnl LOT Years struggled bene ath
oppressive and unequal burden alike weighing upon
proper development of agricultural mineral and
manufacturing and those more endearinr priv
csrs of men, viii sanction any measure thai
price upon suffrage proposed by the supporters
i the mixed basis and procnims neriority in social
atcllectua and political weight and Importance ii III.
people Of the Alleghany country. Audcunfarmne
o this principle Of equity and justice We chccriuy ,eu
Ter our aid to the whole people Of the west aud will
unite with them to prevent the adoption of any feature
the constitution Of this State that fails to grant ell,
equality of representation whether or west v
the mountains.
G. Rcso!red That the eth resolution contained in the
proceedings of late meeting Of the people of Gree
oricr, upon the subject matter in the premises is f
expressive of the kindly feeling an forbcarauc
le ermined spirit Of this assembly, viz: That
calmly and dispassionately presented to the e,
lion of the Convention nrincinles which &c
,aered and inviolabe, and while We depr ,ons'd
.ision or the expression Of such feeling, regar
strange the west from the east yet ecste MI
our bre hren Of the east the alternat: as may ten
sis or friendly and constitutional r would tender
we Of the white