Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1851-06-13

Now is there any good reason either upon the Save
question or the appropriation question that the MAORI
y Of the people of this commonwealth snail mol nave
control over the legislative department of the govern
ment. say and that too, without the lear OF contra
dctio that upon tho slave question: the west as sound
the east l ask gentlemen to point out one crcum-
stance one fact tending show any good reason that
our eastern friends should dstrust upon this subject
know northwestern Virginia we'll, from extrcmi
" to the other-a more high minded, honorable and
generous people not 10 be found on the face Of the
earth. proud to say that it is the homo of my
friends and the grave of my fathers. do not be-
fore this honorable committee with views to suit the
east differing from the views entertain and express al
home As other gentlemen have referred to their crcu-
lars or way bills" as the honorable gentleman from
Prince George would say with the Indulgence of the
committee, will read portion from mine:
1.-THE slave interest in the east is the imsy pretext
for keeping out of due share Of representations
but there is justice show Of justice in it.
The as sound upon the question of slavery the
east although the policy of the east has been such
might have tended to different state of things, had the
west been capable Of deviatng from just principles
Upon this subject we occupy proud positions main
peculiar interest is made the pretex for withholding our
dearest privileges We not to be driven from
proprety" upon this subject by the injustice of Others
We prefer to be right battling for justice, rather than
for moment to be in the wrong, whatever it might
gain for u.s.
have the honor in part represent border upon the State
OF Ohio within sight of the nefarious den OF abolition
lists there. went before my constituents, occupying
the same position as 1 do here in this committee.
tell you tell this honorable committee that the opn-
ions expressed by in this circular is the prevailing
opinion in northwestern Virginia This sentiment
endorsed in the by my honorable colleagues be-
fore the people, and believe that it is heartily APP
proved OF BY every delegate upon this floor from north
western Virginia, and might say from western Viz
pnl We N riphf hat
There are certain great principles Of right that every
community should stand up to, and because others mas
Cypress and do wrong, it is no justification that may
do wrong. But caution the members of this commit
tee from carrying this question Of the mixed basis
far. We have constant warfare on the border with
the aboonists Of the free States They are pressing
upon US, and when we look to friends for
countenance succor and support, will you only give
the cold frown of dstrustf You should support en-
courage and enable to maintain position among
our people. Will you sacrifice us-wi you, by your
policy here, drive the people OF the mad upon this
basis question? will not believe It. We are said to
be very refractory people, If you will look around,
and see the causes Of dissatisfaction, you will not be
surprised at our excitement. According to the mixed
basis principle which you say right the northwestern
part Of the State should have four delegates upon
this floor.
regret very much, although have been indulged
auch more than had any right to expect from this
committee, that the morning hour taken up with
other matters and my time somewhat abridged, that
cannot go as fully into some matters | intended.
With reference to the question of internal improve
mes, 40 not come here presenting guarantees to the
consideration of this Convention with the view Of OBJ
tanning for my constituents their due share reprcsc
in the legislative department Ny constituents
too proud to suffer me to do any such thing, but
DO here prepared to make such provisions in the
constitution will protect all the interests of the
monwealth. I shall not accord one Limitation, one
guarantee more than would DO willing to grant upon
the principles of right and justice. Gentlemen say
that We yield the whole question by offering these im
tations say that there is nothing in the argument.
Has it not been well said by my honorable friend from
Acocmac, (Mr. WIsE) and my honorable friend from,
Kanawha, (Mr. SuNxEEs,) and the other gentlemen
who hayetaken part in this debate that these lmi.
tations are nothing than rules to circumscrbc
and limit the powers and action Of the agents OF
the government 1t is no restriction upon the power
of the people whateyer-it is limitation and re-
strction upon the agents of the people. These guar
antics offered that our friends in the East may be
well secured by constitutional provisions in the enjoy
ment Of slave property and have security against
due taxation Look you to the resolutions upon this
aubect adopted By the legislative committee The hon
oraole gentleman from Henrico, r Boris, the other
day, read you resolution adopted by that committee.
intended to be inserted in the constitution, in reference
to the right Of property in slaves That resolution
offered by myself and it modified in form at the
suggestion of my honorable friend from LETTERS m Mr.
LucAs,) another member from the west, and it was
adopted unanimously believe l stated in commit
tee at the time, that did think it at all necessa
rythat believed, independent OF any provision in the
constitution, the legislature had power to emanc
pate the slaves Of the State without the consent Of the
owners. was willing and anxious to see that provs
iionts that all they had effected in twenty years upon
this subject was to have constitutional provision
when before there was none.
Now with regard TO taxation there be any improper
discrimination upon that subject preudcial to the east
the adoption Of the ad paore system confess when
this question of aa paloT taxation discrssedn
district even to the time Of the assembling OF this bo-
dy had doubt of the propriety oft for believed
that the true policy of taxation to discriminate III
favor of articles of necessity and to increase the taxes
upon articles Of luxury but my honorable friend from
Accomac has satisfied me upon that subject by showing
that provision may be incorporated into the constitu-
tion to classify these various articles of property
subject to taxation and give to the Legislature the pow
gold watches and other articles of luxury to
higher extent than the farmers plow-horse proper
arrangement Of this kind obviates the only objection
have to this mode of taxation Look the resolutions
Of the Legislative committee and the committee raised
the subject of guarantees say if any eastern gen.
tlenlan let his preudices be strong will cooly
and calmly sit down and examine these provisions with
determination, to arrive at proper understanding OF
the matter he must be convinced that s not neccss
~ give representation to property in order to give
protection There is provision limiting the amount Of
the public debt. Cannot you control this approprating
power in that form Cannot you control it by declaring
that laws making appropriations to works of internal
Improvement are to be passed by majority Of the del
egates elected to both houses of the General Assembly
by providing the means for the payment of the annual
interests and the debt itself within reasonable time
There can be no difficulty whatever upon that subject
The fact is that it is q contest for power-for powers
sake The West plants itself upon principle upon JUS
tce upon equality The East has the power and wishes
to retain it. and these arguments arc afforded as JUS
tihcatiou for doing so.
Ihave been asked if come into this body to divide
thia old commonwealth. say. NO But l do come
here TO obtain justice and equality for my constituents
NY constituents have commissioned me to do this but
not Tor me in this body to menace or threaten it with
avlsion Of the State or any other extreme measure
aos 60 as far upon the subject OF division OF the
as Inc gentleman from Richmond (Mr. LToss) has
sons nave my own views stand ready to co-ope-
absn E Constituents any and every measure to
qua ts euay Of political power in the government
apa ten you there is firm dissemination on the part
OF my c9nstuents to have it. may say at all hazards
tnnk understand the views Of my constituents upon
that subject This idea that has been held out that
the resolutions sent here BY them are intended merely
for effect say is founded in error These resolutions
speak the sentiments Of my constituents saw With
out hesitation if you reject the proposition to snbm to
the people whether they will adopt the mixed or the