Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1851-04-11
Bas1s MEETING IN MASON COUNTY.

In pursuance Of previous notice. meeting Oh the people
of Mason county held Point Pleasant Saturday
the 29h day OF March, 1851 and organized by calling
Col James NJ H. Beae to the Chair and appointing Major
Charles Cendenen Secretary.
James H. Couch ESQ., explained the object Of the meet
ing and his motion Dr.. John j. Thompson Maj. Andrew
Bryan, John Hall, WIN. NJ Newman, james NJ. Chorn,
Capt Alex. McCuusland and Peter KnopP were appointed
committee prepare and report resolutions expressive Of
The COMMITTEE after having retired for sho, time
turned and reported tho following preamble and resolutions
wnich unanimously adopted:
Whereas this Stuc of Virginia ha, long suffered from the
consequences OF government which has neither Produced
for people Tho creates; degree Of happiness and safety
of which she is capable "most etecualy secured
them against danger Of maadninstraon" And whereas,
the majority of the community in pursuance of their ndu-
b,abe uuncnabc and udcteaslbe right desire TO REFORM
alter abolish the government in such as shall be
judged conducive 10 the public veal and whereas there
in session in the city OF Richmond, Convention
purporr. represent that majority, and having for It's
cnsi5o object the desired changes bu, which Convention
is constituted that the majority Of the community have
their proper voice due weight In ITS deliberations
We therefore, citizens Of the county Of Mason being
ton OF the aggeved majority observing the spirit manifested
by that Convention and anticipating only continuation OF
grievances and perhaps indefinite posponelent OF
redress have met IN primary assembly rights,
and declare views and Intentions from which wishes
NAV be known, and future action inferred TcrciuIe
|. Resolved, That the power OF government il but the ag
grcgate will oil the people entrusted 10 the hands of few for
purposes of practical ctiec that those few derive no
rights nmunlties powers in pefcuity from being made
the temporary agents OF the people; that the will OF the ma.
orty affords the best and only practical Of the whole,
and that ii in the changes incidental to progressive com
muny the power OF government should fall intn the hands
OF minority such government Is upon the very rights oil
pso dcto abrosated and annued and only have
temporary existence until such time succession based
upon true principles be established
.. Resolved, That le maxim that individual freemcn are
equal forms fundamental principle in government that
as property is not necessary constitute freeman aud
it is incapable Of comforting virtue or capacity, it should
confer government power should it DO estimated
so as add TO the public weight OF one many.
s. Resolved Thui the State OF Virginia In her indecn-
den, capacity, stands homogeneous whole that her Tree
population people, with interest, and
one nane, ard tina, any distinction made between
them for purpose OF Increasing diminishing their rcla
tive importance In goYennsn either by drawing soogaph-
ica lines CHASING them BY tile alnd Of proper
~ in possession is nvidious and insulting 10 portion
and while the necessity OF such distinction be dcduced
TO prove the propreiy OF separate organization III wholly
unus6abls and subversvo OF that equality and harmony
which are indispensable 10 our unity.
A. Resolved Tha, rs the inequality with which certain
kinds OF property is distributed tho State may oesct
sincere apprchensons the part OF that unequal TAX
alton might be levied may be provided in the Constitution
for the security Of ALL that taxes upon property sha pear an
equal ratio vuation such other guarantees inserted
s shall be deemed sufficient protect all against infous
legislation and that then the superior protection whch SUI
peor wealth will receive from government VIII be air
equivalent for the difference 10 its taxes.
s. Resolved That the equality OF Firenians, with c9uai
rnh,s nunlie. and powers sesiabshed not only 10 VIZ
OF their bthdeh but tina, when The State Is viewed 10
a her circumstances and relations and the clements OF el
strength property weighed every citizen receiving cue
contributions 10 her support and DEFENCE no
section or class of citizens will be found IN contribute SO s
peory that other sections classes do not couneroa'
them y other contributions for although may &c as
serted general principle that property Is sehs. ana
is admitted that our Eastern brethren ossess o'e 'iah
yct equally well known that large part Oh 'nc pre-
perry is weakness and il they pay more revenue We 10 c
OF emergency contribute superior protection from our
strength and thus render them full equivalent LOT all OIL
erences To make, what always must Dc an ele-
ment Of weakness " hen in conflict with enemies means
Of holding us in state OF odious vassaase IN nts o
is re2ucnant every principle Of justice, auu an chof
10 when We can no Logger submit - :,
g. Resolved That the foregoing principles require inc IA
sc Of representation be- white pupudtlon ana a' te
Delegates representing this District in Convention are In
s!ructed TO sustain That basis and in case o. failure 10 nav
Ing ensraed the Constitution they are hereby instruct
Cd 10 propose 10 submit the question Of White Basis or x'
ed Basis 10 the people OF the STATE 10 be by them decided so
as 10 become the organic law and should the Convention
reject both Propositions then Delegates are hcrcoy In
sructed to abandon their Seats and withdraw from us tut
ther deliberations.
On motion Of Col Nathan Smith, the Secretary is re-
quested TO furnish copies Of the proceedings Of this meeting
TO euch OF our Delegates in the Convention and to the Edi-
tors Of the Richmond Enquirer Weston Sentinel kanawha
Republican, Western Vrginan and Parkersourg Gazette
for publication.
On motion, the meeting adjourned.
JAMES NTH BEALE, Chairman.
CHAlLgs CLESpISIs, Secretary.