Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1851-04-23

lnaSmuch as it is understood that the advocates
of the mixed basis in the Convention have deter
mined to support the substitute proposition of Mr.
Scott of Fauquier, Invested of its proviso restrict
ing the representation of cities and towns, we
shall briefly consider the question, which is bet.
ter for the interests Of Richmond, the Subs titue
Mr. Bolts Compromise. or the White Basis p
And the answer to this question will be deter
mined by the simple inquiry, which of the three
schemes will give our city the largest represent
tation, and consequently the greatest influence in
the Legislature?
The substitute being simply general rule re-
quiring the Legislature to apportion representa-
ton upon the mixed basis of white population
and taxation, or, in other terms, upon the mean
between the basis of white population alone, and
the basis of taxation alone. According TO the
ststistcs used by the Eastern side of the basis
committee (Which adop' the taxation of 1849 on
all subjects except lands and lots and the taxation
upon lands and lots according to the assessment
of 1850 the whole taxation of the State is $685.
664. The whole white population is s95, s67-
Presuming the House of Delegates to consist of
$50 members, one seventy-ifth part of the white
population, viz: 1l,945, would be the basis of
one delegate, and one seventy fifth part of the
taxation, viz: STOP, would be the basis of
one delegate. The following statement then.
gives the white population and taxation of the
city of Richmond, with the ratio of representa-
ton to which each, and both together would
ente it according to the rule of the mixed ba-
sis:
Representation Of Richmond on tile Mined Basis.
W White Population. $3.50. 1897 Delegates 1928
taxation. .....".....$ 26,655 :" 375
Total. ..".:.......... 500
AT present, therefore, under the rule of the mix
ed basis, Richmond 'ooua hare .fre delegates.
MIR. Bolts Compromise fixes no rule OF appor-
tlonment in the East and West respectively, but
only gives equal representation to each. He sup-
gested, yesterday, that the mixed basis should be
applied to the East, and the white basis to the
West Surprising. as he did in his argument. that
the House of Delegates would consist of $50
members, Is Delegates would then have to be an
portoned amongst Eastern cities and towns. &C.
cording to the principle of the mixed basis The
white population necessary to give one member
would be 1886, and the taxation $9,262. Mr.
Bolts scheme would give Richmond ACCORDING.
y--
For white population. .............1.43 Deleoa,ee
| ror taxauon' .............2.S6
lo'al.. ....................4.29
| By Mr.. Bolts plan, therefore, appvno the
mixed basis to the East, Richmond would have
only four delegates, the fraction over being too
small TO give fifth. In other words, the civ
Will lose one delegate if this plan prevail, even
although the mixed basis be applied to the East.
| But it is altogether uncertain that this modified
mixed basis would be adopted, if equal represent
tation were granted to the East and the West. as
Mr.. Bolts proposes. His Compromise instead of
settling one dispute, would raise a new one be-.
| tween the savehodng constituencies. and the
principle they contended for having been rendered
nugatory by surrendering the majority it would
give them, each would doubtless strive to protect
itself as well as it could. The counties would of
course ontvote the towns and we might expect
to have an Eastern white basis established. 5.34S
white persons would, in that case, give one dele
gate, and Richmond would be entitled to and a
fraction of 43 hundredths, for which third dele
gate would probably not be allowed
Hence, with an Eastern white basis, Mr.. Bolts
plan would give the city three delegates less than
acould secure by the Substitute.
Now, with regard to the -property-holders
OF Richmond, if they be a majority of the VOTE rs
as Mr.. Bolts assumes, we submit that it is better
for them TO have the power of electing five dele
gates, than either four or two. The Substitute
OF Mr.. Scott, as i! is to be modified, gives Rich
mond every advantage she can possibly claim,
and allows her representation to increase in pro.
portion to her advance in population and wealth,
An arbitrary rule allows the whole East only a
fixed number OF delegates, and must necessarily d.
minish her power in the Legislature and prevent
its future enhancement