Richmond semi-weekly times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 184?-1853, 1852-06-11
FRIDAY MORNING, JUNE II.
THE NEW CONSTITUTION.

md set in motion the new Constitution of Vir-
inia we deem the present time opportune for
ubmitting to our readers some reflections in res
ectto its distinctive features and their probable
effect on the general welfare of the people, to
provide for aud secure which, is the avowed object
|pf our transatlantic republics. The principles
(which lie at the bottom of our present consttu-
|tonal organization, in respects radically diff
fer from the fundamental principles of the one
THAT has just passed away and is now buried in the
|sepulchre, where repose its distinguished franz
|ers. The constitution of 1629--'3O was founded
Exclusively upon the republican principle of 60
|vernment, in virtue of which, the central power,
constituted by single act of the people, enacted
laws and either directly or mediately controlled
the administration of public affairs. The Gene
raj Assembly, as created and endowed by that in
strunent, may, in respect to its ample powers,
Justly be compared to great fountain from which,
for the purposes of irrigraton, the waters are dis
tributed by numerous canals. But our present
organic law, is, we think, more wisely framed
certainly better adapted to the Democratic era in
which it has to fulfil its destiny. 1t greatly re-
stricts the capacities of the Legislature and con-
prived, to trusty hands. For it had grown
intoa established usage apply the political test
to every appointment, from his Excellency, the
Governor, to the turkeys in the Penitentary.-
After having for near twenty years abused their
great trust and the patience of the people, the
Legislature, like discarded favourite, has been
in some sort disffanehised-or, to employ me-
,itoh Ito oil
sed luminary been shorn of its brightest beams.
The people have now taken into their own hands
those abused functions of government In this
change an advance has been made towards purer
form of Democracy, if by simple Democracy we
are to understand that form of government in
which the action of the masses is brought to bear
directly on the transactions of the goyernment.--
1t is undeniably true that the first fruits of the
multiplication of popular elections have been to
rufie the surface of society, by introducing in
steadofthe tranquilityof being gouerned the bus
tie oflarge bodies actively engaged in the business
of governing themselves. But we willingly ex-
change this species of repose for this species of
action, if in the end we to be better governed
and the foundations of the Commonwealth laid
deeper and stronger. But considerable number
OF respectable and enlightened men, notwithstan-
ding the immense majority polled for the new
constitution regret these alterations and look up
on the triumph of the Democratic over the repub-
lican principle as sure presage OF oar destruc-
ton. But we are not haunted by these threaten
ing shadows, we not troubled by these dark
forebodings. On the other hand the future has
never, in our eyes, been enrolled in brighter and
more iattering colours. By confiding to the peo-
pie the responsibility of managing, through their
preferred agents, their local business it has been
committed, we truly believe, to safe and compe-
tent hands. For where the people of Virg inia
have all the opportunities to form correct opin-
ions about their own affairs, they fully com
petent to the task of judging correctly 1t is i'm
pertinent in the sef-complacent few to pronounce
the many unqualified to act for themselves, and te
propose to continue them forever in condition Of
pupilage. They would treat the people either as
lunatics or minors-lunatcs who will never re-
cover their senses minors never to attain the age
of discretion. The department of the various
officers will be subjected to the immediate super
vision of their electors, and if grievances shall re-
suit from any malfeasance, they will be visited on
the heads of the people. We trust to the efficacy
of this restraining influence. and in it recognize
a salutary principle, wherever it may be applica-
BILE, for the conduct of affairs. Here is direct
responsibility of the agent to his principal, full
scope for observation, and the spur of sef-interes
to operate as motive to watch and to punish
The strength and efficacy of this remedial ele-
ment in the system against the abuses to which
it may give birth, have not been sufficiently APP
preciated The tendency in these local admins
trations will be towards improvement, as the peo-
Pile become habituated to the management of pub
lie affairs. Thus institutions have had breath
ed into them spirit of perpetual youth and vigor,
so that, with the blessings of heaven, they can
never fall victim TO the action of that slow
and silent of decay, whose stealthy opera
ions, like the worm in the bud,'' undermine
and throw down the structures of man. This APP
pears to be the prevailing principle of the recent
changes, into whatever excuses the people may
at first be hurried We ought not hastily to de-
.pair of the ultimate sobriety of an heir, because
in the first transports of pleasure, at being pro-
NOTED to his personal freedom and his patrimony,
he slightly abuses those valuable gifts. Time will
speedily cool the ardour of his enthusiasm and ex-
perience teach him the value of an inheritance
he has begun thoughtlessly to squander. The
previous restraints imposed on his actions are, r
some measure. the cause of the Incorporate use
he makes of his newly acquired Importance
If the people SHALL in the outset exercise theil
new powers indiscreetly, in some instances
may be the case, the fault will be not theirs MOI
the fault of he existing constitution, but the er-
of our forefathers and their systems of govern
ment in preventing the body of the people from
acquiring the requisite experience to accomplish
thet task.
Upon this footing of previously acquired
experience by the people in the management ant