The Compiler (Wheeling)
Town Meeting
December 23, 1829
At a Meeting of the Citizens of Wheeling, held at the Court House on Monday Evening, December 14, 1829, for the purpose of expressing their sentiments, relative to the late proceedings in the State Convention now sitting at Richmond. Col. Moses W. Chapline was called to the Chair, and M. Nelson appointed Secr'y.
The meeting was addressed by Z. Jacob and S. Sprigg, who explained the objects of the meeting, and expressed their views of the resolutions adopted in the Convention of the 5th inst.
After which the following preamble and resolutions were adopted:
Whereas, the present Government of Virginia is so organized that an ambitious minority is enabled to lord it over a majority of the people: - And whereas "a majority of the community, hath an indubitable right" to reform the Government "in such manner as shall be judged most conducive to the public weal."
And whereas, the sentiments of the free men of Virginia, are not truly and fairly expressed in the State Convention now sitting at Richmond; a decisive majority of the members of that body being the representatives of a minority of the people;
And whereas, the late votes in the Convention, refusing to adopt the white basis of representation in either branch of the General Assembly, and refusing also to provide for a more just apportionment of the political power of the state at any future period, evince the determination of the minority who now wield the power, to secure and perpetuate the same in their own hands, in utter disregard of the bill of rights and of the principles of justice; therefore,
Resolved, That reposing entire confidence in the talents, discretion and integrity of the representatives from this district, we entertain the opinion that when it is difinitively [sic] determined in the Convention to disregard the basis of white population in organizing the popular branch of the Legislature, the friends of liberal principles and reform, and especially the representatives from this district, after entering their solemn protest, ought to withdraw and take no further part in the proceedings of the Convention.
Resolved, That the assertion that the free laborers of the West, are, in any sense, on a level with the slaves of the East, or the peasantry of Europe, is as false in fact, as it is ungracious & illiberal.
Resolved, That we highly approve of the exalted patriotism, and of the pure and Republican sentiments exemplified in the conduct of Gen. Robert B. Taylor of Norfolk, while a member of the Convention of Virginia.
Resolved, That these proceedings be published.
M. W. CAPLINE, Chm'n
M. NELSON, Sectr'y.