sentatives in the most numerous branch of the Legislature. And these counties and boroughs contained in 1810, only 204,766 white inhabitants; less than one half the population of the state, by 72,138 souls."

and of which they have been deprived by the eary adoption of principles, which if not originally and radically wrong, have become so by the subsequent "operation of natural and accidental causes," beg leave to lay before the Legislature of the state, such an exposition of their grievances, as will establish at once, the certainty of their existence, the extent of their operation, and the ne cessity of their removal. Passing over many les ser evils, connected with, and inseparable from the existing constitution, they are satisfied, on the present occasion, to confine their attention exclusively to one; not doubting that the same re

In the other branch of the Legislature, the inequality is still more apparent. Incredible as it may seem, it is nevertheless a fact, that while the country west of the Blue Ridge, constituting three fifths of the territory of the state, and containing according to the census of 1810, a white population of 212,036 souls has but four instead of nine senators, to which it is entitled; thirteen senatorial districts on tide water, containing, ac-medy which will be applied to it, will, at the same cording to the same census, a white population of 162,717, have thirteen instead of seven senators, which would be their just proportion.

of a late eloquent appeal to the people of Virgi nia,) "the government of the commonwealth is actually in the hands of a minority; and what is still more pernicious to the general interests, in the hands of a minority, inhabiting a particular section of the state. Forty-nine counties adjacent to each other in the eastern and southern sections of the state, including three of the boroughs situated

time, be extended to every principle in the constitution, inimical to the rights and happiness of an independent people. No doctrine has received These facts are respectfully submitted to the a more universal assent, than that in a republican Senate and House of Delegates of the State of government, the will of the majority should be Virginia, with the hope that they cannot fail to the law of the land. And yet in a state boasting produce an impression, favorable to the cause of of the pure republican character of its institutions, republicanism, and the just rights of so decided a this first and fundamental principal of republican. majority of the white population of the state.ism, does not exist; for (to borrow the language This done, the convention look with confidence to the Legislature for such aid as they have the means to grant. They know that the power of extending to them immediate relief is not within | the power of the Legislature. They therefore do not ask it. They know that several counties are entitled to two representatives on the floor of the House of Delegates, and that a mere Legislative act cannot prevent them from exercising an ac-in these counties, have a majority of the whole knowledged right. Each Senatorial District, too, has a constitutional claim to one representative in the Senate and it may well be questioned whether there be a power in the Legislature to alter or abridge this claim. But what cannot be done directly, what cannot be done by law, may be indirectly accomplished through the medium of a Legislative recommendation. And although the people cannot be commanded to act, facilities for acting may be afforded them to a very great

extent.

number of representatives in the most numerous branch of the Legislature. And these counties and boroughs contained, in 1810, only 204,766 white inhabitants; less than one half the popula tion of the state by 72,138 souls."

In the other branch of the Legislature the inequality is still more apparent. Incredible as it may seem, it is nevertheless a fact, that while the country west of the Blue Ridge, consisting of 3 fifths of the territory of the state, and containing, according the census of 1810, a white population The General Assembly then are respectfully of 212,036 souls; has but four, instead of nine se requested to recommend to the people of the com- nators, to which it is entitled; thirteen senatorial monwealth the election of a convention to alter districts on tide water, containing, according to and amend the defects of the constitution, and in the same census, a white population of only doing this, it is confidently hoped that such prin- || 162,717, have thirteen, instead of seven senators, ciples of representation will be adopted and such which would be their just proportion. These facts modes of election prescribed as will insure to are respectfully submitted to the Senate & House every part of this state, a weight in the convention of Delegates of the State of Virginia, with the hope to be assembled proportioned to its white popu-that they cannot fail to produce an impression, talation. Thus, and thus only, can the excitements existing in the State be allayed, the great ends of republican government be attained, and the constitution be placed on a basis to insure its own durability, as well as the peace and happiness of those for whom it has been framed.

vorable to the cause of republicanism, and the just rights of so decided a majority of the white population of the state. This done, the undersigned look with confidence to the Legislature for such aid as they have the power to grant. They know that the means of extending to them imme diate relief are not within the power of the Legislature. They therefore do not ask it. They know that the several counties are entitled to two representatives on the floor of the house of Delegates: and that a mere legislative act cannot prevent them from exercising an acknowledged right.

Each senatorial district too, has a constitutional claim to one representative in the Senate-and it may well be questioned, whether there be a pow er in the Legislature to alter or abridge this claim. But what cannot be done, directly, what cannot be done by law, may be indirectly accomplished through the medium of a legislative recommenda,

tion. And although the people cannot be com manded to act, facilities for acting may be afford-|| ed them to a very great extent.

Mr. Tucker, from the committee, appointed to draft a plan for defraying the expences of the Convention, made the following report:

The Legislature are then respectfully request- That the citizens of Staunton, partaking of the ed to recommend to the people of the Common-interest felt by a large portion of the good people wealth, the election of a convention to alter and of this Commonwealth, in the objects of this Conamend the defects of the constitution. And in do-vention, and that disinterested spirit-without ing this it is confidently hoped that such princi-which those objects cannot be effected, have anples of representation will be adopted, and such ticipated the purposes for which this committee modes of election prescribed, as will insure to eve- was appointed, and have deposited in the hands ry part of the State, a weight in the convention to of the secretary of the Convention, a sum suffibe assembled, proportioned to its white popula-cient to cover the contingent expenses that have tion. Thus, and thus only, can the excitements been or will be incurred. And while your comexisting in the state be allayed, the great ends ofmittee would have preferred that the citizens of republican government be attained, and the Con. stitution be placed on a basis to insure its own durability, as well as the peace and happiness of those for whom it has been framed.

On motion of Mr. Fitzburgh, Resolved, That the said memorial be adopted as the sense of this House, and that the Secretary have printed 500 copies thereof.

Mr. Burwell then offered for the consideration of the House the following resolutions:

Staunton had not superadded this, to the many other instances of courtesy which they have manifested toward the members of this convention, yet having ascertained that the sum cannot be burthensome to the citizens of Staunton, they think their offer should be met in the same liberal spirit in which it was made, and should be accepted by this convention.

Resolved, therefore unanimously, That in the opinion of this convention, that the citizens of Staunton, in defraying the contingent expenses of this a-meeting, deserve well of the friends of political reform in this commonwealth.

Resolved, That with a view to the attainment of the end specified in the resolutions yesterday dopted, if the Legislature of the State shall be indisposed, or feel itself incompetent to act on the subject, it be recommended to the people at their elections, in April next, to express their opinions, as to the expediency of recommending a General Convention for the purpose of amending the Constitution.

Resolved unanimously, That the thanks of this Convention are due to Erasmus Stribbling, Esq. for the assiduity, ability, and disinterestedness with which he has discharged the duties of secretary to this convention.

The question being put on the said resolutions separately, they were unanimously adopted by the

Resolved, That a standing committee, consisting of seven members, be appointed, with pow-House. er to choose a select committee in each county of On motion of Mr. Tucker, of Frederick, the Commonwealth, friendly to the objects of this Resolved unanimously, That the members of this meeting; and that in case it shall appear that a convention in continuing to pursue the great obmajority of those who vote in the State are in favorject of necessary reform, will never cease to cherof a general convention of delegates at Staunton, to fix on the mode of electing representatives to a general convention.

Resolved, That the standing committee or a majority of them, be requested to meet together as soon after the spring elections as may seem expedient, for the purpose of carrying into effect the objects of the latter part of the foregoing resolu

tion.

Adopted, ayes 61, noes 7.

Mr. Johnson, presented for the consideration of the house the following resolution.

"Resolved, as the opinion of this convention, that the Constitution of this Commonwealth ought to be so amended as to provide, as far as practicable that every part of the commmonwealth, shall bear its just share only of the public taxes."

ish a desire to effect that important end by temperate and peaceable measures-and that they will cultivate among their fellow citizens, a spirit of moderation and forbearance, and a disposition to preserve unimpaired the peace, good order, harmony and happiness of our beloved and common country.

On motion of Mr. Johnson,

Resolved unanimously, That the protest of the minority in this convention, be spread upon the Journals:

PROTEST.

The undersigned, members of the Staunton Convention, having had the misfortune to dissent from the majority of their associates, in the means which they have adopted to secure the great object of reform, which all have in view, feel bound to avail themselves of the privilege of the minority, to fol-spread upon the Journals of the House, along with that dissent, a brief statement of the reasons for it.

Mr. Fitzburgh moved to adopt a substitute to the said resolution, which was agreed to as lows:

Resolved, That the Declaration in our Memorial to the General Assembly, that "passing over many lesser evils connected with and inseparable from the existing constitution, they are satisfied on the present occasion to confine their attention exclusively to one, not doubting that the same remedy which will be applied to it, will at the same time be extended to every principle in the constitution inimical to the rights and happiness of an independent people," supersedes the necessity of any declaration of their views as to any particular principles proper to be engrafted on a new constitution.

They mean not to censure-Indeed they cannot withhold their approbation of the calmness, temper and dignity which have characterised the conduct of the majority. But lest it should not be distinctly understood, from the votes already recorded, what are the real sentiments and wishes of the undersigned, upon the subject of reforming the constitution of the state, they here solemnly record them, by way of protest against the measures which have been adopted by the Convention.

They hesitate not to give their decided assent to the proposition, that the inequality of represen

They hesitate not to acknowledge in its fullest latitude, the right of the majority of the people, to alter, reform, or abolish their political institutions, whenever they may think fit.

FINE ARTS.

From the Southern Patriot.

MR. WHITE'S PICTURE OF THE BATTLE
OF NEW ORLEANS.

This is, indeed, a charming production; wheBut they believe it to be a maxim of political ther we regard it in general as a battle piece, or wisdom, equally sanctioned by reason, and veri- as a characteristic view of the particular battle of fied by experience, that the constitutional laws New-Orleans. But it can be regarded only as the of every free government should be contem-latter. Mr. White has stamped upon the canvass plated with habitual reverence, should be ap- a glowing expression, a selection of groups, a deproached with the most prudent caution, and tail of actual events, which instantly strike the touched with trembling timidity. They think beholder with the identity of the subject. The therefore, that the people of this commonwealth picture is one of the battle of New-Orleans, and would not express an unwise distrust of them- of no other-'tis a bold and beautiful individual. selves, by saying that they would never consent The front of this interesting view is supposed to any alteration in their constitution, which was to be the left of the American line, with their not required by palbable necessity, and the pro- || ramparts of cotton bags, and the right of the Bripriety of which did not challenge the assent of tish assailing army. every unprejudiced, candid, intelligent mind.

Along the American line, on the foreground is Reform in the representation, they deem a mea- a group of Kentuckians, in their plain homespun sure of such palpable propriety, that they would dresses, taking cool and deliberate aim at the ennot hesitate to recommend it. Connected with emy, who are, with desperate valor, attempting to this reform, they think it essential also, that a con- mount the works. Lafitte, the captain of the stitutional provision should be made, securing Barratarians, is here a prominent figure in the act every portion of the state from the imposition of of spearing a bold but unlucky Englishman, who an undue proportion of the public taxes. They has actually ascended the bags in the very midst would think it wise, too, to introduce into the of a discharge of musketry. Further along the constitution a provision well guarded with pru-line, amidst clouds of smoke is seen the conspicudent limitations, whereby, in all future time, other defects in our constitution, which may have already developed themselves, or which experience may hereafter unfold, may be corrected, without unnecessarily agitating the public mind, or endangering the public tranquility.

ous figure of an American, who, from the commencement to the termination of the battle, was waving his hat in triumph. On the top of the ramparts we see Gen. Jackson, with a spy glass in his hand, calmly observing the effects of the tremendous fire from the American line; a little Thus far, for the present, are they willing to go, behind him are maj. gen. Carrol, and lieut. col. and no farther. They are willing to recommend Hayne, inspector general, and, somewhat advanc the call of a general convention, with powers li-ed, the figure of gen. Coffee, in rifleman's unimited to those specified objects.- -But they are form, pointing with animation to the confusion in unwilling to commit the whole constitution, with || the British_ranks. The apparant abstraction of this all its consecrated principles, to untried hands-group, as it were, from the executionory part of they are unwilling to resign that charter of their country's rights, which is identified with the revolution, around which the best feelings of the heart are intimately entwined; & under which the good people of this commonwealth have enjoyed for forty years, a share of political prosperity, and personal blessings, which have rarely fallen to the lot of man.

JAMES BRECKENRIDGE,
ALLEN TAYLOR,
J. LEYBURN,
JAMES M. DOWELL,
HENRY EDMUNSON,
C. JOHNSON.

that bloody day, their relative position, and martial attitude-constitute a very fine relief to the energy and nobility of the picture. The figures impress us immediately with the dignity of their stations, and the high and providential office they exercise they are the guardian spirits of the storm.

On the opposite side, in all the glow of colourIf is therefore that they protest. They protesting which British regimentals so happily admit, against the call of an unlimited convention. They we see the attacking army, or rather that wing of will, nevertheless, unite their best efforts with it, where the painter has concentrated the most those of the majority, in securing the great ob- interesting events of the fight. On the foreground ject for which this convention was assembled, by the heaps of dead and dying-the wounded solthose means which appear to them best suited to dier, in a Scotch dress, (in whose countenance the end-by means of a limited Convention. are combined the expression of bodily pain, and despair for the issue of the battle)—the officers exciting their men forward-the men hastening with materials to fill the ditch-the various images of death-the expressions of courage, of rage, of astonishment-these constitute a vivid and forcible display of the havoc of the fight. More in perspective, is exhibited gen. Packenham falling, wounded, from his horse, and supported by majors Munce and Ross, who have just dismounted to his assistance. This group is very striking; still more retired, is gen. Keane, borne away in the arms of his officers: sir John Filden and major Forrest near, on horseback; Gibbs is still further on, in perspective, amidst heaps of the slain. To distinguish these field officers we have no occasion

On motion of Mr. Jackson,

Resolved unanimously, That the thanks of this convention be presented to the hon. James Breckenridge, for the ability and impartiality with which he has performed the arduous duties of President of this convention.

Resolved, That this convention do now adjourn sine die.

for a key, as the attention and bustle about their while the colouring is free from those fiery tints persons are sufficient indications of the import-and rash contrasts which too often disfigure scenes ance of their rank.

of this description. The eye is satisfied (with the exception we have already named) and the heart is filled, not only with the triumphant associa tions this picture recalls-but with a complete and glowing exhibition of the deeds of our brave countrymen.

We cannot, however, undertake to detail all the figures and facts exhibited in Mr. White's picture. Of the former there are about one hundred and fifty presented to the eye, exclusive of the masses scarcely perceptible through the smoke and intervention of more proximate bodies. We understand that Mr. White, should his Probably there may be some objection to the ana-piece meet that patronage which we think it chronism the painter has introduced; but this richly deserves, (and in which opinion we are fault, (if any) is sufficiently redeemed by the ad- joined by one of the most eminent and professed ditional interest which the exhibition of the most painters in this city) intends to enlarge his canstriking occurrences of the day, impart to the vass considerably, and give to the public the piece. The majority of the groups are historical-effusion of his feelings and his taste, on a more ly true; and those drawn from fancy are exactly splendid and more extensive scale. We trust the such as a good poet might properly introduce to public patronage will lead to this result. Ameridiversify his narrative, and add to the general cans must be gratified with such a scene of the effect. They are the probable fictitious, and if triumph of western courage and patriotism-and not related by Latour or the official correspon- Carolinians particularly, with the victory of their dence of gen. Jackson, might nevertheless have native hero. But we claim this patronage not for been presented to the eye of the spectator. In the subject but the author; not for the glories of deed, Mr. White's fidelity is remarkable; and our arms, but for the native genius and the talents were we inclined to question it, it would be in of the painter. those instances where his fear of exaggeration has prevented him from coming up to the full official truth. The ground was literally covered with dead-it could not be walked upon for several acres! Mr. W. has left several detached spaces which might still, with strict historical accuracy, be filled up with piles of the dead.

PEALES' MUSEUM.

From the Columbia (S. C.) Telescope. Mr. Peale has offered his splendid Museum in Philadelphia for sale. The first offer has been made to the corporation of the city. Should they The weather that prevailed on the 8th of Janu-decline the purchase, it ought to be secured to ary, 1815, was foggy and full of gloom This has the nation and placed at the city of Washington. been well preserved, both in the light which is The British parliament never enacted a measure suffered to fall upon the masses, and in the open-that redounded more to their honor and that of ings to the eye of the British line, afforded by the nation than the purchase of sir Hans Sloane's the flashes of the cannon. Mr. White is well Museum. Our government it is to be hoped, will acquainted with the claro obscuro. But there is not be far behind others in giving encouragement too much sky in the picture, and though the dis-to the means of acquiring and diffusing the knowcharge of Congreve rockets, contrasts, in their edge of whatever is useful or rare in the producexplosion, with the lowering heavens-their in- tions of nature or art. An establishment of this troduction is not sufficient to fill the space, or re-kind at the seat of government is essential to the lieve the eye; we still feel the question, why is character of our country. The expense will be so much canvass in the back ground left unoccu-trifling when put in competition with the magnipied? This is a fault-another fault is, that here tude and importance of the object. and there we discover an evident want of finish in some respects. He has also observed too much moderation in the number of the slain. No plenitude in this particular, can exceed the truth-the fields, the ditches, the wheels of the cannon carriages, the feet of the horses, should all be encumbered with them. They form the most striking and wonderful feature in the battle

CAPELLANO.

Beautiful specimens of the fine and useful arts may be seen at No. 66 Fair-street, where two Ita||lian artists reside, viz. Mr. Capellano and Mr. Bernardo Casalo, chaser in gold and silver, dyesinker and modelist. The latter has executed But the great beauties of this battle piece con- one of the finest bas-reliefs in copper which can sist in the almost geometrical nicety of its per-be formed; it represents Aurora, or the chariot spective-the gradual and natural diminution of of the sun chasing away the darkness and usherobjects-the happy time chosen for the touteing in the day. ensemble, just at the moment when the Bri- Mr. Capellano's emblematical representation of tish army had commenced their retreat, while a the peace of Ghent, is very ingenious and beaubrave and desperate portion of it still continued tiful. It was hastily done in soft clay, and may the attack, the hopeless, agonizing struggle and be regarded as unfinished; but it is perfect ethe contrast of the rich costume of the British of-nough to show the abilities of the artist. It conficers and soldiers, with the opposite plainness sists of eight figures, among which are the genius of our homespun backwoodsmen. These promi-of America and that of Britannia; present at the nent beauties, and all the variety of minutiæ signature of the treaty. Britannia is represented which characterize the battle of New-Orleans, in deep grief, and the English leopard, submissive, and which Mr. White has judiciously introduced gaunt and hungry at her feet, "give signs of fear," and illustrated, render this picture at once strik-and seems disappointed of his prey. Two officers ing and animated. It may truly be called an in British and Scotch uniform, reluctantly sign epic production-for he has combined a narrative the paper, whilst Columbia with steady counteof facts, with the happiest descriptive powers.-nance and commanding mien points to it as a The drawing throughout, is eminently correct, thing which must be done, &c. &c. Fame, in an

gelic form, hovers over the groupe, holds a pen to record the history, and lets fall a laurel wreath on the representative of America. Two officers in American uniform, look on with composure and dignity. We hope Mr. Capellano will execute many casts of this beautiful piece, and gratify the American public by the sale of them.-N. Y. Col.

AGRICULTURAL.

From the New-York Evening Post.
Farmers' Club, Thatched House Tavern,

His mode of preparation is as follows: Dissolve 3 ounces and 2 drachms of sulphate of copper, copperas, or blue vitriol, in 3 galls. 3 quarts (wine measure) of cold water, for every 3 bushels of grain that is to be prepared. Into another vessel, capable of containing from 53 to 79 galls. throw from 3 to 4 Winchester bushels of wheat; into which the prepared liquor is poured, until it rises 5 or 6 inches above the corn.Stir it thoroughly, and carefully remove all that swims on the surface. After it has remained half an hour in the preparation, throw the wheat into a basket that will allow the water to escape, but not the grain. It ought then to be immediately St. James's Street, June 8, 1815. washed in rain or pure water, which will prevent Mildew in Wheat-Sir John Sinclair communi- any risk of its injuring the germ. The seed ought cated to the meeting the result of information he afterwards to be dried, before it is sown. It may be had recently collected in a tour through the Ne-preserved in this shape for months; but in ought therlands, of the various means adopted in that to be frequently stirred." This preparation of M. Prevost's was tried by country to prevent the mildew and other diseases to which the plant of wheat is subject, and M. Vanhoorbeke, of Ghent, in 1811, and answerwhich he has fully detailed in a publication late-ed so well, that it has since been made use of by ly printed. Amongst other means of a more ge- above 100 farmers in that neighborhood (where neral nature, (as a change of seed, &c.) prepara- the mildew is not unknown) with uniform suç, tions with copper are used for dressing the seed, on which the practical farmers in Flanders place great reliance. As these modes are different from those practised in England; as experiments with the new modes are capable of being made with great facility; and as it is highly disirable to make trial of any means that may avert so great an evil as the mildew, this meeting request the members of the society to try the effect of the modes adopted in the Netherlands, and to report the result as soon as the trial is accomplished. At the request of the Club, Sir J. Sinclair drew up the following account of the preparations used in

Flanders with such success.

Modes of steeping seed wheat with preparations of copper, so as to prevent the mildew, as practised in the Netherlands.

The following receipt has been used for many years in the Pays de Waes, in Flanders; and with such uniform success, that the mildew is not known in that country:

"For every six bushels of wheat, take half a pound of Virdigris, (the acetate of copper,) reduce it to powder, and mix it with as much human urine as will enable the light grains to swim at the top, that they may be skimmed off; for which purpose the grain must be often stirred in the vessel. The seed is kept three hours in this liquid; it is then dried with or without lime, and sown immediately. There is no danger of injuring the seed by this preparation; but cows' urine is more hazardous, from the quantity of ammonia it contains, and if it is used, one hour of steeping is sufficient."

It is singular that though this remedy has been so successful for a number of years in the Pays de Waes, where the fields are small, usually enclosed by trees and hedges, surrounded with ditches, which are in general full of water, where a species of wheat is cultivated (the white sort) which is peculiarly liable to mildew, and where the climate is extremely variable, and often very rainy both in spring and harvest; yet it was quite unknown in the neighboring districts, and in the philosophic world, till a similar preparation was accidentally discovered by a celebrated naturalist, M. Benedict Prevost.

cess.*

Experiments recommended by Sir John Sinclair with these preparations.

1. It would be desirable to get Seed from the Continent, untainted with Mildew; but a change of Seed from another district at home, is, at any rate, desirable; at the same time it would be important, to try both the produce of the country, and changed or foreign Seed.

2. It would be proper to try both the above Preparations; and to sow in the same Field, and at the same time, some seed not at all prepared; some prepared according to the custom of the neighborhood, and similar quantities prepared according to the above receipts. Please to transmit a particular account of the Experiments tried, to the Farmer' Club, Thatched House Tavern, St. James's Street, London. MEMORANDUM.

It would be very important to ascertain1. The various steeps used in Great Britain and Ireland, and in Foreign Countries.

2. The modes of employing them, and whether applied to other Grains besides Wheat; and

3. The effects: for instance, corrosive sublimate, used in some parts of Yorkshire, is said to be destructive to Partridges who pick up the seed if not thoroughly buried.

In Scotland they kiln dry Seed Wheat, as an antidote against the Smut. Quere. Has Wheat raised from kiln-dried Seed escaped the Mildew, when the other Wheat in the neighborhood has been infected by it?

The result of sowing Mildewed Seed and Experiments with foreign Seed, it it desirable should be reported to the Farmers' Club.

These particulars are more particularly explained in the work entitled "Hints regarding the Agricultural state of the Netherlands, compared with that of Great Britain, etc. By the Right Hon. Sir John Sinclair, Bart." Published by Nicol, Pallmall; Harding, St. James's; Longman and Co. and Sherwood and Co. Paternoster Row; and Constable and Co. Edinburgh.-Price 5 shillings.

STATISTICAL.
From the Aurora.

The Boston Chronicle enquires about the waste lands in England.