exist, both being free and equal. The great _sine
qua non_, therefore, is some external asylum for the coloured
race. In the mean time, the taunts to which this misfortune
exposes us in Europe are the more to be deplored, because it
impairs the influence of our political example; though they come
with an ill grace from the quarter most lavish of them, the
quarter which obtruded the evil, and which has but lately become
a penitent, under suspicious appearances.[16]

TO JOSEPH C. CABELL

MONTPELLIER, January 5, 1829.

_Dear Sir_,--I have received yours of December 28, in which you
wish me to say something of the agitated subject of the basis of
representation in the contemplated convention for revising the
State Constitution. In a case depending so much on local views
and feelings, and perhaps on the opinions of leading individuals,
and in which a mixture of compromises with abstract principles
may be resorted to, your judgment, formed on the theatre
affording the best means of information, must be more capable of
aiding mine than mine yours.

What occurs to me is, that the great principle "that man cannot
be justly bound by laws, in making which they have no share,"
consecrated as it is by our Revolution and the Bill of Rights,
and sanctioned by examples around us, is so engraven on the
public mind here, that it ought to have a preponderating
influence in all questions involved in the mode of forming a
convention, and in discharging the trust committed to it when
formed. It is said that west of the Blue Ridge the votes of
non-freeholders are often connived at, the candidates finding it
unpopular to object to them.

With respect to the slaves, they cannot be admitted _as persons_
into the representation, and probably will not be allowed any
claim as _a privileged_ property. As the difficulty and
disquietude on that subject arise mainly from the great
inequality of slaves in the geographical division of the country,
it is fortunate that the cause will abate as they become more
diffused, which is already taking place; transfers of them from
the quarters where they abound, to those where labourers are more
wanted being a matter of course.

Is there, then, to be no constitutional