1854. COUNTIES, Administration of.—[continued].
The organization of our [Virginia] county administration may be
thought * * * difficult; but follow principle
and the knot unties itself. Divide the
counties into wards of such size as that every
citizen can attend, when called on, and act in
person. Ascribe to them the government of
their wards in all things relating to themselves
exclusively. A justice, chosen by themselves,
in each, a constable, a military company, a
patrol, a school, the care of their own poor,
their own portion of the public roads, the
choice of one or more jurors to serve in some
court, and the delivery, within their own
wards, of their own votes for all elective
officers of higher sphere, will relieve the
county administration of nearly all its business,
will have it better done, and by making
every citizen an acting member of the government,
and in the offices nearest and most interesting
to him, will attach him by his
strongest feelings to the independence of his
country, and its republican constitution.—
To Samuel Kerchival. Washington ed. vii, 12.
Ford ed., x, 40.
(M.
1816)
