Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1833-04-02
l'OEAEEGAE.
EKOM~ COLIMRiA

iHONi Wv VI i
We have been favored with the following Interesting
letter received by a gentleman OF this city, irom an IN
tslIsent friend at the South Carolina capital:
"COLUNIBIA, March 10.
In reference to the proceedings aud spirit Of the Con
vention, would say, that there seemed a reciprocal good
feeling among the members, until The Introduction of an
oath ia the "Ordinance to nuliiy the Bill OF Mr.. wilkins"
This oath required a citizen TO swear paramount allcei-
anco to the State, previous TO holding an Office. or he faro
he should be permitted 10 vote at the polls. IL was intro
duced by way OF amendment 10 the Ordinance, and pro
duced a warm excitement and heated debate. On Satur-
day Judge O'Nealc OF the Union Party) opposed it, in a
speech which was listened 10, with an attention, that ex
htbted the powerful cioquence Of this distinguished GEN
teman to command attention., and with an assurance,
that his moral worth had won a hearing, when possibly bi.
sentiments on Modification. would have denied him a
common place notc in such an assembly. lie was am.
swered by Judge Harper @ brother OF the appeaI beuchN
in a mastery manner. Judge Harper did not so much
contend, that the amendments were c~xpcdient, as that the
Convention had a night to pass upon It; Tor this was one of
tho grounds taken by Judge O'Neale. MIR. Robert j.
Iurnbull next addressed the Convention in a speech of at
least an hour, and although not a good public speaker.
evidenced by his argument, that he had been a diligont
scholar. The argument had become rather warm, and a
motion tS adjournment was made, which was accepted
instantly, and the Convention adjourned for a few hours.
They re-assembled and laid the matter on the table for
that day Saturday
There was an evident reaction Of sentiment in the
States Right Party, produced, it is presumed by the
speech of Judge O'Neate. On Monday, the Convention
met at an early hour, and Judge Colcock desiring informa-
ton from the gentlemen in the minority, as regarded some
points OF difference between the two parties, JUDGE
oNeaie again rose, gave the requisite information, which
was, that the oath before the Convention, could notC, be
the only cause oil separation; and made u thrilling appeal,
in behalf OF the peace of the State. The question was
then taken, on the amendment, and lost, ayes 80, noes
llS.-The whole matter OF allegiance, is, left TO the Lc-
gislature, where Judge O'NeAle, commended it properly
belonged, according 10 the provisions in the Constitution
OF the State.
Thus has been settled, this distracting business. 1t is
due TO the vast majority III this Convention, to say, that
there was a noble bearing in their department towards the
minority. Tho very impartial manner ir which the Prcsi-
dent Gov. Hamilton) discharged his duties, the liberal
manner in which tile argument was advanced, and the
conciliatory ease which characterized the leaders OF the
States Right Party, has not a little effected the putting
forth OF the Olive Branch among US.
If Gen. Hamilton hitherto has rode upon the storm in
this assembly, he seemed the very counterpart OF d cdln
and much OF the quiet and satisfaction eyiuced, is supposed
TO have emanated from his abundant caution.
The difficulty is now settled, as regards the principle.
There will be no lack Of vigilance on the part Of the Null
liiers.
The Convention was closed by prayer from Mr.. Ray, 4
member, and on motion, was adjourned and dissolved by
the Presidcnt.-Iherc was then an indi-criminatc eX-
change Of fare thee well, and a hearty shaking of hands.
| witnessed myself, a number Of gentlemen OF lhe Union
Party, taking leave OF Gov. Hayue and others Of the warm
est on the other side Of the question, with an indication Of
the strongest triendship-SaUdnHnh Georgian.