Wheeling times and advertiser. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1839-1849, 1845-12-16
PRESIDENT:
Gov. JAMES MCDOWELL.


VICE PRESIDENTS:
Judge John Il. Lomax,
Judge Edwin $. Duncan,
Thomas J. Ran lolph, of Albcmarle.
Dr. Spicer Patrick, of kanawha,
Allen T. Caperton, of Monroe,
VIM. H. mcfarland, OF Richmond,
James H. Carson. of Frederick county,
Samuel Watts, of Norfolk county.
SECRETARIES:
John s. Gallaher, of Frederick,
Richard Il. Gooch of Richmond city.
These nominations were unanimously con-
cured in.
Messrs Lyons and Venable conducted the
President to the chair
Upon assuming his duties, Gov Mcdowell
made brief, but most eloquent and impress
sivc speech, in which he alluded to the great
purpose for which the Convention had assem-
bled. and expressed the hope that it would
produce great results. 1t had assembled now.
10 do for Virginia that which we ought 10
have done century ago. We had fallen be-
hind the age in which we lived, and were de-
linqucnt in duty which ought long since TO
have been performed. We had made no pro-
per effort To continue first in population, in
power, and III renown, but seemed content to
rush rapidly from the van to the rear. This
was Tor want OF courage on the part of the
Legislature. This matter of Education ought
10 be made a State concern, and he hoped the
General Assembly would have the spirit to
act out their duty. We had sunk to pro-
verb among our sister States. There should
now be no shrinking--t the representatives
should not be fearful in discharging their duty
there should be no neutrality.
Coy MSR t6h2qRb t Me RRqack rfGd ad f son ao
ours seemed 10 be a monumental State--we
seemed content TO live upon the renown of
the honored dead--we seemed but TO remem-
Der the dead children and their story, looking
100 much to the past, and forgetting the de-
mands OF the present. We were not unlike the
prisoner, who sought i'll his cell the compan-
lonshlp even of shadow He hoped we
would bring the disgrace of our Ignorance 10
an end. Ii had been the pride of a King of
France, that every one of his subjects could
have pullet in his pot for dinncr-our should
be the higher aim TO provide for the mind
rather than the body. We should stop at
nothing short of enabling every citizen of The
State to read the Constitution of his country.
and the oracIes OF his Religion Our labors
should never be considered over, i'm the do
minlon OF darkness, until every child should
D. able 10 read. Then we might exclaim,
'soldier, rcst---thy warfare is Ger"
Gov Mcdowell concluded by DECLARING his
disposition cordially 10 cooperate with the
Convention in every way possible, for the
good OF the Commonwealth.
Tins Address was received with raptlrous
applause, and seemed to awaken new zeal i'm
the cause. We have not attempted TO fol-
low the words OF the Governor, i'm his happy
remarks, and fear that, even in this brief no
tlCe, we have marred the beauty Of his glow
ing thoughts.
On motion of Mr.. j. v. Daniel. Jr. the
Rev. Clergy OF the city were invited TO aid
inc Convention, during lis sitting, with rci-
glous services; and, on motion, the Rev. DIR.
Runner offered mp tcrvent prayer for the Di-
vine blessing upon the labours of the assem-
blage.
After propositions by Mr.. Darricott. oG Han
over, a. to the admission of the members of
the General Assembly as delegates. and by
Mr. Cook OF Carroll, to- include the JUDGES
ami distinguished Strangers
Mr.. NlCkham OF Hanover to take the votes
III each case, according to The delegation i'm the
House. Negatiyed, as was similar PROPOSE
ton afterwards.
On motion OF Mr.. McRae. the rules of the
House oil Dslagates were adopted for the GOV
eminent of The Convention.
Mr. Thomas }. Randolph submitted resp
luton for the appointment of committee to
report system OF Primary Schools. but this
WAS not pressed by the mover i'm the then state
OF the proceedings
Various gcntl; men submitted motions and
remarks, but we have no room TO notice them
On motion of Mr.. w. &. Darlington. lie
Chair appointed two additional Secretaries to
arrange the list of Delegates.
On motion OF DR.. w. S. Plumer. n com
ml'tre Of nine was appointed to report bust
ness Tor tie Convention, and the following
gentlemen constitute said committees
Dc Plumcr, Andrew Stevenson Samuel NJ.
Jannry Of Loudoun, Holden Rhod 8. Nathan
vel +. Ncnablc, Charles Dimmock. William
Maxwell, R"v. w. u. Duuon at Jefferson.
AMI Professor Lagoon e.. Garland.
Mr.. lhmnock suggested nor, convenient
place Of meeting. and Rev J. u. Jc.or offered
Tive use oi She Lecture Room Of the Wrist Ban
list Church.
Tine Convention then adjourned to meet at
10 o'clock.
EnIf(fA fIICN f,C.R- trfs,-.t,f...-