Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1846-05-28


ter, however, from motives of delicacy, as they af
tected individuals we did not then think proper to
allude. But now that we have been SO ru,hlessly
and unjustfiably assaled, we feel that we have
right to do so, as well as to go into certain other
matters which we would rather have avoided.
What, then, let us enquire, ,cas really the posi-
ton which Augusta occupied in the Lewisburg
Convention? We think we have right to know
because it was upon our call the meeting was as
sembled which appointed the Delegates, and in that
call we avowed the motives and objects distinctly
to be as follow:
"LEWISBURG CONVENTION"
eve would respectfully suggest fellow citizens
whether it would not be well for them to be represent
cd in the Convention Of Western counties which is to
meet ut Lcwisburg the LIST Of August for the pur-
pose oil concerning measures for obtaining an equal re-
presentation, according TO white population, in the
State Legislature We are identified in principle as
we'll as interest in the question with brethren of
the trans Allegheny country; and the action of the
Convention, whether wise unwisc, must equally at.
feet us, whether we participate in it or not. Then
ought we not to be represented The excitement
which prevails in some parts of the West the sub
Jcct Tar from being favorable prudent counsc and
those Of us who think that all pcaceable remedies for
redress oil our grievances have not been fairly tried or
fully exhausted it u.s. ought to see to il that
we represented For ourselves although we claim
to be white basis man, decidedly opposed TO
the violent measures recommended in some of the
counties We opposed to the irregular and rcvoIu
tonary measure Of calling Convention to amend the
Constitution without the sanction of the Legislature
and we also opposed to the other alternative a di
vision of the Statc.-Wc sill think that our Eastern
brethrcn-weddcd as they (and we believe honest.
ly) TO their opinions-wi yet be disposed on proper
appeals and arguments, TO accord rights and
we deprecatc all threats and violence at this time MS
only calculated to produce alienation ofeeng rem
der peaccable adjustment of the question impossible
We hope, therefore, that fellow citizens if they
concur in these views, will take suitable steps TO be
represented in the Convention. The next Court day
tthe 2oth) would afford convenient opportunity for
action on the subject"
Accordingly, on Court-day, meeting was held,
and without the adoption of any resolutions, the fol-
lowing gentlemen were appointed Delegates to tho
Convention, viz: William Kinney, James Bell, d.
w. Patteson, Thomas j. Niche, N c. Kinney,
James A. Cochran, John NJ. M'Cue, VIM. b.
kayser, John b. Baldwin and James Points. Esors.
Of these, all attended the Convention, as appears
from the official proceedings, except Messrs n. G..
Kinney and j. A. Cochran. Now let us see what
were the proceedings of that Convention, and what
the course of the Delegates from Augusta, (he only
valley county represented) A committee was ap-
pointed, consisting of nine members to prepare sua-
bic subjects for the action of that convention, of
which VIM. Is. Preston, esq. of Montgomery, was
Chairman. That committee reported a preamble
and resolutions setting forth i'm strong language the
Of hn md Al.
immediate steps be taken for the call of Conven-
ton. The following is the LIST Resolution
"Resolved, That Convention should be called to
amend the Constitution of Virginia. so as to eaualize
the representation between the different sections of the
State taking the free white inhabitants as the basis of
such representation
The other Resolutions were to appoint committees
to carry the above into effect by preparing a memo
rial to the Legislature asking law to take the sense
OF the people upon the call of Convention based
upon white population, Sc
To these the following was offered as a substi-
tute by MIR. Beckley, Of Fayette.-We here copy
from the Journal OF the Convention
"Resolved, That a committee of persons be
appointed and instructed 10 prepare memorial to the
General Assembly of the Commonwe alth previous to
its next session, praying that honorable body in terms
behttng rccmen to increase the representation of this
State according to the provisions Of the 5th Section of
Articie Ill oil the amended Constitution, and TO assign
the increased number of Senators and Delegates to the
trans Allegheny section Of this Commonwealth or if
that be declined, to pass law for holding
based on the whole white population to alter and amend
the Constitution, in their inherent right 10 alter
amend, or to abolish their form of Government nav
seem 10 them good"
considerable discussion here arose Mr. Clarke of
Ohio, advocated the original resolution in opposition to
the substitute When Mr. Clarke had finished his ar
Sument' Mr. Harper, of Augusta, appeared and took his
seat las the alternate of NJ c Kinney esq] The dis
cussion was continued by Mr.. Preston of Montgomery
Mr. Chapman of Monroe, and MIR. Lee of Harrison, in
avor OF the original resolution against the substi-
tue, and by Mr.. Smith of Grcenbrier, and Mr. Niche
Augusta favor of the substitute and against the ORR
gina resolution.
"WEDNEsDAy, Aug. 3.
"Mr Everett, of Cabcll submitted some remarks in
favor of the substitute and followed by Mr. b. H.
Smith Of Kanawha, Mr. Price of Greenbricr, and Mr.
Patcson of Augusta all of whom spoke against the sub
stitute.
Mr. Niche, OF Augusta, then addressed the Conycn-
ton at considerable length. After Mr. Niche had re-
'umed his scat, Mr. McComas of Wythe and Mr.
Camden of Harrison, addressed the convention in oppo-
sition to the substitute.
The previous question then called and sustain
ed-and the vote taken by ayes and noes and re-
suited follows
For the substitutc-Mcssrs Everett, Wright, VIM
smith, Whherow, Anderson, McClung, John Miller,
stewart, Ballard Smith, Cameron, Bryant, Bcckley,
Kinney, Bell, Niche, Nc Cue, Rayser Points and
Against the observation-disclosures. Knchcloc A. J. |
Smith, &C., &C., Patteson-in all a.
"The preamble and resolutions were tbcn c,rr;cd |
unanimously, with the exception of the first resolution
70 which there were four or fve dissenting yoices"