Staunton spectator, and general advertiser. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 183?-1849, 1846-12-24
HOUSE OF DELEGATES.
THURSDAY. December IC

LHOhSDhf, beceinDcT H.
Mr.. Mcpherson, of Page, offered the following
Resolved, That Select Committee be appoint
ed with instructions report bill No % of the ses
sion of lS4445, which had for its object, the ques-
ton of taking the sense of the people, the pro-
priety of calling Convention to amend the Con
stituton of the State.
Mr.. Mcpherson thought it his duty to offer this
resolution. He did it for the purpose of bringing
the question of Convention before the friends of
that measure, that they might at once begin to de-
liberate and take counsel.
Mr.. Scott hoped this yeXed question would not
be brought again before the Legislature at its pre-
sent session: BESIDES in Difference to the opinion of
the Convention assembled at Siaunton, the friends
of Convention should at least entertain the idea
of postpOnng farther action until after 1850. Moth
ing but evil could would result from the further
discussion Of the question at this time.
MIR. DUrman stated that il was the acknowledge
ed policy of the West TO let this matter rest that
the Convention assembled at Saunton were of that
opinion and he thought it scarcely less than mad
ness to press il at this time. He would therefore
move to lay the resolution On the table with the
hope that it might lie there.
Mr. Mcpherson knew no better time for bringing
this question TO the consideration of the friends of
convention, and no more appropriate means of do
ing so than that proposed by his resolution. His
resolution proposed not to raise the question of
the basis upon which the Convention was to be
and tangible question of Convention or no Conven.
ton to the people. that the West might be enabled
TO make stronger and more vigorous effort. having
the sanction of the will of the people.
Mr. Jones Of Chesterfield, understood the resolu-
ton as lnstrucing the Committee TO report spcci-
fc bill, and this bill the offspring Of the mover of
the resolution, without allowing to the Committee
any discretion in regard to the proprety OF impro-
propriety of reporting such bill. This he thought
a very strange proceeding, indeed, in regard to a
matter too, than which there was none which more
seriously affects Virginia, or which in any respect
| was Of more vital importance or abiding interest.
allowed the Committee TO decide upon the most
! proper means of attaining the end desired
! Mr.. Stephenson thought it unnecessary to say he
was rs eager for Convention as any one; yet he
should vote TO lay the resolution of the gentleman
from Page, the table, because ii was not now the
! time for any such resolution. He was rather for
giving the friends Of Convention time to deliber-
ate and counsel. and enabling the West in particu-
lar, TO prepare itself for the great struggle which
must DC between the East and the West upon i'm
portant questions connected with the basis upon
I which the Convention should be organized For
himself, he was no,c prepared to enter upon the
discussion of the basis upon which Convention
should be organized, which would be the great
question involved in the struggle vet, he would
much prefer postponng any further agitation Of this
r Question. until after the next census, in 1S50as
advised by the Stauuton Convention
Mr.. Daniel hoped the House would not lay tho
resolution the table bit rather (snce it was en-
deavoured TO spring this troublesome question upor
us again. after recently long and rdtless strug
gle,) give direct rejection.
: MIR. Mcpherson said, in reply to the gentleman
from Chesterfield. Mr.. Jones,l that the Bill pro