The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1846-05-08

Virginia politics; have said nothing IN regard 10
Virginia politics, or of the right Of Virginia to
govern herself | said that struggle was going
on in Virginia between the eastern and western
part 10 call convention, object Of which was 10
extend the right OF suffrage. The gentleman denies
it. Now appeal to the gentleman from the western
part OF Virginia whether that contest is not going
on, and has been for years.
Mr.. BAfL1. denied no such thing.
Mr.. PAYNE. | appeal To the House whether
the gentleman did not say there a contest going
on about a call for convention. This is what he
did say but the gentleman now has the right to take
other ground If he chooses
Mr.. BAYLY. denied that it was purely sec
tional contest, and now deny it,
Mr.. PAYNE. The gentleman now puts il on
the ground Of seetionality and ask the gentleman
from the western part of Virginia whether when
ever a convention has been defeated, il has not
been defeated by eastern Virginia, and desired by
western Virginia.
Mr.. JOSEPH JOHNSON said it was with great
reluctance that he interfered again ia this contest
between the gentlemen. can repeat what said be-
fore, that Of the West exceedingly anxious TO
'semble convention TO alter the fundamental laws
Of the State Of Virginia. that there Is but opin-
ion in that section of the State that the whole west
ern part Of the State are looking anxiousy to the
time when should be able TO assemble a conyen-
ton to reform the constitution Of the State. The
east, we understand there are opposed TO eonyen-
ton.
Mr.. PAYNE, (inlerposing.) So do /.
At least so far regards the basis Of representa-
tOn Continued Mr.. J,) the eastern portion Of the
Suite have proposed 10 assemble convention, but
upon terms which Of the west do not think prop
er to accept That is what | understand 10 be the
state of feeling.
Mr.. PAYNE. That is precisely what stated.
Mr.. HOPKINS Mr.. p. yielding the hoor) said
the extension Of the right OF suffrage is one Of the
matters which has entered into the consideration Of
ia nnfa III. mat lad Of haIn
The question, as characterized by the gentleman from
Alabama, Mr.. PAYNE, which more than any other
engaged the public mind, there has perhaps been a
louder clamoTfor restricting, rather than extending
the right Of sufrage-so 10 prevent the railroad
or floating vote, which gives to the cities an undue
influence over the surrounding counties.
Mr.. PAYNE, (resuming.) | said it was one Of
the questions, and an important question, as the
right Of suffrage is and always must be. | think
am sustained most signaly in the position took
by the gentlemen from Virginia, Mr.. JOHNSON and
Mr.. HorEHs, the gentleman from Aceomac to the
contrary Notwithstanding.
The gentleman from Virginia (from the Accomac
distriet) had told him he seemed To feel peculiar
interest in Virgnia-and in western Virginia And
why should he NOT Was it not NATURAL There his
eyes had first opened upon the light Of day: there IL
was that he had grown to manhood: there he had
quenched his thirst from the rivulet bursting from
the face Of her hills: there he had laid the founda-
ton of whatever knowledge Of politics, or otherwise,
that he might possess. II was true, he had spent
considerable portion Of his life Of the Allegha-
Mes but he still had deep and sincere interest in
seeing his old State take her stand upon correct
principles, in great question Of civil liberty.
Bot his object was not TO interfere with the domes-
tic affairs Of Virginia, but to Congress against
taking part in that contest, and more especially
the wrong side; seeking to trampe down the will
of minority by what is deemed the majority. He
apprehended, hereafter it would be wholly out Of
order TO allude to Virginia under any circumstances;
that the Virginia delegation would rise up and say,
Do not interfere with U.S. There a frmness Of
attachment to Virginia errors the part OF her rep
resentatlyes, which sckened him, (Mr. p and must
sicken others. Ii is high time that they should be
exposed and corrected; and gentlemen should not
complain Of interference, it, in this matter, he held
the mirror up, that they might "see themselves as
others them"
But, said the gentleman, western Virginia would
repudiate his Mr.. PSI friendship. He did not
fear that 1t would be repudated by democrats in any
quarter life Of twenty years consistent devo-
ton to the democratic principles, insured for him
favor or at least a fair consideration from demo-
Gratis. Had he been changing with the changes Of
power--a wing today and democrat tomorrow
weathercock, to indicate the variations Of the
popular wl-he might not be able to fater himself
with this indulgence from the democratic party
Mr.. McCLERNAND resumed the floor but
yielded, at request, to
W.T. IL VIM Wfoncu W Hnuhc Onc ItHiuEh,
and but one with reference to himself personally
The gentleman from Alabama, (he said, with some
violence Of gesture, not unusual to him, had seemed
take offence when he (Mr. b. had said that his
(Mr. P.'s) interference on this floor with the domes
tic concerns of Virginia was impairment, and he
said he threw back the imputation in my teeth.
will inform the gentleman (said Mr.. B.)-it is not
necessary for me to inform this House-that shall
not notice the hro,oine back an imputation which
have before applied.
Mr.. PAYNE Tin his seat) am very we'll sat
ished. 1t is nothing have to complain of.
proceeded.
He said he had risen to speak to the question of
power involved and not to take part in the contro
versy-somewhat personal-which had occurred
He had been anxious to vote for the bill not only
from desire to crafty the wishes Of the people inn
mediaely concerned, but also because his inclina-
ton had been wrought upon by the eloquent and
persuasive remarks which had fallen from the gen.
tleman from Virginia, Mr.. HUNTER. But upon
investigation an insuperable obstacle presented It,
self There was a want of constitutional power
The gentleman from Kentucky [Mr. BorDl had
asked the gentleman from Alabama Mr.. PAYNE
whether, if the District Of Columbia had been sunk
by an earthquake, it would not be competent for
Congress tn relocate the seat of government. Mr..
McC. answered Unquestionaby; FIRST from the ne
cessy of the case necessity rising above lao Sec
ondly, because the question of relocation en-
Congress to ALLEVIATE integral portion of the terri
tory and people Of the District Congress had full
power to change the location of the seat Of govern
ment; and in that case, by operation Of la,o the Dis
tric including territory and people, would repsrt to
the States ceding it.
The constitution was quite clear upon the main
point at ISSUE IL declares that Congress shall have
power "to exercise exclusive legislation in all cases
whatsoever over such District mot exceeding ten
miles square) may, by cession Of particular States
and the acceptance Of Congress- become the seat Of
government" &c.
The words are, Gin all cases." What cases' Cases
in which the States themselves could not /" exercise
kgislation?" No; certainly not. In all those cases
in which it would have been competent for the States
to have legisated' No; perhaps not even in these.
But in all necessary and proper to the ends of
seat of government, and to the enforcement of
civil police, civil government and in this lies the
construction which secures the property of the peo
pie Of the District.
Again: conceding, for the sake of argument, that
the jurisdiction of the government, under the clause
quoted is equal to what was the jurisdiction of the