The New era. [volume] ([Portsmouth, Va.]) 1845-1847, 1847-02-23
PUBLIC MEETING IN RICHMOND

AT a meeting of the Democra tic members of the
Legislature, the Democratic party in the CITY of
Richmond, and other members of the party visl-
tors in the city. held in the Hall of the House of
Delegates, on Tuesday evening, the 10Th inst
Tor the purpose OF giving expression to the senti-
men's OF the meeting in relation to the recent ex-
pulson Of the Editor of the 8. Union" from the
Senate Chamber of the United States. Col John
Rutherford. of the city OF Richmond. was called
to The Chair and w. r. Drinkard of the town of
Petersburg, was appointed Secretary.
Washington Greenhow. Esq, of the city of
Richmond. submitted few remarks in relation
TO the UiinOt pIOvisn To the " three million" bill
which has just passed the House OF Representa-.
tives, and presented the following Preamble and
Resolutions for the consideration of the meeting
Whereas, the bill commonly called the three
million bill did on yesterday pass the House of
Representatives in the Congress of The United
States, with proviso known the Wilmot pro
viso. which attacks the domestic institutions of
the South, and which prOvisu is n the following
words:
" Prorided, That. as an express and fundsmen-
tai condition 10 the acquisition of any territory
from the Republic of Mexico by the United States,
by virtue of any treaty which may be negotiated
between them, and to the by the Executive of
the moneys herein appropriated, neither slavery
nor Involuntary servilude shall ever exist in any
part nt said territory, except for crime whereof
the party shall he first duly convicted"
Therefore. ReSolUed, / That The Wimot
pfovlso is in direct opposition to the compromises
effected by the Constitution of the United States
Z. ResOLUed, That it is the duty only of
every Southern man, but of every friend of this
Union, In oppose such mschieyous doctrine as
that asserted by the Wilmot proviso
.. ReSOred, That in making peace with
Mexico, no question involved in the Wilmut pro
vlsn should be considered by Southern members
in Congress.
4. ResoiDed. That in making peace or con
timing war with Mexico, we should. under no
circumstances. agree To make the one, OF to prose
cute the other, upon the terms of the Wimol
prOviso.
5. ReSolucd. That not only every Southern
man. hut every upholder uf the Constitution.
shonld resist the pursuance nf any course which
shall carry out the doctrine Of the Wimot pro
viSO.
b. RESOLVED. That the Democratic party Of
Virginia are bound, by their possessIon of The
Legislative power of the State. to take immediate
action upun this vital question.
I. RtS"tred, That, upon this absorbing ques-
ton. all differences of political opinions should
be forgotten, and all Vrginiaas and Suulhern men
should unite, heart and hand in resisting, even
unto death. the doctrines of said provso
Alter some remarks, from variuns gentlemen
upon The subject introduced by these resolutions
and the proprIety of taking action upon them at
This meeting some thinking that they should he
referred 10 general meeting of citizens ot ali
parties, and all expressing their decided approval
Df the principles which they sci forth
On the motion Of Robert G.. Scott Esq Of the
city OF Richmond the following resolutions were
adopted
ResolUed That while this meeting entirely ap
prove the sentiments expressed in the foregoing
resolutions, it entertans the opinion they involve
grave and important matter; not for the exclusive
consideration Of party meeting, but of one corn
posed Of the people without regard 10 party dis
tincton.
ResoIUed, therefore, That they be referred to
committee Of twenty persons. 10 he appointed by
the Char. from both political parties, with in
struciionS {" consider the same and Ia call meet.
ing OF The people without reference to parry, for
the consideration Of the said resolutions on Sat
nrday evening next, at the hoor Of o'clock in
this Hall
The Chair appointed the following gentlemen
members of the Committee called tor by the last
resolution Robert G.. Scott. John w jones. Via
cent Wnchef, w. ri Macfarland, Samuel f..
G0odson, Samuel Watts, Washington Grepnhow.
ID. NJ. E5glnQton. John r. Wallace. Andrew
Hunter, Edward r. Scott. James LYONS. Lewis
r.. llsrve, Charles p Drman, WIN +. Richie.
George i. VERIFY, Waller ID Leakp. WIN. G..
CariogIon, James II. Carson, and John w.
Syme.
The following preamble and resolution were
then offered by Mr. Daniel Of Prince George, and
adopted BY the meeting:
Whereas, we have ever regarded tho freedom