Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1850-01-22
Virginia Legislature.


On Saturday the 18th inst, Gov. FLOYD
addressed a special message to the assem-
bly,, on the subject of the resolutions OF
the Legislature of Vermont. 1t was as
follows:
Executive DEPARTMENT, Jan. II, 90.
TO the General assembly Of TtrSlnta:
Gentlemen: | have received from the
Governor of Vermont certain resolutions
passed by the Legislature of that State
upon the subject of slavery; with request
that | should transmit them TO you. l
comply with the request because think
il prnpcr YOU should know the temper and
spirit NANTES ed towards Virginia and the
South bv Vermont. If could believe
The sentiments contained in these reSoIu-
lions were confined tn tho State from
which they emannte, they would excite
in me. rs | am sure they would in every
citizen of Virginia, feeling of pity mere
lv. But we are constrained to believe
f,om evidences TOO numerous and clear to
admit of a doubt, that these resolutions
embodv the opinions and the feelings too
Of large majority of the free States.
In this respect they present to us
question of momentOuS importance, and
drive us 10 consider how we are to vlndl-
cate our character and maintain our con
stitu,onal rights. The provisions OF the
constitution, upholding, sustaining and
protecting slavery, are, by these resolu-
tons, abrogaed and disregarded. The
opinion of the North sustanS this action
The time has already passed for the
discussions of the questions between us
no human reason or eloquence can stop
the headong career of injury and wrong
which the North is pursuing towards us:
They trample upon the Constitution and
our rights, whilst they meet with scorn
and contempt all remonstrance against
their course of aggression.
We can take care of ourselves; let us
not sit idlv down until the foot Of the de-
stroyer comes.
| would recommend the passage OF the
resolutions adopted last session; and the
passage of law providing for the attend
ance of representatives i'll the Southern
Convention to assemble at Nashville, III
June next, and that money be aPProprIa-
ted to defrav all their necessary expenses
incurred by such attendance.
JOHN b. FLOYD.
I'm the House of Delegates, members oil
all parties concurred in denouncing the
resolutions from Vermont, and after con-
siderable discussion, resolution offered
by Mr.. Symc was passed by ayes III,
noes none. The resolution, as amended,
runs thus:
Resolved, by the General Assembly OF
Virginia, That the resolutions from the
State of Vermont, on the subject OF slave
ry. be returned to the Governor OF this
Commonwealth, with a request that they
be returned 10 the Governor of Vermont,
and that the Governor of Vermont be in
formed that the Legislature of Virginia
understand their constitutional rights, and
mean TO MAINTAIN lnelu.
Mr.. Burwell offered the following res
olution which, on his motion, was referred
10 the Committee on the Wilmot Provlso;
Resolved by the General Assembly,
That it be and is hereby recommended TO
the people Of Virginia not TO import, Pur-
chase or consume any article, the produce
or manufacture of the State of Vermont,
or OF any other State in this Union when
shall address to Virginia the language oil
menace or Of reproach.
MIR. Claiborne reported resolutions IRON
the committee appointed 10 enquire into
the expediency of delegating representa-
tives from Virginia to the Southern Con-
vention TO be held at Nashville i'll June