Republican vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1857, 1850-10-21
STATE REFORM CONVENTION,
From. the Richmond Examiner

was elected President pro tenn Mr.. Shefey 8
MIR. Geo, w. Munfori were nominated for iht
| office OF Secretary pro- tenn, but the name O
| Mr.. Nluntord was afterwards Withdrawn, ant
| MIR. Sheffey unanimously chosen.
| The President stated that no rules having
been adopted for the government of the body, {
motion was necessary even for the call of the
roll This motion being made the Secretary pro
ceeded to call the roll. All the members were
found present. save Messrs. Chambers, Wing
| field; R. J. 7. White, ]. T. Anderson, Wysor
A. G. Pendleton, and Mr. Miller of Botelourt.
| Mr.. johnson moved that the rules of the late
House of Delegates be adopted for the regulation
of the Convention
MIR. Wise objected to this being done before
the regular officers were elected
Mr. johnson withdrew his motion.
MI Ridley nominated Mr.. John Y Mason fol
President OF the convention, in few simple
words.
No other nomination being made, the secreta.
ry called the roll. Mr.. Mason received 90 votes
l 2 votes We're thrown for Henry A Wise. 10 fol
G. W. Hopkins, for VIM. Seymour, aud 1 for
James H. Cox.
Messrs Stewart and Johnson then led Mr.
Mason 10 the chair,
On taking the chair, Mr.. Mason addressed the
convention as follows:
Gentlemen Most Unexpectedly to myself,
those generous constituents, whose undated
confidence had the happiness to enjoy during
service OF more than twenty years, have re-
CURED my services as one of their represen.
tatlves in this body; and to them, and to you
TOR the distinguished honor which you have now
conferred upon me, my grateful thanks are due
Virginia was the first Of the American States
to frame written constitution or form of govern
ment, thus taking the first great step ia those
tree institutions for sncDrino civil lihor+, ob
may be denominated the American system
Whatever opinions may be entertained in re
latlon to the subordinate provisions of the Or
ganlc law then adopted, every son of Virginia
may regard with pride and admiration the wis
dom OF our fathers, III their great principle of
a division and separation OF the powers OF gov
eminent into three departments-o of LEGISLATURE
Executive and Judicial-an elementary princi-
pie adopted in all the subsequent constitutions
OF her sister States, which is essential to their
happy and successful opeIation
More than seventy years have passed away
since Virginia first became an organized and ir-
dependent State; and this is the second occa-
sion on which her people have resor,ed TO their
sovereign power, Of revising and altering her
supreme law. Upon lis now this monentous
duty is devoved The object of the organ
&c law IS TO secure to the people their inalenabe
rI9his-''the enjoyment Of life and liberty, with
the means OF acquiring and possessing property,
and obtaining happiness and safety"
In lis nature it is permanent not subject to
modification, repeal or amendment, by any
agents employed in the ordinary machinery Of
Government. And in its controlling influence.
1t possesses the mighty attribute of distributing
political power, of prescribing the right OF sut-
trage, OF authorizing or establishing the Legisla-
tive, Executive and Judicial authorities, and of
bp al, u,
lively move in the execution OF the functions of
government.
Whether we contemplate our duties in refer
ence to the magnitude OF the subjects which
must engage our deliberations, or to their infu-
ence ON the dearest interests of our constituents.
or reflect on the necessity of wisdom, prudence,
and foresight in coming to our conclusion, ali
must concur that our Responsibilities are as
great as can be devoved by a free people OIL
their political agents.
feel happy that these momentous duties are
TO be performed here in this Hall, where, from
the first; order, decorum, and dignity, have pre-
vailed and commanded the admiration OF all
spectators. When look around at this assem-
b'age, feel assured that he proceedings of this
Convention will be characterized by the same
gratifying proofs Of proprety.
In discussing the great questions which will
come before US, ii is to be expected that conflict
OF opinion will arise, and excited debate is the
natural result of diversified interests, bu. may |
not invoke spirit of Cancellation, mutual res
pect and torbearance? May | not lntreat that
we will remember that patriotism knows no
sections, that we are sons of one common mother
and animated by traternal affection, 80 conduct
our deliberations as to promote, by the results
OF our labors, the quiet, the happiness, the honor
and glory of Virginia
T h., l-l
different departments of the Government, it is
now many years since | was connected with
1elberative assembly. appreciate too highly
the responsibilities OF the station to which your
Kindness has called me, not to be aware that |
Will require much indulgence at your hands. |
nave, however, the consolation to know that nv
detlclencles viii be readily supplied by the large
and high talent OF those by whom
am surrounded.
MIR. Hopkins then moved that the rules and
regulations of the Convention of 1929 and 80 be
adopted, instead of those of the House of Dele
gates, as proposed.
Alter some explanations, it was moved that
those rules be referred to a committee 10 decide
upon their applicability 10 the regulations of the
Convention.
officers be gone through before rules were adopt
ed.
MIR, Voolfolk opposed the proposition to a.
dopt the rules OF the old convention and the
late House OF Delegates We're finally adopted as
lar as applicable.
. MIR. I. J. Randolph nominated Mr.. Magruder
Tor clerk, as every way qualified to discharge
the duties.
Mr.. Chapman nominated Mr.. Rufus French
the clerk OF the circuit court of Giles county, in
a few eloquent remarks.
MIR. Stuart endorsed the testimony of Gen.
Chapman,
MIR, Tazewell Taylor nominated Mr.. B. B.
Minor, Of this city.
MIR. Letcher brought forward the name of Mr..
Charles Chaplin, of Rockbridge He eulogized
MI Chapin in high terms, and gave scriptural
for his election, 10 wit: his obedience
to The precept, 'lncrease and Multiply"
Gen BraXton nominated Mr.. Samuel Pollard,
The clerk OF King William court, as every way
qualified for the office.
Mr.. M. r. II. Garnet endorsed the remarks of