The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-05-14
Public Meeting In norfolk, virginia.

In pursuance of public notice, large and re-
spectacle meeting OF the citizens Of Norfolk, friends
Of the Union, was held at the court house on Mon
day evening, 9th instant, for the purpose OF
pressing what they regard the true sentiment of
this community in relation to the Nashville
ton, and of testifying their confidence in the pa
triotism of Clay, Cass, Webster, Dickinson, Doug
las, and others in Congress, who are now engaged
in settling the difficulties which have agtated and
still agitate the country.
. On the motion OF s. Hartshorn, esq, Thomas z.
Tabb, ESQ.,, called to the chair, and It. G..
Broughton, jr. and A. c. Benthall, appointed sec
retaries.
On taking his seat, the chairman opened the pro-
ceedings with an address in which he presented
full view OF the question and the points upon which
the meeting took issue with their fellow citizens
who had moved in its favor.
On motion of T. G.. Broughton, esq, a commit
tee of seven was appointed to report suitable
lutions in accordance with the object of the meet
ing VIZ; .o, r r -. 80. .
Hartshorn, r. w. Bowden, T. r.. Lee, and William
N. Mckinney; who withdrew, and, after due de
liberation, reported the following preamble and
resolutions, by their chairman, A. F. Leonard esq,
which were read by the chairman Of the meeting;
and the question being then taken on them seve-
rally, they were unanimously adopted:
eve, citizens of Norfolk, in public meeting
sembled, having confidence in the patriotism and
ability Of Clay, Cass, Webster, Dickinson and other
eminent and true -soued statesmen who
engaged in settling the difficulties which have agi
lated and still sgitste the country-beeving also
that the proposed Nashville convention is inexpedi-
ent at bis lime, and being unwilling 10 trust the
destnes Of this glorious Union to partial representa-
lion of the southern States at NasLvilleare Of opn-
ion that the words ofhim who ia said have reached
the highest point Of human wisdom, namely "to
every thing there is a season, and a time TO every
purpose under heaven are in every way worthy
TO be held political tenet and especially APP
pIicabe TO the object for which we are assembled.
While we admit that some Of our patriotic citizens
have pressed themsevesin favor ofthe convention
we yet have doubt that the general sense of the
community of Norfolk and Of the southern people
is decidedly opposed 10 the holding of Southern
convention, in the city of Nashville in Jackson,
Mississippi, or elsewhere for like purposes, in June
next, as being unnecessary and premature, under
existing circumstances. In cndeavoring 10 express
the sense Of our said communicable It therefore
al. Rssoiosd That the union of these United States
having been purchased by such sacrifices and se-
cured by such intellectual and moral efforts as TO
render Il far above all price, regard IL the ark
American liberty, of republican governmcnt--nay,
the last best hope OF human liberty throughout the
world II IL the support of tranquility at home, Of
peace abroad of safety, and Of prosperity. Holding
IL thus valuable, will hecdlessly embark
in rash experiments which may result in its de-
struction, and we are determined to yield our
sent 10 it's dissolution only when 10 continue Il long
or would involve n sacrifice Of our honor.
''2. Resolved, That we have no doubt from popu-
lar indications, that majority of the Southern
States, including Delaware, Maryland, Kentucky.
Missouri, Tennessee, North Carolina, Georgia, and
Louisiana, (and, we hope, yirginia,) viii not be
represented with any adequate sanction Of popular
authority in Southern convention proposed
and further inclined 10 believe that there
signs in the Senate Of the United States and
throughout the country at large going TO show that
no Southern convention worthy Of the name
now be held.
"3. Resolved, That the Constitution Of the United
States is sufficient compromise and stipulation
for the South. We wish TO see IL carried out by
proper laws-not " uuended''
90. Resolved, That the statesmen in Congress of
either party, wbo in this hour of trial. offer up sec
tional prejudiccs and party differences a willing
sacrifice the altar OF the Union 10 preserve the
Union, are ennently entitled 10 the admiration and
gratitude Of the sovereign people.
go. Rssoiped, That in our opinion, the ad mission
OF California into the sisterbood Of States, with
constitution voluntarily established by her own
people, is right IL republican, and is sanctioned by
the Constitution, and by precedent that the terri
tories acquired from Melico ought TO be provided
with suitable governments without any restriction
by Congress m TO slavery; and that California
ought to be admitted and the other territories thus
provided for at one aud the Same time, and at once
GO Rssoived, That we know of no prouder title
for man TO bear than that Of AMEpIcAr CITIZEN
al. Resolved, That while we disapprove of the
meeting Of the Southern convention as unwise and
unnecessary at this time, yet we stand prepared TO
resist any and every encroachmcnt upon our rights
either OF person or property, from what quar-
ter II may, and will readily unite with our breth.
rem OF the southern States in maintaining tbosc
rights either in convention otherwise, whenever
AN occasion shall arise calling for action on our
part.