The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1850-10-16


- vszua.aa Os.vs~sass
This respectable body assembled in the capitol OF vr-
GINA on Monday last Mr.. VIM. o. Goode. OF Meek.
snbuIg, was appointed temporary chairman, and Mr. H.
w. Shelley, OF Augusta. secretary pro TEN.
On motion OF DIR Letcher the roll Of delegates was
called and all found 10 be in attendance Messs T.
r. Chambers of Meckenburg, @. A. Wingheid of Bed
ford. +. D. Miller and J. r. Anderson Of Boteour. b. +
Wysor OF Pulaski. and A. q, Pendleton OF Giles.
Mr. Ridley, OF Southampton, nominated Mr. John Y
Mason, late Secretary Of the Navy president no
other delegate being put in nomination, the roll call
ed. and Judge Mason elected For Mason, 90 /;
George w. Hopkins. is Henry A. Wise, IL; W. Sey-
mour, for Messrs g. y. Samuels, J. F. Siroher, A.
Stewart and j. II. Coz. one vots respectively
John n. Mason thon declared duly elected and
having been conducted the chair by Messr johnson Of
la snd stuart OF Patrick, appointed therefor return
cd bis thanks Ia the following eloquent and impressive
remsrkst
"Gendemen Most unex pectedly mysef those gener.
constituents, whose unsbated confidence had the hap
enjoy dutng service Of than twenty years
have required my OF their in
this body and TO them and TO you, for the dsng
honor which you have now conferred me, my grateful
thanks due. b asl5ssst y. g.e4t -.
Virginia the first of the American States to frame
written constitution or form Of government thus king the
fret great step IN tho;e free institutions for securing civil
liberty which may be denomna.ed the American stem
whatever opinions may be entertained in relation the
subordinate provisions OF the law then adopted
every son of Virginia may regard, with pride adnira
ion the wsdo, Of our fathers their great principle of
vision and separation OF the oil
great departments. the legislative, executive judicial
an elementary prime pe adopted in all the subsequent
situations OF her States which essential to tcr ha
py and successful operation
more than seventy years have passed away since Vr-
GINA became organised and Independent State, and
this the second occasion which her people have
sorted to their power, OF revising and altering
supreme law. Upon us this momentous duty is de-
The object or the 4, ~ 4. N secura n, Tho .o,l
their inalienabe rights, the enjoyment of life and liberty
with The means Of acquiring and possessing properly, and
nent not subject TO modification repeal amendment by
agents employed in the ordinary machinery of govern
ment; and in liz controlling influence, possesses the
mighty attribute of distributing political power, OF pre-
scrlbng the right OF suffrage, OF authorizing establishing
the legislative, executive, and judicial authorities, and Of
fixing the orbits within which they may espectvey
into The execution Of the functions OF government.
Whether We contemplate duties in the
magnitude of the subjects which engage delibera
Tons Or 70 their influence on the deares. interests Of our
dsnce, and foresight in coming conclusions, all
volved by free people on their political agents
feel happy that these momentous duties to be per-
formed here In this hall, wheIs from the Ars order de-
sdmiration Of slspectaors When look around at this
vention will be characterized by the gratifying proofs
discussing the great questions which will come before
IL is be expected that conflict of opinion will arise
and excited debate is the natural result of diversified in
no
we will remember that patriotism knows sections, and
that OF one mother and animated by
lraterna Affection 80 conduct deliberations pro-
mote, by the results OF aboss the quiet the happiness
the honor and glory Of Virginia I'll sla
Although have had some experience in the different de-
partmens OF the government IL IS now many since
was connected with deberave assembly Iappecate
highly the responsibilities of the station which your kind
has called not TO be aware that will require
much indulgence your hands have, however, the
ISOLATION know that my deficiencies will be readily sup
piled by the large experience and high talent OF those by
whom am surrounded"
Ii ID a.. -
the convention OF IS9sO be adopted the of this
convention until otherwise ordeTed and that they be
ferred to a committee to report thereon. .
After discussion between MessIs Hopkins J. T Martin
of Marshall, McCamant of Grayson, and Voolfolk OF
Orange the substitute of the latter gentleman accepted
by Mr.. H. and the convention accordingly resolved to
adopt tho rules of the last house Of delegates far
plicabc.
The convention then proceeded to the election of a
clerk and, after Ave ballots. MIR. Stephen Whittle who
had been member Of the legislature for two years,
elected.