The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1851-04-10
CITY OF WASHINGTON.
THURSDAY MORNING, APRIL 40. 1891.


4
Convention ia vissi"i~.
We read with profound regret and asionshment the
signs which are exhibited in the following article from
the Richmond Enquirer OF Tuesday morning Ii reminds
us in some respects OF the that took place in
ls2s, during the convention which formed the present
constitution Of Virginia Well do reeollect the
sness which then prevailed about the division OF the
State in consequence Of the controversy about the
basi, of representation We shall forget the
yersa,ion which we had with Mr. Madison. who was
member of the convention, and to whom impaired
aporehepsions His reply was calculated to lranquze
US He told that he had been in several storms before
especially in the federal convention which formed the
siuon ofhe United States, when there were serious fears
entertained OF the ships going to pieces but that when
this danger seen every hand was piped to quarters
and the ship saved Such he predicted would again
be the case He satisfied that the discretion OF the con-
yenon would increase with the mmnence Of the danger
and that some scheme of compromise would be adopted
which would prevent the division OF the State Thepre
dicon was verified, and the danger was dssipated. But
il has recommended with the new convention, and the
same subject again hangs like dark cloud the des
TIMES OF Virginia
Yet we cannot believe that the members OF the con-
| yenon are so infatuated as TO invoke such fatal
catastrophe. We are that long and protracted
debate has taken place this very basis OF representation
We heard said the other day that at least sixty speeches
had already been delivered and that half many
were vet in reserve The public is sa,iaed with dis
cusson great variety OF opinion has been developed
The interests OF different sections OF The State have
displayed themselves in long and diusve speeches. but
let no man speak OF the division OF Virginia. He must
be "a bastard son"-to expression OF John Ran
dolph-who would stab the bosom OF the mother who
bore him 1t would be fatal to both sections. 1t would
arrest their improvement tarnsh the glorious character
of the State destroy her influence, and strike blow
at the Union itself What mailman would set fire TO the
temples Who would strike down the ''Od Domin-
Iion"-"the mother OF States and Of statesmen
from the first place in the Union TO divided and
a "barren scepue " She is at this moment in some
res ,ects the balance wheel in the confeGeracy. By
her wisdom, moderation, and principles. she is contrib
u,ing more than any other State to control the fanatics
Of the North and the facorsis OF the South Strip her
of her great influence State, and where would be
her voice and her control this confederacy OF republics
Divide Virginia, and the next step will probably be to
divide the Union In that sentiment agree with the
Enquirer What Vnginan. then, will level blow at
ether We speak earnestly upon this subject because
wa feel deeply for the sake of that ancient Common
wealth. and for the sake OF this glorious Union. No
pao, can turn into parricde and put confidence
in the discretion the principles, the heart, the head
of any man who would propose "a Of this old
| Commonw ealth."
/ From the Richmond Enquirer April 9.
RKroGM coNvEyriogrhis body i, still baltling upon The
basis question. The discussion will certainly continue
until 18th instant which time tho convention has by
| vote, determined to commence voting From what We
hear there to DO universal belief that the subject
IL LII
convention arrive al some practical result upon I'oin
which to be the pivot OF their whole proceedings
Thus far pleased observe, very little heated feel
ing been aroused during the prousc,ed discussion
though the time for action approaches regret to hea
predictions stormy scenes, which may lead a with
drawa Of portion of the body. and TO the
of for severance Of this old Common
We have been panied hear this scheme deliberately
scan and suggested the possible issue the
tons labors Such = result should regard mos
melancholy catastrophe 1t would lead to extensive
and mighty rupures Ifvignia regulate her inter
aairsf the interests and feelings OF her citizens
90 diverse and conflicting that the noble old State b,
severed In wan-what reasonable hope
that link of States stretching from
another and chequered by interests and AssocA
tions resist tho dveen forces and survive dissolu
ton Virginia divdedths Union disso!ved-hs
of sshington and the homo Of freedom aud civil
fallen into ruin,-what awful record would be spreac
out for the page OF history
We since rely uust that these gloomy reflections may b,
fs6od by experience OF the lew months, and
whilst all may be satisfied with the action oil the
vention (when did this In any great conflict
Interests and feelings yet that all will acquiescc in wha
tho msoriy carrying out the wishes OF their constituents
,ha solemnly enact We have for long time entertained
fond hope, which stil far from having abandoned
dat, hrough the operations OF the OF ntena
improvement stretching their giant limbs to the Wes,
tn. sections Of Virginia daily becoming more ho
mogcneou, and any system that may bs adopted vii
bear equally upon each Bat, however this may be,
but strongly dcpreca,e the agitation OF any scheme
like that Of rending aunder State Of Virginia. which
has every element for forming grand and powerful
State. The convention called for such purpose
the peops its members here for such purpose
They them to make constitution for the who's
State OF Virgns-no TO divide the STATE and form
situations. We that the members will forge
that they all Vifginisns, not merely eastern o.
western menthat under republican system the actor
OF majority which conforms TO the constitution and law
should be noquicsced in. The law ,ummonins the
vention accepted by large majority Of the people
Virginia delegates have assembled under its provsons
and should they carry the wishes of their respective
constituents, should hope portion ofihc STATE
lrebel against their action.
CHAscs oY FRONT IN MASSACHUSETTS, Tho rumor now /,
that Mr. Snmaer is TO be abandoned. and Mr.. Kantoa Il
TO be in his plsce-to prepare for which he made the
Lynn abolition speech and engaged counsel for the
fugitive save.-Yssfuday's baltimore SS~
| MI admirart after the recent achievements OF Mr.
Ranioul. After having authorized a western paper to
say that he bad participation in the coalition in Mas
sachuses and yet would take his in The Senate in
OF that very coalition what better could be