Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1851-06-05
THE VIRGINIAN,
A. w. C. TERRY, EDITOR.
LYNCMBUBG, JUNE 5, 1881.
The Basis Meeting, Monday Night.

HI NCmD OROs JUNE - 1901
The Basis Meeting, Monday Night.
In the absence Of the official proceed
ings, we are compelled, almost at the mo-
mcnt of going to press. to rely on our re-
collection to give some account OF the pro-
cecdings at the Basis Meeting on Monday
night AT the appointed hour for the
meeting, we found quite large number
of our Understanding. we should
think, TO between 200 and 300-assembled
at the Masonic Hall, with view to ex-
press their sentiments in regard to the
course of our representatives in the Con-
vention, on the question of the Basis ofRep-
resentation. Maj. James Garland was cal
led to preside, and Mr.. r. L. Kent was
appointed Secretary. On motion OF MIR.
Speed committee Of nine was appointed
to prepare series Of resolutions for the
action Of the meeting. and after the commit
tee had retired White Basis gentlemen
nominated three other members to be ad-
ded to the committee, which three joined
the nine who had already retired. The
committee, then consisting Of twelve, final
ly reported, Tor majority Of them,) Sc
rics Of resolutons,the effect Of which was
firm adherence to the Mixed Basis, inoppo-
sition to any compromise and also compli-
menting our unyielding delegate, Mr.. Chs.
Henry Lynch, for his constant devotion
to the interests of his constituents, and his
fidelity in rejecting their will. In the re-
solution complimenting Mr.. Lynch, the
committee were unanimous, but In the o.
Their resolutions they were divided. For an
adherence to the Mixed basis as both
right and proper initself, and that it ought
to beapplied to both Houses, the committee,
we believe, were divided s to a and for
affirming they had seen no causeto modify
this opinion, and, of consequence, for COM
promising the question, the committee we
think stood to 4.
Mr.. Dudley, from the minority of the
committee, reported a series Of resolutions,
to the effect that whilst they regarded it as
necessary that slave property should be
protected, and whilst they still prefer
red the Mixed Basis proper, and did not
approve Of the compromise, yet having en-
tire confdencein the wisdom and integrity
of our delegates they deemed it in unwisc
and were therefore unwilling to fctter
them by Instructions.
Both reports being before the meeting, a
motion was made to substitute the minority
report for that of the majority, PROPOSE
ton involving the merit of the whole ques-
ton and which elected considerable de-
bate. Mr.. N. H. Campbell opened the de-
bate in very able and interesting speech
in opposition to the minority report, in
which he took high grounds for the Mixed
Basis, and showed that the question was
not yet lost, if the East were but true to
herself. He pointed out the Inconsistency
of the minority report, in approving die
course of all our delegates, who had in fact
pursued three different courses and they all
therefore could not be right. Mr. Dudley
replied and indicated his consistency, by
declaring that whilst he was originally, and
still, Mixed Basis advocate, that the ques-
ton had assumed different aspect, and
he could not say what was the best course
to be pursued and he was therefore unwil,
ling to instruct our delegation. Mr.. Camp
bell rejoined in an exceedingly happy and
eloquent speech, in which he was often
interrupted by the applause of the audi
cncc.
Mr.. Speed at length got the floor and
made an able and interesting argument in
opposition to the minority report and in ia
your the majority's. He spoke about three
quarters of an hour with great power and
effect Hepointed tand made palpable the
Inconsistency to which Mr. Campbell had
referred land showed that the adoptionof the
minority report would amount to no dcclara-
ton of sentiment at all, as to the conflicting
measures under consideration. He under
stood thepeople had been invited to come
therefor an expression Of their sentiments,
and were gentlemen to be deferred from
free and candid declaration of their views for
tire fear that it might be unpleasant to their
representatives, If the people adopted the
nolicy of endorsing all for fear of censuring
some, ', hat would the praises ofthe people
be worth! He thought it was due to their
representatives, due to themselves and due
to the subject that, they SHOULD be told
not in anger, not in menace, not Ii. spirit
of denunciation-but kindly, frankly. AM
in the spirit of frccmcn, what were the O.
pinions and wishes of thepcoplc of Lynch
burg, on this all important subject. He
presumed the delegates themselves, who
ne had no doubt, had honestly pursued the
course they thought best, would be glad
10 De iorhhcd III their position by the IN
structions of the constituent body. He
entered into an argument to show the i'm
portancc of the mixed basis to the East,
especially at this time when we are engaged
In SO many works ofinternal improvement.
The policy of the state on this important
subject ought to be permanently and ire
vocably fixed before the East should ever
consent to give up the control of the gov
ernmcnt to the West. We pay the money
and we ought to have the application of
ii. OF all places in Virginia there was none
more directly interested in the preserva-
ton, intact, Of the mixed basis as it stands,
than Lynchburc; and he exhorted his fellow