Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1851-05-05
THE BASIS MEETING.

through the papers loT d HeetluS VI liic CiuAeuS
to consider the basis question. The opponents
of the mixed basis soon proved that they had
made their arrangements rather more skilfuy
than its friends. DR.. Dove having been called to
the chair, Mr. Martin, who was the most active
person in getting up the meeting, called Tor Mr..
Geo. w. Randolph, lately of Albemarle, but re-
Gently become citizen OF Richmond, to address
the assembly. AS he was coming forward, Mr..
Thos. p. August rose and suggested, that as the
object was to take action for the purpose of in
structing our delegates in the Convention as to
the sentiments of their constituents, it would be
WE'LL instead of having general discussion of
the basis question: that some definite proposition
should be submitted for consideration. Mr.. A. J.
Crane then offered preamble and resolution de-
carng the basis question to be one peculiarly fit |
to be compromised, and expressing preference |
| for the plan proposed by Mr.. Bolts. Mr.. Au-
gust offered resol ution, the effect of which was
simply to leave the delegates to their own dscre-
ton. Mr. Augusts object in interposing at first,
was unfortunately misunderstood by those who
had called for Mr.. Randolph, and great deal
confusion was the result.
MIR. Randolph finally took the stand, and deliver
ed an argument to show that the peculiar interests
ofRichmond should lead her to sustain the suffrage
or white basis. The course of his reasoning was
simply to assert that whatever good Richmond has
received at the hands of the Legislature has been
due to the West, and whatever evil she has to
complain of is due to the Eastern majority. He
laid particular stress on the fact that although the
city contains $4,000 white inhabitants, it has been
permitted to have but one delegate in the Legisla-
ture, whilst counties with only two or three thou
sand have one. He did not advert, however, to
another important fact, viz that the Eastern ma
jorty have more than once offered to reapportion
representation on the mixed basis, under the pro-
vision of the present Constitution that two-thirds
of the Legislature may so reapportion, and the
Western members would not agree to it. Where
fore, if our single delegate is grievance, we I'M
questionably owe it, not to the Eastern majority,
but to the Western minority. But we regret that
such arguments were used at all. Our city has
no reason to be prejudced against either section of
the State.
Mr.. VIM. B. Chamberlayne replied to Mr.. Ran.
dolph, but the noise was so great, we could hear
scarcely anything ne said.
Mr.. August followed in strong speech, for the
mixed basis, but, we are sorry to say, he was very
rudey interrupted, and that frequently that it i.
wonderful he was able proceed at all. During
his remarks, the meeting was larger than at any
subsequent period, and we thought it evident that
the manifestations feeling in his support, proved
! that large majority of those then present were
J with him in sentiment. The Church, at that time.
, contained probably fifteen hundred persons
, Mr.. Crane replied, briefly and with much spirit,
, to quotation of Mr. Augusts from his "way-bill,"
where he declared himself for the mixed basis
"per se,' and advocated the policy of compromise
as the only principle upon which government
could be tremendously conducted.
} Mr.. Joseph Mayo and Judge Robertson were
next successfully called out, and each supported
the white basis, pure and simple, as the French
Legislators say, and with no reference to COM
promise. That portion of the meeting which
cheered Mr.. Crane, cheered Mr.. Mayo and the
Judge with still greater vehemence, and called
upon Mr.. Mayo to offer white basis resolution.
1t was after twelve o'clock before judge RI.
berson left the stand and then he desisted at the
suggestion of the chairman, who saying he was
not well and was obliged TO leave, proposed an
adjournment. Bnt the friends of the white basis.
who had steadily remained in the meeting (by
this late hour diminished to the number of not
more thar four hundred and were now in ma
Jorty insisted vociferousy upon the question ,,
Mr.. Wood Bouldn moved an adjournment. so a.
TO obtain fair expression of the public senti-
ment, and addressed short stirring appeal to the
people OF Richmond to stand by the principles of
their fathers. The motion, however, was voted
down by about two-thirds of those present Mr. |
VIM. f. Watson, white basis man, urged his
trends to acquiesce in the adjournment or the |
vote would be taken as "snap-judgment" Mr.. |
5. s. Baxter, another advocate of tn e white basis.
then proposed that poll of all the qualified voters
should be taken in the three wards of the city, on
the triple question of mixed basis suffrage basis
or compromise. Mr. Bouldn, and other friends
OF the mixed basis, cordially acquesced in the
suggestion; resolution to that effect was writ
ten and unanimously agreed to, and the meeting
adjourned
The most marked development of the meeting
was that the division of sentiment was evidently
between the mixed basis and the white, without
regard toa compromise, and so, we imagine, it will
be in the popular vote about to be taken.
Our readers will see that there is to be discus
sion at the African Church tonight, Judge Ro-
bertson leading off. We trust there will be fair
division of the time, and general understanding
that every speaker will be respectfully listened to-
MR.. FERGUSON OF LOGAN
This gentleman chose, on Saturday to refer to
zone OF the papers of this city,, as having "polite