Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1851-06-05
CONVENTION.

members Of the Convention iatteringly call them
selves, proceeded yesterday, after a fashion, in
what the journal will call committee of the
whole, bnt was frequently less than committee
of one half, with the ostensible consideration of
he Fundamental law. Several votes were taken
i II demi-committee, and the number of members
present was reported to be some so to 3d.
The committee would then rise, and the ayes
and noes being taken on some motion or other,
just aboutthe number necessary to make quorum
(69) would answer to their names In such a
state of things we need not particuiarize as to
what was done, for it must all go for nought,
when the different propositions come under the
ayes and noes in Convention.
We have heretofore forbcrne to express any
opinion upon the questions of an adjournment OF
the body over to the fall, or to some one of the
watering places, or sine die. But, really, uu-
less the attendance of members improves, one of
those alternatives must be soberly considered
AS to going to the Springs it is a p an which, we
are sure, public opinion will loudly condemn
Instead of lettering the constitution of the States
many member would probably accomplish
nothing but injury of his own The billiard
70 ON, the faro table, and the ball room would be
too powerful riv OILS for subjects of such dull con-
Germ as the rule of taxation, the tenure of the jul
dietary, and the functions of the Governor An
adjournment sine die is not to be expected; for
no body, individual or collective, was ever known
to lay down its life voluntarily before its slime
had come" The adjournment over to the Fall
seems, then, to us to be the only proper course
if the Convention find that, from mere emptl-
| ness it cannot get along with its business
A little communion with their constituents
might serve a good purpose in acquainting
honorable gentlemen with the effects pro-
duced by their speeches through the Supple
ment" They might learn that, since the hue and
cry of the elections of August last, the people have
come to reflect that change is not always reform.
But, notwithstanding these advantages of a sum-
mer recess, we do not recommend it. If members
would attend regularly, and perform one tenth of
the labour which the editor of city paper does,
they might elaborate the constitution easily in
three weeks. But with the listlessness, sleeping,
talking, yawning, groaning, moving about and
general idleness that now mark the Convention,
we see no prospect OF speedy or useful ter
mination Of its protracted session.
The following article from the Alexandra Ga
zette has given great surprise to those who have
acted with the editor of that paper, who is MEM
Der of the Convention. We can account for it in
only one way. Mr.. Snowden is afflicted with
disease in which very few of his fellow-members
can extend him their sympathy. His malady may
be termed Speech-phobia. At the bare suggestion
ola set harangue, his vsage at first betrays the ut
most Indignation Like wild boar at bay he shakes
his head with sudden jerks as if determined to make
battle. But when the orator has shown that he has
fixed "desire to say few words 'our friends Wis
age begins to wear look of utter hopelessness, and
he falls into his seat with the air of a man whose
leg is about to be squeezed in one of James the
Seconds boots for three mortal hours. Mindful
of these pecuariiies, we are perfectly confident
the editor of the Gazette objects to the reconsid
Grafton solely through fear that it may produce
a new debate of s'the basis question: Rather
than undergo that in hot weather, we apprehend
that he would allow the West to take whatever
basis it pleased.
The article alluded to is as follows:
"We have conversed with many persons in Aexan-
dra and Fairfax on the subject, and have not met
with one who is not fully satisfied with the compro
mise referred to, and who is not utterly disguised with
the endless shufling, backwards and forward, and the
childish udecision on this question which have marked
the proceedings OF the Convention. It is earnestly
hoped that Mr.. Randolphs movement for reconside-
ration will be speedily choked oft.
AeA1N.-The Lynchburg Republican, which
cannot tolerate our sustaining tie mixed basis to
the end, sees a great deal ofvirtue in Mr.. Lynch's
doing the same thing. We have given one proof
of its one-sided way of judging. Here is anoh-
er:
COMPLIMENT TO Mr.. LYNcn-One of the Resolu-
tons adopted the Bedford mixed basis meeting held
on Tuesday last the proceedings OF which will be found
in another column, reads as follows
4th. That our faithful and consistent delegate Chas.
Henry Lynch has, by his firm and decided course,
shown himsef well worthy the confidence reposed in
him, and richly merits the plaudit-"Well done, good
and faithful servant
This is certainly high compliment to Mr.. Lynch,
which IS as aterlng TO that gentleman as it is crafty
ing TO his friends.
MASTER AND SLAVE IN VIRGNIA.-The following
affords another evidence of the kind relations which
subsst between master and slave in Virginia. The d.
rections given 10 the manager of Tobacco factory
upon the occasion OIL the death OF "Oid Billy were
hastily written and without regard TO the manner
The temper and disposition, however, do honor to
the heart of The author, and would compare Iavorably
with the conduct of any employer at the North, who
may have lost a hand whose means were inadequate
the expense of decent burial This scrap is fur
nshed by who accidentally be came possessed of
it, The proprietor OF the establishment having nothing
to do with its publication:
Mr.. o. will oblige by seeing that poor Old Billy is
properly shrouded and having coffin made 70. his
body, and grave dug for him his body remain up
stairs Tonight and tomorrow morning had better be
removed TO the below and decenty taken care of
until buria-when, | want all of the hands allowed 10
follow him 10 the ground-to morrow evening perhaps,
would be the proper time Close the factory io-mor-
row at dinner time, o'clock, and if the hands desire
j., let them have what service they choose want all
the respect paid to the old mans remains that you can
have. he has been faithful dutlul and honest SER
want
April 9th, 1851.
WOutd attend ths rauSp lint n,v taalinos