Staunton vindicator and general advertiser. (Staunton, Augusta County, Va.) 1858-1860, 1858-03-13


Of the General Assembly during a session
Of three months. That period Ct time IS
not enough for the transaction Of the bust
messs ef n Commonwealth Ike this II IS
but first to .you to say that yon m'ght have
brsu,;,ht the men OF the past here, SUCH
mighty Eiants Of the past rs Philip nod-
bridge, Or the great coiihcr, the lilustrous
Leigh himself, and thore was matter and
work for ot,r mother Commonwealth to be
done and performed that three months time
was not sufficient for.
1t you have debated at times, when de-
bate wars not necessary, your committees
have been diligently @mploycd, with thought
and study, IL maturing blsiness for your
action, but by the time isc was iavcstiga-
ted, the bank question considered, the pub
lie accounts searched, and new matter pro
posed for examination and discussion, why
the niacty days wuss expired. The time
was too short, (Applausc.)
The matter you have been sitting on for
the last three months occupied my feeble
abilities for twelve months. That wllieh
you have said, sir, is undoubtedly true. a
bieneisd session Of three months is too shert
q time for Commonwealth that is just be-
ginning to put on all the beauty and fresh
ness Of youth. Every year discovers some
new element of her might, every day opens
up new mine Of power. Whether you
look to Der commerce, to the new subject OF
Legislation from the low 2:sad, to the bowels
of her MoaMtains, or the vast reach of her
empire westward, there is work for giants.
requiring almost preternatural thought and
arduous strength, work that calls for tie
exercise Of profound laber.
1t is eot ara easy task, now, to accomplish
tht destiny Of Virginia, and God forbid that
her destiny should new be sighted Come
up to the work without fear, and without
favor, but come full Of affection. Drop
politics, drop divisions and heart bui-aings
if there be any, and meet here together, in
one brotherhood, on Monday next, to act
and consult with calm reflection for the
welfare and glory Of Virginia. Let us wipe
out the memories Of the past three months
but retain the work you have digcstcd. Let
small things and contemplate things be sti-
fed, and with righteousness, nagnanimity
and self deEctien, sustaining us, let US see
whether after three months already spent ia
aaaturing business, we eannot dc the work
of the Commonwealth. DO it well, and
you will not have to apologize to your con
stitucnts, but, rather will you receive from
them the plaudit Of ''Well done, thou good
and faithful servant" applause
speak here as man and aes am efHEdieial
Personally, have no favors to ask Of friend
or foe. (Applaase.) Officially, I serve
friend and foe (Kenewed applause.) I
know not that I ana justified in saying
foe permit nae to take back that word. |
will not recognize that have fee in either
branch Of the General Assembly. Not
Personally, officially, kindly, honestly, I
tender to you my cooperation. Let US,
with united will, serve our mother Com
monwealth. After the peaceful Sabbath
shall intervene, let US meet here, as the
children Of old Virginia, who have deter
mined never to desert her (Applause.)
Gov. Wise then remarked that he had
friends On adj sides, soiac of whom had ask
ed him to cali an extra session, and others
requested delay Of day or two 1t was
a singular fact, he said, that the bachelors,
who had no wives, were the very first who
desired to 60 to their aiomes. This allusitn
produced considerable nerriment, which
was heightened by the sympathy which the
Governor expressed for the forlorn condition
of the poor bachelors
He said that when lie eassie into Che Hall
this evening, he thought it not impossible
that, in 3 moment Of excitement, bitter
curses weuld be hurled at him, in consc-
quence Of the duty he had performed, but,
if they had come, they would not have de-
tered or inundated him. All the powers
of earth could not have prevented him from
issuing that proclamation. (Applausc)
No man, lsaid Gov. W, in conclusion, }
loves the praise of his frieuds more than |
do, and no man would further and work
harder to secure it Nothing could be
more gratifying to my feelings than to re-
ceive these marks Of appreciation from the
members Of the General Assembly 1t is
only when | stand alone, and have the
world in arms against me that | can grow
taller, and feel mere Independent / knew
not whether SHOULD win or lose by calling
an extra session, bat win or lose, I felt it
my duty, and accordingly | determined "to
do Or die" prolonged applause)
A citizen in the western gallery called
loudly Mr. Speaker Mr.. Speaker"
until he attracted all eyes toward him.
The Speaker sasd, in response: "Othcl-
los occupations gone" daughter and
cheers.)
The citizen would not be deprived Of
hearing. He cxelaisred: We are the
soycreigns up herc, and I give you: Gov.
Wise with all his faults and alterations, I
say still-Gov. Wise
Amid the laughter and applause which
this sentiment evoked, the crowd dispersed
the opponents Of an extended session cvinc-
ing becoming resignation, and the other
side depressing their exultation at the aid
and comfort received 10y them from the TX
ecutive.
Legislature Extra Session.