Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1860-02-18
State Democratic Convention.

of the first days proceedings Of the state
Democratic Convention, in session Ill Rict-
mond. The papers Of that city received yes
terday afternoon, contain full reports of the
saying and doings of the body, from which
we make some extracts.
The officers of the Convention are:
PRrstpESr. Gen. Robert 4. Banks, of
Madison.
VICE PRasGDESrs.-Col. w. W. Payne, of
Fauouier; n. p. Young, of Isle Of Wight;
Col. William Baskerville, of Mecklenburg;
Col. Geo. W. Cabeil, of Pittsylvania; Col. +.
w. Hubbard, of Buckingham; Paulus Pow
ell. of Amherst: James Lyons. of Richmond;
Miers w. Fisher, of Northampton; Col. ii.
L. Garnett, of Westmoreland; Thos. Nj. Is
bell, Of Jefferson; Samuel I. Walker, OF
Rockingham; VIM. Smith of Greenbrer; JOS.
I. Kent, of Wythe; VIM. Newman, of Mason;
Andrew Wilson, of Wheeling.
SECRETARlEs-T Democratic editors OF
the State who are attending the Convention.
The Clerks Of the House and Senate, Dr.
Dove of the city of Richmond.
Mr.. j. t. Stlvall offered a resolution re-
questing the members OF the General Assem-
Div representing those counties in that bo-
DIV that had not sent delegates to this Con-
vention, to take seats and participate IN It's
proceedings.
A Member.-Does the gentleman mean by
his resolution that this Convention shall APP
point delegates for such counties as have
not held meetings? Or does he mean merely
to invite the representatives to a seat upon
this floor, as a matter Of courtesy? III the
latter | do not object: but ifthe former, then
| should like to see where this Convention
derives the power 10 appoint its own mem
hers. Cries of Good, good; that's the true
ground to take
Mr.. Stovall-The custom is an old one,
and heretofore uniformly adopted by Demo
cratic Conventions in this State. five invite
the members of of the Legislature, and they
choose to take the responsibility of speaking
the voice of their constituents, let them do
SO. Cheers.
/ Mr.. j. ID. Warren, of Henrico.-F one
am opposed to this one-man power, and can
not give my consent to the Conventions APP
pointing members of its own body. Cheers
and great confusion.
Mr.. Stovall.-They are the representatives
Of the people, have been sent here by them
for another purpose, and ought 10 be prepar-
ed TO speak their sentiments. Cheers.
A ember.-But they were not accredited
to this Convention, and have no right to act
with it. Cheers.
The confusion in the house became 80
great at this point, and such number Of
members were upon the floor at the same
time, that, with the hope of restoring order,
Mr.. Stovall withdrew the resolution, to en-
able the Convention to receive and act upon
the report of the Committee on organization.
The report of the committee having been
adopted, Mr. Stoyall's resolution was again
called up.
Mr.. Gordon, of Albemarle, desired to know
ifmembers of the Legislature, by whose &C
ton this Convention was called, were not 70
be permitted to take seats. He approved Of
the resolution as originally offered.
Mr.. w. l.. Jackson proposed to amend, BY
inviting all Democrats in attendance from
counties unrepresented to seats III the Con-
yention. Cheers.
Mr.. W. A. Cooke, of HenricO, was opposed
TO the resolution and to the amendments
The Convention was not an appointing pow
err: and if the counties had failed to appoint,
it was their fault Cries Of Question,
and "Mr. President, . from all quarters Of the
house.
Mr.. Hudgins, of Mathews-M Mr. Speaker,
/ have the floor and Will hold it until the
resurrection.
Presdent.-The gentleman from Northum-
/ berland is entitled to the floor.
Mr. Clay rook-l willnOt occupy It 4 min
ute.
Hr. Hudgins.-I do not want it more than
half minute.
Mr.. Claybrouk.-I yield, through courtesy
to the gentleman.
Mr.. Hudgins.-l move TO lay the resolu-
ton and amendments on the table.
/ Mr.. Claybrook. If the resolution i 50
amended as to invite such delegates az feel
! themselves authorized to represent their con
stituents TO seats in the Convention, think
! it will meet the views Of all
Mr.. Jackson--l have the floor and desire
to be heard on this question. represent
| large body Of Democrats, and, though not
very old man, have attended several Conven-
tons, III all of which, resolutions Of this char
acter have been adopted.
Cries of question, order, etc, drown
ed every voice.
Mr.. Garnett, of Westmoreland appealed
to the Convention in opposition 70 the con
structiye political theories Of the day. The
| irrepressible conflict was here, and the peo-
! pie knew it. They were not disposed to take
the opinion of few politicians in the city Of
I Richmond, and he thought that one man
who represented some small portion Of the
West or Southwest, aud who was seeking
some Office in the Capitol, should not come
here and assume the responsibility Of repre-
senting q great county. lie urged the Con-
yention TO adhere to the great principles Of
| the early Democracy, and not tie up old
| Virginia to this man or that man. Shall
we tie up our faith to either Hunter or Wise?
| Cries of '.Yes" and 'No," and cheers and
| Kisses The speaker rebuked this outburst.
| He proceeded to remark that when such
| vital interests were at stake rs depend upon
| the action of this Convention and lie, an
humble farmer from the county Of West
moreland, had made an appeal to the Con
vention in the manner that he had done, II
was not suitable to answer with a hurrah
and he thought it was like the smile Of an
I inebriate at the bed of death. Applause.
His heart beat for the old Dominion. lie
hoped the great Democratic party would rule
| forever. He believed it was the only party
that had the power to preserve our rights in
the Union, il they could be preserved, or the
nerve to 90 out oft properly, If that course
should be found necessary. Great ap-