Cleveland morning leader. [volume] (Cleveland [Ohio]) 1854-1865, 1861-02-18
VIRGINIA CONVENTION.

hlohhohDi teo, 10.
The Virginia State Convention reassem-
bled to-day.
Mr. Mair introduced resolutions declaring
Yirginiadevoted in attachment 70 the Union,
and win make any sacrifice consistent with
her honor to restore and maintain it, but pro-
test against coercion, and Is determined not
to submit 70 any administration Of the Gov
ernment in which her rights are assailcd, or
not fully protected; and il the Union cannot
be restored on terms honorable 70 AL COM
pouent parts, then It shall be divided.
Nj. Morton introduced resolutions declar-
ing that Virginia viii not submit TO coercion
Of the seeding States on any pretext what
ever, and protesting against the use of the
army and navy 70 eoerce any State now in
or out Of the Union, desiring 10 restore the
Federal Union and preserve it upon terms of
safety and honor 10 all it, members-declar-
ing that If the efforts being made to do so
shall prove unavailing, then Virginia win
not hesitate, but unite with her sister South
ern States.
Mr., Carlise introduced resolutions declar-
ing that since the decision Of the United
States Supreme Court in the caseof Chisholm
against the State of Georgia and adopted the
Ilth amendment to the Constitution. We
are at loss to understand how the impression
that the Federal Government possessed power
to coeree a State could have attained ere
dence.
Mr.. Leak introduced resolution declaring
that if the Federal Government shall under
take forcibly to retake the forts in the seeding
States Virginia will regard it as invasion Of
the rights of the Southern State and that il
the Government undertakes to collect duties
in seeding States Virginia will regard such
acts coercion and is hereby pledged to resist
ance with all means in her power.
Mr.. Richards introduced resolutions deelar-
ing that the compaets between the States has
been repeatedly violated and Fepudiated by
the North, therefore, that 1t is not binding
on other parties thereto that peacabe
withdrawal Of the Southern States Is iustifia-
bic, and that we will resist coercion of such
States that it is the duty of the North at
once to coincide such guaratees as will pre-
vent a recurrence of our wrongs and secure
our rights; that failure to this will be evi..
dence Of indifference or hostility, alike iai
to our peace and prosperity; that in vie'0 of
these truths, we demand speedy security of
our rights, and that in default of woich we
will dissolve our connection with those who
trst wantonly wrong us, and then obsifnatelV
persevere in the injury, and that Virginia be
forthwith put in condition of defence.
Mr.. Flourney introduced resolutions that
while Virginia highly appreciates the bless
ings intended 10 be secured by the Constitu-
ton and the Union, and will do much and
torbear much 10 perpetuate them, she still
feels bound to declare that identity of
interests would demand and receive the in
terpositiOp Of all her military strength to re-
sist any attempt to coerce any of the
Southern States. That she hopes and believes
that by prudent measures Of conciliation on
the part of the government and Just appre-
citation OF our present difficulties some meas
ures may be adopted which will restore
peace, friendship and Union to every section,
All Of the resolu ions were referred TO the
Committee on Federal Relations. There was
considerable debate touching national matters.
Gov. Wise reiterated his policy of fighting
in the Union, and counselled speedy action.
Mr.. Moore, Of Rock Ridge, opposed haste.
He would not be driven by the North or
dragged by the Cotton States, who acted
without consulting Virginia he was op-
posed to coercion, but if seeding States chose
TO assault forts let them take the eonse-
quences.
Mr. Carlisle contended that the Govern.
ment had never yet attempted coercion of the
South, and that when it did, the people
would resist.