, 1861-02-19
The Virginia State conventtop.

RICHMOND, Va, Feb. 16.-The Virginia
State Convention reassembled today. Mr..
blair introduced resolution declaring Vir-
ginia devoted in attachment to the Union, and
will mike any sacrifice consistent with her
honor to rescue and maintain 1t, but protests
against coercion, and was determined not to
submit to any administrative Government in
which her rights are assailed, or not fully pro-
tectcd, aud If the Union cannot be restored
On t@rms honorable to all component parts,
then it shall be divided.
Mr.. Morton introduced d resolution declar-
ing that Virginia will not submit to coercion
Of the seeding States, on any pretext what
ever, and protesting against the use Of the ar
my aud navy to coercs any State now iu or
Out of the Cuion, desiring to restore the Fed
eTal Union and preserve It upon terms Of safe
~ aud hui9r to Ill members, declaring that if
the efl"rts being made to do SO shall prove un-
ayailing, then Virginia would not hesitate, but
unite with 11cr sister Southern States
MIR. Carlisle introduced q resolution dcclar-
ing that since the decision of the United
Statcs Supreme Court in the case Of Chesholm
against the State Of Georgia, and the adoption
OF the amendments to the constitution,
We are at u loss to understand how the im-
preston that the Federal Government pos
sesses the power to coerce State could have
| obtaincd eredence.
ilr. Lake introduced resolution declaring
| that If the Federal Government shall under
take to G,rcibly retake the Forts in Seeding
States, Virginia will regard 1t as an invasion
| OF the rights Of the Southern States, and that
! If the Government undertake to collect duties
| is Seeding States, Virginia will regard such
| acts as coercion, aud Is hereby pledged to re-
distance with I'll the means in her power.
Mr.. Richards introduced resolutions dcclar-
| ing that the compacts between the States have
| repeatedly been violated md rcpudiated BY
| tue North therefore that 1t is not bindin. on
the other parties thereto; that peaceable
withdrawal of the Southern States is justiGn-
Bile; and that We will resist the coercion OF
such States that it Is the duty of the North
at once to concelc such guarantees as will
prevent recurrence of our wrongs, and Sc.
cure our equal rights that q failure to du
this will he eyidtnce Of indifference or hostil.
| lty alike fatal to our. peace md prosperity
that in view Of Ties" truths, we demand speedy
security of our riyiI's, and that in default ol
which, We will dissolve our connection with
those who frs. wantonly wrong us, aud then
obstinatcly persevere In the injury, and thai
Virginia be Forthwith put in condition OF de
| fence.
Mr. FIou7noy introduced resolutions tina,
intended TO he secured by the Constitution
and Union, and will do much aud forbea,
much to peTpctuate them, she still feels bount
to declare tint identity Of interests would de-
1uand and receive the interpostion Of all hel
military strength to resist any attempt It
coercc aug Southern States; that Virgins
hopes aud believes that by prudent measurel
Of concillation on the part Of the Government
and just appreciation Of our present Difficult
ties, some measures may be adopted which
will restore peace, friendship and the Unio1
| TO every section.
All of the resolutions were referred to th'
Committee on Federal Relations.
There wes considerable debate touching na
| tioual matters.
Governor Wise reiterated his policy o
lighting in the Union, and counselled speed
| action.
Mr.. Moore, Of KpGkbri3re, opposed haste.