Newbern weekly progress., 1861-01-15
The Virginia LesisiHturc-GOV
OF Lcteher's Message.

The Legislature Of Virginia met in specia
session on Monday last. Fhe Richmond DIS
2,ateh of Monday has the following relative
thereto
Both Houses of the General Assembly yes
ter,lav promptly took up the important ques-
tions of the day. 1n the Senate, after the
reading of the Governors Message, very dccl-
ded resolutions against the coercion OF a scce--
ding State were offered by Mr.. Douglas, and
ordered to be printed.
In the House. however, different course
was taken. 1t was considered that IN the
perilo,ls condition of the country, and the
strong probabilities Of the commencement Of
a war between the Federal power and some OF
the Southern States, Virginia should speak
without the delay of single day. Resolutions
proposed Immediately after the reading OF the
Governors Message, were referred to com
mittec of fifteen, with instructions to report
upon their with as little delay as possible
The House took a recess nntil . O'clock
When it re assembled, the Committe reported
very decided resolutions (see report of proceed
ings) against the power of the Federal Govern
mcnt to cQerce a seeding State or States, and
pledginc Virginia to resist with all her means
any such attempt by the Federal Government
so to coerce seeding sister State. These
resolutions with little or no debate, and with
only some brief explanations by members as
nous vote of 112 ayes to nays! This glo-
rious result was received with evident signs of
ioy by the Assembly itself, as we'll as the gal
Icries The resolutions, i'll order to secure
unanimity, avoided the question OF secession;
but we have not the slightest doubt that an
immense majority of the Virginia Legislature
would maintain the right of secession.
The House of Delegates also passed reso-
| luton instructing select committee prompty
| to bring in bill providing for the calling OF I.
Convention Of the people to consider the exi-
| gencies of the country.
The spirit manifested by the Legislature is
| the very best, and foFeshadows harmony and
| union in the South The first step OF coercion
| bands the South as one man. If the Federal
| Government keeps its hands OFF, the South will
consider what is best, and it is to be hoped
will come in good time to that condition Ofhar-
mony and union which can alone prevent war,
and in which alone there can be any hope of
reconstructing the Confederacy.
Of Gov Letchers Message which is given in
| full in that paper, the Dispatch says
We surrender much of our space to the Mes
sage of the Governor of the Commonwealth,
which treats at length, and with characteristic
| ability, of the great questions which now agi-
tate the public mind. It will be seen that Gov.
Letcher who proposed year ago National
Convention, is still in favor of that remedy,
and also of sending Commissioner to the va
rious States, except those of New England !;
sees no necessity at this time for State Con-
vention; believes in the right of secession, and
is opposed to coercion. His views in behalf of
a Central State Confederacy are also set forth.
| Whatever opinion may be entertained of the
! sentiments and recommendations of the Mes
sage, all will cheerfully acknowledge the sin
ccrity and patriotism of the distinguished
source from which they proceed.