Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1861-02-28
The Virginia State Convention,
7 U.ELFTH Ui II.

was called to order by the President.
PRAYER by the Rev. Mr.. MlSNEoERoDE OF the
Episcopal! Church
Mr.. FIsuER-Mr. President, before the con.
sideraton Of The order Of the day is proceeded
with. will offer the following resolution which
will lead to no discussion.
/ Resolved, That Committee, consisting OF
! thirteen members, DC appointed by the prcsI'
dent, whose duty it shall be to enquire into
the cxpedlcncy Of passing an Ordinance max
/ ing an appropriation for the defence OF the
Commonwealth. And, if in their opinion an
appropriation should be made, TINT they report
| such ordinance and the amount which ought
to be appropriated"
| Mr.. FIsuER-I desire to say that ! offered
that resolution because Of the fact that u bill
apprcpriating a million Of dollars for the de-
fence of the State, which has passed the House
| OF Delegates, is now in the Senate, and for
some reason or other is not likely to be acted
upon fer some time.
! ar. EARLY--I more to lay that resolution on
the table.
The PRESIDENT understood the gentleman
to say, when he offered his resolution, that it
would give rise to no debate. This seems,
however, not likely 10 be the case and the
N'>
! unfinished business Of yesterday is first in
order.
Mr.. FlsnER.-My impression was, when !
offered the resolution, that it would had to no
debate will ask, if there was not motion
made yesterday 10 take up the unfinished
| business
The PKEsIDENr.-Such motion may be
made by any gentleman who chooses; but IN
| C. !. J l,c1,r Il 10
! up as first in order.
Mr. ErHRAM B. HALi.-Mr. President, !
move 70 correct the Journal Of n few days past.
On motion 10 reconsider the vote by which
resolution offered Ivy SIR. CLEMENS, in reference
to reporting the debates, am put II: the mega
tiTe when voted in the affirmative.
FEDERAL RELATIONS.
The PRESIDENT having announced That the
| unfinished business was in order,
Mr.. GoGGlS aid:-Mr President, feel very
much indebted for the kindness and courtesy
OF the Convention, in having adjourned over
as they did yesterday, and thus gwen ME
an opportunity OF resuming the remarks which
| | had rot concluded when the Convention ad.
journed.
Before proceed. sir, TO say what design TO
say upon this occasion, think it proper, SIR,
to express my thanks also 10 the Reporters OF
this body, who have in the main so very az.
curately reported the remarks which had the
honor to present TO this Convention yester-
,Iay. The general accuracy Of The report, |
think, is nnqncstonabe. From sheer inabl.
ily on my part, however, to make my Sell fully
audible to the reporter, lind that there are
some inaccuracies. nnintsntlonal, | have no
doubt, and which could not have been avoided !;
but 10 net propose now, however, 10 ':etah
the Convention by any reference to them.
On Yesterday, sir, presented IN such man
ner as was enabled to do, some. views which
to my mind were important in connection with
the great subjects which now distract the
country. 1t is proper to say that, in present
ing these views, did so in no partisan sense
or with any purpose on my part to present these
views US embodying the sentiments upon
which may act when called upon to dc so, II u
state Of things different FROM those now exist
Ing, should arise in the country. An crronc'
Gus Impression seems to have prevailed in the
minds Of many in this Convention, aud out oI
it, that it is the duty of the members Of this
body, like advocates at the bar, 10 advocate
some .svortc public principle, or, like candi'
date on the hustings, seeking for the sutirag,s
oil the people, TO como here and maintain some
fixed principle of action without regard 10
events ard circumstances, which are now OF
almost hourly occurrence. For my part, sir, |
cone here with no feelings II, my heart other
than those which look alone !o the mainte.
nance Of the honor Of Virginia, and the peace
and prosperity of the country at large. As |
said yesterday, | came here not 10 advocate
any particular line Of policy, but to endeavor To
do ha1, under the circumstances, Knight deem
right and proper for the safety. the security,
the prosperity and the happiness OF this old
Commonwealth; and in looking to that Sir, |
felt that i, was my duty also TO look abroad
and contemplate in the ef.rts which l should
make here, the happiness aud prosperity Of
the whole country.
came here then, sir, to do what presume
every gentleman inlhe Convention has in view,
10 endeavor TO force conviction upon the
minds OF men, by presenting the particular
views which may strike them us best cacua-
ted to accomplish what is for the interests OF
all; and by comparison of views to elicit The
fullest information on the grea, question which
we arc assembled here TO discuss.
That, sir has been my purpose and would
have It remembered by this Convention, sir,
and by the country, that we como not here for
the sake or purpose OF making constitutional
government, or 10 adopt measures that are TO
tiud the people Of the State Of Virginia We
sit here, rs | understand, az that committee OF
twentv.one (the Committee on Federal Rca.
tiuuS) does in the other room Of this building,
to compare opinions, to advise and consult with
each other. and then to present to the great
council the result Of our deliberations, that
they may ratify or reject it, as they think
proper.
That is what understand TO be my duty,
and dent intend to be driven from it by any
impression that may have been mado in the
mind of any one-ihat came here rs the nd.
vocate of any particular line of policy or any
particular school Of politicians. Shall en-
deavor, sir, 10 ID, ss | have no doubt every
member Of this Convention will do-act strictly
in accordance with circumstances as they
probably shall soon be developed to US.
have said, sir, that have been the friend
oflhe Union, have said that stood among
those who believed that the Union is the true
palladium OF our liberty and Of our prosperity;
but have indicated also, sir, 81 least so in
tended, that whatever may be my DEVOTION
respect aud admiration Of this Union, when
ever the time comes for Virginia no longer to
be part Of that Union-whcn, having calmly
and deliberately considered these great qnes
tons which now distract the country, she shall
determine that she can no longer be part o:
that Unicn,I would not only go where she goes,
but would be one of those that would lead her
to where believe it would be her duty to go.
That, sir mean to do; and it is useless TO tell
me that i, il expected that am to pursue this
or thut course. stiull pursue the course, Sir
which my conscience tells me is the course Of
the patriot and not Of the politician.
| endeavored yesterday to present some
views in connection with the subject Of the re
lationS which the State Of Virginia holds to.
wards the other States Of this Union, and the
relations in which she may stand to the sece
ded States in particular in commercial aspect
Before proceeding TO offer few additional
remarks upon the same subject, will state
again that came into this body with desire
for peace, with desire for harmony; but say
=, ,.r,, ,,c,r and IN ;Iis Convention that when