Daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1865, 1861-08-16

peace. il would be treason to. propose the
re-eTection of any such government as thls
within the State. and would even be trea-
son to petition the Legislature on the sub
iect. And was 1t supposed that a people
who bad always violated thus the natural
and guaranteed rights Of freemen, would
ever cousentsto s. division which they had
aluays so seduIously guarded against But
Eastern Virginia had q reason for this. and
that was the salvation of her own material
interests, and not so much the oppression
of Western Virginia; and because our
sJnust Of necessity detraet from
hers. Did they think that IN times OF
peace, the East would allow the formation
of a new State, through which great
thoroughfare leading from the lower Ono
by n shorter rouje towards New York, the
great centre of Commerce, could be made.
which would come in conflict with her
channels of trade?
As for the question of boundary, he
knew il would be difficult one, but it had
10 be met, and might as well be met NOW.
He believed they should not take in any un-
willing county, or any which by geographic
ical position and material interest was not
with us. He Eouldlike to have Jefferson for
this great line OF Railroad to run through,
and he would like TO have the counties
along the line OF the Baltimore and Ohio
Railroad, but it was not absolutely essen
tiaI. for the road had a rigdt-of-Hhy of
which it conld not be deprived. He con-
fessed, however, that where county was
situated IN our midst which might not
now be loyal, we had right to take it
in, If majority OF those around it should
say their Interest required it. But he did
not desire to hiring in such counties which
lay upon the borders If they we're unwil-
ling; however, provision might be made
TO provide for an expression from all such,
aed let the matter he determined by that.
This now was the only recognized gov
eminent in tue State. If action were
taken Low they conld 90 before Congress
having fulfilled all the requirements of the
United States. The Constitution did not
require the assent of the people of East
ern Virginia, but of the Legislature of Vir-
giuia. They did not belong to the East
but to themselves, and why should they
20 on Blended knees to those from they had
. received much wrong and nothing of good.
I The West had grown to be power not by
their aid, but in spite of them. We shonld
take advantage of the position the east.
by their own act, had placed US in, and
not be withheld by any mock modes;y.-
Would Congress refuse this request made
by loyal citizens wishing to take their des-
TIMES in their own hands lie believed
not. He believed the General Govern
ment wcu!d recognize Us. He could not
see how it would prejudice the cause of
our common country. It might, however,
address itself to the fears of the Southern
States situated as Virginia is. with loyal
section within their boundaries, lest they
shonld do as we are doing That was
their look out, not ours, He repeated that
F.. this Convention had been convened for the
express purpose OF a division of the State,
aud read letters :rom citizens of the iu-
terror urging some measure looking 10 that
purpose. He hId presented these letters
here that the voice Of their people might
be heard here. 1t was ;heiF duty as rep
Tesentatives to represent thAt voice or re-
sign. Oae OF the letters wps from Hon.
". G. Brown, aud Mr.. Brown told Them
nov was the time.
After Mr.. Lewis had concluded,
Mr.. POLSLEY gave notice that he desired
to speak tomorrow.
Mr.. CARLILE offered n proposition with q
/ view that it should be printed.
The paper was received and ordered 10
be printed
Mr. Smith of Marion. said that as nu-
merons letters had been read, he proposed
that letter from Mr.. Bates to a member of
this ConvSntion, should he read.
Several members said it had been.reRd.
Mr.. CARLILE said in reference to this
( letter which had been read, that there was
another letter from ilr. Bates uow in the
/ possession of the Secretary, in which that
/ gentleman took very different grounds from
those taken in this one and if Mr.. Bates
was to be dragged in here for the purpose
=
the wishes of their constituents, he would
insist that he should be brought in in both
phases in which he had placed himself.
/ laughter.
For himself, he knew not Mr.. Bates in
/ this transaction, nor any other high func-
tionary; he knew alone the interests of the
people to whom be was Indebted for "A
| place on this floor; and their interests and
wishes should he the guide of his action,
/ uninfuenced by any letters from those in
authority. IL the opinions os members of
the Administration were TO be used to in
/ huence them in perhaps the greatest Ques-
ton that ever interested II people, he could,
| if it would not be doing injustice to other
members of the Administrations, relieve
them from the suspicion of participating
in this second edition of Bates.
Sir. SMITH retorted that Mr.. Bates was
as good authority as other letters read here
this evening.
! Mr.. CAELlLE replied that Mr.. Bates
nigh: be very good authority, but he was
not their constituents. laughter
Mr. PoLsLEY moved to adjourn.
Nj. Burnley asked the gentleman to
withdraw his motion to allow the rule 20
suspended to enable him to offer a resolu-
ton; and he would just tike occasion to
/ say that he thought it very unjust to attack
Mr.. Bates as interfering here when the let
ter was written only III answer to one adj
/ dressed to him on the subject.
1 The rule was suspended, and Mr. Burnley
offered his resolution, which was adopted,
as follows:
ResolUod, That during the remainder OF
the session this Convention will meet ut 8
aF