Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1861-02-19
R1tbmonb Enquirer.
4 National Convention.
BY TYLER, WISE & ALLEGRE.

Unless we arc greatly mistaken, indications
in certain quarters, point TO another subnis-
sion dodge, in the shape Of National Conven-
ton to adjust difficulties by amending the Con-
stitution. This dodge first emanated from
Mr.. Seward in his zone, two or three years
hence settlement and was designed 10 hrmly
fix the Black Republicans in power; and by
keeping business stagnated, commerce derang-
ed, and every interest in the country prostra-
ted to aeo'ry the people into unqualified sub.
mission, and ultimately into some attempt at
emancipation. 1t is scheme worthy of the
cunning knave who originated it, and Of the
dupes in the border States who are now begin
ming to agitate it, and who will soon openly
advocate it.
4 national Convention will consume zone,
two or three years" before its work Of perma-
nent submission and emancipation can begin
operation, and in that time the Southern Con
federacy will become firmly and prosperously
established, under permanent Constitution,
with foreign treaties an organized army and
navy, and thus firmly Fixed in permanent Sc
paration will laugh to scorn the amended Con-
stitution Of tue United States. But how will
the zone, two or three year," serve Virginia
her mercantile interest tankrupted, her ne
grocs depor,ed in large numbers to the South,
Her uncultiva!ed lands growing in aoxious
weeds, her public debt without taxable pro-
perty to meet its interest, will have necesslta-
ted reputation and disgrace. These are some
Of the ills in store for Virginia in this PROPOSE
ton for National Convention
Already We hear Of many persons who con-
template speedy exodus from Virginia The
mere apprehension that Virginia may be at
tached to the Northern union, ard her FIVE
hundred Thousand slaves handed over to the
tender merces of Northern power, has pre-
sented exile from Virginia 10 many Of her best
and weathieSt citizens, as preferable to their
certain and inevitable ruin with Virginia in
the Union, unsupported and nnsustaned by
the political power of the Southern States
The Convention now in session, may post
pone and seek to evade, but they cannot avoid
deciding whether Virginia's final destiny is to
be with the North or the South. Postpone.
fment or attempted evasion may incur untold
injury upon the State, but finally the subject
must be met, und the destiny of Virginia
determined An indignant and injured peo-
pie may avenge their ruin upon its authors,
but they cannot escape the injury to their hon.
or, their rights, and their property, which is
involved in this proposition Of u National Con.
vention.
! 1t is given out that the Peace Convention at
Washington, despairing Of efecting an adjust
ment, or fearing to trust Congress, will recon-
mend National Convention, direct from the
people 20 consider amendments to be ratified
by Conventions of three.fourths Of the States.
Whether National Convention to circutnvent
the people into submission, to inveigle them
into disgrace, and finally to cheat them of their
property, will find favor with the Convention,
is matter upon which Sse fear to express an
opinion. The future alone>can develop whether
honor or disgrace, safety or ruin, with the South
or with the North, awaits Virginia. We look to
the Convention with trembling solictude,
hoping for the best, but not unprepared for the
worst God save the Commonwealth