Daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1859-1865, 1861-08-10
NUMBER 6

tain itself and put down this rebellion
This is the first intimation of this kind
And now at a time when we should all be
united, for our old standby and champion
to come forward and intimate doubt on
this question
Mr.. CARIILE-Mr. President, if the gem
tleman from Doddridge had attended to
what 1 said with the same interest lis
tened to what he said, he would not have
represented me as he has done. said to.
day what l have always said heretofore,
that 1 believed this government would
maintain the integrity of the Union that
1 believed it would put down this rebel
lion; but said, what he and all must
know, if had never said 1t, that there are
things that take place sometimes that have
not been anticipated in minds as feeble as
mine and said there was a possibiity-
that the thing is poSSibie-thst the govern
ment may not do what we believe they
will. l give it as my belief, and it is worth
no more than the belief OF any one else,
that they will put down rebellion but it is
possible may be mistaken. That was all
1 said; in other words granted it was pos
sible that might be mistaken.
Mr.. STEwART-I fully understood tho
gentleman, Mr.. President, aud it is the
first time that ever heard him as
SGIL Tue gU5SlOlllLJ Vi dLJ LLluB VI tuC AAL4s
He has been the most tuncompromising for
putting down this rebellion, and never yet
had possible donbt on the question:
Read his speeches, and you will never see
a doubt expressed in the mind of the
gentleman. Certain members of the
Convention, now present, know that the
position occupied by the gentleman now,
is one formerly presented before certain
body by myself-that there was always
doubt-that there might be n possibility,
you know; but that doubt was expressed
by me before any reverse in our arms had
taken place, or was even anticipated. But
at this stage of things, no man will ever find
me expressing doubt. 1t is not a time to
do so. 1t is time to lift ourselves above
all personal feelings and motives, and look
only ut the great issue involved before our
country. We should not be looking solely
at Western Virginia's interests. Our OBJ
ject should be to support the General Gov
ernment in putting down this rebellion,
and never for one moment hold out n doubt
that tue Government is to succeed
suppose tue doubt in the mind of
the gentleman, is the reason why he Is
pressing this matter prematurely, wanting
TO tie even the hands of the Committee to
prevent it from reportingH bill. a doubt
Sir, let US havo no doubts, there are no
doubts about it.
Why, sir, tue gentlcmans resolutions
propose to tie the hands of the Committee,
and instruct not only this Committee, but
the Committee on Business, to report
constitution and form of government
for this new State, saying Mt the same
time, that the State Legislature that
WAS convened by act of this body, repu-
dated action on this subject ut this
time. He says this question should rise
from the people. Well who arc the peo-
ple2 Was not the State Legislature the
people? Is not this Convention the peo-
pie, or is it our constituents, the gentlemen
appeals aud refers TOT If it is our consti-
| tuents, gentlemen, want you to point me
to solitary act that ever authorized no to
! come here for the purpose of dividing the
State and forming II Constitution. If they
have done so, then, sir, will be with the
people. If not, then 1 am for referring
this question to the people and let them
speak; and if they speak for division,
then, sir, am willing for it. But | was
not seut here for the purpose of dividing
the State of Virginia, or making a cousti-
tuition. The thing never was mooted be-
fore my people, but just the reverse. l
came here to aid tho General Government
in putting down the rebellion and if it was
not for that, do not know what l came
here for at all.
do not propose to go into the merits of
the question raised by the gentleman from
Harrison. l merely wish to indicate to
you, why think hasty or premature &C
ton at this time would embarrass the
General Government in putting down this
rebellion. and place us in worse attitude
even than we are in at present. simply
rose for the purpose of moving to lay these
resolutions upon the table. Let the Com
mittee that have this matter under consid-
Grafton make their report, and do not tie
their hands. Imove to lay the resolutions
upon the table.
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