Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-04-02
Virginia Convention.

dopted on Saturday to meet at 10 O'Clock A. NJ.
to take recess at 2 o'clock, and meet again at
4 o'clock P. NJ. Secession resolutions, adopted
by the people Of Dinwidde, Greene, Spotsylva-
MIA, and Cupeper, were presented by the del
egates representing those counties. Mr. BALDWIN,
finished bis speech against secession and IN favor
of the majority report. He was followed by Mr.
Bruce, of Halifax. Mr.. Hall, Of Marion, contin
oed his remarks in favor of an adj val0rem tax
upon slaves. Mr.. Dorman, of Rockbridge, intro
duced resolution, which was laid on the table.
recommending license tax on Northern pro-
auctions, in retaliation for the Personal Liberty
bills in vogue in the Northern States.
MONDAY, March 25th-Afier the conclusion OF
Mr.. Bruce's speech pretty sharp debate sprang
up on the merits of the propositions before the
Committee. In the evening vote was taken
in Committee of the Whole on the motion to
strike out the majority report and insert Mr.
Carles substitute, which resulted-yeas nays
49, The substitute embraced the propositions
which emanated from the Peace Conference.
WEDNESDAY, March 27-The Convention to-
day, in committee of the whole, resumed the
consideration of the report of the committee On
federal relations
Mr. Turner, of Jackson, offered substitute
for the majority report, making an unequivocal
demand of the North relative to slavery. After
debate it was rejected-yeas 81, nays 40.
Mr.. Montague moved to amend the first resolu-
ton of the report, which declares that the States
when the federal constitution was formed, were
independent sovsreignties, by inserting, land
still are" after the word were. This was deba-
ted till recess.
The debate was continued on Mr.. Montague's
amendment by Mr.. Wise in its favor, and Mr..
Mcfarland against it.
Mr.. Seawell offered an amendment so as to
| make the resolutions declare that the several
States, when the federal const tuition was formed
were independent sovereignties, and still are SOW
ereign.
| Mr. Montague accepted the amendment, pend
| ing which the Committee rose.
! Mr. Carlisle offered resolution to termin ate
the debate in committee of the whole next Mon
day. This was violently opposed by several Of
| the members, and was rejected by four MAORI
! ty.
The Convention then adjourned.
TUESDAY, March 26th-In the State Conven-
ton to-day Mr. Preston made speech, in which
he favored the majority report making clear
and distinct demand upon the North, with the
alternative of separation. He said he believed
the present was full Of hope from both sections
for fair and final settlement.
| Mr. Wise took ground that the guarantees de-
manded were insufficient. ..,sa.
L
| listing causes. +.s 4
Mr. Hall, of Wetzel, offered the constitution Of
the Confederate States as substitute for the
committee report. easl 4 "a, sr.yss
| Mr.. Wise called for the reading of the substi-
tute.
Mr.. Clemens intimated that the purpose was
delay.
Mr.. Wise denied the imputation as unfounded
This produced sensation.
The substitute was then read, and debated
until late hour.
THURSDAY, March ,28th-The convention to-
day, in committee of the whole, defeated the a.
mendments proposed yesterday. The vote stood
AZ to74.
! Mr.. Fisher moved to amend the first resolution
of the report by striking out the words ''the
people of each State agreed to associate with the
people of the other States upon footing of ex-
act equality" and inserting leach State acceded
as State, and is an integral party, and its CO.
States forming, as to itself, the other party
| This was rejected-yeas IA, nays 113.
| The first resolution was adopted.
The second resolution was taken up. 1t reads:
'sAfrican slavery is vital part of the social sys-
tenn of the States wherein it exists" &c.
Mr.. Wise made an amendment, inserting after
the word exists the words "And of the politi
cal system of the federal government" This
was lost-yeas 81, nays 80.
i The resolution was then adopted, and the
committee rose and the convention adjourned.
FRIDAY, March 29th-A resolution was intro
duced by Mr.. Conrad, of Frederick, for termina-
ting debate in Committee of the Whole on next
Tuesday but an arrangement was made by
which the matter will probably be comprom-
sed. In Committee of the Whole, Mr.. Tim Rves
occupied the entire day in speech against se-
cession. Mr.. Wise offered substitute for the
report, which was referred at his request with
out reading, and ordered to be printed.