The Lansing state Republican. [volume] (Lansing, Mich.) 1855-1874, 1861-07-24
DECLARATION OF THE WHEELING
(ONvENTlON.

The following declaration was reported to
the Convention on the 18th instant, by the
Committee appointed for the purpose:
The true purpose of all government ie to
promote the welfare and provide for the pro-
lection and security OF the governed. and
when any form or organization OF government
proves inadequate for, or subversive OF this
purpose. il is the right. il is the duty Of the
latter 10 alter or abol sh il. The bill Of Rights
of Virginia, framed in 1870. reafirmed in 1880.
and again in 1851. expressly reserves this right
10 the majority of her people, and the existing
Constitution does not confer upon the General
Assembly the power TO call a Convention to
alter the provisions or TO change the relations
of the Commonw, alth. without the previously
expressed consent OF such majority. The act
OF the General Assembly. calling the Conven-
ton which assembled at Richmond in Fehru-
AIRY last. was therefore a usurpat on. and the
Convention thus called has not oaly abus, Il the
POKE" nomina ly enirUst, q Ia IL, but, with the
connlvauce and active ad Of the Executive,
has usurped and exercised other powers to the
manifest injury OF the people. which, il permlt-
ted, will inevitably SUBJECT them To a military
dcSpotsm.
The Convention, by il pretend d ordinances,
ha~ required the people Of Virginia 10 separate
rom and wage war against the Goyernmcnt Of
ihe Cn.ted States. and against the citizens OF
neishnorin- States, with whom they have here
totore maintained friendly, soc al and business
relations
IL has ATTEMPTED 10 subvert The Union found
I'd ty Washington d his compatrioiS la the
purer days oi the Republic. which has confer
ied uneNampled prosperity upon every class OF
citizens. and upon every >,ct.on OF the coun-
try.
II ha- attempted la transfer the allegiance Of
the people to an Illegal coRlederacy OF rebel
lious States. and required Their Submission TO
lis pref 'ndcd cdicIs and DEGREES.
|. has attempted u place the whole military
force and military operations oi the Common
wealth under the control aud direction Of such
confSl racy, for offensive as well a defensive
purposes.
IL has. in conjunction with the State Exccu-
i've. Instituted. wherever their usurped power
extends. a reign OF terror intended tn suppress
the free expression of the will Of the people,
making elections "A mockery and fraud.
The same combination. even before the pas
sage of the pretended ordinance of Secession,
Instituted war by the seizure aud appropriation
OF the property of the Federal Government,
and by organizing and mobilzne armies, with
the avowed purpose Of capturing Ut destroying
the capitol of the Union.
They have attempted TO bring the allegiance
of the people of the United States into direct
conflict with their subordinate allegiance to
the State, thereby making obedience TO their
pretended ordinance treason against the for
mer.
We. therefore, the delegates here assembled
in convention 10 devise such measures and
take such action as the safety and welfare Of
the loyal citizens of Virginia may demand,
having mutually considered the premises. and
viewing with great concern the d, plorable con.
diiion To which this once happy Common
wealth must be reduced. unless some regular
adequate remedy is speedily adopted, and ap.
pealing to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe
ior the recttude of our intentions. do hereby,
in the name and on the behalf of the good peO-
pie of Virginia. solemnly declare that the pre-
>ervation of their dearest rights aud liberties,
and their security in person and property. i'm
peratively demand the reorganization OF the
government OF the Commonwealth: aud that
all acts of said Convention and Executive.
tendng to separate this Commonwealth from
the United States. or 10 levy and carry on war
against them, are without authority and void;
and the offices of all who adhere to the said
Convention and Executive. whether Legislative,
executive or judicial, are vacated