Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1861-03-26
Virginia Convention.

SATURDAY, March 16th-On Saturday Mr..
Goggin offered an ordinance Gas an amendment
to the report of the Committee on Federal Re-
lations,) for the withdrawal of Virginia from the
Union, and for Conference of the Border Slave
States, at Lexington, KY, on the last Wednesday
in May next, to propose plan of constructing 9
Government to be formed by said States end
the Confederate States of America such plan te
have no binding authority till adopted and rati-
fed by the Virginia State Convention, which, il
is provided, shall adjourn over to await the re-
suit. 1t declares that the Union can only be re-
stored upon the original basis by an amendment
to the Constitution. emanating from the nom
saveholdDg States, for the sure protection of the
rights of the South. The last clause suspends
the operation of a previous clause, for assuming
the Government property within the State till
such time as the Convention may deem proper
to enforce the same, desiring to avoid any colli-
sion, and with view to an adjustment of the
pending difficulties, through the agency of the
Conference, and by returning sense of justice
among the people of all sections. The ordinance
was ordered to be printed. Mr.. Holiday pre-
sented series of Union resolutions, enveloped
in an American flag and numerously signed by
citizens of Norfolk county. Mr.. Burey, of Mar
shell, offered some long resolutions against seces-
sion, for the details of which we refer the reader
to the regular report. The Convention agreed
to meet at half.past 10 O'Clock A. M, until fur
ther ordered. Mr.. Wiley, of Monongala, offer
ed resolutions for equality of taxation and repre-
sentation, upon which no action was had. In
Committee OF the Whole on the report of the
Committee on Federal Relations, Mr. Randolph
made an able and argumentative speech against
the Peace Conference propositions, and showing
that Virginias true interests are with the COttoI
States. He will conclude to-day.
The Maryland Commissioners occupied seats
in the Convention on Saturday.
MONDAY, March, l8th-Mr. Willey's resolu
tions of inquiry, on the subjects of taxation and
representation, were up again this morning, and
quite an exciting debate took place. but no actor
was taken. A communication from the Mary
land Commissioners, suggesting a change in the
proposed plan of eecting delegates to the Border
State Conference, so as to meet the views of tht
people of their State, was referred to the Com
mittee on Federal Relations and ordered to b.
printed. In Committee of the Whole, Mr. Ran
dolph, of Richmond, continued his argument on
the material interests of Virginia as connected
with those of the Cotton States. He will con-
clude his speech tomorrow. A resolution offer
ed by Mr.. Dorman, making inquiries relative t.
certain amendments to the Federal Constitution
was referred to the Committee on Federal Kela
tions.
TUESDAY, March 19th-A resolution offered b,
Mr.. Hall, of Wetzel, requesting the COMMITTEES
on Federal Relations to report the Constitution
of the Confederate States of the South as Virgin
las ultimatum, was laid upon the table. 4
supplemental report from the Committee on Fed
eral Relations was submitted by Mr.. Conrad
the Chairman. 1t embodies proposed amend
ments to the Federal Constitution, in some res
poets similar to the propositions emanating from
the Peace Conference, but changed in esseatia
particulars. A resolution to hold night ses
sions was voted down by large majority. Mr.
Branch presented the Petersburg secession reso
lutions, and expressed his readiness to sbow t,
the will of his constituents" The subject O
taxation was considered, and Messrs. Woods ant
Raymond made speeches in favor of equality
Mr.. Randolph finished his argument on the Com
mittee's reports, and Mr.. Holcombe has the floor
in Committee of the Whole tomorrow.