Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1861-04-04

had some statistics, which he laid before us, in
regard to the average value Of slaves, and it
was finally fixed at the SUN Of $500. The
recollection Of the gentleman from Princess
Anne and myself agree throughout in the state.
Iuent which he has made, with single excep-
ton, in which he has, unintentionally, know,
done perhaps slight injustice to myself 1t
is not a matter Of any consequence to anybody
except myself. The gentleman mentioned that
even had, at anc lime, somewhat despaired.
Mr.. WIsE-l spoke duubtfully of that, sir,
and meant To speak more doubtfully for
was not certain. know that there were some
in the caucus to whom referred who had de-
SPARED and talked about adjourniug and going
home, but am not certain who they were
Mr.. SrMMsRs-I remember very we'll the
caucus to which the gentleman from Princess
Anne refers. l know The troubles which then
surrounded US. rccollpct much that was said
upon the occasion. But say to you all, Mr.
President-and you yourself acted a pron.
nent part in the Convention of 1s50-'5l-thut
during all those labors never did despair. ]
was often discouraged, but never was brought
to despair. have always believed in the
maxim that a citizen should never despair OF
the Republic. Upon that occasion, Dir. Presi-
dent did not permit the feeling Of despair to
prryade NV bosom, and | do not permit it to
influence Inc now, when still greater troubles
arc upon US never despared Of the Republic
did not despair of ii then; do not DESPAIR
of it now. That is the only correction | de
sire to make in the statement presented by The
gentleman from Princess Anne. 10 all the
matters of fact alluded 10 by him, his recollec.
ton and m!ue coincide.
Mr. WISE-I accept that correction with
great pleasure was not certain that was
correct ut the time made the allusion. My
friend from Loudoun, (Mr CARTER and from
Monroc, CIR. CApERToS,) remember the facts,
and know the correctness Of my statement,
and when it was ut last remembered that the
siege should be carried on, | was called upon,
AS my friend from Loudoun knows, 10 state what
considered the iprogramnc CT the campaign,
did not rest my feet until had detailed the
programme Of proceeding, which believe they
followed out aI III Li6itum. believe am
correct in that statement. The programme
did succeed with a minority against majority.
And wish was as hopeful here now, Sir,
that the minority would succeed.
Mr.. EAKLY--l trust the Convention will par
don me for u moment.
Mr.. C. j. STUART. Of Dod1rdgc-i claim
the ti1or upon the subject, before the Conyen-
ton, bat l am willing that the question should
bc put now, ii the house is ready for it. II
there is 10 lie any further discussion, | claim
he right to be heard.
Mr.. EARLY will only detain you few mo
menS.
Mr.. STUAKr-l desire to know whether you
wish to discuss the question.
Mr.. EARLY simply wish to make one or
two remark not to speak 1T any length.
The PRESIpxST-Dues the gentleman from
Doddrilsr yield the.1oor?
S1r. STrART-So: at present, sir. | want to
ascertain whether the gentleman from Frank
lin desires TO discuss this question, and also
whether there are other members who desire
to discuss it, for, il SO, will retain the floor.
Mr.. EARLY only want 10 make one re-
mark.
Mr.. stuart yielded The floor.
Mr.. EARLY, Of Franklin-l trust the Con.
vention will indulge ine moment while
make remark or Two in regard to the queS-
ton now pending before il. think the few
remarks stall oifer will not be inappropriate.
One Of tic gentlemen alluded to by the gen.
representing the district which represent in
this Convention. The three delegates voted
for the present basis Of representation. One,
my honOred friend Mr.. STUART, was elected
as whitc-basis man the other gentlemen
were elected as mixed-basis men, 1t so
happened that was 4 candidate on the con-
seryative ticket, and was beaten by an over
whelmng lnHjority. | received only ll2
votes III the county that sends HE here
with Il0U majority. was mixed basis
man. Two delegates changed their votes here
and when they went back there was Il great
clamur against theu believe, though had
been one Of the strongest mixed basis men in
the District, that | was almost the only ont
who did not join in tic clamor against those
gentlemen. In very short time we became
satisfied that they had acted wisely, in agree.
ing to base representation upon white poFula-
ton am now fully convinced Of the error
OF the opinion which ! formerly entertained
with regard to the proper basis of repre-.
sental0n. la all the history Of tho le.
gislatiun Of the country from that tim"
to this, no more conclusive and triumphant
vidication Of that policy is TO hc found
than in the history aud the organization OF this
Convention. am fully convinced, sir, that my
former views We're erroneous, tEnt the princ'-
pie adopted by the Convention Of $50 and ol
was correct.
With regard 10 the other question OF ta&ation
| AIN fully and completed: satisfied that the
principle coniended for by the gentleman from
MLnongslia, (Mr. WiLlEYJ and the gentleman
from Marirn (Mr:: EIALL,) and others or this
loor is just and right But, sir as ! sad To
the Convention on another occasion, this qneS.
ton WAS not ruooted before my constituents i'll
the canvass; the question Of union or diSunlon
overrodc all other questions. Therefore, don't
feel authorized at this time to interfere in any
way wth the Constitution Of the State, though,
as SAID before, opposed 1t from the begin
ming to the end, casting my vote against it 1T
the polls; aud there are many Of lis provisions
would he glad to ste changed.
But, sir, will readily vote for a committee
to take this subject into consideration. As !
said before, presume It is We Il a$certaIned
that we are to nave un adjourned session. lG
he mean time, can 20 home and consult my
constitueE!s-we all can go hume and consCl.
our constituents, and The committee can relmr;
10 the adiourncd session OF this Convention.
acknowledge the justice Of the principle con
tended for BIZ the gentleman from MonUugala,
CIR. WiLLEY,) and shall advise my coI'stit'
uents to accede 10 the justice aud propricty
OF that proposition.
Mr.. q. j. SrrARr-ls this q question simply
for the purpose Of raising c"mnttce.
The pRrsIpEHr-Nu, sir, that ia npt the OIL
ly question The Secretary, perhaps had bet
ter read the Grst resolution that tine House
may understand it.
Mr.. EcuuLs moved that the Convention ad.
iourn \ division was called fnr, and by Il
vote Of 80 To % the Convention then a'jouizl-
cd 10 Wednesday morning f! 10 o'clock.
FRIDAY, March 29ih.
Deferred Procestings.)
Amendments were proposed by Mr.. WISE, TO
propositions Of the second part Of the report Of
the Committee Of Twerty-ono Oh Federal Re