The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1861-01-08
IMPORTANT FROM VIRGINIA.
MEETING OF THE LEGISLATURE.

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MEETING OF THE LEGISLATURE
RIcNorD jan Z, 1861.
The Virginia Legislature met here to-day Nearly an
the members present and the galleries and iobbes
Of both houses literally thronged
The portion of Governor Iechers message relating to
federal Affairs read. motion the House TO have
fifteen hundred copies Of the message printed ELECTED
sroGg ecnunciatory remarks upon from Colonel John
T. Anderson Of Boetourt and Mr. Jones, of Appomatox
both Of whom opposed the motion print on the ground
that by voting for it they might be regard
ed endorsing its sentiments. In view, how
ever, Of the fact that twenty-five hundred
copies Of Governor Wses last message ordered to
be printed the House looked upon Of this motion
too marked dscourtesy to Governor Ietcher, and
it was therefore agreed TO-
Mr.. Anderson denounced the message as frebrand
thrown in to divide Virginia. when every patriotic i'm
pulse admonished unity Of sentiment and action.
MFR. Benjamin BarseD, Of Upshur offered the following
resolution in the House of Deputies to-day
Resolved, By the General Assembly of Virginia. That
the union being formed by the assent of the States
Tespcevde and being consistent only with free
each cannot and ought not to be maintained by Forces
that the government of tho Union has power to
declare or make war against any of the States which
have been its constituent members; that when any
of the States has determined shall determine
urder existing circumstances to withdraw from the
Union, are unalterably opposed to any attempt
the part the federal government to coerce tho
into reunion or submission and that will resist the
same by all the means in our power.
This resolution referred to committee, and re-
ported back favorably. 1t adopted--ayes III,
noes 6.
A resolution was adopted nstructing committee az
fifteen to bring in bill providing for holding State
convention.
livery secession the House brought
down thunders of applause from the galleries. in which
the members frequently participated.
The bill to the State comes up TO- morrow and WIN
probably pass.
The question Of calling State Convention was made
the special order for Wednesday. will probably pass
both houses.
The excitement here has somewhat subsided but the
purpose to resist oil aggression Southern rights Is
firm.
THE MESSAGE OF GOVERNOR LETCHER, OF
VIRGINIA.
RICHMOND, Va, Jan. Z, 1861
Governor Letcher S message, abiding tofhe condition
Of the country, saysA see know feel that danger
imminent and all true patriots are oxertirg Themselves
TO save US from impending peri He renews his propo
sition in his last Message for convention of all the
States and says-I is monstrous 10 see government
like ours destroyed merely because men cannot agree
about domestic institution II becomes State be
mindful Of her own interests. Disruption Is inevitable
best guarantees before attach Virginia to either
He condemns the basty action Of South Carolina which
has taken her Southern sisters by surprise He would
make special reference TO her course had he not been
invited TO do so by her late Executive in un
called for reference to Virginia The non saveholdng
States chargeabc for the present condition Of Affairs
and the Union is disrupted upon them rest the solemn
responsibility Hc audes at length to their aggressions
and says they have the power end strife and re-
store confidence. viii they do itS He awaits their re-
Spouse not without apprehension. He says our action
should be based the wrongs done people. He
opposes state convention at this time and suggests
Grst:-Jhat commission Of two Of the most discreet
statesmen visit the Legislatures Of the States which have
passed Personal Liberty bills, and insist their
donal repeal except the New England States Second
We must have proper and effective guarantees for the
protection Of slavery in the District Columbia Third
Our equality in the States and Territories must be fully
recognized, and the rights Of person property ade
quately protected and secured that must be permit
ted TO pass through the free States Territories unmo
lesed and If slave be abducted the State where il Is
lost must pay its value FourthIkc guarantees that the
transmission Of slaves between the savehodng States by
land water shall not be nterfercd with Fifth-Ths
passage and enforcement Of right for the punish
ment Of such persons the free States organize aid
and abct in any mode whatsoever In organizing COM
panes with view 70 assai the slavehoding States and
to ncite the slaves 10 instruction Stxth-The general
government DO deprived Of the power Of appointing to
local Offices in the savchodng States persons hostile to
their institutions inmica to their rights The Gover
further says he win regard the attempt Of the federal
troops to pass Virginia for the purpose OF ooercng
Southern State as an act Of invasion which be
PEELED lie Is not without a hope that the prevent dim
cuties will find satisfactory solution Let New England
and Western New York be sloughed on and lot then,
form an alliance With Canada Tho rest Of the message
pertains mainly TO local affairs. The message Is quite
cnghy.
WAR PRONUNCIAMENTO IN VIRGINIA.
INFORMANT LETTER FROM GOVERNOR WISE.
nio1,AoSp CORRESPONDENCE.
RcmoSD, Va, Jan. q, 1861
send you herewith important letter from Governor
wse n reply to the following communication addressed