Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1861-02-26
The Virginia State Convention,
NINTH DAY.

rise this morning Tor the purpose OF making
personal explanation, in consequence Of the va
rious newspaper comments and the criticism
that has been INDUCED in on the part Of some
gentlemen in reference to my remarks day be-
fore yesterday, as to the true position of the
Northwest III the important controversy now
going on. See from the newspaper accounts
of the matter, and also understand from GER
tain remarks, in which gentlemen from the
Northwest have indulged in, that have been
represented as saying already, or as conveying
the idea, that the whole Northwest was un-
sound-ln other words, that they did not re-
presen. the sentiment of Virginia. and that
they were net loyal to the Commonwealth OF
Virginia.
Now, Mr.. President, in vindcation OF myself
and also in vindicaton Of the Northwest
that I did not intend in my remarks in
cludc The whole Northwest, or, indeed, any
considcratl. portion Of the Northwest I in
tended to convey the idea that, unfortunately,
there was portion Of the Northwest that was
uuSound, and although did not express my
self or direct my remarks as particularly As
ought to have done, intended to refer to some
two or ;hrec thousand Lincoln votes in the
Northwest ] also intended to convey the idea
tina, portion of the delegation from that
section was elected upon the platform as lad
down b. the organ OF the Republican party in
the State OF Virginia. to witt Mr. Campbell,
the Editor Of tho wheeling lntelligencer,"
who is row reporting upon this tioor-a paper
that was an cut and out Lincoln paper, which
advocated his election and denounced slavery
as q sin.
| say, sir, tina, there are men here to-day
standing upon the platform and resolutions en-
dorscd by meeting in the city Of heellng, aud
advocated by Mr.. Campbell of the Wheeling
"Intcll.rcncer," and will name Mr.. CLEMENS
and Mr. HUBBARD Of the Northwest
Mr. CLEMESs-Will the gentleman allow Inc
to ask him question
Mr. HAL1-Certa;nly.
Mr.. CLsNESs--Do understand him correct
IL as saying that / stood upon platform
which was advocated by the editor Of the
Wheeling "Intcligencer =
Mr. D.lL-You understand me to say this
Mr.. CLEMrSs.-I desire o categorical answer
to this question. Did you say moment since,
that I, as member Of this Convention, stood
upon a platform which was advocated by the
editor ofthc Wheeling "lntelligencer:'
Mr. Halt say this. that the editor Of the
Wheeling "Intelgenccr" laid down the pro-
rramme, and that he advocated the platform
upon which YOU RIM.
Mr., CLeNEys-I submit again the question
to tho gentleman from Wetzel, and ask him
Tor l categorical answer TO the question whetE.
er he said few moments since that |, n dele
gate from The county Of Ohio, stood upon L
platform which was advocated By the editor OF
the Wheeling ''lntelligencer.'
Mr. Hail will qualify it in this way, that
You run upon a platform which was advocated
and defended by the editor Of the Wheeling
"Intcll!scncer."
'b,ft l. nf rpr n
question.
Mr. uuL.-You can get no more from me.
The PRESIDENT THE present occupant Of
the Chair was not in the Hall when the re-
marks OF the gentleman from Wetzel (Mr.
HN.L) were made the other day. The Chair
does understand. however, the rule to be that
when gentleman rises to personal eXplapa-
ton Of remarks, either made by him or i'm.
pu.cd 10 him in the Convention, that ne has to
coaiine hirIslf either to denial or eSplnna-
ton Of those remarks but this is not the time
OF the occasion for entering into controversy,
as 10 the consistency OF gentlemen before they
c:;:.. acre.
Mr. HAIL. did not seek or desire to do so.
viii s.a:c now, in vindlcatlOn OF myself ana
as.yianalory Of the views Intended to convey
day before Yesterday, that in the first place
I have been denounced and held up to
wishes u. nv constituents and especially the
North. West, l acknowledge that told the
gentleman who Intercepted me upon this mat
ter tina, vas afraid that did not represent
the people OF the Northwest, and that was
very much afraid that the gentleman himSelfdid
no, rcprcscut maj rrity OF his people. That is
what stated. have no disposition to mlsre-
present the NORTHWEST. have no disposition
- quarrel wi;h any gentleman upon tits hoor
have no doubt that gentlemen who represent
the Nn tn ", st represent the sentiments OF the
majority Of the people. That is the very thing
of whc E com, ,ia-not that they are doing
anything wron: particularly. II Is better that
the truth should be known; it is better for this
Convention 10 know the real state OF affairs N
reference 10 this matter. It's an important ques.
ton to this Convention and it is also lnipor-
tan. that Virc MIA should be united. Ii is i'm.
por.ant that mere should be but one sentiment
in the State Of Virginia. And let me tell you,
Mr.. Prcsidcbt and gentlemen OF this ConTen-
ton, shat there are dragons teeth sowing IN
oar section, and hen Virginia shall take the
decided position which she may be compelled
TO take and when civil war, neigaborhood d'tii'
cul,cs and social intercourse will have broken
out il nay sectlon-
Mr.. CAHl..LE-I rise to q question of order.
the Convention this morning
The pREsIoEST-The gentleman from Wetze,
(Mr HALL rose to personal explanation, bat
the Chair is decidedly of the opinion that the
line of remark in which he is INDUCING is not
now in order.
Mr.. Haiti will not then, pursue that
line OF remark ans farther, but ask the Clerk
TO read the following:
The Clerk then read as follows:
Especial despatch to the Intelgencer.l
"R,cuMoSD, Feb. 20, 1861.
"Great indignation prevails here among
Northwestern members on account Of the
course pursued by Leonard S. Hall, delegate
from Wetzel county He openly denounced
his colleague las: night, in the paror Of the
Spotswood House. as subnissionist. and read
letter from Mr.. Charles ". Russell, OF Wheel
ing in support Of his views
THE gallant old Gen. John jackson, Of
Wood county, repudiated Hall and his letter
before large crowd, showing that Hall did
not represent Wetzel county, much less the
North. west-havine been elected only by "a
meaerc plurality, aud that through division
of the Union men of his county. The letter
of Mr.. Russell to Hall is reprobated by Messrs.
Wiley, Clemens. Jackson, Burnley, and all
others from the West whom | have heard
speak of the affair. Y.
Mr.. HALL-As to the facts stated in the
despatch which has been read, the gentleman
WHO sent it has laborcd under great mistake
By permission Of the Convention, will
read Nj. Charles ". Russelrs letter to myself
or 4, least that portion Of it which relates to
the subject matter in controversy. The letter
is dated NJ Wheeling, February 18th, 1861:
Too r;,any OF our delegates, fear, are prone
to make fatal sacrifices for an object which they
cannot attain | cordially sympathize in that
attachment for the Union established by our
fathers, which no doubt pervades the Conven-
ton. trust however, that our representa-
tives will no: surrender the Constitutional sale'