Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1861-03-22
VIRGINIA STATE CONVENTION.

THURSDAY, March 2ls., 1861.
The Convention met at lOi o'clock, A. N.
Prayer by Rev. DR.. Seely, OF the Baptist Church.
THE BORDER STATE CONFERENCE.
Mr.. WILSON submitted the following resolution,
which, on his motion, laid upon the table and Or
dered TO be printed
Resored That the Committee Federal Relations be instruct
inquire into the expedency Of providing Tor the BOZ
Of that Committee and conference with the authorities Of
Condted state recommended by Of the MINORITY re-
invite authorities thereof initiate such as wiz
acceptable the ayehOdng States now In the Union and Oh
MEETING IN sPorsYLyAYIA.
Mr.. MARYE presented report of the proceedings OF
meeting of citizens of Spotsyvania which, on ms mo-
ton was read and referred to the Committee on Fede-
raj Relations.
THE TERRITORIAL QUESTION.
Mr.. BOYD, of Botetourt presented substitute Tor
the first section of the amendments to the Constitution
reported by the Committee Federal Relations winch,
on his motion ordered to be printed and referred
to the Committee of the Whole.
The said substitute proposes 10 recognize involuntary
servitude slavery of the African race as existing
south of 80 deg. 80 min any law to the contrary not.
withstsnding" ard to provide that said relation shall
be protected by all the departments OF the terrtor
government"
THE QUESTION OF TAXATION.
The resolutions submitted on Saturday last were taken
IN aud the motion lay them upon the table was with
drawn.
Mr. SLAUGHTER appealed to the friends of the reso'
luton 10 postpone the consideration OF the question:
Mr.. BROWN read resolution providing Tor COM
mtee to consider proposed amendments to the state
Constitution and report adjourned session, shoud
one be held. He would offer this as compromise.
After few remarks by Mr.. WILEY, the subject was
passed by and the Convention resolved itsel INTO
COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE.
Mr. H0LCOMBE being entitled to the floor, resum-
ed his argument in favor OF the secession OF virgin
ia In the course OF his remarks he said that the
the only question before the Convention is " Where
shall Virginia go? With which OF these Coniederacies
the Northern the Southernwi you link your des-
tiny? If Virginia remains with the North, the uncer-
tanty of the security of slave property must result IN
the emigration of large numbers OF her citizens with
their slave labor. Will not lands be deprecated? VIII
not the merchants and artisans lose many OF their GUS
tomersg viii not the sources OF the public revenue be
diminished and bankruptcy be general throughout the
State?
He concluded with an appeal in favor Of the mainte-
nance of the right and honor OF Virginia, at ali hazards
which was loudly applsuded.
The Chairman (ar SourHALL) directed the Sergeanta
Arms to clear the gallery and lobby, but being appealed
to by several members, Withdrew the order.
Mr BALDWIN of Augusta then took tho floor and
prsceeded to address the Convention in argument de-
signed to show the people o.. Ngnl had never been
oppressed by any o! the Federal Government lie did
TO hear eremiads about the oppression OF VIZ
gina but specifications pointing out when, where, and
nv whom the interests of the people OF this State were In
ilriousy affected SO far as the Federal Government Is
concerned.
We have heard great DEAL of late, about the deg
radiation Of Virgins" Who has dared to make the i'm
puaton that Virginia has been degraded? 1t has been
reserved for her in this council, representing
tue sovereignty Of the State to point the finger OF scorn
at her Virginia is not "dsgraded" He would fling
back the mpuation as OF the humbest of her sons,
with scorn, contempt and defiance.
Mr. HOLCOMBE inquired ii the gentleman referred TO
him. as one Of those who made the mputaiion.
Mr.. BALDWIN said he understood the gentleman
Cir II to cay that Virginia had degraded herself.
Mr. HOLCONBE replied that he had said she would
degrade herself if she submits.
Mr. BALDWIN said that the gentleman had the right
to cons'ruc his own language.
Mr. HOLCOABE reiterated his previous remark, and
said that be adhered 20 it in all its force.
Mr. BALDWIN remarked that the gentleman had
right 10 argue what would take place hereafter lie re-
ftred ONLY 10 those who declared that Virginia
dsgaded Her past history has been indeed, glorious
record but il has been reserved 20 the present to crown
her with immortal honor. She holds IN her hands the
dsstires Of this great Republic. lie then proceeded
Win his speech but soon after yielded the floor for mo-
ton to rise, wbI.h submitted by Mr.. RANDOLPH,
BIZ. Withdrawn At the request Of
Mr. CARLILE, who submitted as a substitute for the
pending rcpor. Of the committee a proposition emoody-
ing the pau Of adjustment adopted by the Peace Con
ference aud the following resolutions THE resolutions
vii. be published to-mouOw)
Mr. CARLILE addressed the Convention in support OF
his proposition taking the ground that all the excite
men il the country has been occasoned by disappointed
politicians and placa-seekeIs who hading themselves ez
cluded from Office and power, under existing crcun-
stances willing CRAFTY their own ambition without
regard 10 the interests Of the public.
A, the conclusion OF Mr.. CARLILES remarks, the
committee rose and the Convention adjourned.