The daily exchange. [volume] (Baltimore, Md.) 1858-1861, 1861-04-08
THE VIRGINIA CONVENTION.
VIRGINIA CONVENTION DECLARES FOR THE
RIGHT OF SECESSION.
CONSERVATIVES DEMAND TIME.

RICHMOND, Va, April 6-5 o'clock, P. M-An ex-
citing and momentous day.
The votes in Convention to-day indicate that the
majority ofthe delegates will declare in favor o
the legal right of secession.
The conservatives boldly insist upon the peace
policy before all efforts at adjustment are made
They think the recognition of the separate indie
pendence of the Southern Confederacy to be pre-
ferred, and many think this essential before any
settlement can be had.
The movements at Washington and New
York are regarded by the conservatives as tending
to operate upon them.
We await further developments with nervous
anxiety.
story prevails here that Fort Sumter is to be
evacua ted, and the belief is general that Pickens
will be defended at every risk.
PROCEEDINGS IN THE VIRGINIA CONVENTION.
RICHMOND, April 6.-In the Convention to-day,
re olutions were received from Charlotte and Nor
folk counties favoring secession. They were pre-
sented by Mr.. Holiday, who said the sgners of
the latter constituted small minority of the peo-
pie of the county.
Mr.. johnson presented petition for secession,
signed by 1,5OO people of Richmond He said the
sgners constituted only about one-third of the vo
crcula ton for weeks
The ninth resolution of the majority report then
came up. The amendment offered yesterday was
defeated.
Mr.. Bouldin moved to strike out the whole. and
insert substitute embodying a declaration that
the separate independence of the seeded States
ought to be acknowledged without further DELAY
that such acknowledgment should be made, and
suGh en- laws passed as separation may make proper.
The committee (of the whole) refused to strike
out and amend the resolution by 68 yeas to II
nays.
Other amendments were rejected and the resolu
ton was adopted, yeas 90, nays 81.
The committee then referred back to the Stb
resolution, recognizing the right of secession for
just causes. "
Mr.. Carlisle moved to strike out and insert sub
stltute embodying President Madison's language
lustyng secession, only in the event of the failure
OF every constitutional resort. The committee re-
Jected the motiOn-yeas %, nays ia.
other amendments were proposed and rejected
Pending the resolution, recess took place
. several hrm conservatives voted for Mr.. Bou-
din's substitute.
On re-assembling, the committee adopted the Stb
resolution, striking out, on motion of Mr.. Summers
the words "they concede,' in the Sd line The
committee then rose.
Mr.. Preston, Conservative offered some resolu-
tons supposed to have been occasioned bv the late
warike news,) declaring that the government has
no power to subjugate any seeded State protest
ing against any such coercive policy and authori.
zlng the appointment of delegation to wait on the
President, present these resolutions and respect
tui!y ask him to communicate TO this Convention
what course he intends to pursue
These resolutions were modified, on the sugges-
uon OF Mr.. Baldwin, and accepted by Mr.. Preston,
as follows:
Whereas, in the opinion of this Convention the uncer-
talnty which prevails in the public mind to the policy
e government intends to pursue towards the seeded
states extremely injurious to the commercial and in
uSai interests of the country, tends keep up an ex-
ctement which is unfavorable to adjustment of the
pendlng difficulties, and threatens disturbance of the
public peace: Therefore,
BE IL ureSoirsd, That committee of three delegates he
appointed to wait on the President of the United States
ana respectfully ask him to communicate to this Conyen
ton what course he intends pursue
Mr.. Carlisle offered amendment to include n
desire to know what policy the seeded States in
tended to pursue towards the general government,
which was rejected; and MIR Preston's resolution,
as modified, adopted.
Mr. jackson, of Wood, moved reconsideration
as ne did not vote, and it was agreed to take the
vote again. He then made a vehement speech
against the proposition, declaring his constituents
would never consent to join South Carolina
Lieutenant Governor Montague made sharp re-
ply, and considerable feeling was manifested on
both sides. Some Unionists consider the adopt,op
OF the resolutions will annihilate all hopes of an
adjustment " N1
twas finally agreed to adjourn, hoping the pro-
ceedlngS would be more calm on Monday.