Richmond Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1862-1865, 1865-02-11
IN THE HALL OF The HOUSE OF
.DFLEGATES

DELEGATES.
After the adjournment Ofthe House of Delegates,
Yesterday, at O'Clock, number Of the members
of that body held an Internal conference, aud ap-
pointed. a committee TO wait upon several ct the
Representatses in Congress and invite them to ad.
Dress their fellow citizens in the Hall of the House.
Notice Of this movement was communicated TO the
public as far HS practicable, and by O'Clock the
dali was crowded with citizens, including large
proportion OF ladies. ~,
Col John 4. Anderson of BotetOurt county, was
called to The Chair, and the gentlemen invited to
address the meeting having entered the Hall, Mr..
Anderson introduced TO the audience
Hon. JoaS GcODH. OF Va, who deliyereda stir.
ring speech He referred 20 the rejection of peace
oyertares by Lincoln as an evidence OF his mahg-
nitv and elOquently derded the Yankee idea of
cCercmg this people by the power OF the sword
We have taken up arms 90 he free-to vndicate onr
right 10 self overnment--Snd We will never lay
them down until our independence Is achieved -
{Applause) Why should any one deSp0nd There
Is no dependency aneng the brave men who for four
years have borne the pryations OF the camp or the
tolls of the march, aud have encountered the perils of
the battle field. They went forthto strike for their
liberty for their wives mothers children, for every
thing that makes life desirable, and tIey have made
q record which is covered with undying TuStre.-
They have determined that this contest shall go on
until our independence is achieved. What response
are we prepared TO give Are We prepared to SUBJ
mt-to say that we are no longer frcemenf Is lib
erty less sweet to us than was to our ancestorsI
The simple, naked question Is, whether we are pre-
pared, like freemen, 10 contend for rights,
like slaves, TO submit have no doubt Of the final
result it the people are really determined to be
free Eight millions of people, inhabiting country
such es ours, and with such resources as we have,
can never be subdued ii they are determined 10 be
free Are we willing be the prOprietors Of these
broad fields and fertile Valleys Talk not OF subju-
CATION. There was the LITTLE country of Scotland
which maintained a struggle for independence for
four hundred years and was finally victorious. We
have not encountered one-haf of the priyations
which our forefathers encountered. when Wash
ington was told that Pennsylvania would abandon
the cause his proud heart was undsmayed. and he
replied that il the worst came he would retire with
that little baud to West Augusta, raise his banner
and there gather around him an army Of treemen
who would lift his bleeding country from the DUST
(Applause). Weare standing where they stood in
'T6-cOnteniing for the same rights and principles
for Which they commended.
The Yankees went to war 10 abolish slavery
We went 10 war to resist interference with our do
me Stie institutidAs. Since the war has commenced
II has assumed grayer proportions. On The part Of
the North, it is nav war fct conquest. On cur
part. K is a war for Independence. Virginia will
never submit to be ruled by n Yankee master She
has tie proudest motto that ever blazed upon ma
tioa's shield or warriors arm. Her sons went
forth with Sc Sgnper TErdERiS' inscribed upon
their banners and they will never yield 10 the in
solent foe. They have ,been educated TO believe
that Resistance to tyrauts is obedience to God,
and hence Virginia, If true TO herself, can never
submit 70 terms proposed By ecnquerOF' Inc