The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1867-12-09
RECONSTRUCTION.
THE VIRGINIA STATE CONVENTION.
SPECIAL CORRESPONDENCE OF TINE HERALD.

Third Days Proceedings-The Seat Question
Disposed of-Attempt TO Administer the
1ron-Clad Oath : The Resolution Tabled
Effort TO Expel Conservatives : The City
Press-New state Government.
RICHMOND, Dec. s, 1867.
The Convention met this morning, and each member
his yesterday, in the respective places
which they had previously selected Porter ultra radI-
cal and loader in his accustomed seat, and Marye
OF Fredericksburg conservative leader, the
centre Of the small band the right The pro-
ceedings were opened by prayer Of a moderate
and patriotic tone, by Mr.. Mitchell, radical preach
The seats benches the House arc
semicrcular convergng to the Speakers desk in the
centre They divided into four sections. In the
first section commencing the eft the extrcms ultra
radicals congregatcd and here the dasky delegates
most numerous thirteen being interpreted among
nearly an equal number of plain radicals The second
section less variegated, sable members only
giving color to the plains assembled there The third
section was moro mongreized, seven African members
being scattered among many plain radicals and few
conservatives. Tho fourth section bore good
blance to. assemblages such heretofore
graced this hall, for the entire section filled
with neutrality-suspicious. Of ability, character.
social standing and representing properly in the State
Tho galleries were again to-day crowded with sable
citizens packed and pressed together making array
OF sable faces, rolling eyes, the white balls OF which
remarkable and in striking contrast with the dark
The Committee on Credentials reported, and duly
certified to the authority OF every delegate present to
instance being valid. Tho next matter Of importance
that came before the Convention Was the baotng for
soats This Il was feared would make neghbors OF
those whose proclivtes were entirely antacop-
isc and the conservative Of respectable antecedents
might have been placed in close proximity TO tho de-
to be avoided much az possible This fate however
was averted by amicab arrangement entered INTO by
the members and rs intermxture became inevitable by
the decree OF the ballot exchanges were made that little
altered the general aspect OF the body band OF
conservatives remained in their chosen section In the
ballots to-day observable that numbers OF
tho did not vote several questions from their
OF the real state Of the matters pending When
round in doubt to whether they should 81, stand.
but their eyes fell upon favored radical leader
either standing or sitting they followed suit with him.
Thus the African representatives in ths Virginia Consti
tutional Convention exhibited their intelligence ana
teigence ambition amply Supplies the deficit, for some
Of these members look forward 70 representing the State
Tho subject Of the printing occupied the attention of
the body for large portion Of the morning without any
definite conclusion being arrived at
policy Of tho radicals was evnced In resolution offered
by Hawkshurst Of Alexandria, requiring no bids 70 be
not take the test oath Tbis was lost however and
substitute adopted; but hines, OF Fairfax, offered
tho Convention to be sworn in conservative at once
camo to his feet and made an eloquent appeal against
this resolution The reconstruction acts were quoted as
silent on this subject and the address OF Judge
Underwood to the Convention and the very
prayer Of the chaplain this morning totally
in il tendency and threatening To- break up tho Con.
venslon. members could not take the oath pre-
submitted to this body motion 70 lay she resolution
upon the tabc prevailed, but u will up again
an carly day, as decided upon BY the ultra radical
and have elections that will send Of their
stripe. While upon this subject. a letter has
R.a.u xs L.
from John Minor Bots urging the expulsion
OF the conservative members Bolts defeated
election be contests and Mr. Bolts now In Washington
trying TO induce Congress to pass law By which the
cluson OF members OF Confederats anteccdens may be
effected Numerous attempts were made TO appoint
Committees ON Finance, Printing and other matters and
the following resolution for which several Substitutes
were offered and defeated, sin lies
Resolved THAT following standing committees be ap-
pointed by the CHAIR and % consist OF seven members e.cn
and Elections
The Committee on Rules and Regulations appointed
yesterday submitted report which Was adopted With
of parliamentary usage and considerable ability, and
reflects credit upon the committee who framed IL the
rules by which the Convention will he governed
somewhat similar 10 those adopted BY the New York
Constitutional Convention assembled az Albany. though
the committee had probably never seen the document
Certain members Of the Convention are considerably
ncensed at tho reports made OF the proceedings by the
Richmond press, particularly those OF African descent
and to-day rumors that reporters OF
Of the papers here would DO denied tho privileges Of the
floor OF Otherwise would 30 expelled
Al the conclusion OF the proceedings Dr. Bavne, col
ored, caused quite an excitement by calling the
attention Of the reporter OF tho Dsprtch
to certain paragraph, which no stated
misrcpresented him, being given 10 the negro
diacci. largo crowd Of Delegates coorcd pcops
gathered round the excited dosor and for time Is
was thought hc would lay volex hands the offend
inf reporter. lie withdrew, however, cautionng the
scribe in threatening manner not TO be guilty OF
similar indiscrcton In the future.
A. before iniimated petition has tecn drawn NJ,
duly signed and subscribed 10 Nv majority OF the radi
ca members OF the Convention askng Congress TO
power TIE conversion q frameia new State governments
on the Isl o. January next