Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1867-12-13
ALEXANDRIA,
, FRIDAY EVENING, DECEMBER IS
Virginia ConserYatiye Convention,

- SAHBAAAos OOASckV0SAS0 NOHt0UblOnst
I've have already given brief account Of
the first days proceedings of the Virginia Con
sentative Convention. We subjoin further
particulars 3 9 Ee&G Cd 2.1eN Eg..;
= AZ II q clock the Donvention was called to
order by the Hon. Winoughby Newton, who
nominated as temporary chairman the veuera-
bic Thomas J. Randolph, of Albemarle, 1.-THE
grandson Of Thomas Jefferson. :" -
The nomination was unanimously carried
and. Mr. R. T. Daniel, of Richmond, at the
request OF Mr.: Newton, conducted Mr.. Ran:
dolph to the chair; upon assuming which he
thus addressed the Convention:
a Gentlemen of the Convention Some forty
or fifty years ago good many young men had
assembled and proceeded to organize conven-
ton, and looking over the list of names pro-
posed Tor the various officers Of it, they found
one old gentleman, and as he was fit for moth
ing else,th determined to make him tempo.
rary chairman. I presume I am entitled to
the same consideration, Laughter. I: - 10:
=, Gentlemen, when the election tor,the so
called Convention, or whatever it is, which is
now sitting in the Capitol of this State, took
place, the fact was made known of perfect
organization and entire array of race against
race, aud that the negroes, under the guidance
of few renegades had ranged themselves
against the white people Of the State Ap-
plause. This fact brought to the mind of
every imam In the community, in the course of
four and twenty hours, sense Of danger, aud
the necessity which existed for the organiza-
ton amongst the white men OF q White Mans
party. Applause It, is apparent, then,
that the grand object of the assembling Of this
Convention was with view to this end aud
there never has been1s period in the history Of
this country when, as the Frenchmsn said "a
great talent for silence was 80 eininently re-
CURED as at this time and in this Convention.
Applause. When Gen. Lee surrendered,
the people of Virginia submitted absolutely,
additionally, unreservedly, and In good
Government. Whatever opinions had been
previously entertained upon the doctrine OF
secession, Were at once abandoned as impracti-
cable. The people Of Virginia have fully, un-
reservedly, persstently, and most faithfully,
observed that obedience to the laws and au.
thorty of the United States. They have not
forfeited that ancient sobriquct of Virginia
which 10 the .searly days she acquired, of
Law abiding Virginia
Gentlemen, We are not to think Of the idea,
nor is it to be ior moment entertained, that
this perfect and absolute submission to the
authority of the United States will argue in US
any lesseoed love of liberty and deviation from
the path OF honor-that, gentlemen, In the
heart of Virginians, is impossible. The old
grandame, with her little musings grouped
virtues, and fame, of their ancestors: the
mother, with her modest daughter, inspiring
love of liberty; the father and son aspiring TO
the fame ofthsir ancestors-a perfect love OF
liberty and toe duties of truth and courage
Applause National liberty should be for
ever de II to every Southern heart. 1t was
imperishable on the field of battle among our
perishing patriots-it has been indestructible
amid the coofagraton Of the cities, towns, and
dwellings, of our country.
We may look forward, gentlemen, with full
faith 10 the assurance of day of relief. APP
plause. | thank you, gentlemen, for the
honor you have done me.
Ga motion of MIR T. Turner, the proceed
ings were opened with prayer by the Rev DR..
Hoge, who invoked tbe throne Of Divine
Grace, 10 language both feeling and appropr-
ate, to guide the counsels OF the Convention
to the best results for the good Of society and
the State. Soy Co.,
On motion; of Mr.. T.. Turner, committee
of thirteen was appointed by the Chair to re-
commend officers for the permanent orgauiza-
ton of the Convention. The committee re-,
ported the following nominations for perma-
nent officers, which were approved by aecla-
mation-viz: For President: A. g. Il.
Stuart, Of Augusta. ~ ~ ..,-.l.
For Vice; Presidents: R. NJ. T. Hunter, of
Essex Samuel Mcdowell Moore, Of Rock
bridge; Robert I. Preston, of Montgomery;
Thomas S. Bocock, Of Appomattox Thomas
S. Fournoy, of Halifax Jamss L. Kemper,
of Madison; e. w. Newton, of Norfolk
William H. Mcfarland, of Richmond; James
A: Walker, OF $500; John Randolph Tucker
of Loudoun ). r. w. Hunter, of Winchester
and Wood Bouidin, o. Charlotte.
For Secretaries: H. K Ellyson, of the
Wing; and W. D, Coleman, of the Enquirer
Messrsrs. 2. Turner and K. O. Fuusteu con-
Quoted Mr. Stuart to the chair whereupon he
thus addressed the Convention:
Gentlemen of the Convention, Il thank you
for the honor you have done me in calling me
to preside over Convention which embodies
30 large share of the virtue, intelligence, and
patriotism Of Virginia.
We. have assembled. gentlemen, under cir
cumstaDces of peculiar interest aud solemnity.
This is no Convention to advance the interests
of mere party. Thank Heaven, if the late
fearful conflict has done no other good, it has
effaced all old party lines, and subdued all old
party irritations We come together not as
Wings or Democrats, but as Virginians. ear
nestly devoted to the promotion Of the interests
AMI honor of our common mother. , zad
Nor have We come together In any factious
spirit or with any aggressive purpose.
Whatever opinions individual members OF
this Convention may have entertained in the
past as to the right of State to withdraw from
the Union, / think may safely affirm that
they have been abandoned as impracticabe :
The questions arising out of those opinions
have been referred to the arbitrament Of arms,
and having been decided adversely, all now
feel that they are bound in honor, IS we'll as
impelled by interest, to stand by the award.
The people of Virginia now desire repose,
and they earnestly seek restoration of their
constitutional relations to the Union as the
best means of afording it.. They feel too,