The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1869-01-04
The Recent Conference.

MoNDAY...... !. ....JANUARys 4, 1863.
The Recent Conference.
Wepublish to. day the resolutions saopted
by the recent conference Of prominent gen.
tlercn OF the State held at the Ex-
change Hotel in this place. The gentlemen
composing this conference, the most Of
whose names are appended to the paper
they adopted, were privately requested to
meet here to consider the subject Of the
manner, Of the readmission Of Virginia into
the Union. Agreeing as to the object de-
sired to DO effected by the distinguished
gentleman who set the movement on foot,
(Mr. stuart, Of Augusta,) they readily
complied with his invitation: They came
to confer; and while speaking more espe-
oially for themselves, they did not HESITATE
20 state their own impressions as to the
opinions Of their fellow-citizens. The re-
presentations Of these gentlemen are alto
gether reliabIe-while their proceedings
were entirely frank, unselfsh, and pa
trictic. rr ID a ISL s
The paper prepared by these gentlemen
is unobjectionabie in its main particulars
to all persons who properly view the ext
gency in which We are placed. Negro suf-
frage ia plainly inevitable, and longer OPP
position would be vain. While admitting
this fact, the paper declares truth in as
sertipg that the people of Virginia do not
think the negro yet prepared for the exer-
else of the franchise, and that it should not
have been conferred on him until he had
had opportunities and time to fit himself
for this responsible relation to the Govern
ment. This frank statement should entitle
those who make it to the general respect OF
the party in power. That party must know
that the people of Virginia entertain this
opinion, and must place much more trust in
their professions when they boldly avow it
than IL they hypocritically espoused the
opposite opinion.
The clearing away of this bone of con-
tention-this negro sufFrage-brings us to
the face of those abominable contrivances
for the disabling OF the white race, and
which, in the constitution framed in this
city, are so sweeping that should 1t be
adopted the power Of the State would he
placed In the hands Of the negroes and
their affiliatipg incompetents. 1t is with
IL I,{ he c0nfQrnnnn
rected its action. 1t appointed commit
tee to proceed to Washington TO explain onr
situation fully, and especially to show the
disastrous effects upon the prosperity o.
the State of disqualifyinc all the intel''-
pence and experience Of the State for hold
ing office. IT is hoped that when the
members of that body hear the clear state
ment of these effects, the destruction OF
confidence, the repelling immigration, the
lettering Of capitalists from Investment
AID the general delav of the recovery and
prosperity of the State, they will at least
separate the odious test-oath from the BODY
Of the constitution. and permit the people
to vote on each separately.
One proposition is that the committee
which goes to Washington shall endeavor to
secure the consent of Congress to the sub
mission to the people, at the election, of a
different constitution from that already
framed. Their success in this is problem
atical; but we may hope at least for the
separation Of the test-oath from the pend
ing instrument. This State is indeed i'm
medistely interested in the restoration Of
equality among the States and inthe placing
her public affairs in the hands Of competent
and honest men but inasmuch as shs con-
stitutes an important part of The territory
Of the Union, the question of such re-
stored government materially concerns the
nation. The prosperity Of Virginia must
greatly promote the national welfare, while
her continued prostration and possible de-
cline, under an administration of her public
affairs in which there can be no confidence,
will be injurious to the interests Of the
whole country.
The committee appointed by the con-
ference is good one. 1t certainly should
not provoke feeling of suspicion or un-
kindness from the dominant party. They
are all frank and practical and patriotic
gentlemen-as much devoted to the resto-
ration Of national concord and prosperity
as any man who lives north Of Mason and
Dixon's line.
The proposition for county meetings to
approve or object to the action Of the con-
ference is prudent, and will surely result
in strengthening the moral force OF the
mission of the "nine." The additional
measure of q convention Of the people IN
this city on the 10th Of February is timely
and judicious. What there may be for OF tna :
convention to act upon, time will disclose.
There may DO matters Of great moment Ior
it. 1t is therefore important that tns
people should ,depute some Of their wisess
and calmest men to meet in council at taa1
time. re tgs 49,
Let us hope for the best results from this
effort to heal divisions and conserve 'he
welfare Of the State and the nation:
"sEssx,s PRoPosIrIoN.-The Leesburg
NO