Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1869-01-08
Results Of u Political Conference in Rich.
mNud


HOTEL in the city OF Richmond, on the 3sl
Of December, 1868, for the purpose of con.
sultation, in regard to the matters explained
in the narrative of their proceedings herein
after supplied, was organized BY inviting
the Hon. A. III. H. Stuart to the chair, and
by the appointment Of G. G. McRae secreta-
~,
MIR. Stuart, on taking the chair, explained
the objects for which the meeting was held,
and the circumstances under and the manner
in which it originated
After considerable discussion, in which a
large number of the meeting participated, and
in which much harmony feeling and views
was displayed, it was determined that com
mittee Of eight in number (of which the
Hon. A II. H. Stuart was made chairman
by the meeting) should be appointed,
charged with the duty Of celebrating and
reporting in regard to suitable business for
the consideration of the meeting The chair
being requested to appoint the remaining
members of the committee named Messrs
George W. Boiling, of Petersburg; Thomas
S Flournoy, of Halifax: John L Marye,
Jr., Of Fredericksburg d. G. Deiarnette of
Caroline Frank g. Rufin, of Chesterfield ;
James f. johnson. Of Bedford; B. H
Magruder, Of Albermarle; whereupon the
meeting adjourned to convene on the ensuing
evening at the same place.
According to the order Of adjournment,
the meeting again assembled on January LIST,
1869, when the Committee, appointed at the
former session, through their Chairman,
submitted report, the distinct features of
which being separately considered and acted
upon, the whole, after elaborate discussion,
with some notifications introduced BY the
action of the meeting, was finally approved
by 4 vote nearly unanimous, only two gen.
tlemen who participated in the proceedings
of the meeting expressing, as before explain
ed, au unwilingness to concur in its action.
The names of several other gentlemen who
acted with the meeting would doubtless have
been added had they been present at the
time of adjournment
In the progress Of the meeting the follow
ing proceedings occurred: It was resolved
that the Hon. Alexander II. H. Stuart be
requested to serve as Chairman Of the Com
mittee of nine persons appointed to visit
Washington for the purpose indicated in an
other part of the proceedings, and that the
Chair be requested to appoint Committee
of three to recommend for the consideration
of the meeting the names of eight other gen
tlemen who, with the Chairman, shall con-
stitute the delegation referred to. In accor-
dance with the foregoing resolution, the
Chair named Messrs John EchoIs, f. G..
Ruhin and James D. Johnston as the Com
mittee, who, after short retirement report
ed, recommending as the delegation in addi-
ton to the Hon. A. Fl H. Stuart, Messrs
John l.. Maryo. Jr Of Fredericksburg.
James F. johnson, of Bedford, W. I. Suth-
erlin, of Danville, Wyndham Robertson. of
Washington county, W. E Owen, of Hall
fax, John B. Baldwin, of Augusta, James
Neeson, Of Richmond, j. F Slaughter of
Lynchburg. The question being put on the
recommendation Of the Committee, the same
was unanimously approved. 1t was ordered
that the Richmond press be requested to
publish these proceedings, and thereupon the
meeting adjourned.
G. G. MCRAE, Secretary
The undersigned, residents of different
parts Of Virginia, having, upon invitation of
some of their own number, assembled in
Richmond for the purpose of holding con
ference in regard to the present imperilIed
condition Of the Commonwealth, after a full
interchange Of opinions. have come to the
following conclusions, which they respectful
ly submit to the calm and patriotic judg-
mept Of their countrymen.
l. While the conviction Of the undersign-
ed and as they believe Of the people of Vir-
ginia, generally remain unchanged, that the
freedmen of the Southern States, in their
presen tuneducated condition are not prepared
fro the exercise of the elective fran
chise and the performance Ct Other duties
connected With public affairs, and arc, there
fore at this time unsafe repositories of poll
teal power; yet in view of public opinion in
favor of their being allowed to exercise the
right of suffrage as expressed in the recent
elections, the undersigned are prepared. and
they believe the majority Of the people of
Virginia are prepared. to surrender their
opposition to its incorporation into their
fundamental law, as an offering Oh the altar
of peace, and in the hope that union and
harmony may be restored on the basis Of un--
iversal suffrage and universal amnesty.
II. 70 give effect to this purpose, and to
spare nc efforts for speedy and permanent re-
storation Of union and harmonious relations
between the portions of our country which
have been for some years past alIenated, the
undersigned will appoint committee Of nine
members from different parts Of the State,
and rejecting, as far as may he practicable
the public sentiment of the State, whose
duty i shall be. at an early day, to proceed
to Washington and be aathoriged to make
known the views and purposes hereby declared
to the Congress Of the United States, and
to take such measures as they may think pro-
per to aid in obtaining from that body such
legislation concerning the organic law of
Virginia as Congress in its wisdom may
deem expedient and best under all the cir
eumstanees. The delegation so to be consti-
tused may fill vacancies, and arg authorized
to enlarge their number in their discretion.
i'll. The undersigned recommend to the
people of Virginia, by primary meetings,
to appoint delegates to popular convention,
TO be held in Richmond. on Wednesday, the
10th day Of February 1869, to receive the
report Of the committed appointed by the
foregoing resolutions, and adopt such other
measures as may be deemed eapedient to
promote the objects herein advocated.
Alex, FL. Fl. Stuart, Augusta county;
Thomas Branch, Richmond;
D. G. Dejarnette, Caroline;
Thomas $. FlQarnoy, Halifax
Wyndham Robertson, Washington CO.
Wm. D. Quesenberry, Caroline
B. Il. Magruder, Alhemarle;
Geo. W. Boiling, Petersburg,
Asa. d Dickinson, Prince Edwards
joni L. Marye, Jr., Fredericksburg;