Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1869-01-05
VIRGINIA POLITICS.

During last week q conference of some of
the leading men of Virginia, was held in the
city of RiahRpnd, which had under conside-
ration the present political status of the State.
On Saturday aight they agreed on preamble
aad resolution, which sets forth that while the
people of Virginia do not believe that the ne
croes in their uueducated condition are as yet
fit for suffrage, yet, in view of the expression
Of public opinion in the recent national cleo
ton, and in the hope Of restoring harmony
and unioa, they are willing to accept universal
suffrage coupled With universal amnesty.
In the progress of the meeting the follow
ing proceedings occurred: 1t was resolved
that the Hon Alexander Fl. II. Stuart be
requested to serve as chairman of the COM
mittee fnine persons appointed to visit Wash
ington for the purpose indicated in another
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 gentlemen,
who, with the chairman, shall constitute the
delegation referred 10. In accordance with
the foregoing resolution, the chairman named
Eiessrs. John Bchols, T. G. Ruffin and James
f Johnston as the committee, who, after a
short retirement, reported, recommending as
the delegation. in addition to the Hon. A. II.
rs Stuart, Messrs. John J.. Marye, Jr., of
Fredericksburg ); James F. johnson, of Bed
ford W. T. Sutherlin, of Danville Wynd>
ham Robertson, of Washington county; W.
4. Owen, of Halifax j ohm B. Baldwin, of
Augusta 81 ames Necson, of Richmond ; j.
I. Slaughter f Lynchburg. The question
being put ia the Recommendation of the COM
mittee, the same was unanimously approved.
1t wassordered that the Richmond press be
requested to publish. these proceedings; and
.thereupSQ the meeting adjourned. -
The Ssdersigned, residents Of different
parts al Virginia, having, upon .iayitati
: some OF THY own number, assembled
80 for u purpose. of hold ia&ozs
I1,iabe pr} - res cg....t.lon
te5 Interchange
i9fH tie following cons
respectfully submit to-
ih6 caInls shd patriotic judgment Of their
country ..,1 men isI :; -
and sheysbe lieye Of the people Of Virginia
generally remain 'uhckangedT that Che freed.
men of the. Southern States, IN their present
uneducated condition, are not prepared for
: the intelligent exercise. of the elective fran
chise aud the performance of other duties
connected with public affairs, and are, there
fore, at this,tipe unsafe repositories of politi-
cal power ;;yet, il, 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 tire people of
Virginia are prepared, to surrender their op-
position to its incorporation into their fun
damental law, as an offering on the altar Of
peace, and in the hope that union and har-
mony may be restored on the basis of univez-
cal suffrage and universal amnesty.
Q. To give effect to this purpose and to
spare no efforts to effect speedy and perma-
nent restoration of union and harmonious re-
lations between the portions of our country
which have been for some years past aliena-
ted, the undersigned will appoint committee
of nine members troy different parts of the
State, and rejecting, as far as may be practi-
cable. the public sentiment of the State,
whose duty it shall be, at an early day, to
proceed to Washington, and be authorized to
make known the views and purposes hereby
declared, to the Congress of the U. States,
and to take such measures as they may think
proref to aid in obtaining from that body such
legislation concerning the organic law Of Vir.
giinia as Congress ia its wisdom may deem