The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1869-12-10

8,
against the admission OF the State. and CO.
incided with fhe views of Congressman
Porter. Measrs. Humphreys and Maddox,
of the Convention committee, also pro-
tested against the admission of the State.
Congressman Plat and Ayers, and Mr..
Hine, Of the bolters' wing Of the late Com
vention, spoke in favor Of the early adnis-
sion ofthe State.
On motion of Mr.. Apson, of Michigan,
Mr.. Bland (colored State Senator) was in
vited to give his views. Bland is about
twenty-eight years of age, and quite black.
Hise eloquent speech before the committee not
only surprised them but his colleagues. He
stated in detail his reasons for boiling from
she late Republican Convention in Rich
mond. He desired it to be distinctly under
stood that be was n Republican, had always
been, and would continue to be, while that
party was the friend of his race. He thanked
the Republican party for the freedom
they had given his race, and the equal
rights which had been accorded them. He
was the warm advocate of the present
State Constitution, and was proud that he
was an humble instrument in framing it,
and of its final adoption by the people of his
native State. He was satisfied nineteen
tWentieths of the people of all colors and
localities in Virginia were daily praying for
the speedy admission of the State. It was
but few designing men who, to carry out
some personal schemes, were opposed to
the admission Of the State as at present or
ganized. He was opposed to the test-oath,
or iron-clad oath, as it is called.
General Butler "Why are you opposed
to the test-oath!"
Bland "Because I do not consider it
fair or consistent. The people of Massa-
chusetts or Pennsylvania can take the test
oath, for they were all in the North during
the war, while men of Virginia were nearly
all with the South, and to insist upon their
taking the test-oath is simply to ostracise
nearly nine-tenths Of the white men Of the
State, the larger number of whom were
now good Union men,"
He was sure he spoke the sentiments OF a
large majority of the colored men of Vir-
gina when he expressed the earnest hope
and prayer that Virginia be at once admit
ted into the union of States.
A general conversation ensued between
the members Of the Reconstruction Com
mittee.
General Butler then announced that the
committee would meet Saturday morning
and receive the committee again. It was
agreed to allow Beckley (colored), from
Alexandria, to reply to BANDS speech on
Saturday, but the committee ordered that
all others who would have anything to say
must present it IN writing.
The committee then adjourned. The
Porter faction is sure the test-oath will be
required, and that the State will not now
be admitted. They have Wardwell with
them, and he is represented as warm per-
sonal friend of General Butler, and as
having much influence with him.
Porter insists that his speech to-day set
tied the matter, and he will carry his point.
Butler wants the State admitted, and
think the weight his influence will speed.
ily bring about the result. The Legislative
Committee arc confident. They have pre-
sented a memorial and pledge, as previously
approved by General Butler, and feel sure
he will remain true to his assurances given
to them few days since.
It was observed to-day that Representa-.
| tive Farnsworth, Of Illinois, was one of the
most DESTROYS in the committee to have the
| I ~, q, ,,rt 1o tate tor
at once Hon. Fernando Wood expressed
the opinion that he did not believe single
member Of the committee would vote (ir
committee) against bill of admission du
ring the session Of the committee. Genera
Butler has given no opinion pro or con-, but
was exceedingly courteous TO all parties. II
an interview with Gen. Butler he stated that
there was now no doubt about the speedy
admission Of the State Of Virginia. He sai(
we only require guarantee that the schoo
system and the jury clause embraced in the
Constitution be strictly carried out. HI
said, emphatically, we don't care tis
| about test-oaths; we only want the guaran
tee and then there is no doubt about The
State being at once admitted. When re
minded that the pledge guaranteeing the
faithful carrying out of the provisions O
the new Constitution had been given to thu
Reconstruction Committee to-day, he sale
eyes, l know that is all right, and l dom
think there will be any more trouble abou
it. We will be sure, though, to provide
that there be no more Georgia trick
played" He then spoke in complimentary
terms of Bland, the young colored man who
addressed the committee to-day, and re
marked, 81 hear that he was formerly
identified with the Democratic party, but, ,
laughing, "that is no great matter"
It is the general opinion here to-nigh
that the admission of the State of Firginii
will be accomplished next Monday or Tues
| day. WALLACE.
The Admission of virginia-Speeche.
before the Reconstruction Commit
zee by Governor Walker, Speaker
Turror porter Plat. md others.