Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1869-12-09
VIRGINIA.,

| NASllNGION, Dec. ~. nc ADMISSION U
Virginia, which it vas anticipated would hav,
taken place TO day, has been retarded, and the
action o! the Reconstruction Committee pre-
cludes the possibility OF such an event now
before Monday next The ultra Radicals, a.
was expected, are throwing every obstacle il
the way, and urging delay and the application
of :he tc>t.oath to the members OF the Legis
lature.
| Upon the meeting of the Reconstruction
| Committee this mornng, the consideration o.
Georgia affairs having been postponed, the
question of the admission of Virginia wa:
taken up when Mr.. Hine, from committee
resolution, embodying the views of one faction
| Of that party, iavoring the admission Of the
| State--thc members Of the Legislature to take
such oaths a. are required by the rcconsruc-
| ton acts.
Mr. Porter, 4 representative elect, and presi
dent of the late Richmond Radical Convention,
demanded that the test oath should be &c.
quircd of the members Of tho Legislature, and
was not anxious for the immediate admission
| OF the State.
Mr.. IIiue thought that the Iron clad -
might be necessary, but left that to Congress.
Mr.. Turner, Speaker Of tho House Of Del.
egatcs, and as chairman of the committee of
Conservative members OF that body now in the
city, presented memorial, signed by all the
members present, setting forth the action of
the people aud Legislature in reference to the
adoption of the Constitution, and pledging
themselves, individually, and as representatives,,
to carry out, in letter and spirit, the provisions
Of that Constitution. Mr.. Il. argued against
the requirement Of tho test oath. He said he
was no party man, and desired that the State
should be speedily admitted on account of the
legislation that was necessary.
Mr.. CgcnShaw alluded to the divisions in the
Radical party, and argued against the imposi-
ton of the test oath.
Durham Wardwell, of Richmond, mem
Der of the ultra Radical faction, preached
politico religious sermon much TO the amuse-
mcnt of all present asserting that he always
mixed up prayer and politics, and never prayed
that he did not pray for the Radicals. lie was
radical in all his acts had taken the test oath,
and wanted everybody else to do likewise
There we're enc hundred and forty ono convicts
in the penitentary, every ono Of whom were
loyal, and had taken the test oath.
Gov. Walker, by request Of Gen. Butler,
gave his opinion of the honest intention of the
Legislature and people to abide by and carry
out tho provisions Of the Constitution. llav-
ing given their word they would DO as they
said--as Virginians always did.
Mr.. platt, Representative elect, and
Radical stated his desire for the immediate
admission of the State, and opposed the I'M
position OF the test oath,
Porter replied in speech OF some length,
taking ground in favor of the test oath, and
charging that the Constitution would not be
carried ont by the Legislature or those elect
ed By il, lie wanted further time to adducc
proof OF his assertions.
Bland. col0reJ, spoke next, opposing the
test oath and i.voring the admission OF the
State at once.
Porter having asserted that colored Jurors
were not permitted in the State, he was asked
by whom werc the Jurors summoned, and who
appointed the sheriff, and upon being inform
ed that it was By General Candy General
Butler said that Gen Candy had been guilty
Of great iau't.
There was much cross firing between the
opposing Radicals, and some feeling manifest
ed, aud upon proposition that each party be
allowed three spokesmo", Gen. Butler said
that that would be too many. aS thor" "p'''''
o1 IN hc about ."v"'' r"''' -, u 1:.l,
The discussion on the part OF the hauicals
was 4 mere rehash OF old aspcrsions, IN when
they frequently contradicted themselves; ellcl-
tea no information, and only consumed need
-, .lv ,hn time of the committee, which, at l.
o'clock, adjourned until Saturday mornlng.
when, il was announced. the subject would
be finally disposed OF.
Senator Wilson to-day, ia conversation with
Judge Johnston, said that he was satliled that
VIRGINIA had and would oct in good iaith, and
that he was in Iavor of her immediate admis'
sion.
Gen Butler, notwithstanding his assertions
ohout the admission of the State, Is hshy, to
cav the least. Gen. Farnsworth Is not only
f. vorab.c, but very anxious for the admission
If the State at once.