The Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1865-1903, 1872-02-02
CHARLESTON, W. Va, Jan. Q!
our srAn.spANoLED BANNER AGAIN.


A stranger attending the Convention
for the first few days would have thought
it a body brought together from the four
quarters Of this great State to discuss the
merits Of the United States flag US IN en-.
blcmatic piece OF bunting, rather than to
make n Constitution for the benefit of the
people, guaranteeing 10 them life, liberty
and the pursuit OF such happiness as they
may be inclined 10 run after.
The original mover of the resolution
TO have the flag hoisted over the old
church where the Constitution is to be
cut up, sailed, smoked, dried and hung in
q new canvas sack, is amazed at the
rumpus his innocent resolution kicked
up, and to-day raised his silvery voice
over the voices offour other Delegates,
who were all talking at once, aud said
that If he had thought the intro.
fductiOn Of his resolution would have
caused so much disturbance, he never
would have introduced it-no, never
never. Al this melancholy exhibit
want Of backbone, co.patriot who had
fought. bled and pretty well died for the
flag ten years ago, sacrificing his time and
negroes for the cause, was observed to
become visibly affected, q tear gently
stealing into the corner of his right eye,
which he wiped away with the corner of
his LETT coat tail, and arose to give his
views, but was overcome by the magni-
tude of the interests involved, and sat
down in silence. The greater part Of the
session to-day was taken up talking about
the flag, ar, unnecessary waste Of time, l
think, for the events Of the past ten years
have demonstrated that the flag has
friends enough to take care of II on all
needlul occasions. Having survived the
assault Of n million and q half OF armed
men, it may be able 10 feebly flap yet n
little longer, even though portion Of the
delegates to the West Virginia Convention
turn their pop guns upon it.
During the debate, Mr. johnson, OF
Tyler, offered an amendment TO the Origi.
nal resolution, that the words "West Vir-
ginia rescued from tyranny" be inscribed
upon it, though precisely what he was
driving at am unable TO say.
Mr.. Maslin "arose to question Of eX-
pense," and thought that 1t was time that
the "watch.dogs of the Treasury were
turned loose" although rs TO what should
be the precise duties Of the dogs he was
silent. A treasury with nothing init does
not need close watching.
Mr.. Wheat, Of Wheeling, thought It was
unimportant whether the flag was hoisted
or not, and did not think II could add
either to the patriotism or benefit of the
Convention. lie had always been Union
man and supporter Of the flag, but
thought tue debate unnecessary, and
moved the indefinite postponcment orthc
questiOn.
Mr.. Brown opposed this motion, and
wanted the flag. He was met with the
answer that there wasn't any flag TO be
had, TO which he replied that it was high
time there was one. IIe wanted TO sit
under the old flag once more.
Mr.. Wilson said that he had been told
by the Sergeant.at-arms that a suitable
flag would cost one hundred and forty
dollars, and 10 put it up hundred more.
But he wanted the flag, and thought
twenty-five dollars would buy one that
would do better than none.
MIR. johnson, of Wood, suggested that
the Governor loan the Convention one ol
the rcgimcntal flags now in the Capitol.
Mr.. Ward, who happily blends the du'
tics Of making q constitution with the
more remunerative employment of man
uiacturing itch ointment, arose to place
himself upon the record. First and fore.
most he believed in adherence to his State
and after that to tho United States; thai
Is to say, he proposed to love his State
and then II in the iullness Of his heart he
had any affection left over, he proposed
to graciously bestow 1t upon the United
: States, Happy Mr.. Ward With what
gushing patriotism and Overlooking con
tldence In the great State he lives In, ht
can place his hand upon his swelling
bosom and say, ~ am q citizen Of Yves
Virginia ~ And If itshould become nee
essary that he should go to Europe a!
Minister Plenipotentiary and Envoy Ex