Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1877-01-06

we're criticism by the illustrious names which
framed it, and which recommended its adop-
ton, fell far short OF meeting the popular de-
naut for reform. Accordingly another con-
vention was called in 1850, Of which Mr. Ca
perton was a member The results of that
convention gave entire satisfaction TO the pop
ular mind Of Virginia. Representation upon
the basis of the free white population of the
State was recognized, although, in a spirit Of
compromise, the period was suspended for q
few years when the principle was to be carried
into full operation. Suffrage was extended to
all free white male citizens Of twenty-one years
of age and upward. All offices were made e.
lective by the people, with many other changes
of az important and interesting character. In
all the proceedings Of this convention Dir. Ca
perton bore useful and prominent part as a
friend of constitutional reform, earning th e
respect AMI conf lence of his colleagues by his
cool sense sound principles, and practical
suggestions. Tue constitution was adopted by
an overwhelming majority Of the people, aud
an impulse given to the active energies of the
State which soon became perceptible 10 its rap
idly increasing prosperity.
Mr.. Cdperton was an ardent admirer ofthat
great and accomplished statesman Henry Clay,
who gave evidence in three of the most memo
rable acts of his life of devotion almost pas
sionate for the perpetuity Of the Union. This
sentiment was enthusiastic lily responded TO by
his supporters and disciples throughout the
country, who, indeed, made it almost the shib-
boleth Of party faith. But the Uaion which
Mr.. Clay so eloQueu,ly depicted WAS one OF
choice, of Cancellation, and compromise; net
of armed despo;ism and force. This opinion
was largely shared by Mr.. Caperton. and in all
the movements preceding the breaking out OF
! hostilities be was firm and inflexble adv User
Of a policy that sought to preserve Virginia TO
/ the Union. But whom the PROCLAMATION OF
! President Lincoln was Issued, calling upon
that State, among others, to contribute her
! quota Of troops and to become an active party
| to the war then about being inauguTated to
crush the seeding States, and TO imbrue her
hands in the blood of her brethren Of the South,
1 a change came over him, as in one night il did
/ over fifty thousand Of tho frcemen and voters
| OF Virginia That proclamation boldly pre-
! sented, on behalf of the Northern States, the
stern ultimatum Of war, and ihe alternative
wal then precpitated upon Virginia either to
become party TO war TO conquer and sub
due the seeding States or q party to war to
! maintain and defend rights which she had held
sacred from the foundation Of the Government.
Mr.. Caperton and the great mass of the people
Of that State arrayed themselves on the side OF
the rights and sovereignty of the States. From
that moment his heart and bis services were
freely given to the confederate cause
met with Mr.. Csperton frequently after lie
took his seat in the Senate Of the United States.
| had occasional conferences with him upon
measures pending before he two bodies, and
it became my duty from time to time, as a
member Of the House of Representatives, to
call his special attention 30 the personal claims
Of my constituents and to the local interests OF
my district found him frank, courteous,
intelligent, and attentive colaborer in the work
Of legislation, ready at all times TO guard and
protect the interests and to promote the jus,
claims Of the citizens of his State. In not q
single instance did observe any procrast:ns-
ton OF inatteniion on his part to any Of the
several matters 20 which invited his atten-
ton. His service in that elevated and digni-
fed body was brief, too brief 70 enable him
to exhibit TO the country many OF those ster-
ling qualities of head and heart which would
have reflected credit on his State. But be is
now gone forever from among US his place
may be filled by successors OF greater brllliaDcy
and of more dazzling talents but it never can
be filled by any man Of more yirtuous and gen.
eIous impulses, nor by one more loyal 10 the
true interests aud honor Of his native State.
Mr.. Speaker, submit the resolutions which
send 10 the Clerk desk TO be read.