The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1877-01-09


his point, he managed to wedge in pretty
good speech, endorsing and commending
the position Of General Bradley r. Johnson.
General Terry repeated that in his judg-
ment, the <neeting was not properly called,
and could not be said to represent Virginia.
FESTlSA LENTE.
Judge Allen also denied that the meeting
had authority to commit Virginia, and
claimed that the best policy it could pursue
would be to adopt the resolutions he had
offered. His idea was to hasten slowly.
Judge Allen suggested that before any ac-
ton 1t would be well to know what CORE
spondence had taken place; what necessity
there was for hasty action. His resolutions
were drawn at the suggestion OF some OF
the wisest and most prudent citizens OF
Virginia, who were not here now, and he
hoped they would be adopted.
GOVERNOR SMITH.
Governor William Smith, of Fauqller,
said that the motion Of Judge Meredith
had been overslaughed and forgotten in
the consideration of alien propositions.
He pointedly referred to the usurpations
of the returning boards, and contended
that we should not act with dilatoriness,
but yet with caution and prudence. II
the voice of Virginia was to be heard, it
ought to be heard without unnecessary
delay. In relation to the call, he stated
news came the other night that Virglnla's
voice, in firm and temperate tones, was eS-
pected, and the chairman OF the committee
with commendable promptness acted. 1t
was impossible for the people at large to
be convened, and then this meeting-a sort
of local meeting-with the members OF the
Legislature present, not in their official bus
personal capacity, was determined upon.
In aluding to remark OF some previous
speaker General Smith Indignantly denied
that the resolutions OF General johnson eX-
pressive Of sympathy with South Carolina
had been smothered IN the Committee on
Federal Relations. The Committee would
be heard from at the proper time.
General Smith declared that it was his
view that Virginia ought not to lead, but
should give her assistance even il in the final
catastrophe it should be blood. The Gene
raj was the other day in Washington, and
talked with number Of congressman and
sought to ascertain their views. Since his
arrival here he had received letter from
Virginia congressman he had asked to give
him the best opinion obtainable on the SUBJ
iect, and that gentleman had advised that
Virginia respond to the Sth Of January move
ment in the North and West.
Further, General Smith defended the ac-
tion Of Major Meade, and supported the
motion of Judge Meredith for the appoint
ment Of committee to report business, and
to whom all resolutions shall be referred.
General Smith wanted Virginia to be as
inflexible as the mathematical line, and do
what was right and proper, come veal or
woe. He did not expect the meeting
to express anything but local sentiment,
but thought that would have some effect
upon the Legislature in shaping its course.
NOT SPEAK FOR VIRGINIA.
Colonel Penn, OF Patrick, would not
criticise the calling Of the meeting. They
were here assembled, and it was too late.
But he would say that the meeting could
not speak for Virginia. He thought that
General Smith wanted to hear the voice OF
Virginia. How could this meeting utter
it? And how could Virginia endorse the
action Of the people OF the North and West
without knowing what it was? He would
have Virginia speak through a convention
of representative men called after due no.
tice. Colonel Penn maintained that this
was not the time to speak. We could re-
spond to the North and West after we know
what they have done, not before; and any
how, we should only act after due delil e
ration. He was opposed to any milk
and-water resolutions that could be reaC
both ways; but the North and West must
lead. Now suppose, said he, the resolu
tions they pass are not such as we hope for
we may thus be put in a bad predicament
Colonel Penn expressed himself in favor Of
the resolutions Of Judge Allen.
TOSSED UPON TEMPEST.
Major W. F. G. Gregory, OF Petersburg
said we were tossed upon tempest, and
should now take our reckoning. 1t was nc
time for inaction or hesitation. BE wished
Judge Meredith's motion to be adopted, anG
il the committee appointed did not present
suitable resolutions then they should be re-
iected and other ones adopted as a substi
tute. He thought no one meant war. A.
soon as the southern Democrats rallied tc
the assistance of their northern brethren al
would be we'll, though for his part he would
rather die than be the slave OF despot like
Grant.
Major Gregory spoke of the situation
quite eloquently, and was cheered heartily
by the large crowd.
OIL POURED UPON THE WATERS.
Mr.. Kelley, OF Richmond, contended thai
the motion Of Judge Meredith and the reso
lutions of Judge Allen were not in conflict
and that any one might very we'll vote fol
both; also, that this was meeting OF citi
zens Of Richmond, supplemented by citi
zens of other portions Of the State who
happened 10 be here when it was called
He thought it would be unfortunate fol
such antagonism to be raised between two
propositions rs to cause this meeting to adj
iourn without action. Mr.. Kelley thought
that on this day yesterday, consecrated by
half century of memories Of Andrew
Jackson, we should enter a solemn protest
against the usurpations Of the party in
power.
Mr.. Keiley's speech was decidedly pow
erful one. His illusions to the attempt tc
abolish the judiciary in sister southern
State, and to the opposition Jackson had tt
contend against from the Senate when there
were such leaders as Clay, Webster, anC
Calhoun, were eloquently and forcibly put
BUSINESS.
Judge Meredith's motion was finally
adopted, and the following committe ap
pointed: Judge J. A. Meredith, Judge w
w. Crump, A. NJ. Kelley, w. F. c. Greg
ory, w. T. Burweli, J. j. Allen, Bolivar
Christian, r. D. Ward, and John W.
Wright.
Mr.. Christian said with his views about
the authority of this meeting he asked to be
relieved from service. Agreed to. Dr.
Burwell was put in his stead.
On motion of AIr. Craig, OF Augusta (Mr
j. Armistead Carter, Of Loudoun, in the
chair), the rules OF the House OF Delegates
were adopted for the guidance Of the meet,
ing.
REPORT OF THE. COMMITTEE.