Evening star., 1901-09-07
THE VIRGINIA CONVENTIONS
Passes Resolutions Regarding the
President and Adjourns.

Passes Resolutions Regarding the
President and Adjourns.
Special Dispatch to The Evening Star.
RICHMOND, Va, September T.-An air
Of solemnity pervaded the convention hall
this morning when the constitutional con-
vention was called to order. The attempt
ed assassination Of President Mckinley
was the one subject Of conversation. and
on all sides the most solicitous inquiries
for the latest news from the bedside of
the sufferer were heard. The members came
in slowly. with expressions and feelings
that personal af1iction was the case.
President Goode called the body to order
at II o'clock. R0yer was offered by the
Rev. Landon r. Mason of the Episcopal
Church. In which he invoked blessings
upon those in authority. especially "the
President Of the United States" >.
Seventy-six members answered to their
names. The Journal was read and ex-Gov.
Cameron Of Petersburg was recognized. He
said:
"Mr President: Though nature this morn
Ing wears her brightest smile the shadow
OF an atrocious crime and Of an all-pervad-
Ing sorrow hangs like a pail over the
heart and mind Of every patriotic and law
loving citizen of this great republic. I ask.
without fear that consent will be withheld
by any member Of this body, permission
to read series Of resolutions and to ask
their immediate consideration and adop-
ton by the convention.
DaAtardly Crime Denounced.
Whereas the hand Of an assassin has
placed in peril the life Of the President Of
the United States and the whole country
stands appalled, at the foulness and cruelty
Of the crime therefore be it resolved, first.
that the delegates Of the people Of Virginia,
in convention assembled. view with horror
and execration the dastardly blow which
Qt hn nptir no in
person of its chief magistrate, and extend
to all their fellow citizens of the United
States. and especially to those united by
ties of blood and family relationship to the
President, the most sincere expression OF
profound sorrow at the great calamity
which has befallen the country. -
THAT as a mark of affectionate SYM
pathy and share in the grief which is felt
by the whole American people. this body
shall suspend its session for the day, and
that the presiding officer Of the convention
Is requested to convey to the private Sec
retary of the executive of the United States
a copy of these resolutions. the hopes and
prayers Of the people of Virginia for the
speedy restoration of President Mckinley
to health and strength.
Senator Daniels Speech.
Senator John w. Daniel was the first
speaker.
1.-THE convention assemblies today in the
gloom of a national catastrophe. A stroke
permeates the remotest part Of the globe.
1t fills the heart of our people with the
deepest horror and grief-horror that a stu
pendous. almost unspeakable crime has
stained the annals of our society, and that
the victim is the President Difference
among men is natural. No two grains OF
sand are the same: no two leaves are alike,
and no two minds alike. From this
difference have grown strife, was and per-
turbation In forty years of perturbation
William Mckinley has been identified with
all movements. feature of his career Is
that in being closely identified with all
leading events he has conducted himself
with equanimity, forbearance and tenn
perance, and have been universally recog
nzed as good man and a good citizen.
= He had the animosity of none. 1t was
my good fortune to be often in his pres
ence in the conduct Of national affairs,
both while he was in Congress and since
he has been the chief magistrate In times
Of political strife, when ittertfeeling often
penetrates the hearts of men, have often
heard him express the sentiment that his
highest ambition was to bring the Ameri-
can people together as members of a COM
mon community and as men of common
country. In large measure he had seen his
ambition realized. his task accomplished.
Saw Enemies Become Friendly.
. "He had seen men who had fought such
other united in one solid mass of patriotic
American people, conflict having given way
to cordial relations. The whole country Is
united in grief at the bedside of the strick-
en- chief executive. This is not time for
speechmaking. We can only whisper our
.tenderests sympathies to those who are
nearest and dearest In this hour OF aff1ic-
tion." 80
Robert w. Blair Of Wythe followed. He
hoped the resolution would be adopted
'The American nation awaits news from
the bedside of the President of the United
States. When the call to arms was made
by the oommander-in-chief Of American
forces the flower and chivalry Of Dixie re-
sponded, and william Mckinley in one
hundred days placed the wreath of VIC
tory on Columbia's brow The life of
great man Is never lived In vain. Unborn
generations will sing his praise, and pos
terity will honor him.
The venerable president Of the convention
arose slowly and submitted the resolutions
to the convention. They were adopted with
a unanimous vote, and President Goode
and in sympathy with the people of Ameri-
ca, I declare this convention adjourned
until noon Monday"
The entire session had consumed just
half an hour.
President Goode Immediately following
the adjournment prepared the following
telegram:
'Hon. George b. Cortelyou, Buffalo. N. Y:
"As the presiding officer of the Virginia
constitutional convention, now in session,
I send herewith copy Of resolutions Just
adopted by the convention, with express
sion of the earnest hope and heartfelt
prayer that a merciful providence may
spare the valuable life Of our honored
President so that he may continue to cc-
cupy the exalted station now dignif1ed and
adorned by his recognized ability and many
shining virtues
(SignedD JOHN GOODE. President.
JOSEPH BUTTON, Clerk"
Prayers In the Syna8OHues.