The Daily Dispatch: February 27, 1861., [Electronic resource]

The Tribune's Richmond correspondent on
the Convention.

‘ "The fruits of the late election for the State Convention in Virginia are beginning to ripen, and their character to manifest itself. Their first great result is shown in an overwhelming defeat of Democracy, or, in other words, the utter prostration of the oligarchy of slaveholders that for sixty years have domineered over Virginia.--With the overthrow of Democracy, comes hope for the doom of Starery, and that Republicanism, rising upon its ruins, will dedicate to Freedom the glorious land of Washington, Jefferson, Mason, and Henry, and that Virginia, regenerated from the thraldom of niggerdom, may take rank among the Free States of the Union

"The Convention, demanded by the Slave Oligarchs of the East, has proved their destruction and instead of 'hitching' Virginia to the tail of South Carolina, will ultimately detach her from the Slave States of the South, whether in or out of the Union, and ere long range her among the Free States.

"The election has been misunderstood, and altogether misinterpreted. Rightly construed, it has resulted for the Union; but it has another and far deeper significance than the mere saving of the Union. This election is Virginia's first voice for free labor. The West has spoken, and, mighty in the strength of white men, has pronounced for the Anglo- Saxon against the African. The Union sentiment has succeeded, but the spirit of free labor has triumphed. Disguise it as they may, this election is the voice of the freemen of Virginia in condemnation of slavery, and what renders it more significant, is the fact that every anti- slavery man of any note, whether living in the East or in the West, has been most triumphantly returned over seceding Southern-Rights, pro-slavery opponents. The North western delegates are altogether anti-slavery — a large body of real genuine Republicans --men who will not unnecessarily shock the still strong pro-slavery feeling of the State, but who, by silent vote, will steadily protect the rising sentiment of anti-slavery that has elected them."

’ The correspondent then proceeds to mention names of members, who he alleges are enlisted in the scheme of making Virginia a free State, most of whom, to our certain knowledge, are as sound on the slavery question as any men in the Commonwealth. We do not doubt the West; we never have doubted it; but when it wants a Free-Labor State, it will apply for the division of Virginia, and that application will be granted.

The correspondent adds:

‘ "As to Virginia seceding, that need not be thought of in any event. There are 120 men in the Convention who will vote to remain with the North, and 82 who prefer the Southern Confederacy. There isno eventthat could induce this Convention to secede, unless it were some foolish effort of Congress to abolish slavery, which nobody expects. Nor will this Convention attempt its extinction in that mode, butit will tear away every species of protection thrown around it by the Constitution,and instead of its being the protected aristocratic power in the State, it will be placed under the ban of heavy taxation, and many dollars of taxes made out of it as long as it remains in the State. But this may be checked and defeated by a timid policy of compromise. If triumphant Republicanism can be backed down by bullying, blustering secession, how can weak, struggling Republicanism in Virginia be expected to wage a successful fight with a powerful and heretofore dominant interest, possessed of all the wealth and influence, and installed in power? Helping friends seem never to have entered into the philosophy of compromising Republicans. And what can be gained by such a policy? Will it win back the Cotton States?--Certainly not. The very timidity it evinces will encourage them in Secession, for when once power truckles to rebellion, its moral force is gone, and the traitors increase their demands. Exhibit the manhood that the recent election for President has elicited,show a determination to use the powerconstitutionally conferred, and treason shrinks back appalled, and rebellion quails before its certain punishment. The prompt passage of a force billwould do more torestore peacethan all the Conferences or National Conventions that could be assembled. The mere calling of a National Convention is an admission of justice in the cause of the seceded States, and weakens if not paralyzes the arm of Virginia Republicanism. Every step backward is a loss of ground, and every compromise a concession to treason."

’ We don't know who this correspondent is, whether a resident, or a visitant, he knows little of the Convention. We believe that Virginia, in the election of this body, intended to proclaim her loyalty to the Government of the Union, so long as that Government of the Union can be preserved in harmony with the independence and security of the State, and no longer, and that the Convention will faithfully represent the public sentiment of the State.