Virginia State Convention.
Eighth day--[second session.]
Richmond, June 21, 1861.
The Convention was called to order at 10 o'clock, President Janney in the chair.
The session was opened with prayer by Rev. Burwell Sturlock, a member of the Convention.
The Committee being called upon, Mr. Macragland, from the Committee on Finance asked to be discharged from the consideration of Mr. James Barbour's resolution in reference to the funded debt of the State, and a petition of citizens of the Commonwealth in military organizations.
Adopted.
Mr. Chambliss, from the Committee on Harper's Ferry Machinery, stated that the committee were progressing with the questions referred to them; that the chairman was instructed to confer with the President of the Confederate States in regard to the terms on which property belonging nominally to the old Union has been transferred to the Confederate Government.
After this information shall be obtained, they will make a full report.
The Committee on Railroad Connections made a report submitting an ordinance.
Ordered to be laid on the table and printed, and made the main question for consideration to-morrow at half-past 10 o'clock.
The committee on Mr. Blakey's resolution in regard to Clerks of Courts, another Committee in reference to a Military Institute, and the Committee to re-apportion Congressional Districts, were announced by the Chair.
Mr. Haymond rose to a privileged question.
He read an extract from the official report of yesterday a proceedings, in which his position was misunderstood, and repeated the remarks he made on that occasion.
Mr. Slaughter submitted a resolution the purport of which was that in electing members for the Provisional Congress of the Confederate States, one member shall be elected from each of the late Congressional districts of the State, except the First, Sixth, Ninth, and Twelfth, who shall not be members of this Convention, and two from the State at large, who may be members of this Convention; that the vote may be taken when there is only one nominee, without calling the roll.
This brought to their feet the combatants, who signalized themselves yesterday in the interesting debate on the subject.
The Chair ruled that so much of the resolution as related to the eligibility of members of this Convention having been disposed of yesterday, was now out of order unless under a motion to reconsider.
Mr. Slaughter finding the gist of his resolution thus disposed of, withdrew his resolution.
Mr. Coffman submitted a resolution, the purport of which was, that the Committee on Finance be instructed to inquire into the expediency of permitting the Banks of this Commonwealth and their Branches to issue notes of a less amount than five dollars to the amount of 10 per cent, instead of 5 per cent, as ordained by this Convention, and also into the expediency of adopting the most stringent measures to prevent the issue of such notes by individuals, firms or corporations Adopted.
Mr. Malegry submitted an ordinance naming a committee of three who should be authorized to relieve such families as may have been driven from their homes, and are now destitute and helpless, in the city of Williamsburg, to an extent not exceeding $2,000.
Mr. Haymond would not object to vote any amount to relieve all in the Commonwealth who have been driven from their homes; but there is a principle above these feelings of commiseration and sympathy.
He moved to recommit, with instructions to report a general ordinance, providing relief for all refugees, it the State is able and authorized to do so.
Mr. Garnett opposed this motion.
He adverted to the destitute condition of those comprehended in the ordinance, and to the causes leading thereto.
He spoke of the war and the manner in which Virginia should meet it, with power and eloquence.
Mr. Haymond did not oppose the ordinance because it was unjust, but because it was too limited in its application.
It should be general, and apply to every portion of the Commonwealth.
It being suggested that the subject was too various to be fully met by a general ordinance, Mr. Haymond replied that the vast amount of suffering and destitution in his section of the State challenged the sympathy of this Convention and the State, but his fellow-citizens there did not intend to ask the State for help.
If, however, any relief is to be given, let it be general.
The ordinance was amended so as to inquire into the propriety of providing sustenance for all destitute refugees in localities where the means of the inhabitants are made adequate to furnish such relief.
Mr. Sheffey favored a postponement of the question till to-morrow, so that we could raise the necessary amount by that time by private subscription.
The question was taken on recommitting, with instructions to make the relief general — ayes 41; nays 35--no quorum.
It was again tried, with the following result — ayes 53, nays 35--carried.
Mr. Branch read a letter from the Mayor of Petersburg, covering resolutions of the municipal authorities of that city in reference to compelling free negroes to work on public works of defence, for which they will be paid a fair compensation.
Referred to Military Committee.
An ordinance relating to railroads was, on motion, taken up and discussed.
Mr. Kilby opposed grants for local purposes, unless under strong military necessity, and in such cases the people of the localities should pay the expense.
Pending the debate on this ordinance, Mr. Janney announced that the regular business was now before the House — namely, the election of eleven members to the Confederate Congress.
Mr. Scott, of Fauquier, rose to make a nomination, prefacing the name of John Tyler with some lengthy remarks, chiefly in deprecation of reviving in any manner, or to any extent, old party feelings, and enforcing the propriety of sending to the Confederate Congress gentlemen of experience and familiar with the exigencies of the Commonwealth — men who as members of this Convention and as such are most competent and best qualified.
The question was immediately taken, and Mr. Tyler was unanimously elected.
Mr. Tyler returned thanks in a few appropriate remarks accepting the appointment.
Mr. Borst nominated James M. Mason, of Frederick county.
Mr. Neblett, preferred some fixed plan — some rule by which every section of the State shall be represented.
He moved that the Congressional Districts of the State be called, as the best mode of attaining this end.
Mr. Conrad favored this suggestion, and were the nomination for a seat in the Senate of the Confederate States, he would most cheerfully vote for him; but for the Confederate Congress, he must prefer the late Representative from that District in Congress.--Mr. Mason was then put in nomination for the State at large.
Mr. Whitfield nominated for the State at large Wm. Ballard Preston.
Mr. Niblett moved that this Convention now proceed to elect members to the Confederate Congress by Districts.
Mr. Borst replied to Mr. Scott, in opposition to his expressed preference for restricting the nominations to members of this Convention.
Mr. Neblett's resolution was amended so as to go first into the election of two delegates at large, and then elect by districts.
Mr. Scott moved to amend by selecting one nominee for the State at large from East, and the other from the West, of the Blue Ridge.
A division of the various questions before the Convention was called for.
Mr. Treadway dissected the whole subject of electing to offices in a vein of keen crony.
The division was not ordered.
The first proposition to elect two members at large was adopted.
The second proposition, in reference to locality, was carried; and the third, to elect by districts, was also passed, and the resolution as amended was put on its passage, when.
Mr. Montague moved to lay the whole subject on the table.
Not carried.
The resolution was then adopted.
Nominations were now ordered to be made for the election of members in vacant Congressional Districts.
Richmond District.
Mr. Treadway nominated Hon. James A. Seddon, of Goochland.
Withdrawn.
Mr. Johnson nominated Mr. William H. Macfarland.
Mr. Harris nominated Hon. D. C. Dejarnette, of Caroline.
Messrs. Neeson and Ambler favored the election of Mr. Dejarnette.
Messrs. Cox and Mallory favored the election of Mr. Macfarland.
Mr. Macfarland received 73 and Mr. Dejarnette 28 votes.
Fourth District.
Mr. Neblett nominated Hon. Roger A. Payor.
Mr. Chambliss nominated Mr. Wood Bouldin, of Charlotte county.
Mr. Bouldin requested his friend to withdraw his name, as he was elected to the General Assembly.
Mr. Goode favored the election of Mr. Pryor in a speech of some length.
Mr. Pryor received 55, and Mr. Bouldin 41 votes.
The order of the day was postponed till 5 o'clock this afternoon.
Leave of absence was asked in behalf of Mr. President Janney, who explained the necessity of absence for four days from to-morrow.
Mr. Janney took occasion to thank the House for the numerous courtesies and favors he has received at their hands.
Adjourned over to 5 o'clock. 