Virginia State Convention.
Eleventh day.--[Second session.]
Richmond, June 25, 1861.
The Convention was called to order--Mr. Southall in the chair.
Prayer was offered by Rev. Mr. Duncan.
[It may not be out of place here to copy a letter from Bishop McGiLL.
of this city:
"Richmond, Va., 22d June, 1861.
"Dear Sir:
--I am sensible of the honor the Convention does me in the invitation through your favor of the 21st inst. But I hope to be excused; as, besides that I am just recovering from a sickness which has kept me in my room all this week.
I must plead want of experience in the functions expected from those who officiate on such occasions.
If I cannot pray before the Convention, I shall continue with my people to pray for it, that God may guide and control it in its decisions and ordinances.
"Dear Sir:
The different committees were called on for reports. Mr. McFarland, from the Committee on Finance, submitted several reports asking to be discharged from the consideration of financial matters; but opposition being made, the reports were ordered to be laid on the table and printed. A resolution authorizing the Governor to rescind a contract with a Mr. Anderson, in respect to the Harper's Ferry machinery, was referred to the Military Committee. Mr. Conrad submitted a memorial from citizens of Winchester in reference to County Court levies, and an ordinance making a levy ordered by the County Court of Frederick county operative in Winchester. Referred to the Committee on Finance and ordered to be printed. A motion providing for the future daily meetings of the House at 9 o'clock, instead of 10, was offered by Mr. Hall, but was voted down. A resolution was submitted by Mr. Cecil, directing the Committee on Finance to inquire into the expediency of authorizing any of the branches of the Banks of this Commonwealth to issue one or two dollar notes to the amount of five per cent. of their capital. Major George W. Brent asked permission to sign the Ordinance of Secession, being necessarily absent on military duties when that ordinance was signed. Under a standing order, permission was granted. Major B. gave us most encouraging news from Manassas, whither he returns immediately. Mr. Fisher submitted a resolution, which was adopted, that the Committee on the Constitution be directed to inquire whether Geo. W. Thompson, a Judge of the twentieth Circuit Court in this State, has been guilty of treasonable conduct, or other conduct such as will justify his removal from office. The regular order of the day was now called up, in reference to suspending payment on public debt, coupons, &c., except the sterling bonds payable in London. A substitute was submitted, providing that the interest be paid in Richmond in currency. Mr. James Barbour opposed any proposition which would hand over $700,000 a year to the very men who are supplying Lincoln's Government with the means to subjugate the South, while that Government seizes upon our slave property as contraband of war. The ordinance which gave rise to this interesting discussion provides that the interest due to citizens of the North on the bonds of the State shall be suspended during the war. Mr. Montague followed Mr. Barbour in support of paying this interest as a necessity required by the honor of the State. Mr. Montague denied that the repudiation would be sanctioned by any principle of international or public law. Were this proposition correct, (which we doubt,) we should, as soon as possible, ‘"become a law unto ourselves,"’ and follow the commonest dictates of nature in our self-preservation. The discussion was conducted by Messrs. McFarland and Garnett against, and Messrs. Conrad, Treadway and Barbour in favor of the ordinance. Mr. J. Barbour's rejoinder was marked by great ability and force, and produced quite an impression. Mr. Morton advocated a substitute proposing that the interest be paid in Richmond in currency. Mr. Ambler moved to amend the original ordinance. At this point of the discussion Mr. Beanch moved an adjournment. Not carried. Mr. Pendleton moved a postponement of the ordinance and amendment for ten minutes. No quorum.--A motion to adjourn was carried — ayes 49, Noes 35. [Mr. Cecil's resolution in reference to changing the names of Scott and Buchanan counties to Davis and Stephens counties respectively, was not reached to-day; but when it will be, that gentleman is prepared to push it through with a rush. Every vestige of treason and traitors should be obliterated from the Commonwealth.]
