Virginia State Convention.
Thirteenth day.--[Second session.]
Richmond, June 27, 1861.
The Convention was called to order at the usual hour, Mr. Southall in the Chair.
No minister being present, we had not the benefit of prayer.
Mr. McFarland presented an ordinance providing for the laborers at Harper's Ferry.
Ordered to be laid on the table, and be printed.
[This ordinance is a response to a resolution submitted some days since by Mr. A. M. Barbour, late Superintendent at Harper's Ferry, asking justice for some of the loyal men at that point.]
The resolution providing for a recess from 2½ to 5 o'clock, came up. It was amended so that no member shall speak more than ten minutes on any question, and that no member shall speak twice on the same subject.--The roll was called for the purpose of ascertaining the absentees, and the vote on the question was also taken, resulting — ayes 43, nays 45.
The resolution was then amended by striking out ‘"2½"’ and inserting ‘"2,"’ and providing that the recess shall commence from and after this day.
It was moved that an ordinance restoring to rank certain officers in the militia service be taken up.
Mr. Ambler thought that the mere act of volunteering and being elected to military command divested an officer of all military honors.
A petition of certain volunteers of Augusta county was presented and read by the secretary, in respect to Col. Baylor, of that county.
Resolutions also passed at the same meeting excepting from unjust imputation any other militia or volunteer officers in the said county.
Moved to be referred to the Committee on Military Affairs.
Carried.--[The point in discussion in this question was as to whether officers commissioned in the militia service of the State should rank with officers of volunteer regiments or companies organized since the war. The general opinion seemed to be that officers elected by volunteer regiments or companies should not be out-ranked by militia officers without commands.]
An ordinance was submitted, providing for the qualification of officers of the Commonwealth and to prescribe the form of oaths.--Committed to a select committee of five.
Mr. Garnett moved to take up an ordinance prohibiting citizens of Virginia from taking or holding office under the United States, and rendering their property liable to confiscation.
Mr. Garnett said that his object in calling up this ordinance was to provide suitable penalties for traitors who may presume to represent Virginia in any body or House at war with this State.
Mr. John Tyler desired an exception to be made in favor of Col. M. M. Payne, now an invalid in this city, from wounds received in the Mexican war.
Mr. Garnett, so far from excepting Colonel Payne, would rather be disposed to include him by name, because he has recently taken Lincoln's oath of office, or must do so before he receives his salary.
The ordinance was then amended, so as to make it operative only after the first of August next.
Mr. R. E. Scott, of Fauquier, opposed the ordinance, deeming it unnecessary and uncalled for. Mr. Garnett rejoined with great ability and power.
The question then came up on the indefinite postponement of the ordinance and amendment.
Refused. The substitute provides that the acceptance or holding of office by any citizen of Virginia under the Federal Government of the old United States after the first day of next August shall be evidence of treason to the State, except in cases of officers out of the United States, who shall have until July 1st, 1862.--A count was taken on postponing the further consideration of the ordinance and not carried.
Mr. Tyler then, with a view to cover the case of Col. Payne, moved to amend so that the ordinance will not apply to officers of the old Government who are incapable, from wounds or from age, of further service.
This gave rise to a lengthy discussion, which resulted in no further progress.
The question then came up on the passage of the ordinance, resulting in ayes 58, noes 21.
So the ordinance was passed.
Under the rule, a recess was taken till 5 o'clock. 