The Virginia Convention.
This body meets to-day, in the Hall of the House of Delegates. In its roll of names are some of the most distinguished of the State, and it is probably the ablest body which has met in Virginia since the Convention of '20 and the two sessions of the General Assembly which immediately succeeded the Convention. It is composed, in a large degree, of what, in these times, are called conservatives; but the leading men of that stamp have published letters and made speeches showing them to be most decided and positive, not only with reference to our grievances, but also with regard to the guarantees we must have for protection in future, before Virginia can think of settlement. The letters on this subject are numerous. We take occasion to present the following extract from that written by John L. Marye, Esq., of Fredericksburg, who is the representative elect from Spotsylvania. --Mr. M. is one of the most estimable gentlemen of the State, and is noted for ability as well as dignity of character. His platform, conservative as he is known to be, is that upon which this paper has stood during the excitement; and there is no sufficient reason to conclude that it will not be concurred in by all who, as conservatives, must speak for Virginia in the Convention:‘ "1st. That in view of the long continued and grievous aggressions which have been committed by the States and many of the people of the North upon the vital rights of the South; of the rapid growth in 'that section of a hostile sentiment to those rights, which has recently attained sufficient power to elect a President, and may soon be able to control all the departments of the Federal Government — Virginia and her sister States of the South are bound in honor and in self-preservation to demand a prompt, full, explicit and final settlement of the matters in controversy, and that this settlement should be based upon permanent and complete guarantees.
"2d. I am desirous to see and should strive to effect this settlement without the destruction of the Federal Union, if practicable — but I hold that Virginia should dissolve her connection with the Union the moment it is made apparent that such guarantees cannot be obtained.
"3d. I believe that the safety of the Southern States in the present crisis is to be found in the united action of the South. Their interests are virtually united, and their destiny should be one. To this end I should seek to secure a co-operation both in counsel and action between Virginia and her sister Southern States.
"4th. In view of the startling fact that the Federal Government has apparently fallen under the control of a military dictatorship, Virginia should not content herself with resisting all attempts to coerce those States which have withdrawn from the Union, but should resolutely repel all movements of the Federal Government to strengthen any military posts at the South for purposes of subordination or intimidation; and it is her duty, if such a purpose be manifested, to take and maintain possession of all such posts within her limits.
"If with those views I am delegated by the people of Spotsylvania to a seat in the Convention, I will exert my humble ability to uphold the honor and maintain the interest of our beloved Commonwealth. Jno. L. Marye."
’ With such views from a gentleman so conservative in disposition, and so remarkable for deliberate judgment as Mr. Marye, it is very plain that Northern men make a great mistake when they suppose that a majority of the Convention — of which Mr. M. is not only a member, but a member of the majority itself — are submissionists: i. e., will stick to the Union in any event, and at all hazards.
