The Kingwood Chronicle

Reports of the Committee on Federal Relations. — We publish in to-day's paper the several reports of the Virginia State Convention Committee on Federal Relations for the information of our readers. What has the Convention done? and, what is it likely to do? are questions of frequent asking. The first may readily be answered by every individual in the State, the second is about to be developed. In giving the reports of the Committee a mere cursory examination, we confess we have not been struck with the evidences of superior wisdom and patriotism. It is a fact, admitted by the seceded States in the expressions of their leading men, and in the adoption of that instrument itself, that the Federal Constitution is not wanting in guarantees and provisions for the just and equal administration of public affairs, in all sections of the country. But it seems to us that the reports give a different impression. The suppression of domestic insurrection, says the majority report, is one of "the legitimate uses of the forts," but they were not intended to be used against the States, in whose limits they are found, in the event of civil war. If the suppression of insurrection is one of the objects for the construction of forts, and if insurrection is "a rising against civil or political authority," surely the possession of such forts by the rightful authorities cannot be so "unwise, impolitic and offensive." The committee desire "that the Union may be preserved in its integrity" and to this end kindly offer to "confer upon the Government of the United States, the power necessary to enable its proper authorities to deal peaceably with those questions," — the right of secession, and its consequences. — But the effort of the government to maintain its integrity, by force, if necessary, will be "offensive to the honor of Virginia." While the attempt to overthrow that "Union" which it is desired may be "preserved," is simply "hurtful and unfriendly." It is to be hoped that very material amendments will be made to either of the reports, before its adoption by the Convention.