Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1837-05-02
A SOUTHERN CONVENTION.

the Legislature Of ousiana:
Sec. 8. BE il further resolved, SC. That
they propose that convention composed
of delegates of the slavc-holding States be
held at such lime ana place as shall be de-
termined upon by majority Of said States.
Sec. 4. Be it further resolved, &c. That
the object ol said convention shall lie to in
qure into and determine on the best means
10 obtain, 'peaccaby if they can, lurcibly if
they must that respect for their instiu-
tons TO which they are entitled by the pos
tive enacmenis OF the federal compact, &
by the stronger law of sell preservation.
The following article, which we copy
from the Baltimore Transcript, gives u
brief sketch OF what has breu done or is
now doing by our sister States.
GEOLOGICAL SURVEYS. Many of the
States, with a view to developing their
mineral and other resources, lave authori-
zed Geological surveys; ard have made
liberal appropriations, for the purpose Of
carrying them forward. Intelligent and ac-
tive surveyors have been appointed, and
among them some OF the most thorough ge-
ologisls in our country. Maine has secur-
cd the service of DR.. Charles L. Jackson,
gentleman Of profound geological knowl-
edge, and in every respect qualified to do
Justice in the task imposed upon him. A
portion Of the Stale has already been sur
veyed, and the examinations already have
brought 10 light abundant treasures oil
mineral wealth, Massachusetts has by no
means bceu backwards in the good work
she has appropriated with liberal hand
for the same object, and entrusted tie sur
vey To Prof. Hitchcock. Tile result Of hi,
labors i a large and interesting volume, g
mesl valuable addition Of the records o
geological sciences and Natural History
New York has made considerable progress
in her surveys, but we are not aware tha
any olIicia publication has yet been made
OF the surveyors discoveries. Pennivlva.
ria has also, we believe, taken active steps
Ia secure general survey, and to developt
still further her vast mineral resources
Professor Ducalel, in this Safe, has bcet
engaged in an examination, the fruits o.
which will, without doubt, amply repay the
expenses bestowed upon its prosecution
Virginia has employed Professor Rogers
an enthusiastic and skilul geoligisl, and hi,
abors have thus far been So satisfactory ~
10 induce the House of Delegates to gran
an additional appropriation, for the purpose
Of forwarding the work with greater rapid
ity. Other States not mentioned here
have doubtless made arrangements for geo
logical surveys, and the time is probabl,
not far distant when each Stale will have
its corps OF examination iraversing It's ter
ritory, examining lis geological formation
inqulrng into the nature Of lis soil, making
additions to the collections of Natural His
tory, and searching out the remains Of an
cieut time, which lie scattered over TIE FACE
Of our vast territory in greater sbundanc,
than is generally supposed. No one cal
doubt HAT such course is consistent will
the most enlightened policy, and calculated
as much as any measure, il not more, TO in
crease the wealth, ana arouse the enterpris,
Of the Inhabitants Of the several States.