Columbus Democrat., 1849-10-13


T. Archer, s. H. johnson aud Gen. D. H. Coop
er
T. \. Wanl, moved that in addition to four
members from each Congressional District, thai
four members from The Stale a, large, be added
TO The committee, which was adopted.
Gen. Patrick Henry moved a reconsideration
ofshe vote last taken, which was lost.
The President announced the following nam
ed gentlemen, as appointed iorthe State !, large
on ihe committee io.wit John ]. Smith. J. Z.
McAlpin, NJ. BlaIack and A. c. Chambers.
Geo. Winchester asked and obtained leave to
introduce certain propositions, which, an motion,
we're receiyed and referred to the committee,
raised under the resolution Of E. c. Wilkinson.
E. G. Wilkinson asked and obIaiued leave to
withdraw the latter clause ofthe resolution offer
ed BY him, relative TO the appointment Of the
committee.
On motion. the Convention adjourned until 4
o'clock, P. NJ.
6o'cLocK, P. N.
The committee not having reported at o.
clock, the Convention then adjourned until this
Wednesday, morning, o'clock.
WEDNESDAY MORNING, 0 o'clock.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
The committee appointed to prepare and re-
port to the Convention, definite matter for its &C.
lion, through its Chairman, reported preamble
and resolutions, which, on motion, were received.
John Guion presented minority report Of
the committee, which was subsequently with>
drawn.
After discussion, James Whitfield moved that
1ff H. faI ~ fho
Convention. One hundred copies were ordered.
Onmotion. The Convention adjourned to meet
at 8 o'clock, r NJ
O'clock, rM
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
Tn motion of James Whitfield, the names Of
Chief Justice SharkeY, John Guion, Gen. w
r Miles, Hon. JEFF. Davis, Gen. John d Free
man and Gov. ] w Matthews, alternates from
the county Of Lowndes, we're spread upon the
journals.
Dir. H A G Roberts appeared and took his seat
in the Convention, as the proxy ofW 5 Jones,
from Kinds county.
Gen. Quiiman and Col. JEFF. Davis were in.
ylted 10 seats within ffe bar.
Fhe report ufthe majority Of the committee
was takenup Reconsideration; and the minority
ofthe committee having withdrawn their report,
the majority report was put upon its passage.
AFTER various amendments, Il was unanimous.
Ii adopted, as follows
REPORT.
Welhe delegates 10 convention. called by
the people The State of Mississippi. 10 delibe-
rate on The means 10 prevent The unfounded pre-.
tension, that congress has power 10 lesisIale on
the suiect Of domestic slavery and to prohibit its
Introduction and existence ii the territories Of
the United States, have duly considered The i'm
polant subject committed to our charge, and
make the following report, as expressive Of the
voice ofMississippi.
Its boldly asserted, that Congress possesses
an unlimited power of legislation over all the
territories belonging 10 common to the people Of
these United Statcs--lhat il, consequently, has
power 10 prohibit slavery in these territories
that the exercise Of such power is expc1ent and
necessary, inasmuch as slavery is an evil which
mus, BE- eradcated from the land. With few
patriotic and honorod exceptions, the people Of
the Northern States seem det etermined to adopt
the Wilmotproviso, or the principle it contains
Every succeeding year brings forth new expedi
ents for tie accomplishment ofthis object. The
press, the pulpit, and the ballot box, hsye all be.
come tributary 70 this fanatical hostility to The
South. il j. vain to hope for an abandonment Of
this settled design. Snbmsssion TO our wrongs,
provokes perseverance, onAsihe part Of the az.
gressors; and Il is wisein States, as it is in in
dyidnals, to resist tencroachment. Unforunate-
II, we have been but too passive under former
encfoachinenis. Our opponents exuil III lhe pas
sage Of the Oregon Bill, as d fill acknowledge
ment Of the principle, and build their hopes oi
further success on that. In this unfortunate con
iroSersy there are but two aliernatives--the one
Is Submission, the osheris resistance. 10 the
one we cannot--we will not consent; the other,
We are reluctant to adopt.
inthe name Of our constituents, we solemnly
deny the existence ofthe pswer claimed and pro.
lest against it's exercise. We assert that il will
yiolalethe Constitution and will lead 10 dsso.
| lulionsofihe Union.
We have nOtInet to discuss the question 81
power Or expediency. They have been argued
and re.argued, ID and out If Congress, by out
statesmen aud by our people. We have reason.
ed and demonstrated interms oi cancellation with
our Northern brethren, until iorbearance has
ceased to be q virtue. We have warned them
loflhe consequences of' perseverance,. They have
I disregarded ourremonstrances,a our warnings,
they have dsregarded the most solemn conpFo.
misses. in which we yielded too much. They have
refused tosummit 70 Judicial determination, prefer
| ing iodecide by the force otnumbers. There Is nc
common arbier; and we, too, must decide ioI
ourselves. That decision ismade. We take
stand on the plain principles ofthe Constitution
and intend TO maintain it, or sink in The effort.
We assert that Congress has no power ovel
the subject Of slavery, within the States, Or il the
territories. That these States By the revolution
/ by the declaration Of independence, and BY III,
treaty ot peace, became separate and independ
lsnt soyereignlies, with slllhe political power .
separate and distinct nations; ibat they are sliI
j 50, except 50 lar as they may have expressly del
seated part Of theirpower 70 the general gov
eEnment; that lhey have not delegated their SOW
ersignty, the federal government IL nota sover
eignly. bni limited fadsrltive system, possess
/ lng only such powers as have been expressll
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