The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-02-18
From the Mev orlean. Picayune.

Inc SOutnern COnventfOns
The late Governor of the State in his last COM
munication to the Legislature, suggested the expe-
diency of sending delegates to the Nashville
vention, and recommended the passage of an act
providing for their election. The gentleman who
has just assumed the position and entered on the
duties of chief magistrate, in the inaugural address
defining the opinions and doctrines by which he
will be governed during his administration, seems
to concur in the propriety Of the course indicated
by his predecessor. II is to be presumed, then,
that the Legislature will act in accordance with
these suggestions, and that Louisiana will be rep
resented in the Nashville convention. As this
seems now to be fixed policy, it would be need
less for any one to enter protest against il, in
crisis like the present unnnmity of action and
sentiment is particularly requisite.
The object Of the proposed convention, we must
confess, do not clearly comprehend Mca-
sures of internal security, Of defence against the
attacks OF external foes, the separate States have
the power and the will to take for themselves. In
fact, the action Of convention, composed as this
one must be, will amount to nothing more than
mere recommendation, which may or may not be
adopted by the States interested An address
probably will be put forth, recapitulating our
grievances and asserting our rights, with both of
doubt become sufficiently familiar during the past
few years If they not 30, they must be the
dullest scholars on record. The two southern ad-
dresses which were issued at the close Of the last
Congress, we had thought comprehcnded every
thing which could be said this exciting topic; but
it seems that convention Of the whole South is ne
cessary in order TO give an appearance of greater
dignity to the expression Of our sentiments. II this
is the object to be attained at Nashville, can
take any exception TO the measure. Il would GER
tainly be harmless enough and might do come good.
But we constrained to believe that persons
are laborng for end not quite laudabc and pa-
triotc. They conceal their intentions behind mass
of generaltics, yet an acute observer may discern
through the himsy veil that which they strive to
hide These persons hope, through the agitation Of
the slavery question, TO effect dissolution Of the
Union, and propose TO the Nashville conven.
ton as an entering wedge 10 their design. That
their schemes will be frustrated, that the conven-
ton will do nothing calculated To impair the integ-
rity Of the Union, entertain not the shadow Of
doubt. But II IL should happen otherwisc--if at
Nashville dissolution Of the Union should be pro-
claimed or adyisedtbe people Of the southern States
will themselves have something TO say. They will
repudiate such advice under any circumstances
which seem likely 10 arise at present. But we have
no idea that the convention will be guilty Of such
piece Of folly. The members must be aware that
the people Of the States which formed the federal
compact, which subscribed 10 its provisions and or.
dained the constitution under which we live, can
alone rescind that compact If they have any de-.
sire 10 20 out Of the Union, do not believe they
will delegate the power Of taking them odt TO the
Nashville convention, or any other body Of a like
nature At all events, have yet TO hear that the
delegates to be elected on such grounds or with
such instructions. Lacking these, they could not
have tho assurance 10 take step 90 pregnant with
importance TO their constituents, and in fact to
mankind at large, az the dissolution Of the Amer.
can Unisn. But though we spprehend no danger
TO the stability Of our institutions it s necessary
that men Of proper character should be sent TO
represent at Nsshville--men who viii not suffer
their personal or political sggrsndizcment to take
precedence Of the great interests Of those in whose
name they assemble together. We should have no
brswlers, no unscrupulous politicians or ambitious
demsgogues, but men who will attentively exam
inc, calmly consider, and wisely, firmly, and dis.
creetly act. These are the persons whom should
select and If the other southern States proceed in
the same manner, We shall have no cause Of regret
II is to be hoped that before the time for the meet
ing Of the convention arrives, many Of the causes
OF evaporation which now exist will have disap
pcared, good feeling and harmony between the diff
ferent sections Of the confederscy restored and
thus every pretext for rash action removed.