The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1850-01-31
From tie Richmond (Fa) Wing.
SOIJTH ERN CONVENTION.

| The Enquirer last week threatened TO demol-
ish u.s. II carried its threat into execution hut,
becoming very justifably dissatisfied with its own
work, il promises to do ii over again. In the
mean time and before it shall have oonsummated
its cruel design, We beg leave to say a word or
| two.
The following is the proposition in controversy,
as presented by the Select Committee Of the House
of Delegates;
"Resolped, further, That this General Assembly
heartily approve the proposed Convention of
Southern States to be held at Nashville on the
| FIRST Monday in June next, and that IL will pro-
| coed on the day Of - to the election, by
joint ballot of four delegates to said Convention
and that the People Of Virginia be requested to
elect, at the next spring elections, a delegate
from each Congressional district--which dele
gates shall, jointly with those selected by the
General Assembly, represent this State In said
Convention"
This is the proposition which we combat The
arguments urged against It by MIR. Stovall-
good Democratic authority, and representing one
of the largest saveholdiug constituencies in the
State-have not been answered, and they cannot
be answered
We will sum up, in few words, our objections
to this extraordinary proceeding.
| First and foremost. The people have not spo-
ken on the subject Not primary meeting has
been held in county in the State. They are
the persons who will have TO endure the conse-
quences, whatever hey be, and they are the only
proper persons to decide upon the measure.
Second. We deny the right of the Legislature
to take to themselves the appointment of four Of
the delegates There is no authority in the Con-
stituton or laws, or in the expression of public
sentiment, which justifes or excuses such an as
sumption. If delegates appointed at ALL they
should be appointed 10y the people. The vital in
terests ut stake, to say nothing of the genius of
representative republican institutions require
this mode of election.
Third. We are opposed to intrusting to any
nineteen men in the State the power to dissolve
the Union, or to pledge the State to any course of
conduct they may choose, without having frst as.
certained the wish of the people. 1t will be seen
that the committee propose no limitations what
ever 10 the powers of the delegates. They are
depued with FULL absolute and unrestricted pow
or to do whatsoever they may please, and bind the
State 10 sustain them.
Fourth We are opposed TO what seems to be
fayorite feature in this whole scheme, hedfray.
ing he frpeaseS. The Governor recommends 1t,
the committee repeats the recommendation, the
Enquirer urges it with the fervor Of a man who
had just risen from the enjoyment, and knew how
to appreciate all the sweets OF a Fat job. Neither
Mississippi nor South Carolina proposed any
thing of this kind. They would not leave it
10 be inferred that il necessary to pay
members, in order to secure their attendance at
this Patriotic Convocation. The idea is original
with disinterested patriots. Their whole souls
are devoted to the rights Of the South, but their
generous outlay Of patriotism must be met by
corresponding outlay from the public Treasury
We cannot approve this cherished idea, for one
reason among many, that there Is no duration
fixed for the sitting Of the Convention. 10 may
continue for months or even years. There ~
no restriction in the resolution making the APP
pointment.
Fifth. We are opposed to the Convention it.
self in any shape, If its only object be, as stated
by the Enquirer, TO make "solemn appeal y TO
the North. We believe no good will come from
any such appeal. We have talked enough. We
prefer action now. Let us adopt measures which
will gradually and AZ speedily rs can be, bring
about commercial non-intercourse with the North.
This course il worthy of our most serious consd-
Grafton irrespective Of the aggressions Of the Alb
olitionists But, in view OF those aggressions, II
becomes patriotic duty IL IL the only effective
remedy for the evils we complain OF, which occurs
to us. ID is practicable now as 1t was in 1878.
But whatever il undertaken, should be under
taken by the people themselves Their hearty
appreciation Ia Indispensable ie the saceessof any
measure that may be proposed The attempt 10
commit them, and their destinies, in advance, 10
the absolute disposal Of nineteen men, Is anti
republican, undemocratic, and can only result in
discord confusion, and mischief Let the whole
matter be submitted to the people-and there Is
not true son OF the Old Dominion who will not
cbeerfully abide by their decision.