The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-03-07
From The 1aiIGhassss (Fla.) Sentinel.
Southern Convention.

From The 1aiiahassss (Fla.) Sentinel.
Southern Convention.
Correspondence bettcee. the Senator's and Repyesenla
noe " FLORIDA ta Congress and the Governor of
said State.
The following joint letter from our Senators and
Representative in Congress. although dated the 9th
was postmarked the l4th instant, and received at
the executive office last Wednesday OF the reply
we have only to say that IL shows TO us conclusive
reasons why men of conservative minds should not
iavor tins proposed Southern convention, under
present circumstances.
WAsHIsoToN Cry, I'd. CD
February 6, 1850.
To his excellency THOMAS BRowN,
Governor Of the State Of Florida
SIR: Events daily transporting manifest the rapid
dinasion IN the northern States OF feeling hostile
10 the social structure of the southern communi-
ies, and Indicate maturing purpose OF unsettling
the security of slave property, and Gripping the
growth and progress Of the saveholding States,
ny every means and appliance which the legisla-
ton OF Congress can afford.
The Federal Constitution ofgovernment, welded
by hostile northern majority, is capable of being
made, and undoubtedly will become, the instru-
ment OF our degradation and ultimate ruin, if time
iy preventives are not employed.
NE are soti:ied that no efectuai or enduring
check upon this aggressive aud injurious tendency
in the action Of the Federal Government can or toiH
ter ts po,oers. Ne adcancs this proposition, tcithout
reference TO the dispositons of those tcho ,o,o or here
after may adninister the Government, but as result
ing from the inherent character Of political sys
tenn, tchtch must, IN all its departments, eventually
bend 70 the influence Of the dominant section. En-
ergetic State actonthe action of the people of the
South through their several State organizations, is
the only power capable to cope with the spirit that
now overspreads the northern States, and which
subjugates the Government of the Union To its mad
and unjust purposes. An organized resistance,
promptly developed, and well and wisely directed,
on the part Of the southern States may, and, in
opinion, will cventuate in arresting aggression
upon our just rights under the Constitution pro-
viding effective guards against like danger in the
future and thus in preserving the continued union
OF the States, which now associated in Federal
compact.
Influenced by similar impression of what the
present exigency demands, a very general move
ment is being made, AZ your exceliency is doubt
less apprized, for convocation of the aggrieved
States in convention. Mississippi has proposed
that the meeting should take place at Nashville, in
Tennessee, on the first Monday in June next
Virginia, Alabama, South Carolina, and Georgia,
are understood already to have responded by for
NAL provision for their respective representation in
that convention; and Maryland, Tennessee, North
Carolina, Arkansas, Louisiana, and other States,
are in the course of action in the same direction
During the last session of the General Assembly
Of our State. series Of resolutions were unani-
mously enacted, which regarded announcing
the opinions and determination of Florida. The
CATION in Congress, and passed to the public record
in each branch Of the Federal Legislature. One Of
them defines, with signal spirit and distnctness,
the purpose and attitude of the State. II is in the
following language:
.'Resolved, That, knowing party names, or
political divisions, questions involving in their
settlement and consequences the character, proper
ty and lives of those whom represent, we are
ready, heart and soul, with united front, to join
Virginia, the Caronas, and the other southern
Statcs in taking such measures for the defence of
our rights, and the preservation of ourselves and
those whom we hold dear, as the highest wisdom
of all may, whether through southern convention
or otherwise, suggest and devise"
The opportunity of judgment which our official
connection with the Federal interests of the State
affords to u.s. has brought us to the conviction that
the time is fully come when Florida is re-
quired in the spirit of her pledge, to meet with
her sister States of the South in convention. We
are also convinced that the circumstances of the
times not only justify but demand this action by
the South.
To you, the Executive OF the State, we have
ventured To communicate our opinion as TO the ac-
ton which the crisis demands; and in doing So we
believe ourselves to be in the discharge of high
and imperious obligation. Upon you must devolve
the honorable duty Of devisng mode of proceed
ing by which the public will Of our commonwealth,
as In the resolution have to- can
be best resolved into action. We have doubt
the people Of the State will conform to any just
methsd you may suggest for the selection of Repre-
scntatives. Allow US to say, it seems quite reason
abe tndt our ieuoW-Ciuzens snouiu De allowed 10
benefit by the increased weight which the repre-
sentation will derive from the circumstance that
their chief magistrate, giving a substantial
ton TO n solemn enactment of the State, had re-
commended the steps, and co-operated in the move
mcnt by which u delegation WAS appointed.
Devoutly trusting that whatever course events
may take, the honor, liberty, and welfare of our
beloved State may be maintained,
We have the honor to be your humble servants,
ID. L. YULEE,
JACKSON MORTON,
f. c. CABELL.