Daily Richmond times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1849-1850, 1850-04-23


Subjects OF gravity were under consideration He die
so reluctantly, and only because we had been in
voked to take action which he believed was impoltic
design, and would lead to dangerous consequences
And in order that he might speak with reference TO
specific subject he would read some resolutions which
he offered as substitute for those reported bv the com
mlttee. Mr. NJ then read the following resolutions:
Resolred That the Convention at Nashville is un
necessary with any view to gather and express the OBI
mon OF the States intended to be represented therein
that opinion having been already proclaimed with all thu
Solemnlty which it became them to employ by each O
them respectively; and with view beyond that there
mas not been any act OF Congress, and the improved
tone consequent upon the brave efforts of the ustrou
men who have spoken for the Union, renders it proba
be there Will be none, to call for an assembage LA
bic to beget sectional enlargement bitterness and strife
therefore, this meeting decline to take any part in the
organization Of the proposed Southern Convention.
Resolued, That this meeting ack nowledges with live
ly gratitude the noble services of Clay and Dickinson
Webster and Cass, to the country and its institutions
rebuking tanatcism and aggression, and in drawing
closer the ties which bind every section to the Union by
confirming sentiments OF mutual respect and attach
ment
Mr.. M continued. The views he should advance
were very plainly indicated by these resolutions. He
did not propose TO address, himselfto any party dis
tnctions. On this occasion, Wings and Democrats
might and could meet together not for the purpose of
elimination and recrmnation, but for an honest and
candid comparison ofvews. Twas he proceeded to
say, by means to be understood that those who
oppose the appointment ofdelegates to the Nashville
Convention are any the less ready to maintain Southern
rights or would exhibit any feeling of quiet acquies
cence under the perperaon of abuses But it was be-
cause, long as Southern rights can be maintained un-
der the Union it becomes patriots make the effort
1t was not that Southern differed as to their rights
but they had the right to demand that their udg
ments should be satisfied to the expediency Of
certain, more undenabe, than that nothing had
TRANSFERRED within the last year, which calls for united
Southern effort OF the kind suggested What act OF
Congress had been passed that exhibited this question
in 9TH Otod-
vocaed because of any confessed act OF Congress- but
with reference to acts and schemes which have not yet
received the sanction OF Congress. We had been told,
by the honorable Committee, that it becomes us yield
unhesitating assent to the recommendation OF the
Legislature. But he desired to call attention to the
change of circumstances which had supervened since
that recommendation was given In February, (when
the resolutions were passed) there grounds of ap
prehension which do not exist Was it not ex-
pected at that time, that the whole South would go
INTO the Convention Could it be supposed that the Lee
vention, if it had known that Maryland North Carroll
mia, Missouri and Kentucky would refuse to 90 into it
These States were now all exhibiting manifestations OF
disrus and, therefore, if held at all the Convention
would not be held under such a sanction as would au-
horlze to speak tor the strength OF the Southern
country. There could be good result from it, unless
there should be general concurrence. With such gen.
eral concurrence, throughout the Southern States,
appeal might be made in favour of taking part the
Convention, which it was impossible to make now
Then the question would be, whether we should not
Ol ueeIe0cG ana con-
sent to go with the rest But now, clear beyond
question that if Virginia should go into the Convention
she would go unsupported by OF the strongest por
tons OF the South. What benefit could be expected
from It, unless 1t was Convention in which
bodied the sentiment, convictions and strength OF the
South! itwere said that was necessary in order to
ascertain Southern opinion to what extent Southern pa
tience would go in permitting experiments on our rights
he would answer, that the reason had no foun dation
Throughout the broad limits othe North and the South
the extent, fervour and manly obstnacy Of Southern
convictions we're well known. There was not an agi.
tator in the North who did not know the extent beyond
which Southern endurance would not submit, and any
advance in his mschieyous scheme of agitation would
be met with resistance But said, that unless
approve this measure, render position doubt
full, and will be suspected of hesitation. He begged the
meeting only to think of it, and the suggestion would
be repealed Look at Louisiana. Was her trmness
doubted for moment! Was there man here, who,
IN view OF her indspostion TO sanction the Nashville
Convention, doubted her resoluton Was there in the
North misguided agtator who doubted it? In the view
OF all thoughtful consderae persons, the quiet dgntied
Of Louisiana would be more significant than if
she had joined in this Convention. So it was 10 Vir-
ginia. Albemare and Augusta had disapproved of its
policy. Did any body doubt that Albemarle and Au-
gusta would be true and loyal to the Souh9 Take the
sunny plains of Florida the land OF flowers and bou
quets- was there any doubt about the quick and
failing hearts Of her peope2 By large portions of the
South, the Convention was deemed inconsistent with
that gravity and respect for law which had been
characteristic OF the South. With what degree of con-
fidence then, could yield judgments to the re-
commentator of the Legislature, based it upon
the expectation OF an entiie and cordial unanimity
throughout the South? He venured nothing in saying
that if the circumstances had been presented the Lee
gsaure, they were presented now, would not have
recommended the Convention. Were there not grounds
in the proceedings of Congress, upon which might
expect settlement? Who doubtedit! A charge had
unquestionaby occurred suspicious OF spirit of con-
Citation, which must lead 10 wise Adjustment
And will you, he asked, at the very momedt of the
brave efforts OF Clay and Webster, Cass and Dick
inson-will you interpose to intimate that nothing
is to be expected from their honest appeals and
able arguments addressed to patriotic men in the North
He had heard it said, that the better way to aid them
was by proceeding to place the vindcaton OF Southern
rights not argumentatlve appeals but on the wager OF
battle Whilst he had entire confidence in the DISPOSE
ton of the South protect its rights at all hazards he
had respect also Tor the spirit and determination OF Nor
them men. They were not aliens to spirit or SEN
tlment live were brave on the point OF honour were
there any who supposed they were not also ! Did it
become then, when change had taken place, which
was in beautiful progress to interpose, and adopt
tending to exasperate and not to aay sectional
pride In view OF the information from Washington,
it was simply question tpolicy and expectancy whe
Their should arrest the progress, of the Southern
Convention not putting anything in peril, but most et
tecually defending and securing Southern rights 1t
must be the inevitable effect OF the Convention to
cteate sectional divisions to array the North against
the South under circumstances OF mutual dstrust.-
TWAS proposed to hold it-what tor2 To declare
Southern rights! 10 announce Southern opinion,
backed by Southern argument? To appeal to the
North to abandon its mischievous agitatons2 Who
thinks of it, Again and again had Southern argu-
ment been exhausted, Southern devotion avowed in
terms impossible to be mistaken But it was for the
purpose Of declaring the Interior to which the
South would resort for its protection Are We he asked
prepared to say what these measures sha be2 Allow
him to say, the first step was generally the most DANCE
rous threat, invested with all the attributes impaired
TO by named deliberations would have the certain eff
feet to exasperae and iname the North. He repeated
that nothing had yet been done by Congress demand
such course, and Us far reason could apply to inform
US, nothing was likely to be done. He knew it would
be asked how often had Southern pride been outraged
But whilst much of this might be said justly, he be.
honest American feeling, and not few hearts large
enough to carry in them the Union. But even if dis
affection were more wide spread; did it become this
Commonwealth, renowned for her honour Of law, to
meet wicked agitalions by which would be
invoked hereafter for any scheme which reckless agi-
Iaors might get up? Let the crisis comewhich God
in his mercy forever oreend there would not be in
The South county, or hillock or valley, plain that