The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-06-06
The southern convention.

NASHVILLE, June 1.
The Southern Convention met this morning in
the McKcndrec Methodist Church, and was opened
with prayer by the Rev. J. Il. McFerren.
Mr. Winston, Of Alabama, moved that as much
Of the report of the committee Of organization pre-
scented yesterday referred TO the matter of voting
in convention be recommitted.
Mr. Crawford, Of Georgia, said that IT would be
better first 10 ascertain who were members of the
convention.
Judge smith, Of Mississippi, said she committee
ON elections were ready 10 report. The question
was taken on motion of Mr. Winston. II was
ported
General Pillow, chairman Of the committee on
elections, reported the list OF delegates elected TO
seats in the convention.
Mr. Rhett of South Carolina, moved that para-
mcntary law, as contained in Jefierson's Manual,
be adopted Tor the government of the convention
The motion carried.
MIR. Browns resolution coming up, was opposed
by MIR. Erwin of Alabama, ON the ground that the
report of the committee on organization should be
disposed Of
Mr.. Perkens moved the adoption of the report of
the committee on organization.
MIR. Erwin opposed the motion. He said lac could
not support the request II was adopted, he might
acquiesce; but that IL subyersve Of the author
ity Of the pcoplc-that delegates had been appoint
cd by the people 10 represent the States at large
and other delegates 10 represent the congressional
districts. lie ono of the latter, and had no au
thority to represent the State. Each congressional
district was entitled, he contcndcd, To a separate
vote; unless this vote was allowed them, how, he
asked, were people of districts, who were appoint
cd, TO know whether they had been properly repre-
sentcdy II the principle recommended was adopt
cd, where, he asked, would II DC stopped III the
convention was permitted TO exercise this stretch
Of power 10 appoint delegates for Arkansas and
Virginia, why should Il not also appoint delegates
for Missouri and Kentucky which had no delegates
here in conventions lie said that the convention
was no ordinary body-the occasion ordinary
one No step should be taken without mature de-
Liberation.
Mr.. Henderson, of Texas, said he the only
delegate from that State, but in recommending, as
Of the committee, their report, he did not as
N1me 10 represent the whole Of Texas He claimed
the privilege Of representing thosc with whose opin
ION he was fainiliar-those who were With the
Southland they could adopt reject his motion
as they thought proper lie was IN favor Of the re-
port Of the committee
Mr.. McRae, of Mississippi, said he concurrcd
with the gentleman from Alabama in the import
Of settling this question but he did not think
il should be permitted TO excite the convention.
IL matter upon which they might have a
difference of opinion. lie offered an amendment,
by way of substitute report of the committee, as
follows
ResoIved, That the manner Of voting be, in this
convention by States and that each State be entitled
90 90 into the convention in the same ratio OF its
representatives, allowing 10 each Senator only the
same number OF votes which IL has Congressional
districts. The representatives present shall vote the
vote of the Congressional districts OF which they arc
a part.
Juugt Smlul, OF nlsslSslpplt aiitl tcitiiihB W
the difficulty, il not confusion, in which they were
involved, said he wanted TO know how they were
10 vote upon the resolutions, whether per capita
otherwise. lie referred 10 the manner OF his APP
pointment. and his duty in accordance with the
instructions TO devise means 10 resist northern ag
erosion.
Was Mississippi 10 be ovcrslaughed by any other
Slater He repeated his objections, and said that
Arkansas, with only one representative OF district,
was not entitled TO equal rights with those States
having more representatives. He denied that the
convention had any ght 10 go behind the fact OF
delegate appearing here, and inquire as to whom
he represents.
! The discussion was continued by Messrs. Erwin,
| Bald, and Galthwaite, Of Alabama; Goode Of Va;
Pickens, of :. G.; Coquitt, of Ca; and Brown, OF
| Tenn.
Mr. Walker, of Alabama, then called for the pre-
vious question, and having refused To withdraw his
| CALL MIR. McRae Withdrew his amendment