The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-06-19

The State convention ofSouthern Rights A..
sociatlons Of Alabama. assembled in EstyIIe
! all, pursuant to previous adjournment.
Judge Martin moved that the previous off,
GERS take their seats as officers OF this conyen-
ton. Adam c. Fielder, one of the former sec-
retaries, being absent, Jefferson Noble, of Mont
gomery, was appointed in his place.
The president, on taking the chair. delivered
an earnest, able and instructive address, Dir.
Price Williams moved that the convention be
opened with prayer, which was agreed to and
the president requested Mr. Jonathan Dayist,
perform that service, with which he complied In
an impressive prayer. A.
The delegates Of the various clubs repre-
scented, we're called upon in regular order, to en-
roll their names.
G. W. Gayle moved that committee of one
from each club be appointed by the chair, to re-
port resolutions for the action Of the conven-
ton, which was adopted, and the president sp-
pointed the following gentlemen on said COM
mittee: G. w. Gayle, w. L. Yancey, Morgan
Smith, III, +. Lewis, John A. Campbell, r. w.
Sheppard, J. d. Freeny, j. X. billiard, w. C..
McIver, Jonathan Davis, Edwin Reese. f.. T.
Smith, r. M. Cullen, w. d. Smith, Mark How
ard A. G.. Love, Jones NJ Gum.
Mr.. Campbell declining to serve on account
of business engagements. Mr.. Percy Walker
was appointed for the association Of Mobile.
Jonathan Davis read set of resolutions which
he desired might be referred to the foregoing
committee, and supported them at length In an
address. marked by much zeal and ability in the
cause Of Southern rights.
Mr. FL f. Lewis also read resolution which
he desired to go before the committee--all of
which, on motion Of Mr.. Yancey, were referred
to the committee on resolutions.
On motion of Mr. Mastin the convention ad-
journed till tonight, at o'clock.
30 clock, p. m.
The Convention met persuant to adjournment
at o clock. TIE President ia the chair.
The committee on resolutions reported thro'
Mr. Yancey, the following resolution:
Reported by committee unanimo isly, w:
l.. Yancey, Chairman.
Whereas, in the opinion Of this Convention.
events, of recent occurrence, ind cate that one
Of the sovereign States Of this Union is placing
herself in position to s,cede, and will secede
from the Union.
And whereas, in the opinion of this body,
any State has the right to secede, and from the
very nature of the case, is the only Judge of
the justice and proprety of such act.
And whereas it is not improbable that the ex-
ercise of such right by the seeding State will
be opposed-wth hrms-Aby the general govern
ment. Therefor, be II
Resolred, That, in the event of any Southern
State, in the exercise of its own judgment,
should think proper for causes which now exist,
to secede from the Union, in the opinion of this
Convention, it would become the duty of this
State, as of all other States, to. oppose, with
force, any attempt upon the part of the general
government to coerce such seeding State.
Pending the resolution, Mr. Percy Walker
was called on to address the Convention, to
which he responded in brief, but eloquent
and argumentative speech in favor OF the prin-
ciples set forth bv the resolution
Mr.. John A. Campbell was then called for by
the convention, who entertained the meeting at
considerable length, in most able and master
y exposition of the moral and polite relations
that now exist between the North and the South,
ia reference to the subjsc of slavery. He dis
cussed their differences in religious sentiment,
and thought these differences would continue to
widen. He never had the slightest doubt that
South Carolina would secede-otherwse, he
would not have engaged in the business Of
these associations However, men might differ
as to the canses which would justify dissolu-
ton of the Union--for himself, he never doubted
that when the general government appealed to
force against State that then case had arisen
which would demand its dissolution. Mr.. &.
was listened to with profound silence and atten
ton, save when interrupted with most enthusi-
sstic applause.
Mr. McCord moved that the yeas and nays
be ordered, which resulted in their unanimous
adoption.
Mr.. Gayle then offered the following resou
ton
Resolued, That this convention do now pro-
coed to the nomination Of candidate for gov
crnor, to advocate and maintain the principles
of the platform of the convention.
This resolution gave rise 10 long and ami
mate discussion, supported by Messrs Gayle, and
Noble, and opposed by Messrs. Walker, Martin,
Ynncey, Williams and Campbell To show the
tone and temper of the convention in reference
TO this matter, il may be proper to state that the
present position of Gov Collier, especially since
his recent letter to b. G. Shields was criticised
and denounced with unsparing severity by every
speaker on both sides, except the two last men,
toned. Andthe only grounds of opposition to
the passage of the resolution from any quarter,
were that it was none too late 10 the day TO
throw a gubernatorial candidate in the field -
that The convention represented but small por-
ton OF the State, or even of the Southern rights
party, and that il bad no auth rity to nominate
a candidate, and did not assemble for that pur-
pose. That it would tend 10 distract the party
by making new and unnecessary issue at this
time, which might defeat many of the county
nominations. All these objections were replied
TO by Dir. Gayle, with much force, earnestn ess
and ability. The best Of temper wa. maintained
during the discussion, and the resolution was
voted down with that SORT Of reluctance thai
men evince when they are impeled by policy to
do thing rather tina, a generous enthusiasm.
On the yeas and nays being called, the result
was as follows: OF the delegates yeas, 30
nays 37 Of the clubs, yeas 4; nays IL.
When the vote was taken it was about one
o'clock at night, and nearly half the members
absent, and some of the clubs entirely unrepre
scented.
The convention then adjourned I'LL to-mor
row morning, 9 o'clock.
WEDNESDAY,, Q o'clock, AN.
The president being absent, Morgan Smith
OF Lowndes, vice-president, called the conven
ton to order.
X. T.. McCord, OF Benton club. movaj that n.