The southern press., 1851-11-07
SOUTHERN PRESS
WASHINGTON CITY.
FRIDAY. NOVEMBER 4, 1851
Cotton Planters Convention.

~
Cstton Planters Convention.
We hope to be able, few days hence, to
present to our readers . more detailed account
Of the proceedings of the convention at Macon,
than has yet appeared. We take great interest
in the result Of that meeting, as the future of
the South and its political weight on this con-
tinent depend greatly upon the successful under
taking Of direct trade with the rest of the
world. m
So clear are the advantages of such course,
that is almost matter of wonder that the South
should have gone on so long on the old track.
Men, in general, are sufficiently sharp-sighted to
see the burden and expense of long circuit,
when shorter and better one is before them;
but we have seen that even in commercial
matters, when the disadvantages of the old sys-
tenn were so manifest, the influence of capital,
and the lazness of routine have continued to
attract the transportation of Southern products
through the same channels, for the mere pur-
pose of filling the pockets of men, who were
not entitled to gain by, or meddle with, the
trade
BY adopting the direct course, there is money
to be saved which would be less proftaby
spent on the old route and money to be gained
by fairer and increased profit for Southern
staples.
Some men argue that trade has certain
tural courses, from which it cannot be turned
that this town, or that-this nation, or that, are
destined to be what they are, and that no efforts
can create other or better channels. Yet, every
day we hear of the springing up of trade in
certain localities, and its disappearance again,
owing to causes that are within the rational
agency and power of man to control.
So much is, Of necessity, left to accident at
the beginning, owing to want of population,
capital, restrictions imposed by law, and natural
difficulties, that nature is supposed to regulate
every thing. A very few examples would show
how faIlacious are all such sweeping assertions.
The early accumulation of capital at par
ticular town, will necessarily attract business to
that spot, until it is really overdone, and be-
comes an actual disadvantage to more distant
parts. This is much the case as regards New
York and the South, England and her posses
sions, Cncluding Ireland,) which she is exhaust
ing London and the country, Paris and the rest
of France-the wealth of the richest soils, and
the most abundant productions of an ever boun-
tiful nature, being turned into money, are mostly
spent unpro6tably in the great towns, or squand
oyad in Ioti yaluolooo 70 tho rod
We do not like great cities, because of theil
tendency to misuse the wealth created. The
indefatigable energy, and Unsuitable corruption'
which increase with their increase, bring on a
length false state of morals and political prof
ligAcy; and with them, revolutions
more independent action in all the parts Q
great country, is sure to produce favorable re
suits to the whole people New York will b
no loser by healthier action outside; nor viii
England exhaust herself so soon by les
plethoric state of business. If Great Britain
could carry out that visionary faIcy of manu-
featuring for the world, she would in fact gail
less by it than by limiting herself to her owl
natural share. Monopoles of every sort hav,
their disadvantages and dangers. In the insan,
attempt to manufacture for the world, England
has greatly damaged the moral and physical con
dition of her people; and another struggle il
Europe would probably show that in very
striking manner.
We fully expected to hear that the PROPOSE.
ton to organize an asso ociation with 800 100000
would be- rejected. Trade cannot be controlled
90 easily, or by means similarly organized. The
plan of Mr. BAYLOR, on the contrary. is infinitely
more simple and practical The men are ready
and the funds are ready to pay the planters for
their productions, without their risking their
own money in scheme which would engage
them in doubtful conflict with the capital OF
England and New York. They would have to
create new outlets in foreign ports where the
merchants would look to them for payment and
security, and not give that attention and energy
TO open up the continental markets, that tn,
Dutchman will give, now that he has his owr
funds in the enterprise.
Any way, we rejoice to see so much attention
drawn to this subject; and we congratulate tn,
South on the discussion of question which can
not fail to cnigbten her as to her interests, anc
place her on a fairer footing, in acommercal anc
manufacturing point OF view, than she has hitb
erto occupied. Her enterprise will be developed
her youthful energies will find new source,
of occupatioa--wealth will flow in-improve-
ments will be msde-and that independence she
30 ardently desires. cannot fail to give her the
influence she is entitled TO-
~ England still clings to her old usurpa
tons. The Cuban affair has given her, she fan
cies, another opportunity for asserting her righ
to search the vessels of this country" under pre-
text of preventing the invasion of an island tina