The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1853-06-22
Address OF Hon. VIM. c. Dawson

ing been chosen by unanimous reclamation as the
President of the Southern Commercial Convention
which assembled at Memphis on the 9th instant.
on taking the stand, spoke in substance follows:
/. GENTLEMEN THE SOUTH AND WEST: feel
highly honored at this exhibition of your kindness,
and but feel hattered al this marked attention
which you have 30 Unexpectedly paid me.
AS President Of this Convention, will only cav
that shall endeavor to preside over its debera.
tons fairly, sincerely, and with view to promote
the objects which we have assembled to accomplish;
entering upon my duties with diffdence in my
pacity to perform them satisfactorily AS Presi-
dent of the late Convention which assembled al
Baltimore, it may be proper for me to say a few
words in regard to the purposes and objects which
then assembled US, and which have likewise
brOu ght US together to-day. And IN doing this
beg that it be understood that am here hon.
representative of those feelings which believe
have prompted all OF you to attend. am here
not sectional man, for / am not sectional
man. Mo- But j am Southern and Western
in relation to those constitutional rights
which belong to the States we represent. As one
of the individuals who participated in the Conven-
ton at Baltimore, it may be proper to say that we
prompted by no feelings of hostility 10 any
section of the Union. But had seen for years
that the land Of our BIRTH that the people of the
South, were suffering for the want of proper de-
velopments OF her natural resources; and hence
was active and earnest In my advocacy Of imne-
date action.
say that the wants of the Southwest CONNER
cially have long been the subject of conversation
and in some of the States discussion; hence the call
of the convention held in Baltimore in December
last; and long may the Chamber of Commerce OF
that monumental city be remembered for the spirit
and energy with which she has claimed for the
West and the South their just, equal, and natural
distribution Of the exports and imports of this
great and glorious country! Fellow citizens,
stand to day on tie banks of the great Father of
Waters-perhaps on the spot which may become
of the great crossing points of this agni6cent
rIVP for hat mas hall
unite the waters of the Pacific and the Atlantic,
and which will harmonic and fraternize the peo-
pie of this mighty Confederacy by iron bars from
ocean to ocean. On that spot we are now to hold
our councll-to investigate and discuss the impor-
tant nterests OF agriculture, commerce, and manu-
features, much of which has been presented TO the
world by the Baltimore Convention, in that adj
mrabe paper submitted by the Chamber of COM
merce OF that city, and the published proceedings
of that convention.
This convention is for no unjust, unfair, section-
al, or unconstitutional purpose 1t is in opposition
to geographical interests; but to examine into
plain and admitted rights. If any seeming
tonal antagonism appear, the reply is, we are
members of one family; children of the mo-
ther only younger than our elders; and by one
statute of charlottesville Constitution of the
United States-entited to the rights TO
equal share of the same heritage that we claim;
nothing more, scarcely that. We ask nothing
more. and would not, if we could, take any thing
more. We know blessings a family have
been abundant, and that we have lived IN plenty
and prosperity upon what we have received. But
now we are growing up, our wants have increased,
and posterity has claims we should regard. In
other words, desire to improve our domain, to
improve our ways, TO regulate our family inter
course, to transact our own business, and not to
trouble our sisters In managing our affairs with
one another or strangers. We are here TO ascer-
tain how we can best manage our heritage, and TO
develop its resources and fulfil the duties incum-
bent on us.
Our agriculture first demands our most serious
attention. How shall we best develop it's re-
sources? Look at the great West-the valley of
the Mississippi draining at least ESQ, 900 square
miles; and then the South, the base OF the West.
and pressed by her on the Atlantic and the Gulf.
Examine the present productions of both, and
what are their capabilities when fully developed
The contemplation is wonderful. What surplus
of productions is presented Where shall they be
consumed? What facilities have to transport
that surplus? These questions before as; hence
it is our duty TO examine into our national high
ways, their capacity, their improvement, and
their extent; then to investigate what artificial
improvements the necessities of agriculture and
commerce demand; TO ascertain the cheapest and
most expeditions means of carrying our surplus
products to their consumers, and the points on
our coasts to which they should be directed.
| The question then occurs, would it not encour-
age our agriculture if the planter should be the
exporter of his productions his surplus? And
whether it would be to his interest to prefer
own ports? Could be not thereby avoid much of
the intermediate agency which heavily taxes
his productions, and of course diminishes his
ceipts? Or whether the present commercial policy
Of intermediate agencies cannot be liberaized Sc
as TO TO the producer fairer proportion of
the profits OF his products! But, gentlemen, many
of you pla nters, and understand your interest,
and will no doubt pursue it.
Our commercial interest, next TO our agric0-
tural, will be the subject of our actions.
The policy of direct trade consider properly
before US, and was the main object of the Bait-
more Convention. Would it not be wise 10 eng
courage our commercial men to export our pro-
auctions and import our foreign supplies directly
from and to ports? | think so; and sure am
it will be done, for it seems to me the laws of trade
will so regulate it, so soon as We shall improve our
facilities for transportation to our own ports, and
cause those ports and their harbors to be i'm
proved; and for this purpose our attention should
be directed to the proprlcty OF claiming OF ths
General Government such appropriations as may
be necessary to remove all distractions at thu
mouth of the Mississippi, the straight outlet of the
West and Southwest. and in the other ports on the
Atlantic and the Gull.
To encourage commerce, mail facilities, and
emigration, ines of steamers should be established
between our chief ports, South America and
Europe; and for this purpose the South and W est
should ask from the General Government the
same aid which has been granted TO certain COM
panies in our northern ports.
The important subject oil encoura glng manufac-
tories is legimately before US, and the proposition
will no doubt be considered, what means shall be
adopted as best calculated to stimulate our people
to ma Ike investments in this great source Of natural
4
which will encourage agriculture and increase our
population, and remove much OF our dependence
upon other States and nations. Can we not gem
tlemen, increase wealth and independence by
judicous organizations of the means which kind
Providence has placed in possession? Shall We
sumber longer? Certainly not Let US develop
our beautiful and unequalled inheritance, devote
our energies to the expansion Of our agriculture.
our commerce, and our manufactures; promote
industry, encourage our people TO the education
OF their children at home. The wealth we ex-
pend abroad let US retain. Erect school houses
academies, colleges, and churches at home cult
able 10 all our necessites Let establish presses
to sustain our interests and our policy, our great
Confederacy, and the constitutional rights OF the
States; and let US unite harmonlously 10 secure
commercial nd ind rialindependence at home
And, gentlemen, let us proceed patriotic ally in
constructing the great work of the age and the
world, the Pacific and Atlantic railroad, with such
branches from New Orleans to the highest naviea-
Die point commerce and agriculture nsay
demand.
These the subjects, gentlemen, which en-
ploy the minds of all, and which can have no re-
triction of place. but aim at the good of the whole
country; and with no sectional feeling, but With
view TO benefit our country and posterty let us
proceed in the contamination of the work which
We have now commenced.
SEVERE HAIL-sToRM.-We learn that there was
a severe hailstorm at Adrian Yesterday accom-
panied with heavy wind Crops were much in
red he w of, h,slI I.,I