The Camden weekly journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1853-1861, 1854-04-18
Southern Commercial Convention.

eu mo TIC one STanQ luca--lne CCnnleIcl CoIfeH-
ton OF the South and Southwestern Slacs-our letter
Oh the present occasion will be chiefly composed of
the sayings and doings Of this numerous and respecta
bic body.
Among tie distinguished arrivals are Senator Wm.
G. Dawson, of Georgia, President Of the two last Con-
vcntions; Governor c. c. Clay, of huntsville EXCov-
cror Jones, Of Tennessee and now United States
Senator from that State Governor Moseey, of For-
da; GoFcrnor Manning, ofour State; Lieutenant Mau-
ry ofthe National Observatory, Washington; Leatcn-
ant lIerndOn, Of Washington; Lieutenant Gbbon,
of Washington; lion. W. T. Colqutt of Georgia; Hon.
" Polk, ofTcnncssce; Hon. B. F. Whitncr, Of Flor
da: Judge Baxter, of Tennessee; Gen. Leslie Combs
of Kentucky; Gen. W. S. Harding
l lave had considerable desire to sec Mr.. Colqu
of Georgia, but have not had that pleasure see his
name announced In the Standard among distinguished
arrivals but have not seen him. and therefore take it
Tor granted there must be mistake in the announce
ment of his arrival.
Tennessee, Virginia, Georgia, and South Carolina
are very largely represented and this fact shows the
interest which these States take in the matter.
Senator Dawson was again chosen President of the
cccnt Speech in which he referred to the general sub
ccts which would likely occupy the attention of the
Convention. lie dwelt at some length, aud withmuch
force and clcarEcss upon the duty OF the South to IL
scE-protecting its own interests, and peculiar iDsttu
tions and relying fully upon its own resources
and the necessity for the greater development Of the
means which lie within our reach. Of agricultural
u
toned this fact strong figure in support Of his var-
propositions that the amount of money expended
last year abroad by people from the Southern States
equal ifno greater than the value Of the whole
cotton crop ofthe Southern and Southwestern States
which money spent at home would add infinitely to
our prosperity.
lie spoke with admirable point and effect upon the
necessity Of educating the children and youth Of the
South, at homc-tlat there was absolute necessity
that the rising generation should be indoctrnated pro-
rerly into those systems and principles of government
peculiar to the States Of the South. We listened to
Mr.. Dawson with interest and attention, and were
highly pleased with his plain, practical common sense
view Of things.
A general Committee, composed of three members
from each State represented appointed to prepare
business for the Convention, which committee have
large amount of matter before them in the shape of
innumcrablo resolutions upon variety Of subjects.
On Tuesday the Convention was addressed by Mr..
Marshall of Miss upon some resolutions offered by q
delegate from Georgia. proposing that Congress be
urged to offer the mediation of this Government to
Russia and Turkey, in order to prevent if possible,
general European war. We heard only q part Of Mr..
Marshalls extraordinary speech, which was perfect
teegraphic operation, and so fast that the most expert
reporter had to lay down his implements and gaze and
wonder in mute astonishmcnt 1t is said that Col.
Keit would hardly be able himself to take notes. and
he is about as fast alkcr as people gonora!y comv
across. Mr. Marshall's definition of practical man
is quite original and amusing. One who would plant
dig. BOIL and cat his potatoes, without troubling HIM
self about other pcople-the visionary man, would be
troubled about what future generations would eat
Mr.. ". g. Brownlow, of the Knoxville Whig was
loudly called for on Tuesday, and after mounting the
rostrum made very drol Speech in fact lie is an
odd character, and what may be termed singular gc-
MUS On Wednesday the Pacific Rail Road scheme
was discussed at considerable length by General Combs
of Kentucky Mr. Pike OF Arkansas and Senator Jones
OF Tennessee; the speech of Mr.. Pike, far has been
The speech of the Convention, and was by odds the
aLlest speech upon the Pacific Rail Road question:
Mr.. Pike is an original and independent thinker; his
motto is to help yourself and others will help you-
We like his, notions WE'LL and regret that limits
forbid an extended notice Of this any other speech
Senator Jones animated and interesting speaker
and was listened to with considerable attention. lie
is rather too national for u.s. but after all it is the most
popular side TO be in the favor Of and We suppose
there is use in oGjccting to good union speeches.
General Combs represents himself to be the Of
old Kentucky rcman, rs friend remarked 10 lis yes
tcrtay he uses himself scattering gun. His speech
although rather scattering. an amusing and pleas
ant one. The ladies showcrcd boqucts upon the old
General We hope ho will pardon the word. On
"Wednesday Il resolution was passed comforting upon
the reporters Of the New York Heruih Tribune and
EJrre>S now in attendance upon the Convention, the
privileges Of the same as honorary members This sin
gular and out place resolution, we arc glad to know
was rcscindcd on Thursday after exciting animated
discussion The discussion Oh Thursday was mainly
upon resolutions proposed by the General Committee
through their Chairman, 1t. Maury, which were laid
over from Wednesday, and are as follows:
Re$olrcd, That Committee Of f-be ap.
pointed to memorable Congress in the name
of this Convention, and in the most earnest
manner to urge the importanccot, and to pray
for, the following measures, viz:
|. The remission of duties on railroad iron.
2. The passage Of an Act for the improve
ment of the merchant service, by encouraging
boys to go to sea, and for preventing descr-
ton.
8. To send one or two small naval steam
crs up the Amazon, for the purpose of xplo
rinr the. tributaries Of that river, which the