Richmond daily Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1842-1861, 1854-04-10
Commercial CouyeutIou,

We publish to-day communication expressing
some apprehension lest the true objects Of the
Charleston Convention should DO jeoparded, IL not
defeated, by the introduction Of subjects having no
proper or legitimate connexion with those Objects
These fears, II seems excited in consequence OF
the action Of the Governor in appointing by authori
ty solely Of the Southern Rights Association Of this
city, two delegates from each Congressional District,
and these delegates having been selected exclusively
with very few exceptions, from the Democratic
party Of the State. This Of conduct evidently
looks suspicious, and ustes inquiry into the motives
and reasons prompting it.
We have no means ourselves Of satisfying the
curiosity Of our cores ondent. We are not a MEM
Der Of the Southern Rights Association, and know
nothing about its peculiar purposes or designs. Nei-
Their do we enjoy the confidence Of our iustrious
Governor, having no acquaintance with him, having
never even seen him, and having no desire ever to
lay eyes upon hm-for, il We must speak the truth,
we have not particle Of the commonest respect
for him, political or personal.
We would ain hope, however, that it is no part Of
the purpose of any member OF the Southern Rights
Association here to cndanger the harmony of Con-
venton called consider the best mode Of advancing
the great commercial interests Of the South by seek
sively foreign or extraneous character We trust no
such intention is entertained by any of them, by
any delegate to the Convention from any quarter
whatever. II there be, the Convention had better
not assemble twill prove disgraceful failure-and
what is more it will prove infinitely worse than a
failure. For, with pickering, wranglng, and DIVIDED
counsels it will leave the South in worse condition
than she was before II such be the case all hope of
4 harr Of huii bpr
interests and freeing her from commercial vassalage
to the North, will be indefinitely postponed. Let,
therefore, wise moderation, and yet firmncss and
decision characterize the deliberations Of the Con-
venon, and we may justly anticipate from its action
the most beneficial effects to the Southern States.
As apropos to the subject, we take passage from
an article on the Convention from the Baltimore
American of Friday. The course for the South to
pursue is thus pointed out:
ITO apprehension the great for Southern grev
ances is Southern progress The South her
recuperave energies and develop within herself the
powers necessary for her protection. Denuncatory
appeals through the press nammaory speeches the
floor of Congress- the defiant attitude the South has
justly assumed in the assertion Of her rights have done
but little towards winning for her the respect Of the North
or Of placing her on an equality with it. These have
been tried through long and painful struggles and their
failure has been complete and repeated. Whilst the South
has wasted her strength these efforts the North has it
creased in and wealth. the contest has
daily grown unequal. With such experience
may it be hoped that the day of these rutoss and
eIhausng struggles has passed. and that earnest prsc
cal efforts, looking feasible and productive end is
be adopted the only policy of the Southern
States. Abstract discussions Of State rights able disqu
stons Constitutional compaets and even the political
oreemnence that southern members have obtained in the
National Legislature, have failed to protect Southern
rights. The South forget these things which have
much the object Of her ambition, and do
the sense practical goahead spirit that ami
the North, aud which, in spite Of superior geo
graphical and climatic advantages possessed by the South
has made that section of the country greatly superior in
wealth and resources. With all, II majority, of the
Southern States presenting such example Of enterprise
thrift and accelerated development Georgia tho rea
OF the sections of the country would be almost
magcaly changed. The North is eminenty commercial
and progressive aud the she in the South
emulation Of the characteristics which she
prides herself her appreciation OF it will increase. Every
spindle put in motion in the South awakens echo
Of respect in New England and the announcement that
railroad has been opened through Southern territory
has its significance with New York"