The national era. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1847-1860, 1856-12-18
THE SOUTHERN CoNvENTIoN-PREPAR
FOR DISUEION.

nally called with view to promote the devel
| opment of the industrial resources of the South
had been gradually assuming political char
acter, uEti at last their chief object seemed to
be, to prepare the South for dissolution of the
\ Union, and the formation of Southern Con
federacy. This was denied by some Southern
\ papers, but reference to the proceedings OF
Y the Convention which met at Savannah last
week will show that our view is correct.
Il assembled on the Sth instant, large mum.
Der of delegates being present from all the
slave States, with three or four exceptions.
Mr.. Lyons, Of Virginia, on taking the chair,
made a long speech, in which he said the
South desired to maintain the Constitution and
the Union, but it was her duty to prepare for
contingencies. What had this to do with the
industrial development of the South?
We shall CLEAN the account of further pro-
ceedings frcm the telegraphic dispatches, rely
ing upon our Southern exchanges, when re-
ceived, fer the correction of errors, should
there be any.
A Business Committee having been consti-
tuted, various resolutions submitted by men,
bers were referred to it. Mr.. Swan, of Texas,
moved that all bonds and notes issued by
Southern States, cities, or counties, be made
payable in said States; but this was opposed
by Mr.. Hubbard, of Alabama, who thought
money should be got where it could be had,
and the place Of payment be left to the lender.
This device for rendering the South indie
pendent was referred.
Mr. Peoples, of Georgia, moved that each
member subscribe 500 towards direct line
Of steamers with Europe. In the enthusiasm
OF the moment the resolution was adopted, but
on sober second thought, the Convention re-
considered and referred this notable continuance
for getting up direct trade with Europe. Six
hundred delegates being present, subscription
of 500 each would amount to the mighty sum
Of S6O,O00 which would 20 great way to es-
tablish line of costly steamers!
Mr.. Bethune, of Georgia, harangued the Con-
ventiOn in favor of the abolition of the Tariff,
and of raising revenue by direct taxation.
Mr.. Kean, of Virginia, followed with resolu-
ton deprecating the education of Southern
youth at the North, and advocating the en-
ard manufactures.
nr. Gouldirg, of Georgia, following the line
Of policy prescribed by r. Barnwell Rhett in
his late Disunion manifesto, offered resolutions,
instructing Southern Congressman to use efforts
for the repeal Of the Tariff, and for the repeal
of the laws abolishing the slave trade, and to
procure treaty for the rendition of slaves
from Canada. These resolutions were laid on
the table by nearly a unanimous vote, but, the
next day, gave rise to a spirited discussion:
Z" Mr.. Jones, Of Georgia, moved to take up
Mr.. Goulding's resolution relative to the re-
opening of the slave trade, which had been laid
on the liable.
Mr.. Spratt, editor of the Charleston Stand
ard, said be hoped that the motion would
prevail, as be thought the question of Slavery
was the most appropriate one to occupy the at
tention of the Convention. He advocated the
renewal of the slave trade; and be desired 10
hear the objections stated by those who resisted
the consideration of the subject
The Convention should not recognise the
right Of Congress to impose restrictions upon
the slave trade. They should meet the cues.
ton at once.
+" Mr.. Hunter, of Virginia, said he thought
the Convention was not competent to consider
the subject 1t was a great moral question
The South should ponder long before defying
the opinion Of the whole Christian world. The
recent message of the Governor of South Caro-
lima has astounded the whole South. and. for
one, he was not prepared to endorse his views
on the subject. 1t was one involving tremen.
dous consequences, and time for reflection was
necessary.
" Mr. Richardson, of Maryland, said he was
not prepared to advocate commerce in slaves.
and he hoped that that irebrand would not be
considered.
. Mr.. Gholson, of Va, said he opposed taking
the subject up. 1t was useless now to discuss
with the world this moral question. If the
South demanded a revival of the slave trade. it
would drive away many now with US, and be
regarded as direct attack upon the Union.
Mr.. Goulding, of Georgia, made a fery
speech, defending the renewal of slave trade.
Slavery was gift from God, and he was ready
to defend it in all its bearings. 1t conferred
equal blessings on both races 1t was q greater
crime to tear husband from wife in Virginia. to
work the cotton fields of the South. than to
purchase negro in Africa, and christianize
and civilize him. Now was the time TO decide
the question, and assert our rights before the
whole world.
" Messra. Chopper and Green, of Va. endorsed
Mr.. Goulding's views.
Mr.. Mcleod, of Texas, pledged his State
to the EXTREMIST views urged today. Mexico
was falling to pieces by our side, and we must
introduce there our peculiar institution, and
counteract European intrigues. Negro labor
was necessary to the development of that region.
The motion to take up the resolution was
lost by vote Of l6 to GO. South Carolina
Texas, and part Of the Tennessee delegates. yo.
ting in the affirmative.
Mr.. COchrane, Of Alabama, chairman Of the
business committee, reported resolutions rela.
tive to the Pacific Raiload. The first declares
that the General Government had no power to
contract Tor such road. The railroad should
be made along the line of the 22d parallel Of
longitude, by and from States, individuals, and
territories, and by grants of land from the Fed.
eral Government, and contracts for carrv;no,
the mails and military stores, &c.
Also recommending the Southern States IN
aid by every means the construction of the
road.
The first resolution was adopted, but q
long debate ensued on the second.
Mr.. Burford defended the resolution as a
practical measure 9"
MIR. Bucknell defended the resolution for ask.
ing a grant OF land of the Government as a
practical measure. He regarded the pronosed
road as conduit to carry Southern institutions
10 the countries bordering on the proposed
| route, including Northern Mexico. The co.
operation of the whole South was needed. or a
route through Northern States would be select.
ed, to iDjure the South. He denies the power
! OF the General Government to build the road.
Mr.. Hubbard, of Alabama, thought that al
the General Government was to be benefited
by the building of the road, j; should grant the
| land.
Mr.. Clements, of Va, opposed at length the
asking of grants of land of Congress. as likely