Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1856-12-17
Southern Commercial Convention.

Weekly =" so
Southern Commercial Convention.
The following delegates from North Carolina were
in attendance on the Southern Commercial Conven-
tion which assembled in Savannah, Geo. on the Sth
instant:
From. Wiz,nington-Hon. W. S. Ashe, Hon. S. ].
Person, Thos. d. Walker, Col. Jno. McRae, Edward
Savage, Thos H. Ashe, Chas. W. Bradley, Jos. II.
Flanner, Jas. A. Wright JOS II. Wright, Donald
McRae, NJ. McInns. W. II. McKoy, Jas. A. Cum
ming. Jno r. Reston, Thos. W. Brown, R. F. Brown,
JAS c. Smith,
From, Charlotte-J. H. Gbbon, D. Parks and W.
j. Yates.
From Gozdsboro'-Jno. V. Sherard, LsR. Wad-
dell, G. L. Moore, j. B. Griswold, j. G. Parker, NJ.
D. Grafton j. E. Kennedy, W.T.. Dortch.
From Wilson-G Bernard, and j. F. Kenan.
From WhitesriHe-Calvn Haynes.
The leading questions introduced and discussed
were, 1st the proposed line of twenty thousand ton
steamers between the Chesapeake Bay and Milford
Haven, Europe; 3D. the revival of the African slave
trade and 3d. the construction of the Pacific Rail-
road on the Southern route, starting at Memphis,
and going through Texas, &c. The Resolutions in
but we present below Geographic accounts of some
of the closing proceedings
1t is 70 be regretted that, in all Southern Conven-
tons thus far held, attention has been given
to abstract than 10 practical questions. The North
can combine, to great extent, in its aggrcssions
upon the Constitutional rights of the South, and in
its financial policy, by which the general govern
ment has uniformly been welded to its advantage
and against us yet when Southern men assemble,
to devise plans to establish Southern commercial in
dependence they are embarrassed with Pacific Rail-
road projects and the question of the African slave
trade. What the South wants is, action, not alb
stract resolves-steps to open a direct trade Nth
Europe, and not an outlet, by Railroad to Calfor-
nia This Railroad will come in its own time. 1t
cannot be forced thousands of miles through will
derness; but when it is established the direct line
of trade with China and Japan will be found to be
through the Southern Atlantic States, and most
probably through North Carolina. True, it is
now an interesting question; but the question at
this time is, hoao shall export FROM, and import
to, our ocn mar: cts here in the South. Cotton is
here what the money-kings are in Europe-it can
command peace or make war. Suppose We had it
from the free States think you they would not soon
learn new lesson on slavery and the rights of the
South under common Constitution?
As to the revival of the African slave trade that
question can only injure the South Its introduce
ton at Savannah is to be deplored; yet the great
body of the Southern people cannot be held respon
sible for the extreme and impracticable views of
few South-Caro!ina, Georgia, and Texas politicians.
SOUTHERN CONVENTION-THIRD DAY,
SAVANNAH, Dec 1O-Thc Convention re- assem-
bled to-day. Mr.. Jones from Georgia, moved to
take from the table Gauldngs resolutions felative
to the re-opening of the slave trade. Mr. Spratt,
editor of the Charleston Standard hoped the motion
would prevail and thought the question of slavery
most appropriate to occupy the attention of the
Convention. He advocated the renewal Of the slave
trade, and desired to hear the objections stated by
those who resisted the consideration of the subject
The Convention should not recognize the right of
Congress to impose restrictions upon the slave trade
1t should meet the question at once. Mr.. Hunter
of Virginia, thought the Convention not competent
to consider the subject. 1t was great moral qucs
ton and the South should ponder long before defy
ing the opinion of the whole Christian world. The
recent message of the Governor of S. c., had as
tonished the whole South, and for one he was not
prepared to endorse his views ON the subject. 1t
was one involving tremendous consequences, and
time for reflection was necessary. Mr.. Richardson,
of Maryland, said that he not prepared to advo
cate commerce in slaves. He hoped that firebrand
would not be considered. Mr.. Thomas S. Ghoson
of Virginia, opposed taking the subject up, unless
we now discuss with the world the great moral ques
ton. If the South defend the revival of the slave
trade it would drive away many now with is, and
be regarded as direct attack upon the Union Mr.
Gauding, of Georgia, made fiery speech, defend
ing the renewal Of the slave trade. He believed the
institution of slavery to.be from God, and he was
ready to defend it in all its bearings 1t conferred
equal blessings on both races and it was no greater
crime, to tear husband from wife in Virginia to work
in the cotton fields of the South, than to purchase
the negro in Africa and chrstianze and cvilize him
Now was the time to decide the question and asser
our rights before the whole world Messrs. Crop
per and Green OF Virginia. endorsed his views, Mr.
Mcleod of Texas, pledged his State TO the extre
NEST views already urged. To day. Mexico, wal
falling to pieces by sde and we must introduce
there peculiar institution to counteract the in
fuence of European intrigues. Negro slavery wa,
necessary for the development of that region. Tn
motion being put to the house for talking up the
question was lost-ayes 18, nays GO, South Carroll
ma, Texas, and part of Tennessee only voting ir
the affirmative
Mr. Cochrane, of Alabama, Chairman of tn
Business Committee reported a series ofresolution
relative to the Pacific Railroad The first declare
that the general government has no power to con
struct such road and that the railroad should b.
made along the line-of 32nd parallel, by aid from
States individuals and territories and by grants Of
land from the Federal Government; and contracts