Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1857-08-25
Washington City to Nashville and Memphis.
SOUTHERN COMMERCIAL CONVENTION
He'd at Knorp7Ie, Tenn, Aug. !, 1857.

leu ~ AfeuAtHIeJ 4 oh'ti <1HS- - AOo''
That good results will come of these Conventions,
have no doubt; but first there must be a change in
the appointment of the Delegates. They are too
numerous, badly selected and generally uniformed
the Subjects which should be considered by the
Convention. The periodical assembly Of men Of
ability, patriotism and WORTH is excellent method
of preparing the public mind for great changes and
cases of emergencies Observation eonvinees me,
that few men care to think or examine for them
selves the all over the world prefer follow
ing the lead of some men, in whose opinions
and judgment, they have confidence; this is pecu-
liarly the case in the Southern States whose popu
lation is scattered, and among whom, interchange
of sentiment is not frequent-they come together
Saturdays at some cross road grocery or country
store, where the big of the District" who may
have served session in the legislature, rejoces
in the title of magistrate, may be, he figures in
the military, and has been dubbed, Capt. Col or
Genl is the oracle. This Ajax is the exponent, and
reflects the views of party whose special organ
he is, and the opinions, tastes manners, inclination,
and party bias of the whole neighborhood are all
moulded by this man of words. The evil of most
public assemblies consists in the fact, that seven out
OF ten OF I0e persons the meetings
bipeds of this peculiar genues, and they fancy
themselves well qualified to preside, to discuss
parliamentary rules matters of State the arts and
sciences, POLITICS andreligion
As expect to select particular specimens to Illus
trste what have said from the Knoxville Conven-
tiOn will proceed to give my views in regard to the
appointment of the delegates to these Conventions
1st Then, the Governor representing the State,
should select and appoint, two delegates, to repre-
sent the State at large and also one from each Con-
gressional district These men should be the best
informed in the State. Each county in the State,
should send one delegate each city send one dele
gate for every Ward in the same, commissioned by
the Mayor, and selected by him. This would Sc
cure more quiet, more influence, more business,
and respect, besides representing every inter-
est. If we ever expect any good to result from
these Conventions, we must have men in them,
whose position at home carries weight, whose opin-
ion is respected, whose example initiated. Such men
gathering together and representing the merits and
necessities Of the people, give force and character to
their deliberations, unity and homogeneity to what
ever is pro bono pubico. From a convention of the
right kind of men, would soon see practical re-
suits, direct trade with all the
springing up in all directions schools and colleges
IN every township railroads in every direction, in
short we would feed and eOthe ourselves travel on
our own territory, and very would be the most
independent people under the sun. In a few years,
we wonld find numbers of persons from the North
visiting our summer retreats, and cultvating South
ern friendships and alliances. Whenever we are to
be independent and rely on own resources, then
aud not till then feel disenthralled and eman
cipatcd from our Northern shackles 1 say to our
people pay them up what you owe and quit A.