The Opelousas patriot. [volume] (Opelousas, Parish of St. Landry, La.) 1855-1863, 1859-04-09
=. SOUTHERN CONVENTION.

~ a~- -1'qnlns today will be found the
aab naffass~-appointed by the
conyentin which assembled at Mbn1gesy
in MayS1ast, to Me Southern States, in anti,
cipaiiop of another meeting of The Convention
which is invited 10 assemble at Eicksburg on
The 9th of next May.
The address opens with an expression Of
opinion that it is hardly necessary to demon
strate to the people Of The Southern States
the want Of unity Of action, and concert Of
movement in regard to measures which lie at
the very foundation of cur repose and security
as members Of the common union Of States.
and co-eguals in the blessings and privilege.
which flow from such Union.
We agree with the committee III this cx-
preston Of opinion. that the whole South
should act as one man.--be perfect Unit il
unfolding the. pillars of OF common confeder.
acy and particularly harmonious in defence q
those rights secured to us by a common Con
stitution. But what were the fruits of the
Convention which met at Montgomery last
May? Can we recur to them with compla-
ceney and satisfaction ? Can they be held NJ,
10 the people of the Sonth as suitable delibera-
lions TO keep alive the fire Of f~raternal regard
for all sections Of the Union, and as initiatory
steps to arrest the fell spirit of sectional strife
aud disorganizaiion now so common in our
government |? We think not.
The meeting last May was a total failure
a miserable case Of abortion, touching the dis
%eussion and inauguration Of measures legitimate
for its consideration. Were not menaces full
minated against the general government, aud
were not measures raised and discussed which
belong, and belong alone to the action of the
general government? Were not the discus
sions at the last Convention upon the resolu-
tons for re-openiig the slave trade revolution
airy and ~disorganizing, instead Of conciliatory
in their bearing Were there any PROPOSE
tions submitted at The last Convention for the
commercial development of the vast resources
Of the South, any for the improvement Of our
system OF education, any for the extension of
our works of internal communication, any for
the encouragement Of a direct trade with for
nations. any for the formation of new
industrial projects, and the creation of q spirit
Of internal independence on the part Of the
South 7 If 50 we have failed to see them. Can
We expect better fruits from the Convention 10
be held at Vicksbnrg?
- 8W 81" -,
In view of The culpable neglect Of the last
to deliberate upon measures proper
or its consideration, and conducive to that
'pirit Of f~ratcrnal regard which should ever
and link us together as one united South.
We doubt whether the governors Of the South
I'm States will appoint delegates to attend the
proposed Convention at Vicksburg.
Should however. delegates be appointed
all OF the Southern States, and should
he representation be a full one, I'VE hope that
he deliberations Of the Convention will be
more conciliatory, and applicable only TO
.opics connected with the present interest, re-
'ose and security of the Southern people.
We shall watch with interest the movements
u this body, and will endeayour to keep our
well posted upon its proceedings.