The eastern clarion. [volume] (Paulding, Miss.) 1837-1863, 1859-05-18
Southern Convention.

q
expect an account Of what was done, with
our impressions concerning the character
OF tho body and its action. We give in
another column aCcndensed narrative Of
what occurred. made up from our Vicks-
burg exchanges, in whose daily issues APP
peared brief reports Of the proceedings
We cannot. Of course, copy them in full,
within the short time allowed between
their reception and the hour Of our going
10 press. ThcproceedingS OF the conven-
ton may be expressed in phraSe--"The
African Slave Trade" Four days out Of
| the live which il was in session, was de-
voted mainly to the discussion and con
siicration Of this question. and the most
striking features connected with il were
the speeches Of Mr. STRAIT. tthe gentle
man to whom attaches the credit of first
suggesting the idea together with Judge
BENNETT. Gov. McRAE and others. in IA
vor Of the project, and Gov. FoorE. Mr..
BRooSE and others. in opposition to it,
Other gentlemen participated in the dis
cussiou, hut these were the chief speakers
ct the contcnding parties. It will be
seen that the convention bv large ma
iority voted in favor Of the resolution for
re-opening the trade. Mississippi among
other States, Is made to appear rs favor
ing this policy. u is scarcely necessary
for " to say that this vote misrepresents
the sentiment Of the state. because we
presume everybody kpow- such TO be the
fact. Thcrci. not indeed. u Southern state
in which. il the subject were canyaSsed
before the people, am overwhelming ma
.iority would not be found opposed to it.
The expression Of this convention to the
contrary il entitled to Just 50 much
respect ~ rightfully attaches TO the
/ opinions Of party Of gentlemen who
who represent nobody but themselves.
and whose resolves are equally dCsti-
tute Of the authority Of law and Of pub
! lie opinion. IL was expected from the
first thar the convention would take the
course that il did on this question. Any
/ one who has taken the trouble to notice
/ the proceedings Of H. former meetings
and the character Of men who composed
/ them. must have seen that thcy have for
/ several years bccu made up chiefly Of the
most ultra men among IA, many Of whom
/ consider the conservation Of Southern
rights AN impos.ibdity except on disunion
\ principles. aud who care for nothing
which docs not look to the event Of dis
union rs the ultimate object to be obtain
cd. The conservative national men who
have attended these meetings have found
themselves in the minority, and our opin.
ION il that they would do well to keep
away from thcm in future, give the cx
trpmc men who control them full swing
ond let them a. they assurcdly will, il LET
alone. run the whole thing into III,
ground " the earliest possible moment.
We yield to no one in our devotion Ia
Southern rights and interests. and in TIA,
disposition % encourage every project
calculated to developc the material re
sources Of tho South.-hcr independents,
In agricultural commercial and manuiac
turing pursuits. and the preservation 81
her political equality in the Union. The
unconstitutional invasion Of any Of thes,
We hold 10 afford ground for resistance
even to the extent Of a disruption Of every
& tie that binds "a 20 the Union. But we are
opposed 10 that policy which seeks e
evoke new and impractioable issues, tn,
only effect OF which is to excite agitation
exasperatc sectional feeling and weaker
the cause Of the South in the Union.-
q n it were possible case that thu
laws inhibiting the African trade nigh
. bc repealed by Congress. then, there nigh
De- some show Of sense and reason in thi
agitation as at present conducted. But
c there man between Maine and Texa
moon-struck enough 10 believe that Con
j gress is going to repeal these laws? What
p then, is the use Of agitating the question
: ,rifiu the Uniong Is Il intended to cove
the South with infamy 10y remaining IL
the Union, and violating the laws in elan
. dcstinely importing slaves from Africa
j. The honor of her citizens would revolt
= from such proposal. The more mani
= us,d direct way, that most in acCOrdanc
y with the heightened Chivalry Of the South
9 would he 20 say az sncc, the laws Of tn
70 Union prevent us from opening the trad
we are bound to obey these laws Will
g we remain in.the Cnion-we intend to r.
open IL. therefore we will withdraw froi
81, tho Union. A tangible issue would the
No be presented to the people. and they couI
h decide upon it.
no The Convention was thinly attended.
!, large majority Of the delegates being fro
!. this State. There were but few men
n the body known to fame and il is hard
u. TO be supposed that is resolves will exc
AZ commanding influence over Southel
i. opinion. Wewish il had been otherwi.
and we believe it would have been. h,
- the gentlemen composing it confn,
ri their attention to subjects relating
~ practical affairs.
IN Tho delegates must feel under maj
w. obligations to the citizens Of Vicksbu
III for the hospitality and kindness extend
pr. 10 them. The time spent there was r.
e dercd agreeable and pleasant 10 all W
III had The least taste for social enjoyment.
Tor could appreciate the efforts b. make th,
feel at home. Nicksburg has added 10
. character for public spirit and hospit'
\. ty. and we feel certain that no one !
4. the Convention without carrying Nv
4. with him ON increased appreciation
the character Of the city.
u u laos Ttrs Fou CorroS We invite att,
mt | tion ff utr rarders ulantars est,aeisIl,.