Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1860-02-22
WAsHIHeToH EEws AHD eosslP.

The SOUTHERN CONVENTION PRorosIrIoN-The
observations we were able to make in the course
Of few days sojourn in Richmond, Va. last
week, led to the conclusion that there 10 no pros
pect whatever that the Virginia Legislature will
comply with the request oil the legislatures Of
South Carolina and Mississippi, that she (vir.
ginia) shall send delegates to a convention OF the
Southern states, to devise measures against the in
creasing Entertainments of the North upon the
rights OF the slave-holdng States under the Con-
stituton The opposition party Of the BODY In
understood to be against the proposition to man;
while, so far, majority Of the democracy Of the
body is also against it, preferring the recommen.
dalton OF Mr.. James Barbour, in favor of separate
State action, by passing laws tending to repress
and discourage commerce with the North and
as consequence, to bring about the speedy In.
crease OF manufacturing OF all descriptions
tbrOughoutthe South.
An effort was made to talk the recent Virginia
Democratic State convention into resolving that
the democracy Of the Old Dominion approye the
Memminger South Carolina) scheme; but the
old birds Of that body were not to be caught with
chafi and having set their faces against it, the
movers beat a retreat-covering II their defeat ur
der flaming resolutions to the same end passed by
mass meeting after the convention adjourned
Whether so intended or not, it was understood in
Richmond that the proposed convention looked
to dissolution. Virginia wants such remedy
for existing disabilities; nor is she willing to COM
NIT herself to anything of the sort under the lead
of convention or organization, for the existence
Of which there is no warrant of law, and the &C
ton of which must necessarily tend to strengthen
the disunion sentiment of the South, ere other
remedies for the current state Of things shall ha
been tried in vain.
The plan Of Mr.. Barbour (Which is being
severely denounced throughout the South by all
there famous for going off half-cocked) looks to
southern commercial and manufacturing indie
pendence in as short time possible and to
temporary sacrifices Of money, luxuries comforts
and some necessares Of life, on the part Of indi.
vdual citizens of the South to achieve that indie.
pendence. Hence its unpopularity with 30 many
windy dear people's' men. Nevertheless, il
will bear the test Of the severest scrutiny. Tha,
Is to say, reflection upon it will satisfy persons OF
common sense, who are looking only to cure the
evils Of abolitionism. that, energetically pursued
| 1t will accomplish that end, and at the same time
in many other ways eventuatein great benefit to the
South-diversifying her industry and developing
her mining, manufacturing, and mechanical re-
sources as though by magic, and to the immense
Pecuniary advantage of all classes of her citizens
We have no hesitation in preferring it thou
sand times over to any convention Of politicians
without legal constituencies, two thirds of whom
will be avowedly or secretly in favor Of disunon
for disunions sake.
When the South may be able to supply her own
absolute wants in the way of manufactures, &c ,
she may snap her fingers at aboltiOnism; Cor she
will have starved 1t out in becoming thus indie
pendent.