The Oxford intelligencer., 1860-06-20
southern Planters, Convention.


body will assemble at Holly Springs during
the State Fair, which is to be held there next
Fall. 1t seems somewhat strange to US, that
the meeting of body whose objects are so
important, should be treated with that indif-
ference which is so manifest. The manufac-
turers and eotton-buyers of the old world
are exerting every energy to make themselves
independent of the cotton growing States of
this Republic. England and France are spen-
ding millions annually, to raise few thou
sand bags Of cotton in India and Algeria
All these efforts have in view the diversion of
the cotton trade from this country to their
own, that they may regain the sceptre of
commerce, which has so long departed from
them. The Atlantic States, at the same time,
are striving to keep us in commercial subjec-
ton to themselves.
While all these efforts are being made to
make Improbable that product of our soil
which now brings us riches without limit,
and so gives US preponderating influence
among the nations, we fold our arms and
stand idly by. Instead of Strengthening our
selves, we tN nothing, relying too much upon
our mere naturaadyantages. Instead ofbring
ing to light and improving those resources
which the "God of Nature hath placed in our
power" we allow them to Tic neglected. and
gotowreck. Our lands wear out, and are aban-
doned. Our forests are destroyed, and are
rather an incumbrance than a source of profit
or of power. Our manufacturing and com
mcrcial interests have little encouragement.
Our colleges and schools are lily supported.
All things seem TO be lost sight of, but the
mere cultivation Of the soil.
For many years, efforts have been contin-
nally made, on the part of some patriotic
Southcmers, TO remedy this dcplorlblc state
of things, and as slight reward of their la
bors, they see the public mind at last ava
kcning to the importance of the subject, and
seeking to remedy the growing evil. Every
branch of Southern enterprise is advancing
more rapidly than ever before. To free us
from commercial dependence on States which
are enemies to our institutions and policy,
Direct Trade between the Southern States,
as producers, and the more liberal States of
Europe, as CONSUMERS, has long seemed the
most feasible plan. Mr.. c. G. Baylor has
for years devoted his energies to the promo
tion ofdircct commercial Intercourse between
Belgium and some city in the cotton grow
ing States. His lifelong purpose seems to
have been accomplished at last. An associa-
ton, of large moncyed interests, has been
formed in Brussels, having for its object,
more intimate intercourse with the Southern
States, looking especially to the commerce in
cotton. And Georgia, always foremost to
act in any matter pertaining to the manuEac-
turing or commercial interests Of the South.
has recently sent to Europe "a delegation of
her most distinguished and able men, with
tIIt express design of ftuthcrng the interests
of Direct Trade.
Direct Trade seems to be relied upon as
the great remedy which is to free us of our
dependence on England and New England
But why, seeking grand object, should we
neglect the less important. The people of
the South have many interests in common.
Why pay all our attention to one of these
interests, and leave the Others uncared for |
How can our people come TO any undcrstan-
ding about their common interests, unless
thcyr1ncct in common council For the |
purpose of consulting in relation to these
common interests, this Convention of South
enl Planters is called. There are many i'm
portant subjects which they will discuss in
addition to that of Direct Trade. Among
the most important matters which will attract
their attention, are, the agricultural and man.
ufacturing interests of the South, and the
supplying of Southern school books. We
hardly suppose that The political status of
the South will be subject of discussion
among them.
We heartily approve of this annual assem-
bling of Southern Planters. 1t cultivates an
acquaintance among them, which must re-
suit in greater harmony of sentiment and a
stronger bond of brotherhood. Besides, if /
it effects no other good purpose, it certainly
draws the attention of our people to those
subjects which are of vital interest to their
prosperity. Discussion viii elicit the truth /
and our people, becoming alive to their in
tereSs, can work more unitedly for the COM
mon good. Let us, then, take care that the
Convention of Southern Planters shall be an
nssemblage of true men of the South, who |
know our varied interests, and will counsel
wisely for their advancement.
The Great Eclipse.
Wehavc been for some time aware that DR.. Bar |
nard, the Chancellor of the University of Missis |
sippi, had been invited to make one of the corps
of astronomers for whose transportation to Cape
Chidley-the extreme northern point of Labra- |
dor-for the purpose of observing the eclipse Of