Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1853-1862, 1861-05-04
Gteas nallroaa nroelIng.


from the montgomery AoEertiser3 a ptii ~
A convention Of Railroad Presidents, called by
the Post Master General met in this city on FRIDAY
last 10th instant and organized by constituting the
Hon. Vim. Smeles of Mississippi President OF the
Southern Railroad, President of the convention,
and Messrs. D. H. Cram Of this city superintendent
of the Montgomery and West Point K. K and Il. j.
Fleming Esq. Superintendent of the Mobile and
Ohio R. R, Secretaries.
The convention received on Friday communlca-
ton from the War Department, and also one from
the Post Office Department. The former commune
cation related to the carrying of troops and NUM-
tons of war, and provisions for the Confederate
States and we understand that with unanimity
almost without parallel in the history Of conventions
representing capital alone, the views and wishes of
the War Department were promptly met and the
different Companies represented agreed to carry
their respective lines the troops OF the GoY-
eminent at the rate of two cents per mile each
ami the munitions of and provisions at one half
the local rates charged for similar freights. These
propositions were agreed to not only by the compa-
mics located in the Confederate States but also by
all the others represented in the Convention from
Tennessee and North Carolina.
| The propositions submitted by the Postmaster
General in communication which elected high
| commentator from various members of the Con-
vention for its perspicuity and grasp of the whole
subject, suggested numerous changes in the mail
service and classification, and greatly dimin-
isl.ed compensation In all these particulars with
commendable liberality and patriotism the Conven-
/ tim with great unanimity responded favorably
They agreed to discontinue the double daily mails;
to submit to three classes of mail service accord
| ing to the proposition of the Postmaster General
the highest grade of which was to receive compen-
sation not to exceed hundred and fifty dollars
| per mile the second grade one hundred and the
third grade fifty dollars per mile, with the single
exception that night service, might receive increas
| ed compensation The companies also agreed to
receive the Bonds or Treasury warrants of the Con
federate States in payment of mail service to the
AbaNk 10 Al
make 1t necessary; and also in payment for the
transportation of troops and munitions of war &c
They further resolved that so long as they were
not forbidden by the Confederate States and the
United States Government kept good faith with
them they would faithfully fulfil their present obl.
CATION to that Government; but when required by
the Confederate States they stand ready instantly
transfer their service to the latter
The convention recommended the discontinuanct
1 OF Sunday mails soon as the exigeneies of oul
public affairs would allow it, and they also deter
mined in future contracts not to agree deliver the
mails beyond the precincts of their depots. This
far as we could learn the substance of the action
of this body, which for worth, ability and capita
represented perhaps the most distinguished ever
assembled in the South Upwards of four thousand
miles of railroadin active operation, and that cos
over one hundred millions ofdolars were represent
ed in the convention by such men as Mr.. Cuyler anC
Judge King, of Georgia, Mr.. Pollard, of Alabama, anC
Maj Chase, of Fla, Mr. Caldwell and Col. Perrin o
| OarOl0a, MT. AShe ana MT. Johnson, GI NOrIl
Carolina Mr.. Tate, of Tennessee, and some twenty
or thirty others from all the Confederate States eX
cspt Texas.
Several pleasing and interesting incidents marked
the progress of the convention. On Saturday the
received the Postmastar-General in person while il
session. He was addressed by the President on be
half or the Convention, and responded in a speed
of great good sense and ability.
The Convention also waited in body upon tn
President of the Confederate States at an hour fix
Lad Nv fha LOT for
ton was introduced TO the President by Mr.. Smede
in short but very interesting and able speech set
ting forth the very large amount of capital repre-
scented in the Convention, their entire unanimity il
heartily adopting the propositions made by the Post
master General and the Secretary of War, and thei
desire to sustain his administration in every pos
sible way.
The President replied in very eloquent and in
teresting strain. He spoke of the satisfaction
gave him to learn that the wealth and capital of b.
country, suddenly cOnvoked from its most distan
parts, had determined as one man to stand by ant
maintain his Government. 1t was but another ex
hibition that united at last to vindicate ou
rights and maintain our independence. The Fresi
dent spoke for about twenty minutes, and it was
source of universal regret TO the Convention tina
, they could not procure copy of his remarks to-
publication. He said that the Confederate State
sought and desired no war with the United States
That he infinitely preferred peaceful relations AM
treaties of peace and alliance between the two Re
.
on our part none for war of aggression unless
was forced upon US; that we were armed and pre-
pared, and determined to MAINTAIN our independ
ence; that we neither wished nor was 1t our inter
est to iniure our late friends, but if indepen
dence were madly refused and our subjugaton at
tempted, war would be initiated that could hav
but one or two examinations, our glorious triumph
or humiliation, as reconstruction on the old or
der of things was impossible. We do not profess Il
give the Presidents words, but only the ideas
which produced profound sensation among all th'
members of the Convention, who exhibited settled
determination to uphold the President in his deeare
purpose.
Before adjournng, the President of the Conven
tiOn on motion, appointed Messrs. c. I. Pollard,
Z. Cuyler and Judge King Central Committee
with power to oonvoke al any time, when in theiI
judgment it may be deemed expedient, simila
Convention
The body then adjourned sine die after a mos
orderly interesting and agreeable session, unmarre
by a single disagreeable incident.