New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-01-26
FROM GEORGIA.
THE CONVENTION.
0ur Gneriel EorresDOndent


MmLEDGEvILLE, Ga, Jan. 81, 1861.
Another secret session of the Convention on
Saturday, resulted in the passage of the Seces-
sion ordinance by majority of 119. Touching
these secret sessions, there is much gnashing of
teeth ameDg the people They say, with some
force that at no time ought they to be distrusted
so far as to shut them out from the delibera-
tons of their own representatives; but that, when
they are all of one mind, all anxious to ace the
State resume her sovereignty, the necessity for
such exclusion becomes microscopic. There Is
the more feeling on this point, because the mo-
ton is made by the Secession leaders; the out
siders don't seem TO understand that il is not
well to let them hear what the conservative men
have to say.
When the Convention had performed the devo-
tional exercise to which the delegates so gracious
ly submit, some minor business was transacted
and then followed bit Of a scrimmage, which
was thus brought about: Mr. Martin one of the
cooperation delegates, had introduced resolution
calling on the Governor for information concern
ing the popular vote in the election OF delegates.
Now you will, perhaps, remember, that / have
there is in Georgia large body of people opposed
to secession, but whose sentiments did not aud
could not find expression at this election. 1t was
clearly the intention Of the resolution to which
have Just referred to make this fact patent. OF
course, the other side could not allow it, and a
short but spunky debate took place upon motion
to indefinitely postpone, which was finally carried,
though not by aperfectly satisfactory majority.
The Secession Ordinance being reported, a
substitute was offered by Mr., Hill, being a series
of resolutions drawn up by the Hon. Herschel V.
Johnson. Their purpOrt was as follows: De-
claring the State of Georgia in danger-frst,
from the aggressions Of the North, and secondly,
from the withdrawal Of other States whereby
the Republicans have a majority in Congress, it
is proposed to hold Congress Of Slave States at
Atlanta near the middle Of February; at this
Congress, certain amendments to the Constitution
of the United States would be insisted on these
were, chiefly to prevent the abolition Of Slavery
in the Territories to provide for the sure return
Of, or payment for fugitive slaves to punish those
who seek to entice away slaves, to protect the
internal slave trade, to protect slave owners from
less if they carry their slaves into Free State,
TO take from all negroes the right Of suffrage.
This Congress would not ask the Northern States
to repeal their Personal Liberty bills-they would
only swear not to stay in the Union unless they
were repealed; it was also proposed TO adjourn
the Convention till after this Congress had held
its session.
IN tEaa
resolutions offered as substitute for the Ordi-
nance of Secession. j can think of no clearer
illustration Of the sense of Georgia conservatism
than this, to which wish to call particular at
tentOn, so that the word conservatism may not
mislead the Northern reader. BY these proceed
Dgs Of Saturday, it will be seen that the straight
Secessionists are for going out in spite of any
thing and everything; the Conservatives desire to
remain in the Union, provided they can make
the North act as their slave drivers. The motive
Of their conservatism is q desire to preserve
themselves from great trouble and probable ruin.
Their hope OF preserving the Union is fed by the
belief that the North can be bullied into submit
ting their necks to a most humiating yoke. If
they find that the North declines to crawl, they
will be as stiff SecessioDists as ever. 1t is not
that they love the Union with any sentimental
Affection; but they are cool men, and they see
that Secession is blunder. Again, and finally,
let me say that when it is a question of hating
the North, both Secessionists and Conservatives
unite in the bonds Of bitterness. sr-tr..
After strong, even violent, discussion, this
substitute was rejected by a majority Of 81, four
less than that which passed the test vote Of Fri
day. Then an attempt was made to have mo-