V
Congress. t
On Moiul.iv tlio lOih insf., "the followitig :
ii:toresti:4| proceedings toolc ;>Licu in the House: ^
Mr. Dean desired to lay before the House,
and a?bed unanimous consent for that purpose, js
a matter which at this lime is of great iinpor- <
tance to the commerce, of the country. He had <
been instructed to offer the following by the ii
Committee on foreign affairs :
Resoived, That in the war which now seems j
imnendinir in Durone, it is the dutv as well as i
the iiimiilest interest ??f the Government of j (
the U. S. to observe and maintain a strict nen- , i
trality among all the belligerents, and. in the , i
event of a war, the rights of our citizens, and ; |
' the security of our commerce demand the |
maintenance of lhe,principlo heretofore assert- [ j
ed, and strenuously contended for by this Gov- , (
eminent, but not hitherto admitted or estah- j,
lished as the law of nations, that free ships j
make free goods, except as to articles clearly |.
known as contraband of war, and Hint the turn- j j
tral flag protects-from unreasonahle search <
and seh<ue the ships bearing it; and also thaty'j
' neutral property on board a vessel of any of j
the belligerents is not subject to seizure and ; i
confiscation. (
Resolved, That the president of the United |
.? * States be requested, if in his opinion not in- i
compatible with the public interests, to com \
municate to this House whether any, and if <
any, what arrangements lm*j been made, or i
what correspondence lias taken place between i
^ this government and any of the governments
of Europe, to establish the foregoing principles, i
as international law, and to protect the neutral i
commerce of the United Statc^ in the event of i
a'war between any of the powers of Europe. '
Objections were made to the reception of i
the resolution. i
Mr. Dean moved a suspension of the rules, i
Agreed to?yeas 103, nays 41. I
Mr. Dean said he did not desire to debate i
it.?~ 1....
llicac I CoUIUll*?llOj UUt III M.UU IV 1I1C IJIWU.^ <
their extents and the principles they are in j
tqpded to enunciate. i
The first resolution is a plain and distinct ;
statement of our duty to maintain neutrality j I
in the war between the different powers of i
Europe. It then re-asserts the doctrine that <
lias been so often asserted by the people and <
the executive department of this government, t
but which the judiciary has failed to sustain. |
iThe executive branch of the Government has t
from its foun flat ion, beginning with the Con- \
grcss of the Confederation, and from that time 1
to the presnt, constantly iu'its action and its ;
diplomacy, contended that free ships make (me t
goods, and that the goods of neutrals on boarcl <
the ships of belligerents are not liable to sei-' <
zure and confiscation. The importance of this ;
subject at the present crisis cannot be estima- <
ted or expressed. It lias been recently dis- ;
cussed in the British Parliament. The Minis- 1
try have been called upon to state what would :
be the action of that Government, and they I
have not fully met or answered the question, I
though they intimate that a liberal policy will
be pursued.
The second resolution calls for any arrangement
or correspondence between our Gov. rn- 1
m^git and Foreign Powers upon this subject.
I will state here as important to be known, |
and what I think will prove correct, that our i
government has for some months been engaged <
in endeavoring to secure the admission and es- <
tablishment of this principle as an internation i
al law, and that our representatives, at the :
Court of St. James in particular, has ably, and |
> I believe successfully, accomplished it, so far
as its recognition depends upon that fj"vorn 1
ment, and it is universally admitted that if i
Great Britain, which is the power that has at
all times prevented its adoption, agrees to it, (
not by treaty, but proclamation and action during
the war, it will forever be placed on the ;
firm basis of precedent as well <1s natural right i
and justice. I
I am informed that as the action of our gov- i
ernment is not known, merchants and others <
interested feel much anxiety. It is due to them <
that they should have ail the information in our I
possession, and also knrtw that Congress is de I
termined io carry out this doctrine at all hnz- <
ards. i
I think that the Executive and Congress i
ought now to take its stand, and say to the i
world that this is our principle; that we wiil i
not be driven from it; that we will legislate i
to assert it; that we will negotiate to secure it, <
and, if need be, that we will fight to maintain i
it. And, sir, the day that we establish this i
principle will be one of_ the proudest in Ameri- |
can history: and. in inv iudmneiit. the time
for action has now arrived. m i
Mr. IJocock.?This is an exceedingly impor- j
tant proposition, as it undertakes to define the 5
position this government occupies m the pend- |
iug war. Jf it means to do any thing, it means j
to ftx the position of this government in the I
controversy. If'this is* the design, it ought to <
have the sanction of dejiberate action. It is <
; intended to produce*an effect on our own mer |
chants and on the actions of other countries,
but this cannot be done simply by a resolution
not requiring the joint action of the two Houses.
He moved it he referred to the Committee on
Foreign Affairs, that careful consideration may I
be given to the subject. The motion was
agreed to.
Slaveuv and Cotton.?Greedy and Co., j
otily betray their gross ignorance of facts when j
they imagine that slavery would In* abolished !
if the cotton culture of the U. States were |
abandoned. Even if this wore so, the notable
schemes they rely upon to dispense with cot- |
ton are about as wise and practicable as might, i
be expected from sucli great philosophers.* The
East India plan so tar is a great failure, and
for the flax substitute, the soil of the slave i
States is peculiarly well adi^nted. Nearly two ,
thirds of ll:e whole flax crop of the country is j
produced by Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri, 5
North Carolina and Virginia. Unfortunate
philanthropists! Nature lias conspired with',
man to thwart the benevolent spirit of this ,
age! j'
When these philosophers suppose that there j <
is no department of industry bat the cotton '|
culture in which slave labor is profitable, they j1
commit nn egregious error. Statistics now bu- |
fore us show that 15 millions of dollars are in- ,
vested in the Southern States in the mamifnc- j
lure of cotton, iron and wool, and tin,000 operatives
employed; that the South produces ,
neatly one fourth of the wool grown in the j ;
United States, that its corn crop amounts to j,
i!71,000 bushels, about one |,;,lf of the whole \ ]
corn product; that its live stock is worth more I (
than $*250,000,???0. or nearly half the whole |
product of the country. There are four or i r
live Southern Slates, cither of which produces j ?
ten ti'iies the provisions and live stock of New j ,
England. Not more than one third of the j (
J A o! th- J-joutii at* in niaxu^ n t i
*
sacgcaacac ?ag?u?agw^.j. ipaeBBasaaBmaaBS
on for market. So it is very clear lh.it the
tbaudonuicr.t cf the cotton crop would not in;olvc
the abolition of slavery.
W liy don't (?reely, I'ecclier, Stowe & Co.,
set an example of dispensing with tlie use ol
iotton. Let .tlicm divest themselves of their
:otton garments, and go forth atnoifg mankind
In the unadorned simplicity of nature.
o *
TIi? Jloxicat: TrcaSj'.
We see ii stated with confidence, day by
day, that the Gadsden treaty is dead and can- [
not he resuscitated. It is scarcely necessary
o say that sueli announcements are entitled to
lint little eon.-ideralion. The lime devoted to
die subject hy t!ie Senate furnishes tlie best
proof that da; several questions involved are I
Kigaging the earnest investigations of'that bo ;
ly, ami \ve sliouiil tiiiuk it wholly uu warrant 1
iblc to conjecture that in a body composed of!
statesmen of so much experience and patriot*
sin it wouhl not be practicable tosigree upon
v basis of adjustment winch would be so fair,
just ami reasonable, that it would be acceptable
to Mexico. What if it should be found that
the treaty negotiated by Mr. Gadsden, cannot
soinmand the requisite vote for its ratification,
[and on this point \ye liave.no information that
induces us to make such a supposition,) but
upon that supposition is it to be inferred that
such amendments and alterations cannot be
made as will lesult in an amicable and satisfactory
settlement of ali diiliculties with Mexico?
It is known that the treaty as made by Mr.
Gadsden, was not satisfactory to the President.
Our Minister to Mexico did his duty as well as
it was practicable under all the circumstances.
The President frankly pointed out his objections
to the treaty, and suggested such amendments
as scorned to him to he proper, and submitted
the whole matU|| to the Senate, it is
fair to presume that tne SeiiateGs actuated by
the same patriotic Considerations, and with
xjual frankness will- deliberate upon the subieet,
and if they cannot agree to the treaty as
submitted, in the exercise of their prerogative
is part of the treaty-making power, they will
je found making such suggestions and amend*
nents as will remove their objections. Qur
jonfidence in the intelligence and patriotism
if senators induces us to disregard the anlounccmcnls
as to tiie probable defeat of the
reaty. The President and the Senate have
:he same great object in view, and it is wholly
treasonable to suppose that this object will
jc allowed to be defeated because of any disigrccment
as to the details of the proposed
reatv. Our observation teaches us that when
itiilesrnen come towpther in the true siiirit of
levotion to the national interests, ami deiifrerite
and consult with a common purpose, nicy
seldom fail to roach a satisfactory solution of
ill minor difficulties. For such a result we
ook in regard to our relations with .Mexico,
ind in bringing about such a result we know
.hat the same spirit pervades the Preside ut and
:ho Senate.? Union. * .
The Commercial Convention.
The New York Herald Imlds the following
language in relation to the South :
"Northern merchants come to her largest
aorts, set up business, grow wealthy, and then
-etire to Northern States to spend the remain]er
of their lives in the enjoyment of their
jains. As strange as it may appear, one-half
af the largest merchants and capitalists of the
southern cities are northern men, who are temporarily
there to seek their fortunes; and New
Vork drummers are as thick as flies in the
iutuiucr tuuo lu C Lurlcotwiij mill N,
Urleans.
After enumerating the proper objects of the
Uonventiun, it says :
"The question thou is, which stands first of
til these and demand special attention? The
railroad surely is the matshall of them all; and
being called into existence at once bids the
est arise. It is to the locomotive then, particularly,
that these southern gentlemen should
Jirect their attention. This is the great republican
of the age and impartially scattersjwcnhh
throughout the land. A great deal lias already
been done in this respect in Georgia, Tenlessee
and several other southern States; but
much remains to be done. Let this be a railroad
CVuivcntiion, and tlicn some practiwl be
nefit may arise from it; but not until the south
equals us in the thunder of her steam engines,
she will have her lino of steamers, her continental
depot, her importing market, in opposition
to New York, or be commercially independent.
"There is no reason why the south should
iot rival the north in all that constitutes national
prosperity, if she goes properly to work.?
She boasts of a climate where every breeze is
Va^rartt with flowers, and every day drops
Tint upon the ground. Her scenery is to the
lighest degree sublime, and her numerous rills,
streaming from the summits of her mountains
ivith delightful music, leap down from precilice
to precipice, till they are heard 110 more.
IT cull ot 'IC llll It ihn Cltll PVPP Silinnft on- !
uv. c/.. ..... .... ...v ..... r
in, is bountiful in its yield, and thousands up* |
)ii thousands oT licr fairest acres wait for the j
lands of the husbandman to clothe tlieni with j
ice fields and the cotton's bloom. It would j
iot bo ditiicult to make such a land attractive
o emigrants, and the rival of any state or na:ion.
Whatever may be done, let us'bury all
sectional feeling, remember that the JSoutlT is a
lortion of the jsame great commonwealth with
js. in whose welfare we all should feci alike
nterested, from Maine to the Kio Grande. Let
js all rejoice for this rivalry in the aits oi'j
peace, which must end at last in building up
ind making stronger, the republic."
?
A Duicl.?On Sunday a duel was fought l>e-1
:\veeu two gentlemen from New Orleans. The j
Krone of it was-in the grove soutliof the build- J
ngs known as the ' Six Sisters," in the lower i
~ " I
su! u bs of the city.
'1 lie parties were Chas. Roman, son of ex J
governor Roman, and \V. II. Uouligny, son
if a late Senator lroin Louisiana of thai name. \
l'he light cninmenecd at. one o'clock, with small?
swords fur weapons. The first pass was made 1
liy Mr. 11. whoso sword struck upon the- sus[lender
button of his antagonist, and broke in
two. In the pass of Mr. 11., made siiuiiltancmsly,
the sword penetrated the side of Mr. 15.
ntlietiiig a slight but not dangerous wound.
The swords being broken, the parties resort-j
>d to pistols, at five paces. At the first fire i
Mr. 15. received tlic'hall of his antagonist back
if the hip. The wound we learn, was painful
nit sligli!. Thekhot of Mr. 15. passed on with- j
>ut touching.
We learn that tlio duel originated in ail old :
iiisiiuderstanding, but alter both parties bad '
.tooil steel and firo, they eonecived a higher
e.spcct for each oilier, and left the field recoil- !
riled. Tlmy returned to New Orleans in the
t Ou-gon veterday.?Moh tie Tribune.
SoiiWt'C'iiroSiitii Pi'i^s A<tso<'2:r.')on. j
C'lIAKLKSTOX, .April 13.
The Association, in pursuance of notice from
the President, met to-day at the Pavilion Hotel.
In the absence of the Secretaiy, \\\ ]}. John-:
ston was appointed Secretary pro tern*. The
mimilcs of the last meeting were read and
confirmed. The President then read the Con
stitutioii of the Association, also a letter from
Carrollton, Ga., signed In* a number of citizens j
of that place, stating that the establishment of
a weekly paper at that point would bo very desirable.
Received as information.
Letters . of application from the following
gentlemen were received:?John Ileai t, Clnr
I.'.-ton ?.icrcur>j. II. Judge IWooro; YorUville
lltumly i Joseph Walker, pn!>1 i>hor; J... W.
Spratt, Charleston ISUnuhtrii; F. Mehrtens,
Charleston Zeiltniy; It. W. I lahcrsham, Self
Instructor ;. W. Y. Paxton, Chariest? Ereniiij
JYcirsj John Cunningham, <lo; A. Carroll,
Charleston Courier; W. Luidler, do;
\V. ?.I. Thomas, Greenville Mountaineer; J.
It. Ilaynesworlh, Sumter Watchman.
An election having been entered into for the
abBvcnaii;e(] gentlemen, they wee unanimously
elected.
On motion of W. 15. Carlisle, Esq., it was
unanimously resolved " tjiat this Association,
as a body, contribute in some suitable formto
the Calhoun Momunent now proposed."
The mover was appointed and requested to
report tto the proper form and manner of currying
out the resolution."
The President then extended an invitation to
the Association to meet him at his residence
on Saturday evening next.
lJcfore the adjournment, the President also
announced that Mr. l>utterlield, of the Pavilion,
had prepared for the members of the Association
a collation, to which the members adjourned.
It was a handsome compliment from
Mr. Putlerficld to the Press.
After the discussion of tiic goi-d things furnished
by Mr. Uutterfieid, tlie Association adjourned.
II. YE A DON, President.
\V. 15. Johnston, Secretary.
Pavilion IIotkl, Thursday April loth.
At a meeting of the members of the Press,
after the final adjournment of the "Press Association
ofSouth Carolina," and the withdrawal
nf t.hf> Pr<>?i<lr>nt nn nrofp.>sinnn.l Imtinr-ce it iv.-iq
resolved, on motion of Mr. Thomas, of Green
ville, and seconded by Mr. Eccles ofYorkville,
That the thanks of those present he cordially
returned to Mrt Buttcrfield, of the Pavilion
Hotel, for his liberal and handsome collation,
and that a card of thanks be inserted in the city
journal-s.
The resolution was unanimously adopted.
ARTHUR SIM KINS, Chairman.
Imi'rovfd Cotton Gin.?Israel F. Brown,
of Columbus, Georgia, has taken measures to
secure a patent for an improvement in cotton
gins, the nature of which consists in constructing
the ribs in such a manner that .the parts
of them which wear out may he several times
renewed without taking the bars from the machine.
A cast iron hub with two or more arms
at equal distances apart is employed; eacii of
these arms is of the form of the upper portioi,
of a rib and contains a chilled part, corresponding
with the chill in the arms usually employed.
A number of these hubs corresponding
with the required number of ribs, are arranged
upon a shaft equal distances apart, and one
arm of each Inib is made to occupy the position
usually occupied by the upper part of a
Ilk ohorr nhq etrrocpotuliug m form with
the lower part of the libs usually employed
are secured t$ a bar, corresponding with the
lower rib bar which is usually employed. The
upper ends of these short ribs tit to the lower
ends of the arms on the hubs in such a manner
that when the hub shaft is properly secured
the short ribs and the arms, form a series of
ribs like those commonly employed. When
one set of arms is worn out, the shaft on which
they are secured, has but to be turned in its
bearings to bring a new set into contact with
the short ribs; it is thus that the wearing parts
are renewed, as completely as "if a new set
of ribs were furnished.?Scientific American.
Tick Steam Making Force of Great Britain".?Great
Britain has upwards of tw o hundred
and fifty ocean steamers of ample tonnage
which she can use in any necessity growing out
of the present war. In the possesion of these
steamers lies a great element of her strength as
a maritime power. The Liverpool Journal furui-hes
an interesting article on the magnitude
of this steam marine power. The "Guard Company."
could alone furnish nine powerful paddlewheel
ships, with a tonnage of 18,500 tons,
and a horse power equal to 7,150. Each ship
could carry a regiment of the line in twenty-one
.1 .i.? f i i u
UtlV* IU 11IU * ilJ'U ?'i VJUUU I1U| H, <11111 111 II j ii I II
less time to I he Ilaltie or the Iliac!; Sea. Those
in port could be made ready in twenty-four
hours' notice. The four screw steamers of the
Liverpool and Philadelphia line are also taken
into account, possessing 8,31)0 tuns, and 1,130
horse power.
Then there arc enumerations in favor of the
Pacific line, being (5,300 tons, and 1,100 horse
power; the six of the Liverpool and Constantinople
line, (5,(500 tons, and 1,033 horse power;
the four of the SouthWmnricun Company
5,0-lS tons, and 1)00 horse power; the three of,
the Canadian Company, 4.300 tons, 700 >
horse power; the three of the Lisbon at^Radi/.
line, 1,850 tons and 540 horse power; and fifteen
trading*to different parts of the .Mediterranean,
1*3,700 tons, and 3,310 horse power.?
In addition t<* these, which will constitute an aggregate
of more than (5(5,000 tons, and 115,000 !
horse power, Liverpool could also furnish it, |
is shown, a number of good steamers of 4 and ;
500 tons burthen each. "With such a fleet," |
say to the Journal, "we can effectually prevent I
anv Russian merchant vessel from nutting to
sea, ami llius close up altogether the sources j
from which the nobility derive their large rove- '
uue,"?adding, however, that "the most mate- i
rial object would l>e"attained by harrassing the |
enemy in the IJIaeli ?Sea and in the Baltic, and i
thus detracting from bis power concentrating !
a large force upon the Danube.'1
I5i::m:.vu of Yactinatiox.?The New York !
Academy of Medicine have reported in favor I
of a Bureau of Vaccination, in New York city !
as likely to prove of particular service in increasing
tbc facilities for vaccination to the
poor of the city, in furnishing a body of tollable
statistics concerning vaccination * and re j
vaccination, and insuring at all seasons a plots-1
tiful supply of vaccine matter to physicians.? |
From tiie report it appe'ars that in live months j
there have heeti a total of b'dS deaths from j
small pox in that city, and as the rate of the j
disease has been about ten per cent, of the ea- j
ses, l!io whole number of ca-cs in the live
months has been r^OSO. - 1
si
Cijf (linutkn tllffhli) Journal.
Tuusrtay, April 18, 1851.
THO. J. WARREN, Editor.
Southern Commercial Convention.
As ever}* tiling this week lias been, as it were, rnerg- ]
e<l into the one grand idea?the Commercial Conven- .
tion of the Soutli and Southwestern Slates?our letter
on the present occasion will be chiefly composed of
the sayings and doings of tiiis numerous and respectable
body.
Among the distinguished arrivals are Senator Win. j
C. Dawson, of Georgia, President of the two last Con- j
ventions; Governor C. C. Clav, of Hnntsvillc; Kx-Gov- j
crnor Jonos, of Tennessee, and now United States
Senator from that State ; Governor Moseler, of Florida;
Governor >ran?iing-, of'our State; Lieutenant Maury-of
the National Observatory, Washington; Lieutenant
llerrulon, of Washington; Lieutenant Gibbon,
of Washington; Jlon. W. T. Colquitt, of Georgia; Hon.
W. Polk', of Tennessee; lion. B. F. Whitner, of Florida;
Judge Baxter, of Tennessee; Gen. Leslie Combs,
of Kentucky; Gen. W. S. Harding.
I have had a considerable desire to see Mr. Colquit,
of Georgia, but have not had that plcasurJ. I see his
name announced in the Standard among distinguished t
arrivals, but have not seen him, and therefore take it ,
lor granted there must be a mistake in the announcement
of his arrival. *
Tennessee, Virginia, Georgia, and South Carolina
arc very largely represented, and this fact shows the
interest which these States take in the matter.
Sanator Dawson was again chosen President of the
Convention, and upon taking the Chair, made an excellent
speech, in which lie referred to the general subjects
which would likely occupy the attention of the
Convention, lie dwelt at some length, aud with much
force and clearness upon the duty of the South to itself?protecting
its own interests, and peculiar institutions,
and relying more fully upon its own resources,
and Ihc necessity for the greater devolopmchl of the
means which lie withiu our reach, of an agricultural,
commercial, and manufacturing character. He mentioned
this fact, a strong figure in support of his various
propositions, that the amount of money expended
last year abroad, by people from the Southern States,
was equal, if not greater than the value of ttie whole
cotton crop of the Soutiiorn and Southwestern States,
which money spent at homo would add infinitely to
our prosperity.
Ue spoke with admirable point and effect, upon the
necessity of educating the children and youth of the
South, at home?that there was absolute necessity
that the rising generation should bo indoctrinated properly
into those systems and principles of government
peculiar to the States of the South. Wc listened to
Mr. Dawson with interest and attention, and were
highly pleased with his plain, practical common sense
view of things.
A general Committee, composed of three members
from each State represented, was appointed to prepare
business for the Convention, which committee have
a large amount of matter before tlieni in the shape of
innumerable resolutions upon a variety of subjects.
On Tuesday the Convention was addressed by Mr.
Marshall, of Miss., uppn some resolutions offered by a
ueiegaio irom ucorgia, proposing mat congress oe
urged to oiler the mediation of this Government to
Russia and Turkey, in order to prevent, if possible, a
general European war. We heard only a part of Mr.
Marshall's extraordinary speech, which was a perfect
telegraphic operation, aud so fast that the most expert
reporter had to lay down his implements and gaze and
wonder in mute astonishment It is said that Col.
Keitt," would hardly be able himself to take notes, and
lie is about as fast a talker as people generally com?
across. Mr. Marshall's definition of a practical man
is quite original and amusing. One who would plaut
dig, boil, and cat his potatoes, without troubling himself
about other people?the visionary man, would be
troubled about what future generations would eat.?
Mr. W. fj. 1110widow, of the Knoxvillc Whig, was
loudly called for on Tuesday, and after mounting the
rostrum, made a very droll speech; in fact lie is an
odd character, and what may be termed a singular genius.
Un Wednesday the l'acilic Kail Kond scheme
was discussed at considerable length by General Combs,
of Kentucky, Mr. Pike, of Arkansas, and Senator Jones
of Tennessee; the speech of Mr. Pike, so far, has been
the speech of the Convention, and was by odds the
ablest speech upon the Pacific ltail Road question.?
Mr. Pike is an original and independent thinker; his
motto is to help yourself and others will liqjp you.?
We like his,notions well, and regret that our limits
forltid an extended notice of this or any other speech.
Senator Jones is an animated and interesting speaker,
and was listened to with considerable attention, lie
is rather too national for us, but after all it is the most
popular side to be in the favor of, and we suppose
there is no use in objecting to good union speeches ?
General Combs represents himself to bo the son of an
old Kentucky rilleman, as a friend remarked to us yesterday,
lie uses, himself, a scattering gun. His speech
although rather scattering, was an amusing aud pleasant
one. The ladies showered boqucts upon the old
General. We hope ho will pardon the word. On
Wednesday a resolution was passed conferring upon
the reporters of the New York Herald, Tribune and
Erjnv>\s, now in attendance upon the Convention, the
privileges of the same as honorary members. This singular
and out of place resolution, we arc glad to know,
was rescinded on Thursday, after exciting an animated,
discussion. The discussion on Thursday was mainly
upou resolutions proposed by tho General Committee
through their Chairman, IJ. Maury, which were laid
over from Wednesday, and are as follows:
Resolved. That a Committee of be an- !
pointed to memnralize Congress in tlie name I
of this Convention, and in the must earnest |
manner to urge the importauccrof, and t<> pray |
for, the following measures, viz :
1. 'l'hc remission of duties on railroatl iron.
2. The passage of an Act for the improvement
of the merchant service, by encouraging
boys to go to sea, and for preventing desertion.
I>. To send one or two small naval steamers
up the Amazon, for the purpose of exploring
the. tributaries of that river, which the
Stales owning them, have declared to be free
to the commerce and navigation of the whole
world.
1. To encourage the establishment of a line
of mail steamers between some Southern seaport
town and the mouth of the Amazon, or
some other port lbazil.
5. And also to encourage the establishment
of a direct mail route by steamers, between
some Southern port and Europe.
('?. Upon the improvement of harbors and
navigable rivers.
These were amended and discussed at considerable
length, and the last, the Ctli, occasioned another resolution
to bo offered by the lion. Mr. Polk, of Tennessee,
upon tho necessity of the acquisition of the Island
of Cuba, as important to t ho proper dcl'onco of our
Southern Coast. Mr. Polk maintained that it was as
competent to momoriali/.o Congress on the subject of
acquiring Cuba as upon the improvement of harbors
and navigable rivers. These resolutions were disc iss
\ V vV ^
* '* . >V V S A
. * * ? < > \
III 11IIIIITI11 IIBII?mi ? !!! I - II
ed by Messrs. Polk and Jones. ofTcnn., Kx-Gov. Clay,
of Aln., Gen. WinsloW, of X. C., Ac. There are so
maiy resolutions and amendments, and points of order
and liair splitting technicalities in the proceedings of
the Convention that it is not only impracticable, but
really impossible, for us to find room for a faithful re- j
port of its proceedings, which would occupy lour times j
the space which we could allow for such a purpose.? j
Wo ca.i only give the general outlines of the most im-'
portance, and let our readers fill up the particulars
from their own imaginations or resources. One tiling j
we may learn hero the difference between hoeedle dee !
and tweedlc iluni, really often a distinction without a j
difference.
The Press Association met on Thursday, and after
electing several new members, and passing a resolution
that the Association contribute as a body in some
suitable form to the Calhoun Monument now propo
1 - rt*?v ImcmncQ nf
St'", UUJUUII?VU V. ILUUlll/ UiUICUVhlU^ ?*??j wv.w...-wfc-v, W* .
importance. Out1 President invites tTie press-gang to '
meet at his residence on Saturday evening at S o'clock !
The Convention Hall at Military Hall came oil' on
Wednesday night, and the great dinner in honor of
the delegates came off at Hibernian Hall on Thursday
afternoon, which lasted till about ten o'clockjal night
?neither of which wo attended On Friday, the Convention
was mainly occupied in the consideration and
discussion of the foregoing resolutions, which had been
laid over from the day previous, and also in the
consideration and discussion of otiier resolutions
o'^'red by the t'ommittco on licsolutions, which
arc, n effect to promote Southern and Western
manufactures and mining operations?Direct trade
with Europe,' and an exemption from taxation for
a limited tinje of the goods imported, Ac.?the establishment
of a dire' line of steamers with Europe from,
some Southern port or ports, without furtherdclay?recommending
to the Government of tho U. States the
formation of reciprocal treaties with foreign Governments
for the admission of their respective pvoducts at
reduced and equal rates of duty. These embrace tbo
substance of tho resolutions offered and considered.?
There were so many amendments and Ihbstitutes, and
suggestions that it was almost impossible to keep pace
witli them, and with ail the exporlness of the reporters
of tho New York Herald and the Charleston Mercury
and Courier, who take down uotes in short hand,
they gave up the task in despair, contented to report
the resolutions when amended and passed. It is like j
sifting a bushel of chaff iu order to find a grain of
wheat, to report correctly, the proceedings of this Convention.
We do not attempt the task.
Mr. Folic withdrew his resolution on tho acquisition
of Cuba, upon the sixth resolution (which offered to
memorialize Congres^on tho improvement of our rivers
and harbors.) being rejected. The cause, he said,
having been removed, lie would withdraw his resolu
uuu. x uirv 13 jjuicv?vt ?u ?jio iivuumc,
and hangs on with remarkable pertinacity, until lie
carries his point. lie says lie scorns asking favors of
Congress, and is clear for demanding our rights; and
accepting no favors as a suppliant. In tha't lie is
right. There was a plenty of good speaking on these
matters, but \vc have not time to give even a passing
notice.
In the afternoon of Friday, the delegates were delighted
with an excursion around the harbor* The
Steamers Xina, General Clinch and Charleston having
been chartered for that purpose, were each provided
with an excellent band of music, whose concord of
sweet sounds, seemed to enliven and animate the occasion.
In the evening an exhibition of Fire Works
took place at the Battery, which was crowded with
thousands of all ages, sexes and colors. We have never
seen such a mass of living beings at any one time
before. It would not be amiable, perhaps, to fiud
fault with the exhibition, but candour compels us to
say that it was rather a from beginning to end.
However, the intention was good, and that, we ought
to take as a sufficient excuse.
Mr. Pike, the Arkansas delegate has made great
favor with the whole Convention and the people generally.
His views arc sound and admirably correct on
matters generally. 11c is r.n orator and poet, and altogether
physically and mentally, a full grown man.?
Mr. Marshall, of Mississippi is a perfect telegraph at
soeakin'r. and is an admirable orator, but we do not
compare him to Mr Tike?he is more imaginative aucl
theoretical?Mr. Piko is more solid and practical. Either
of than however, wi'l always he able to talk their
way through the world.
The Convention was engaged to-day in the
considcradlion of Mr. Pike's resolutions on the Pacific
Railroad and kindred measures. We had tho
pleasure of hearing Mr. P. in part, on this intcres-.
ting subject, lie treated with great ability. He
is, beyond dispute, a strong man and an able speaker,
and has won for himself here, a most enviable reputation.
Ho wears well, and as an evidence of the high
appreciation in which his ideas and sentiments are
held, we need hut mention the fact that his resolutions
which will be found in another part of our paper this
morning, were adopted by the Convention with great
unanimity. ?
Wo believe the delegates to this Convention have '
been delighted with their visit, and surely they ought
to he, for wo have never seen any occasion so well
provided for, and such admirable order and arrangement
as the several Committees clmr-vod with tlm dutv
of providing for the reception of delegates, and their
amusement during the session of the Convention have
made. It lias been a proud week for Charleston, and
we aro glad that our city has done up matters so
handsomely. Complimentary resolutions have been
! passed by the Convention, tendering tho city its thanks ]
for the elegant hospitalities which have been extended
to the members during the session of the Convention,
and a resolution has also been passed in favoc of making
a tribute ou tho part of tho Convention, to the
Calhoun Monument fund in honor and appreciation of,
our eminent and distinguished statesman.
Tho Convention adjourned this afternoon, to meet'
in the City- of New Orleans in January next.
Sattiriloj/, April 15, 1854.
Pacific Railroad. *
The following resolutions offered by Mr.
Pike of Arkansas, were passed with great:
unanimity by.the Commercial Convention on
Saturday :
1. Resolved, That it, is vitally'important to
the progress ami prosperity of tho I'nited
States, to have one or more railroads connect-:
nig the States on the Atlantic with those on .
the Pacific Ocean.
2. llcsolved, That the Southern route ought'
to commence at suitable points on the .Missis- i
sippi river, between New-Orleans and St. Louis,'
thus connecting itself with the various similar
improvements made and contemplated in the
Atlantic States, and < onccnt rating at some
point iii Texas on or near the thirty-second
parallel of north latitude?thence to the Rio
Grande, on the western border of Texas, by
the route designated by that State.at the last
session of her Legislature, chartering the Mississippi,
El Paso and Pacific Railroad, and |
thence to the Pacific Ocean or Gulf of California.
1
R. Rvsolvcl, That in the deliberate judgment
of this Convention, the Gadsden Treaty with
the Government of Mexico, as published in
r
W.WMWJ!jiiia>ai.i?iii*iJiuua".iii?niiB nu. mmmmt
the newspapers, ought to he ratified hy the
Senate of the United States, so far, at any
rate, as to secure the best route for the proposed
Southern Railroad from the, western
limits of Texas to the Rucific Ocean.
4. Resolved, That in order to make provision
for the construction of said road, this Convention
respectfully recommend lhatn Southern
organization he effected, if practicable, of tin*
States of Maryland, Virginia, North-Carolina,
South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama,
Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas, Arkansas, Missouri,
Tennessee, Jyenlucky, and of the different
cities, and the railroad companies* and
corporations in those States, for the purpose <4
building a Southern railroad to the Pacific
Ocean or Gulf California, by the route and
front one or more of the points indicated in
the second of these resolutions?negotiating
for the riglTt of way, if necessary, with the
Government of Mexico.
5. llesolved, That to effect this organization,
this Convention respeetfn ]y advises thejucorporation,
by the Legislature of the State of
Virginia, of a Southern Pacific Railroad Com- /
pany, with a capUal sufficient to build such \ f
road from the point or points and by the route /
indicated in the second resolution?of which*
corporation the several Southern States above I .
mentioned, the several cities therein, and the 5
several railroad companies therein, shall be in- j
vitctl to be corporated, together with such t
other companies and individuals as may choose /
to subscribe for stock, including, if they desire /
it, the Cherokee, Choctaw and Creek nations J
of Indians, west of the Mississippi. That said/*
States be invited to take stock in such corpiy
ration to the amount of not less than two millions
of dollars each, to be raised and secured
in such manner as tlie Legislature of each
such State shall direct. That each of saidjcities
and railroad companies be invited to subscribe
for stock to such amount as its means
will admit. That the existence of said corporation
be recognized by each of said States,
and such powers be vested in, and such franchise
and capacities granted to it by the Legislature
of each such State, as may be necessary
to effect the object < f the organization ; and
that in its Directory, each such State be equally
represented.
G. Resolved. That this Convention respectfully
recommends that, if necessary, special
sessions of the Legislatures of such States ho
called for the purpose of taking into considera
tion this plan; and that a committee of one
member from each State represented in this
Convention, be appointed t^ draft a charter of
incorporation for such company, and lay the
same before the Governors of th$ said States,
and the National General Councils of theChe
rokee, Creek and Choctaw nations, requesting
each nf said Governors to convene the Legis
lature of his State, m order to consider tue same,
! and take such' other steps in regard to such
road as may he necessary and proper, if, in
his opinion, it should be expedient to do so; .
and especially praying the Governor of Virginia
to lay said draft of a charter before the Legislature
of that State, with his views in regard
thereto; au3 requesting said Councils of the
Cherokees, Choctaws and Creeks, to net therein,
to recognize such company, grant lights of
way through their national lands for any branch
or branches of said road that may pass through
the same, and enact such other^laws as shall
secure to the South, s<> far as may be in their
power, the exclusive benefits tmd advantages
of the commerce of the Pacific and of the weal
thy provinces of Mexico intended to be tra- '
versed by said road.
7. Resolved, That this Convention recommend
that power be given to said corporation
by its charter, to mgotiate with Mexico for
and purchase, if necessary, a right of way
through her territory to the Pacific ocean, or
to some .point on the Gulf of California; to stipulate
with that government that in the event
the same is granted no higher rates or charges
shall ever he imposed or exacted for passage .
I or transportation over paid, road on citizens of
|-Mexico than on those of the United States;
and to agree that the company will maintain
military posts along-said, road, will in all time ,
submit to the jurisdiction and laws of Mexico,
and claim no political rights jior attempt to
colonize the country.
8. Resolved, That in the opinion of this
Convention, the Southern States, corporations
and people are entirely able to build said road
and that no tinie should' be lost in doing so;
that it is easy to commence it now as ten or
twenty years hence, and it can as easily be
completed in ten year as in 'a century ; and
that it is the duty of every Southern man, to
himself, his children and his country, to engage
earnestly iu this great and indispensable meas1
tire of security ,?s well as of wealth, and of po-liflpnl
nnrl pnnimAriMtil nnwAi* tn fhi* Rnnth
New
Coins.?The Secretary of the Treasury has
written a letter to Senator Gwin, of California, in favor
of the issue of gold coins of $100, $50 and $25
each, by the branch mint at San Fraucisco. lie proposes
that the new pieces shall bo named the Union,
Half Union and Quarter Union, and that o&ly the Half
Union slial'bc struck for the present.
Con. Benton's Book.?TYo sec it stated that thp
first edition of Col. Benton's "Thirty Years in the U.
States Senate" is to be 50,000 copies, and that most of
theso will be taken to fill orders that have already
been received.
The Gadsden Treaty.?It was confidently stated
in the Convention yesterday, that no
treaty would ever be confirmed, opening a
Southern Railway route to the Pacific. We
did not expect to receive so soon the complete
demonstration of the truth of this assertion.
The Telegraph informs us that the Senate have
voted a new boundary line in the Treaty, cutting
off the Railway route which constituted a
leading advantage of tj\,e Treaty. The proceeding
is altogfgher extraordinary, and we
spmivoIv know how to snoalt of if Th:if flirt
Senate should make itself glaringly a party to
the pretensions of rival Railway speculators,
and should reject an acquisition of territory
because it opened a cheaper, shorter and more
practicable route for communicating between
the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, is a thing as
humiliating as it is strange. We care little
enough for Pacific Railways; but if there is
one to be built, this Southern route has tho
vast advantage of being 500 miles shorter
than the others, and lying for nearly half the
distance in the State of Texas, which has offered
a donation of lands in its aid, that would
nearly cover the cost of constructidn through
her territory.
What form the Senate has given to the Treaty,
we are left to conjecture, hut the (act that
the real objection to its original provisions,
consisted in its opening a superior route for
overland communication with the Pacific, seems
now confirmed. In the meantime, where are