Newspaper Page Text
COMHEKCIAL CONVENTJO.V.
CONVENTION
Agreeable lo public noliee. the Convention of
Merchants and others assembled in the Masonic
llwll yesterday at 1* o’clock. The meeting was
organized bv calling Ker Boyce Esq. af Charles
lon to the Chair. noil the appointment of ,\n
ilrstv J, At if Iwr ns Secietaiy aml proceeded in call
over ilit* n'inn's of ihe member* in attendance,
which weic as follows t
ROUTII CAROLINA.
f}#o. McDuffie, J. Cuthbert,
w. W. Starke, W. It.unwell,
Janies Alltel, S. (I. Barkley,
Kr Boyce, E. Delius,
It. W. Fort. L. Howie.
Anil. Wallace, J- L. Pearson,
J. Wright,
GEO ROI A—A tie u*ti.
John Phinizv, F. M. Robertson.
Jnlm Bones, Robert Caoi|iliell,
11. 11. Cummins, Haynes Itowdre,
It. 11. Warren, A. Ciinuwinf,
Robert F. Pup, C. .!• Jenkins,
A. J. Miller, 1). W. 9t. John,
A Johnson, Samuel Hale,
O. W. Crawford, John M Adams,
Peter Bcnnoch, John Kerr,
James Harper, ‘V. W. Holt,
A. Sibley, I'. I?. Beall,
\V. M. D'Amigoae, Paul Fitzimons.
SAVaKNAB.
Jos. Cnntming, Renj. E. Slyles,
John Ciliuiiiiiig. D. L. Adams,
8. B. Parkm.in,
ATHENS.
W. Dealing, 8- C. A. Fraser,
It. Pope, W. Brown,
W. L. Mitchell,
COLUMBUS.
J. 11. Howard. T. F. Foster,
T. Iloxie, T. Pres
Sea. Jones, V. A. Gailaid,
TV. P. Young,
MACO.N,
E. Hamilton.
A. 11. Cliappel, . J. T. Rowland,
MIX.LEDCCVII.LE.
J. A. Cmhbert, K, K. Ilises,
A. 11. Kenao.
SPARTA.
H. S. Sayr. N. C. Sayr,
J. L. Swinney,
MADISON.
N. G. Poster. W. A. Shields,
TBOXASTOIS.
A. J. White, W. Cobb,
E. Birdsong,
LOUISVILLE.
J. XV. M. Rerrier, D. E. ftolhwell,
P. It. Connlly,
BRUNSWICK.
T. Butler Kin*.
CRAWroRDISILLE.
T. D. Rica, J. L. Dakar,
Pierce O’Lesry,
On Motion of tha Hon. George M’Duflia,
Resolved. That a cnmciiuae he appointed to
take into coruileratiou tile business fur wtiieli the
Conyeniion was assembled, and to make a report
thereon-
The Contention then adjonrned to A o'clock,
P. M. to enable tha Piosidcul to select said cow
initiee.
Four o'clock.
The Convention met pursuant to adjournment.
On motion of Mr. Bones, it was ordered that
suit-lid* seats be provided for such of the editors
in A iiuiiwt v as desire to take minutes of the pro
ceedings of the Convention.
The President called on inch members as had
arrived since the adjournment of the morning to
come forward and sign their names, whereupon
ihe following gentleman came forward; J. M
Gonder, Esq. of Span* ; A. Young. F.sq. id
S. C ; and J. W\ Bnihwell. Esq. of Louisville
Ga
The President then read a letter Iron! Colam
bus Miss., signed hy all the Merchants of that
place, approving of the objects of ihe Conven
tion. which on motion was laid on laid*.
The Piesidqnl then announced the Inllnwing
gentlemen as the Committee appointed under
the resolution of Gen. McDuffie,
Gen. G. McDorriE of Abbeville.
.Jn.sr.rrt Cummiko of Savannah.
‘F Butler Kisro, of Brunswick.
William Dkahino, of Athens.
J. \. CUTHBERT. of Millogevlll*.
Searoks Jo.sr.s, of Columbus.
A. Johnso*. at Augusta*
Tl. II CciiMtse. til Augusta.
A. 11. Chappell. of M icon
A. Wallace, of Columbia,
James Outhbkrt, of Charleston.
\V W. Starke, of Hamburg.
Alex. Black of Charleston.
I’ aas moved bv John Bones. F.sq and second
ed by the linn. George McDuffie, tha! wliei. this |
Convention adjourns it adjoin ii to meet to-mor
row morning, at eleven o’clock, at the Piesbyte
riao Church.
On motion, the Convention tlipn adjourned
Augusta Sent inti.
Frost the Augusta Cmohlutionaliit.
ItCPOIIT.
The Comniittse ere deeply impressed witk the
Importance of the duty Assigned them, and have
bestowed upon it all the attention their limited
time would permit.
They regard the present tierangemeot of the
currency and exchanges of the country, however
we may deprecate its causes and deplore its im
mp-’iale effects, as furnishing in occasion, which,
if wisely imptoved, will relieve the staple-grow
ing States from a Mate of commercial depend
ence, scarcely less reproachful to their industry
ami rnterpiize, titan it is incompatible with their
substantial prosperity.
The ttaple-gruwing States, while they produce
two thirds of the domestic exports of the U.
States, import scarcrly ene tenth wf the foreign
merchandize which is teceived in exchange for
it. Almett the whole of the foreign commerce
which is founded upon ilia productions of our in
dustry, is carried on by the citizens of other
Slates, causing their cities to flourish, while ouis
In vi* hern sinking into decay.
I l * 'he opinion of the Committee, the period
arrived, when oor ritiEens are invoked hy the
‘".iled voice of interest and patriotism, to put an
end to ihi* voluntary tribute amounting annually
t< something like ten million of dollars. It is
btlieved lltal (lie quota of Georgia and South Car
olina alone, jiiiiounls to not less than three mil
lion of dollars—lt may not be disguised, bow
ever, that this extraordinary and unequal sule
of enr commercial relations, had its origin more
in the fiscal operations of t lie federal government
than any supposed deficiency in tho industry and
enterprise ol our citizens. The high duties im
posed by die tariff of 1816 upon the productions
of Southern industry, aud the still more enor
mous duties imposed by those of 1824 and lE2B,
combined wiih the unequal system of depositing
and disbursing live revenue thus collected, almost
exclusively in the Northern cities, operated as
a bounty to the commerce of those cities, which
Ihe m ist perseverving industry and euterprizc on
our part, could not overcome. Great and obvi
ous as were the it ilisral advantages of our South
ern cities, they iver imre than counterbalanced
hv these operations of the government. And
whilst wo stoo Ia midst tho foiris tlni< produced
bv nisgavernntent, mmy of our citizens were ut
terly unable t > nocoont fur the phenomenon, and
some of our c.haiitable neighbors supposed it to
he owing to the curse of Heaven upon our do
mestic institutions.
E very pr act ie and ill i u ho wever, will at once per -
eeive tb it the deposit* of almost the whole of Ihe
tavern it ant funds, in the hanks of the Northern
eit ts, wm eq tivalent to alnso of a l.kc Sum with-
out interest, and that the immense so,us disbursed
by the giiverßiiienl t l lie tame points, operated
even more decidedly to give those riih-s an un
due ascendancy, fine of the most nliv.ous Him
salutary consequences which we may confidently
anticipate from the reduction of the duties and
the withdrawal of the government deposite from
the banks, will be the restoration of the South
ern citivs to a condition of comparative equality
in the business of foreign commerce. In a fail
and equal cnmpeti'ioil. it cannot be doubted, that
they will he able to exchange onr domestic pro
ductions for the manufactures of Europe, by
j a direct trade, mors advantageously, than the
! Northern cities can do it, hy a circu'.ions peoct-es,
I involving inleiniediate transfers and agencies,
all increasing the risk and expense of the opera
lion.
There never was presented lo the capitalists of
the Sooth and South-west such an opening for
profitable enlerprize, and they are invited liv the
innsl powerful considerations to impiove it. Now
that llie fiscal operations of Ihe federal govern
ment Ii ive been so gieally reduced, and the field
of competition fairly opened, if they should still
look on with lis'less apathy, while the mighty
current of our own peculiar commerce is flow
ing literally hy them, to nourish distant cities
and fertilize the barren bills of distant commu
nities, ws must then acquiesce ill the judgement
which the world will pronounce, that we deserve
onr destiny. But the Committee indulge the
confident belief that such a reproach will no lon
ger rest upon us. The public spirit of our peo
ple has been roused into action, they have been
awakened to a sense of their condition, and all
are prepared to co-opemte, in their respective
spheres, in the great work of throwing off the
shackles of our present colonial condition and es
tablishing our commercial independence upon a
lasting foundation.
The staple-growing Slates never can he prac
tically independent and enjoy the full measure ol
ihe bounties which Providence has so abundant
ly provided for them, until the commerce which
is ioundvrl upon their valuable pmdnctio'i shall
be carried on hy our own merchants, permanent
ly resident amongst us. whether they be native
or adopted. The pursuits of commerce tnnst be
liberalized, the commercial class must be eleva
ted ill public opinion to lh rank in society which
properly belongs to it. The avocation ol the
merchant requires as much character and talent
and is of as much dignify and usefulness, as any
other pursuit or profession ; and the senseless
prejudice which would assign to it an inferior
rank, has lieen blindly borrowed Irnm those an
cient republics and modern despotisms, whose
policy it was lo regard war as the only honorable
pursuit. As agricultural productions, which find
their market principally in foreign commies, con
stitute the almost exclusive source of our wealtli
the mercantile class is as indispensable to our
prosperity as the agricultural. Tlisir interests
are inseparably identified, and whatevei affects
the prosperity of the one, must have n corres
ponding influence on the ether. Mow much,
then, does the general vvellareof the staple grow
ing States depend upon diverting into the pur
pursuits es commerce, a laige portion of the
capital, the character and the talent, which have
been hitherto directed toe exclusively to agricul
ture and the learned professions ? It is the de
liberate opinion es the Caiiniitee that no one
change could be made in onr pursuits, that would
so largely contri! ute to the public prosperity; and
that those public spirited citicens who shall take
the lead in this new carter of useful enterprise,
will drseive to be regarded as public benefactors.
The prevailing habit of investing almost the
whole proceeds of our cotton crops in land and
negroes, has produced a constant tendency to
over producing in this great staple: sud nothing
the extraordinary increase of ns consumption in
the great markets oi the world, has prevented
us iroin experiencing the ruinous consequences
of our mistaken policy. In tilts view of the sub
ject every dollar that shall be diverted from the
production of cotton, to some other profitable
pursuit, will be so much clear gain to the plan
ter and to Ihe country.
It is a well established principle in political
economy, that an excess of supply beyond the
efficient demand, diminishes the price of art atti
tude more than in proportion to the excess,
and thst a deficiency of supply increases tne
price in a corresponding degree. Fur example,
it is believed that if the present cotton crop of
the United Slates should be only 1,200,000 bales
it would produce a laiger aggregate sum to the
idanters, than if it should prove to he 1.500,000
hales, the ptice being more enhanced than the
quantity would be diminished. It was upon this
principle that the Dutch East India Company,
actually burnt one-half of their spices, that
they might obtain more lor the remaining half
than could he obtained for the whole. Let
us pursue a still wiser policy. Instead of burn
ing our surplus, let us direct the capital and in
dustry th-il produce it. to other profitable pur
suits, which will up sis new sources of wealth, end
at the same time increase the value of those al
ready in existence.—ln connexion with this view
of ihe subject, the policy of raising every snp
| ply which the soil will produce, cannot he 100
strongly recommended. Bv whatever >-pecions
reasons a contrary policy may he countenanced
experience proves them lo be fallacious. If eve
ry planter would raise his ow n supplies of the va
rious productions of the soil, and of the animals
which feed upon those productions, it would tend
greatly to limit the excessive production of our
great staple, and increase at ttie same time the
independence and the income of the agricultural
class.
The committee will now proceed lo examine a
little in detail the relative advantages ol the South
ern Cities for the business of foreign importation
compared with those of the Northern cities. In
the first place, house rent is much higher in the
latter tlinn in the former, a very important ele
ment in the calculation. In the second place,
freight is habitually higher Iroin Europe to the
Northern than to the Southern Cities for the plain
rrason that ships coining to the South for cotton,
would have to come in liallast if they were not
freighted with merchandise. All the oilier ele
ments that constitute'lie cost of importation, are
believed to be as cheap in the Southern as the
Northern cities. It is thus demonstrable that
| foreign merchandise nan be actually imported
and said in the former at cheaper rates titan in
j the lattct place. When to this ae add the ex
penses of transhipment at New York
or Philadelphia, the loss of interest, the freight
and insurance to the Southern Cities, and the
expenses ol landing and storing there, it will be
apparent that tne Merchants of the South and
South West, will find it greatly to their advan
tage. to make their purchases of foreign mer
chandise in our own cities in preference to New
York ol Phil idelpliiir Tile name course of rea
soning will show that our Colton can be expor
ted directly from our own seaports, with similar
Advantages over the mure eurcuitous route of the
Northern cities.
It seems therefore perfectly clear to the com
mittee, that our capitalists who shall enter into
the business of iuipmtiiig foreign merchandize,
cannot fail lo realize ample profits, and yet sup
ply the meich.nits of the interior on terms more
advantageous than, they ran obtain Iroin the
Northern importers. They have every natural
advantage in the competition, and are invited by
every motive, public and private, to embark in
the business and reap the rich harvest th.it lies be
fore them. It cannot be doubted that the mer
chants of the ulterior will give diem a preference
since, to the motives of interest, those o( patrio
tism will he superadilrd.
Among the measures which will most effectu
ally promote me gient object which ha* brought
this Convention lotjeihi r, none are more promi
nent, in the estimation of the committee, than
the completion .of the great works of internal
improvement, by which the Southern Atlantic
cities are to he connected with the Valley of the
Mississippi. In aid of ike individual capital and
enlerprize engaged in these works, it is believed
I that the patronage of the Stales intersected.
might be wisely and beneficially bestowed. Their
completion would greatly promote the system of
direct importations through our own sen ports ;
and these importations would equally promote
the completion of the works in question. They
are parts es one great system, and will mutually
sustain each other. If Georgia and South Car
olina, with that haimmiy and concert of action
which the inseparable identity of their interest
so strongly recommends, would bring their indi
vidual eneig.es and resources to the completion
of those lines of communication connecting their
allautic cities with the navigable waters of the
West the day would not be distant when our most
ardent hopes and sanguine anticipations would
be realized.
The committee beg leave to suggest tn the Con
vention, another measure, which in their opinion
| would lie eminently conductive to the great ob
ject we have ill viewi. One of the obstacles in
the way of establishing a system of direct im
portations, is Ihe want f the requisite capital
applicable to that object. The country, it is be
lieved, contains a sufficiency of Capital, if mo
tives could lie presented to give it a proper tlitec
line. To effect ibis, the committee can suggest
no measure, which in their opinion would be so
effectual, as a law limiting the responsibility ol
copartners to the sums which they shall put into
the copartnership. A large portion of the capi
tal to whirh we must look Inr carrying an the hit
siness of direct importations, is in the hands ol
planters; and men of fortune who have retired
from business, who would les willing to put a
portion es llieir snpplus capital into nopoi'ing
copartnerships under the management ol men
of charactei 'id capacity, but would never con
sent t make tkeir whole InrlHiies responsible for
the success of the undertaking. If they actual
ly contribute a certain ammiii’ of capital. Rod the
public is apprised that their responsibility extends
no further, it is obvious that the credit ol the
concern will rest npoo the *irt*lan'ial fotuxl;ioil
of Ihe capital paid in.—Nothing can he more
fair as it regards the public, and nothing would
so effectually direct the capital aud enterprise of
onr citizens into channels wheie it is so much ,
wanted. The committee think it would he ex-;
pedient to memorialize the Legislatures on this I
subject, and recommend to the Convention the
appointment of committees for that purpose.
Another measure Inch would greatly facili
tate the establishment of a system of direct im
portations, would lie the formation of a connec
tion aud correspondence between some of our
hanks and some of those in England, by which
each should have a standing credit with the oth
er. This would enable the banks here lo fur- j
nisli the merchants who might wish to purchase
goods in England with letters of credit, upon re
ceiving adequate security. The beirer of such
a letter could have to pay interest only from the
time be actually diew the ainney to pay for his
purchases. This would prevent the loss of in
terest which he would incur il compelled to pro
vide himself with money before he set out on his
adventure. Cotton purchasers from England
would derive th? same benefit by obtaining simi
lar letters, from the Hanks there, upon those of onr
banks, with which (bey should have an establish
ed credit.
If in addition to these facilities, oor banks
would establish agencies in Europe, and advance
a limited amount upon Cotton consigned to them
it would greatly contribute to accomplish our
common object, by enabling onr citizens <o ex
port their own cotton, as well as to import their
own merchandize without the intervention of
any Nmtberu agency.
lo concluding their report, the Committee can
not but express their strong conviction, that the
success ol this great movement tow anlt the eman
cipation of the staple-growing States Iroin their
Commercial trammels, will depend more upon in
dividual enleipi ise sustained and supported by all
enlightened public o|Hiiion, than upon any mea
sures o| legislation, lion ever important these may
he.—The business of direct importations must
be commenced at one ; for if the present occa
sion vs permitted lo pass away unimproved, one
equally propitious may never occur. Tim Com
mittee recommend the Convention to adopt the
following resolutions, in furtherance of the views
expressed in the foregoing report :
I. soltrit. That in the opinion of this Con
vention, (be present conjuncture in our commer
cial affairs is eminently propitious for the estab
lishment of a system ol direct impoi lalious,
i through our Southern and South-western Cities,
and that we ate called upun by every considera
tion of interest and of patriotism, to throw off
tht- degrading shackles of oor commercial de
pendence.
t. Resolved. Tint with a view to induce public
spirited capitalists lo embark in this business, the
people of the staple-growing Stales he recom
mended to give public nisriitestatinns of their de
termination to encourage am! sustain importa
tions through llieir own seapoits.
3. Resolved. Tn.it two Committees bes ppoin
tetl hy the President ol this Convention, to me
morialize respectively, thv legislatures of Georgii
and South Carolina on the subject of limited co
pa rl net slops.
4. Resolved. That a Committee he appointed
to prepare an address to the people of the South
ern and South-western States, setting forth the
advantages and practicßliiliiy of carrying on a
direct trade with foreign nations—exhibiting in
! detail the extent of llieir resources,
j 5. Resolved. That said Committee, in prepar-
I ing such address, embody and conform to Ihe
| views of the Convention as expressed in the
: Preamble and resolutions adopted.
On motion, the Report and Resilutions were
ordered lo he read separately
j The secretary then read the first resolution.
As soon as he finished Geo. McDuffie rose, and
spoke in favor of the resolution and the objects
of the convention. He was followed hv Joseph
Gumming Esq, of Savannah ; Seaborn Jones
Eq. of Columbus ; and Mr Chappell of Macon,
jail of w hum spoke at length on the benefits which
the meeting of this convention was likely to pro
’ duce lo file soutliei .1 stales, il the citizens thereof
I would only lake the subject matter into serious
j consideration, and lay hold of it with hand and
| Iteait.
Altet Mr Chappell had finished speaking. Mr.
Will. Bearing, of Alliens then rose and moved
that the covenlion lake a tecess until four o'clock,
which on being pul tn vole Mas lost.
The question on ihe adoption of the first reso
lution, was then put and carried unanimously.
The second tasolutmn was then read Ivy the
Secretary and was adopted without dehate as
was also the third -
The fourth resolution was then read, lint be
fore the question was taken, Mr. Seaborn Jones
rose and stated In the convention that lie had -a
resolution which he wished to otVer to the con
vention. and that if approved of. should preccetl
the resolution just read : he then read the follow
ing resolution.
Itesolved. That it is a sacred duty which the
citizens of the Southern and southwestern slates
owe to themselves, their posterity and their coun
try, tn give a decided preference in procuring
their supplies, to our ineicltaiits who carry on a
direct trade with foreign nations.
Joseph Ciiniiuing nt Savannah opposed the
resolution—lie thought it was unnecessary and
would do no good, merchants would liny where
they could procure their goods on the best terms;
and that if the south could not alTord greater
facilities than the North—they would still iesnrt
to northern markets. Hot he believed that the
south could IToid as great or greater induce
ments, i ltd if she did, there was tin need to ap
peal to the patriotism of its citizens, for troth pat
riotism and interest would induce them to trade
with us. “
Mr. Jones then replied to the arguments of
Mr. Cuitiuiing. and after some lurthrr remarks
from Messrs. Jenkins, of Augusta. King, of
Brunswick, anil Alexander, of Charleston, Mr.
Bones, of Augusta, offered an amendment, that
after the words'* decided preference” rite follow
ing be added— te/iere the term* are equal —which
amendment was received hy Mr. Jones, and the
lesolutinn, as amended, was put to tlie Conven
tion and adopted.
Mr. Seaborn Jones llten rote and asked leave
in add to the third resolution passed an amend
ment. which he read. Mr. McDuffie opposed Hie
motion as did also Mr. J. l.’uthberl of Mil
ledgeville— Mr. Jones spoke in favor of his mo
tion, but after a few remarks from .Mr, Bark
man. of Savannah, he withdrew his amendment.
The fourth and fifth resolutions were then read
and adopted.
Joseph Gumming, Esq. of Savannah, then
’ rne, and after a few pref .iory lem.trks, nflereri
! the following resolution, which was seconded hy
Mr. A. Alexander, of Charleston 1
lit solved. That tins Convention recommend
to the citizens of the South and Smith Western
Slates to appoint Delegates In meet in Conven
tion at Augusta on the first Monday in April,
18.18. to continue the interest and objects of this
Convention before the people.
Mr. Alexander, of Charleston, rose and made
a few remarks; he was followed.hy Col. llayoe.
of Charleston, who spoke at length on the bene
fits to lie derived tiv the adoption of the resolution
—but the resolution being out of order a call
was made for the question on the adoption of the
Report and Resolutions offered by the Seieet
Committee which being put by the Chair, the
Report and Resolutions of the Committee with
that added by Mi. J ones, were ado) led.
Joseph Ctimmiiig. Esq. then uffeed his rcso
lotion, which was adopted*
Mr. C. Jenkins, in heliaif of ti e Augusta
Delegation offered the following resolution ;
Resolved, That as an introduction to a direct
importing system at the South, it is indispensa
bly necessary'hat the crop of the present vear
be directly exported hv Southern Merchants and
Planters, and that in effect this object the South
ern Hanking I list it ill ions should lend such aid as
they safely and conveniently can. Adopted.
On million of difl'eient members, the following
Resolutions were unanimously adopted.
Resolved. That the thanks of the Convention
he tendered to the Committee for their aide and
jndiconv report.
Rrsnlrtd, That the thanks of the Convention he
tendered to the President tvnd Secretary, (nr tin
able manner in which they have discharged their
duties.
Resolved, That the thanks nf the Convention
he tendered to the Trustees fur the use ul the
Presbyterian Church.
Resolved, That the thanks nf the Convention
he tendered to the citizens of Augusta lor their
hospitality.
Resolved, That the thanks of the Convention
be tendered to the Directors of the Georgia in
surance and Trust Company for the use of their
room bv the Committee.
Resolved. That the proceedings of the Con
vention and tiie address to the people nl the
! Southern and South western Stales he printed in
paniplet form and extensively circulated, and
that the delegates from Augusta he appointed a
Commute to superintend the publication.
After this resolution was read, a motion was
made that a subscription be matte hv tlie mem
bers of the Convention to defray the expenses
of printing the proceedings of tlie Convention,
whereupon Mr. 11. Cnmming rose, and in be
half of the Augusta delegation, stated that with
the permission of the Convention, they would
undertake the superintendence of the printing ol
the Report and proceedings of the Convention,
and would defray all expenses.
Seaborn Jones Esq. then rose and offered the
following resolution, which was adopted.
Resolved, Tb.it the thanks of the Convention
br tendered to the Delegates Irons Augusta, fdr
their liberality in defraying the expense of the
publication of the proceedings ol the Conven
tion.
On motion of Mr. Cnthbert. of Georgia, the
Convention then adjourned sine die.
Committees appointed under 3d Resolution.
For South Carolina- —Alexander Black. Da
vid Alexander, Charles J. Shannon, James Ail
ger. S. G. Barkley.
Georgia, —Augustus 11. Kenan, Adam John
ston, Lancelot Johnson, Benjamin E Stiles,
Seaborn Jones.
Committee to prepare the Address.
George McDuffie, Thomas Butler King, Hen
ry H Cuinming, Absalom IL Chappell, Janies
Gadsden.
DINNER TO THE MEMBERS OF TIIE
CONVENTION.
List evening at 6 o'clock, a Splendid Dinner
was given at the Masonic Hall, by the citizens of
Augusta to the members of the Convention. His
Honor the Mayor of the city presided, assis'ed by
Gen. W. W. Montgomery. Judge Holt, C. J.
Jenkins, Esq. and John Kerr. Esq., as Vice
Piesidenls. A number of regular and volunteer
toasts were drank, amid the deafening applause
of the very large anti respectable company pre
sent. A sentiment in honor til South Carolina,
j called an eloquent response from the distiuguish
, ed andtalanted citizen of that State, Gen. Me
Duffie. A sentiment in honor of Georgia, cal
| let! up Col. A. 11. Chappell of Macon, in a
j beautiful and interesting speech. Col. Arthur
i I*. Ilayne nf Charleston. Col. Seaborn Jones of
| Columbus, Mi. Stiles of Savannah. Col. Thom
i as Butler King of Brunswick. Col. John A.
Cnthbert of Milledgeville. Mr. Dearingof Alli
ens. Col. E. Hamilton of Macon, C. J. Jenkins
nf Augusta, and Alex. Black, Esq. nf Charles
ton, each responded to sentiments in honor of
their respective cities. Col. Jno. H. Howard of
Columbus being called upon addressed the Com
pany. The speeches were listened to with the
greatest attention and Called lortli immense ap
plause. The best feeling prevailed. South Car
olina and Gemgia were toasted and applauded
over and over again. The company was highly
entertained hy songs ami sluriev interspersed with
the toasts, and adjourned in the best order at a
1 seasonable hour. The feeling which has anima
ted the members of the Convention anil others in
attendance is such as will carry triumphantly
through, tile great wor k nf -achieving the commer
cial independence of the Mouth, and giving her
that prepoudrrence in the Union to which tier
vast resources have long since entitled her.—u
gusta Sentinel.
From the Augusta Sentinel.
Washington. Oct. 14, IBS7.
The Sub Treasury Ri\t r.aited to the table oj
the House and etinched.
The House of Representatives have done a
noble act to-dav They laid nil ill# table bv a
vote of Ayes 120, Nays 107, the Sob Treasury
1 Bill ; and a motion to reconsider having been
made, they laid that motion on the table hy a
vote of Ayes 118, to Nays 106 - still a majority
of 13. So that the atrocious scheme has not
only been defeated, hut the House lt-n twice giv
eii its deliberate verdict against it. Glory enough
for tine day ! I cannot liubear to mention again
the efforts of Mr. King nf lie rgia. in the Sen
aie and of Col. Dawson in the House, to defeat
this measure. Their conduct has been such as
cannot fail to increase the high esteem and res
peel universally felt for them.
When I closed my letter yesterday, the debate
was going on in the Committee of the Whole.
Iri the evening session we had a speech from
Eli Moore, the OIK lor of the Loco Focns of New
Voi k, who went toto eoleo for the hill. The ora
tion of this demagogue was as flat, stale and un
profitable as any tiling could be, and as he (lid on
a former occasion, he gave wav on a plea of in
disposition, and was borne from Ihe Hall by
some of his friends. He gave a promise that he
would put in print the speech lie had intended
to have delivered to the House !
Mr. Cushing of M iss, followed him ; and re
plied at some length to the observations of Mr.
Pickens. on the capitalists anti laborers of ihe
North. Then up rose Cambreleng and gave as
an elaborate defence of Ihe Bill ; and attempted
to controvert the arguments of his opponents. In
the course of his remarks he made an attack
upon his colleague, that distinguished barrister
Ogden Hoffman, which that thought
offensively personal, and to which lie rejoined
in a short speech which has been pronounced hy
the best and oldest members of ihe House, as the
most beautiful and powerful lelmt they ever
heard in Congress. It was splendid in eloquence
ami most severe and withering in its effects. Mr,
Adams paid the triumphant colleague ul Cain
hreling, a handsome compliment. He said he
had intended to answer Cam Imt he could out
think nl touching a Head adrersary. “ Fur
God's sake take him off,” said Mr. Bouldiu of
Va.,nne of Cams’ most earnest friends.
After this animated personal scene. Mr. Wise
took the floor, and addressed the Committee
until half past twelve o'clock, in opposition to
the measure. When lie finished the question
was taken on Col. Dawson's proposition to make
the State Banks special depositories of the accru
ing revenues nl the government, and was nega
tived.
The Committee then rose and reported the
hill to the House, which immediately adjourned.
To dav the first thing done was a motion hy
Mr. Sherrod Williams in lay the measures on
the table, which aliei various preliminary motions
for calls of the II ouse, &lc. prevailed hy the ma
jor it v I have mentioned above.
The hill tu settle with the Deposiie Banks was
next takeu up, and is now under discussion.
The Semiie to dav passed the hill to extend
the time on Merchant's Bonds as amended hy
‘he House, and then went into Executive ses
sion.
Nothing will be (lone with the resolution for
an inquiry respecting the Florida W ar.— AL
Tulhe Editor of the Georgia Constitutionalist.
SENATE Chamber, Oct. a. 1837.
Pear Sir —Justice to myself compels me le*
luctantlv to notice an article in the Constitution
alist of the 3d inst. In that article you do me
great injustice. You assail me where lam must
sensitive—but at the same time must invulnera
ble. If | have any pride as a politician, it is the
pride of consistency , ill have any claim to mer
it it is an adherence to principles; if I have any
b enevolent virtue, it is lasting gratitude to inv
‘■ lend ; <od I wish on other distinction than that
(ifau honest devotion to the interests of mv con
stituents. My claims and pretentious being hum
ble. I assert them with the more resolution, and
hope von will neither mistake my teiupei, nr my
object, it I call on yon to retract or prove some
ul Hie charges you bring ngaiust me.
I ask then what are ‘ the gieat principles which
the democratic party profess.” which I have
abandoned, and what “changes of sentiment” I
have undergone which place me” in oppnstion to
that party,” or the “ solemn rieclaratn ns ol the
Legislature.” It imports that I should know
this, for it is perfectly true that i•• was twice
elected hy tlmt party to the exalted station” I
hold ; and with the destiny ol that party 1 have
united my own—and shall stand or fall with it.
Reminding me ol this generous confidence was
cratnitnus and unnecessary. It can neither in
crease mv gratitude, or add to my obligations.—
No one knows better than yin, sir, that if my
honors were unmerited, they were also unsolici
ted ; and have always Ireeu a’ the disposal of
those, who so generously conferred them.
But what” solemn declarations (J the Legis
lature” have I disregarded ’ Do you refer to
my uniform opinion on the subject of the United
States Bank ? Mv opinions on that subject have
never been concealed or “ changed,” and were
well know to the Legislature at the litre they
elected me. So were those of my t rn gifted
colleague, whose opinions were in accordance
with my own. What ‘•change” then, have I un
dergone on this subject, that merits your animad
version? I have done nothing, further than to
defend myself from unmerited denunciations,
and these too, frequently from the mere popin
jays of power, who most miraculously “changed”
their opinions. I am not yet a convert to the
modern doctrine (ol tome democrats) of forcing
blessings upon the people, and I have neither
given, or threatened any vote at all calculated to
alarm them on this subject nr which throws me
“ in opposition” to these •• solemn declarations.”
i In what else have 1 “ recently taken a stand” in
opposition to the great principles of the democrat
ic party ? Is it my opposition to the self-willed
follies of the Executive, adopted and persevered
in against the almost unanimous res stance nf tlie
legislative authority ol all parties ? The act
which I most condemned wasnpposed in the huffy
of which I am s member, hy a unanimous vote
with the exception of one. It had no support in
the cabinet before it was adopted, anil was after
wards, on fria/, condemned hv the people ; and
again condemned with great unanimity hy the
I whole legislative authority. What “ change” is
I there here ? I. with my other democratic friends
resisted this measure Iroin the beginning ; and
I step by step, foretold most of tlie mischievous
consequences that would flow from it. By un
necessarily and unnaturally embarrassing the
European money market and manufacturers, it
struck down the exports ol our southern planters
30 or 40 per cent; it did this as plainly as the
sun affords heat and light—in addition to all the
| other mischiefs it produced. With this convic
tion resting upon my mind, it is true that I did
not join some others in applauding this Execu
tive triumph over Hie legislative authority ; or ob
sequiously estimate the gloiies of Executive vio
lence hy the misery and mischief it produced. I
did uot know (lint “ the great principles of the
democratic party” lequite me to do this, or to
consider one man the party, and another man the
government. Nor did I know that mv constitu
ents required me to lick the hand that plundered
them, and applaud the very measure, that I
know to have taken from their mouths, the bread
which their honest industry has earned. If I
have mistaken the great principles of the parly
m this particular, it is obvious that I am not a fit .
representative for it. I shall therefore return
home in a few weeks and snrrendei a inisi, you
say I cannot honorably hold. llt ive from our
friends many written evidences, that they still
consider democracy to mean the will of the people.
But it is enough for me to know, sir, Hint some
of'ttiy friends are dissatisfied ; and I wish it un
derstood, that I shall not embarrass them by be
ing a candidate for re-eleciinn. By tl e kindness
of my friends, I came into office without trouble!
to myself l intend In go out, will.out trouble to
them That they can select a successor who will
serve them with more ability. I readily admit ;
that they can select one who will feel a more
holiest devotion to their inteiests, I with confi
dence, deny. In conclusion, I hope you will
withdraw your charges of inconsistency and
aposlacr, or do n e the justice to publish this let
ter. with gratitude to y ourself and other friends
for past confidence, and regret that you have
withdrawi, it.
1 am, Sir your friend.
And obedient servant,
JOHN F. K'NO.
CotTraponiknl of the Chnrlrtlnn Courier. t
W Asni>o i(i.i, Oci. |4, 1537. \
A number of remonstrances against the uilinif.
‘ion ol Texas. were presented by Mr. liochanait
and Mr. M'Kmr.
In the House nf lleprevnluivei, die Divorce
Kill wasbrought into the House, out of Coiiimii
tee of the whole, when amotion was made hy
Mr. Sherrod Williams to lav die hill on the table.
This motion was decided in the affirmative—
Yeas 120, Nays 107.
A mol ion was then marie to reconsider the vote
and a motion was made to lay that motion on the
table, which was agreed to—Yeas 119, Ngvs
100
The Divorce Rill, therefore, is disposed off , r
the present session. What may he its Inlg ,| le
nest, is involved in clumis and daik', <sSi ‘'j.| ler(l
would seen, to he little chnnce, of its passage
without some modification ny which some four*
teen or fifteen votes ruay he obtained. Mr. Cal
houn seems to lie very much disconcerted bv the
result, lie was afterwards in conference will)
Mr. Wright and Mr. Buchanan, hut he can do
nothing now, It is a characteristic of great men
dial when they commit mistakes, they are great
mistake*. *
The bouse after winds took tip the bill to ex
tend the limb to the deposits banks for tbe pav
ment of their debts to the United Slates, and u
has in its turn, to run Ihe gnantlet through all o, e
orators and would he orators of the House. The
fate of this hill and the merchants’ extension
bonds lull hangs yet on a thread.
The Jersey election*, according to Gen. Wall
the administration Senator, give the anti-admin,
timi party a majority in the Council, and a ma.
jority in the house ; am! accniding to Mr. R„ c j,’
Moan, the Pennsy Ivauia elections given whig mi!
jority in the Senate, mid an adiniuislri.tinii ma”
jority in the House of 20-uccording to M r . •’
Kean, from 7 to 12.
Fayetteville, (N. C.) Observer Office 3
Monday, October 14, 1837. ‘ {
AWFUL CALAMITY. ’
NEARLY ONE HUNDRED LIVES LOST.
Mr. 11. Vanderzer. a passenger in the steam
packet Home, passed through this place, Hiis
morning, and in a lew moments of Ins stay’ KaVe
the pailicttl.it* of the wreck of that splendid new
1 boat, while on her second trip from N. York to
Charleston, and the awful fate nf upwards ol CO
passengers (among them a large number of | a .
dies) atrl many of tbe crew.
His statement corresponds with the following
account from the New hern spectator ol Friday
last, received this morning.
On Monday night last, in consequence of stress
nf weather and the leaky slate of the vessel, ,| le
Captain of the “ Home,” Captain White,
compelled to bear uway for ihe nearest pori,_
Either mistaking the entrance at the Bar, or un.
able to gam it, ihe boat was driven on shore
About six miles north of Ocrai-nck Bar. Our in
formant. (one of the passengers, who was
irately rescued Irnma watery grave) reports, that
out of about ninety passengers, and a crew con
sisting oi forty three persons, only twenty n| Hie
former, au.l we know uot how many of the lat
tei were saved !
Among the passengers were between thirty and
forty ladies, of whom but two rscaprd. Several
children were among those who It iVe been thus
hurried tu eternity— only one of this class
been saved.
As we have neither space nor lime to speak
farther of this most meUnchoU event, we shall
merely appoint the names of the p-isons saved
deterring till nexi week such particulars a, ma,
be deemed ul imparlance.
Pu'Smgtrs saved.— Mrs. I .at c-ste. Mrs Schroi
(ler. Charles Di avion, Andrew It. Lnvegieen, If
B. Hussey, ol Cuai lesion S. C. ; Isaac S. Cohen,
ol Columbia, . C.; C. C. Cady, Montgomery
Ala. ; Thus. J. Smith, J D. Rowland, J„tni
Bishop, J. Holmes, 11. YamlerZer, H. Andrison,
of New York; Capt, Allred Hill, Capt. Salter,
ol i'uitsiiKiuth, N. 11. James Johnson, Jr; of Bos
ton ; \V. S. Read ol New Haven, Conn.; D.
Clark, nf Athens Ga.; Jro. Mather, Conrad
Quinn, (boy) Jersey City.
Air. Vanderzer was saved by an Indian Rub
ber Life Preserver, which he was persuaded by
his friends in New-Yotk to take with him.
Air. Vanderzer, the passenger shoved named,
and All. Anderson, reached dm place Inst eve
ning, by the Rail Road, and the lormer has kind
ly lavouied us with die following particulars of
the melancholy disaster.
The gale commenced on Sunday afternoon,
and Hie Captain was anxious to double Cape
ll.illeras, with the intention of anclioiing under
its lee. About 4 o’clock on Monday, however,
the boat commenced leaking so much a* to ten
der it necessary for all hands and the passengers
In go to the puu-ps, and In bail, which was i-oii
iiiined without intermission until site grounded.
The water gained upon them so last, that at aliuut
eight o'clock, the fire was exliiigoshed, and the
engine of course was stopped in its operation}—
a sail was then hoisted, but was immediately
blown away. Another was bdit, and with this
assistance, the boat slowly progressed towards the
shore.
At II o'clock at night, the Home grounded,
about 100 yards limn the shure. The ladies
had all been requested to go lorward, as tbe place
where they were was u ore likely to reach the
shore, being nearest the beach, lint a heavy sea
struck her there, and swept nearly one hall of
them into the sea and they were drowned. One
boat was stove at this time. Another small tioat
ts as launched, with two or three persons tu it, but
capsized. The long Dual was then pul oveiboard,
filled with persons, 25 m number, it is supposed,
but did not get 15 feet from the side of the steam
er before she upset, and n is tbe belief ul om in
formant that nut onto! the individuals in her ev
er reached the shore. The sea was breaking
over the boat at this time with tremendous lour,
and pieces of her were breaking oil’ at times, anil
floating towards tlie sliore. on some of w liicli per
sons were clinging. One lady, with a child in
her arms, was in the act of mounting the stairs
to the upper deck, when the smoke stock fell anil
doubtless killed her anti child on the spot. Some
lew nf Hie ladies were lashed to the boat—Mil
Schroeder was confined in this uminer to oneul
tbe braces of the boat, and another lady was tied
to the same piece ol timber. All. Vandeizcr
was standing near them, when the latter lady
slipped along tbe biare so that (lie water broke
over her. Mr. V. seized her hy the clothes, and
held her up for some time, and made every ex
ertion that was possible to release her, hut failed.
She herself eiuleavuied to unloose the rope, tut
was unable to do so, and shortly afterwarttstlie
brace broke off from the host, and went towards
(he shore. Airs. Schroeder, still fastened toil,
vviiile her unfortunate companion, slipped offvnd
was lost. Airs. S. after striking the beach, with
great presence of mind, drew the timber upon
the heacti so fi-r as to prevent it lioni being wash
ed away by the waves, and was thus saved.
The Ins 11 of the boat broke into three pieces,
and the shore was completely strewed with por
tions ol the wreck, baggage. Ate. lor five or six
Hides in extent the next iiioniing.
Captain White, with six or seven other persons
clung to a piece of the forwanl part of the boat
and reached the beach in safely. Airs. Lcost<*
floated ashore nearly exhausted, and had she not
been taken up would most probably have petisb
ed.
Air. Vanderzer svis not tin person who >'*s
saved hy the lile preserver, but saved Inmsell by
swimming, and was nearly diowned before he
reached Ihe land, in encountering a portion ol
the wreck, of considerable length, which hcs
obliged to climb over. Mr. H. Anderson was
the gentleman who wore the life preserver, anti
was don lit less entirely indebted to it lor his pre
servation, as lie was utterly unable to sw,m. It
was fixed underneath his arms, and every sea >nt
struck him, winded him over once or twice, nut
hi invariably came “head up,” and i. forturaie*
ly, a living evuienceof the usefulness ol this in
valuable invention, with which evexy peisounbt
g;t>es to sea should ptovide llieinselve'-
Mr. Lovegreen was on the upper deck, “tia
tolled the bell of the bo it until almost evei * l,m
had left her, when he sprung off and swnti ‘• ■*
land.
We h ive been thus particular m giving “
circumstance, as we know the uiixieiy that exi' 1 •
and feel much indebted to Alt. Vandeizer lw 115
kindness in furnishing us with the details.
About 20 of the bodice of the drowned, f" 111 ®
ashore before Mr. V. left, and had I'* 6l ’ ‘ ,,,e,r1 .
or preparations were making to pet form lltid im ‘
anchuly duty for them-
PcofMsoi Noll and ‘, ao y arc both lost, ft’
NcVi's body w„, wmlied on slime before flt‘7
‘he ■"’Uch. .
tilt. Vanderzer thinks that there were 22 I 1 *”
sengers, and 16 of the crew saved—3B in ali
en, there are two otheis ol the lotmei, *‘ |M ’
names are not given. , .
Must of the passvngers remained on (lie n* Jl
all night. Some six or seven, howeter M*®
their wav to the light hmiye, several mile* 0 •
among liiem twn nr three of the tiew, en |l,r /
divested of their clothifig. ■
Messrs. Vandeizer. fiisbop, Anderson
Holmes, got on hoard a brig, and oaine to A e *
hem; and it is probable that the rmtder *