Newspaper Page Text
2
- LATEST FROM ENGLANi.
RIVAL 0F THE
STEAMER HIBERNIA.
Fifteen Days Later from Europe-
From the N. Y. Tribune and the Herald Exira.
The HißSßNiaarrived at Bostonon Tuesday
morning.
By this arrival we have both London and
iverpool papers to the 19th ult.
The general aspect of trade remains about
he same. , .
Tnere is nothing importanlfrom either Spain
or France.
The Oregon question continues to attract
considerable attention in England.
Flemish papers give sad accounts of inun
ations in various parts of Belgium and Ger
many, arising from the change in the weather.
Ireland continues comparatively quiet, though
here are rumors that O’Connell intends soon
o make a new move of some kind.
The London Produce markets have been
marked by a good deal of business. The home
trade is active, but as the supply is liberal, and
merchants come forward with their goods
I reel) prices have been receding.
Mr. Everett the American Minister, enler
a ined a distinguished party of the nobility
recently. Lord Brougham was among the
number.
The Postoffice revenue exhibits an improve
ment over last year to the amount of £57,000.
Pennsylvania five per cent, stocks are quoted
at(». v „
The frost has been so intense on the Danube,
that rocks, which lor centuries had obstructed
the navigation near Lintz, suddenly burst, and
thus opened the bed ol t u e river.
Marshal Soult has brought before the French
Chambers a magnificent project tor arming the
fortifications of Paris, and tor enlarging the
fortifications of various places oft the coast.
Switzerland.
This country has-bren the scene of a bloodv
contest between the rival religionists, attended
with serious lots us life. The people of the
Bas'.e Campagne and the more disorderly in
Bene formed a corps with which to attack Lu
cerne, while the Canton of Argan summoned
by the tocsin all good Protestants to arms.—
One account slates —“ Last nignt,
fires-Wfte seen at two of three
wen; p<*oW>ly signals. Many of thdWiunici
psfKies haw'sagreed to give from lour to six
francs to those who should take part in the in
vasion, and to allow them each from halt a
franc to two francs per day.
A force five thousand strong crossed the fron
tier of Lucerne on the 29tn of March. Mean
while, the town of Lucerne was hastily forti
fied ; the Vorort mustered seventeen battallions
to interpose if necessary; the Government ol
Berne placed seven battallions under arms;
Zugand Uri, sent contingents to Lucerne. The
army which Lucerne mustered is variously
estimated at 10,000 or 20,000.
With a strong force, Gen. De Sonnenberg
advanced to meet the invaders; bulhavingcome
up with them, lie retreated towards the city, for
a purpose which will presently appear; making,
however, some show of resistance. “Onteach
" ing Zofingen, the invading army,” says an ac
count written by one who marched with it,
“ was attacked by a battalion posted in the fo
rest.”
The sharp-shooters soondrove them out of it;
and our friends continued to advance in good
order, constantly harrassed in their march, as
far as Ettiswyl, where they effected their junc
tion with another column, just arrived by the
Berne road. Here the invadingforcesdivided;
one column proceeded by the road leading to the
principal bridge across the Emme, and the othei
took to the right and passed the Emme at
Wertheastein.
Whilst tue chiefs were exerting themselves
to inspire their men with fresh courage, a report
of musketry and artillery was suddenly heard
It was probably the second column, who not
know ing their triends, and assuming them to be
the soldiers of Lucerne, had fired upon them.
A panic seized a portion of the first column;
several portions of which gave the signal of re
treat which was followed by the others. By de
grees, however, they formed their ranks, when
they perceived they were not pursued; but not
knowing what had become of the second column,
they coniinued to retreat.
At break of day they were attacked by a bat
talion, supported by six piecesot artillery, which
attempted to oppose their march; but the latter
fought so slovenly that the column easily routed
them. They were again tv ice attacked in the
same manner, and twice they repulsed their as
sailants; without, however, any very serious
loss to the enemy, whoalways kepta’ a respecta
ble distant <■ Os this parly of the invaders,
however, only a small number succeeded in
making good their retreat.
Meanwhile, the main body proceeded, and on
the 31st took possession of the heights about
Gutsch, without resistance. When it reached
the narrow valley of the Reus, through which
the Basle road passes, a par y ot the troops ol
Luzerne sprang a mine, and thus threw them
into the utmost confusion. The besieged about
tire same lime effected a vigorous sortie, and
beat back the volunteers, who were overcome
with fatigue a tier ji_La»g march.
At night the combat was suspended, to be re
newed next day; when the volunteers were re
pulsed with great loss, leaving 600 (or 1200
according to some) dead on the field.
The troops of Lucerne boast of a loss of only
three dead, though many were wounded. The
invaders now found that they were in a trap;
the country people ol Lucerne, who had *uflered
them to pass without resistance, set upon them
in their ,-etreat, inflicting severe injury.
The invaders were treated with such fierce
ness in all Quarters, that it is said that out ol
4000 or 5000 men not more than 2000 had es
caped massacre.
Algiers.
Accounts byway ol Malaga affirm that Abdel
Kader had succeeded in getting around him a
great number of Moors, who with the regular
soldiers who had not abandoned him, place him
ir. a position to re-commence hostilities. Abder
Rharnan isg.-eatlv alarmed at the new symptoms
of hostility. Bodies of troops have been di
rected to different parts ol Morocco to the Riff.
Abdel Kader is said to be at the head of 1200
horse and 1500 infantry.
On clearing away the ruins of the late disas
trous explosion at Algiers, the bodies of nine
soldiers were found, who were all crushed in a
heap.
United States Bank.
On Friday a sale took place at the Auction
Mart, London, by Mr. Shuttleworth, ol 343
sharesof 100 dollars, or £25 sterling each, in
the Bank ot the United Slates of America,
amounting to £8,875. The auctioneer said
that it was rather peculiar property now, but
that it must be sold without reserve. There
were seven lots the lowest comprising sixteen
shares, and the highest 153 shares. The first
offet was 10s. per share, when alter some com
petition, it was knocked down 10r225. per share.
The remaining lots were sold at 235. and 245.
per share. The shares were to be paid within
seven days alter the day of sale.
From Wilmer’s News Letter.
Domestic Summary.
The news of the past fortnight tsof domestic
rather than general interest, and has relation
chiefly to the parliamentary grant, proposed by
Sir Robert Pe I, tor the improvement of the ed
ucation provided for Roman Catholic students,
in the college of Maynooth. A large nu ber
of the supporters of the established church af
fect to consider this grant to be tantamount to
the endowment ol Popery, nnd evince a very
strong opposition to the proposal, in which they
are assisted by the Dissenters, who are against
almost all advocates for the voluntary principle
of religion, and against the endowment of any
Church whatever by the state, though receiving
themselves benefit Irom the Regium Donum.
There can, however, be little uoubt that the
Premier will carry his measure, as he is well
upheld by a large body of-the Protestant clergy
and laity, who are of opinion that something is
necessary to be done to show the Roman Cath
olic people of Ireland that they are wrong in
entertaining an impression that England is dis
posed to trample upon them and their religion,
and that the best way ot extending the princi
ples ot the reformation is to furnish the profes
sors ot Roman Catholicism with an improved
secular education.
A beneficial effect hasalreativ been produced
in Ireland from the mere announcement ot the
ministerial proposition; the power of agitation
is plainly on the wane ; O’Connell has postpon
ed his intended meeting at Clontarf—has evin
ced a desire to fraternize with the Premier in
his efforts for the amelioration of the country,
and is all gratitude tor favors to come, whilst
the high Roman Catholic clergy are satisfied,
and the English prelates of the Catholic Church,
to the number of ten or eleven, at present in
London, have forwarded to Sir Robert Peel
their united thanks tor his conduct.
The next gratification to be provided for Ire
land is the visit of the Queen and her Royal
Consort to that portion ot her Majesty’s domin
ions, an event that will be most enthusiastically
hailed by the loyal populace. It is generally
supposed that Her Majesty and Prince Alberi
will arrive there about the middle ot July, and
that they will occupy apartments in Doublir
Castle;a«lthe Vice Regal Lodge. The leading
ministers will attend the Royal pair, and O’Con
nell has promised them a good reception.
Iron Trade.
The Ironmasters' Quarterly Meetings, which
were held during the last week, afforded little
that was new either to buyers or sellers; the ad
vance that W'as agreed upon a fortnight previ
otisly among the masters themselves was fully
confirmed, as it could not fail to be, orders being
abundant and the works already most fully en
gaged.
How long the present high rate will be main
tained is matter of speculation; but it was evi-
lent at meetings during the past week that a
u ether advance cannot at present be made, and
s not at all contemplated.
Although almost every work that had previ
>usly been still, is now in active operation, few,
4 anv, new iron Works are in course ot erec
tion. The evils which resulted in former pe
riods of prosperity from the great increase ol
vorks and consequent increase ot production,
hereby causing ruinous competition and depre
dation in price, are thus avoided; and from the
•alculations made of the demand for Railway
Iron for home purposes alone, it may be ex
lec’ed that the resent prices will be fully main
tained, and Foreign coinpetition must be re
garded only as affecting Foreign demand.
The present price ot Staffordshire bar iron
may be considered as fixed at £l2 per ton, and
other descriptions in proportion; but pig iron
and coal may be said to vary in price ace trding
to the weekly demand. The quotations are:—
Bars 12/., common nail rods, 121., rails, 14/.,
hoops, 13/., plates 14/., sheets, 144., pigs, (Shrop
shire,) 6/. 10s., pigs, (glrafl'ordshire,) 6/. 10s.
From Charles Wilmer’s American News Leiter.
Commercial Summary.
There has been a large business done in sugar
again, and a moderate one in other sorts of mer
chandise; all by public sale, and all for con
sumption and export. Prices continue steady
for nearly all articles. The imports have been
large, and particularly from the East and West.
Exports are increasing, and a large business,
chiefly in sugar, is advertised onward.
The demand for money has increased this
week, although the payment of the dividends
might have been expected to make capital st ill
more abundant. The fact is, however, that
there has been more than the usual amount of
cash on account ot investments on speculations
in Railway shares, in which parties of inde
pendent means have undoubtedly participated to
a large extent. There have been three distinct
settlements of accounts in the Stock Exchange,
viz: in the English, foreign, and share markets,
and high of continuation, ranging troin 5 to 15
per cent, have been paid. In Lombard-street,
and the general discount markets, however, the
mte est <m first class paper is still moderate, say
3 to 3f per cent.
The Directors of the Bank of England have
carried out their intention of placing the rate of
discount at the branches on the same footing as
in London. The minimum rate is two and a
hall pet cent, for what the manager may class
as undoubted bills, and, ot course, with the dis
cretion ot charging higher for inferior paper.
The uncertainty as to whether the Maynooth
question would lead to a change of ministry has
kept down the quotations of the funds less this
week, the more favorable account* from Texas,
andthescaicity ofstock serving to buoy them up.
The unfunded debt is slightly lower.
The English sto'ritjnarket is losing its gloomy
appearance, occasiotyyd in the first instanep by
an impression, that j/flerences would occtfr be
tween this Country -and America, and in the
second by the possible fate of the ministry upon
the Maynooth grant question. There is now a
return of confidence upon both these subjects,
and operation dealing for the rise has given a re
turn of firmness to the market.
The favorable change in the English Funds
extended to the Foreign market, and a general
advance in quotations had taken place. Busi
ness was, however, still dull.
A good deal ot stir has been caused in com
mercial circles by the failure of the well-known
firm of Allsop & Co., the great Brewers of the
East-India trade. Their liabilities are estima
ted at about £250,000, and their stoppage is said
to have originated fom the failure of experi
ments, having tor their object the improvement
of the Beer, and the reduction of cost in working.
Liverpool Markets.
Cotton, April 11.—The animated demand for
Cotton which was experienced at the close of
last week, and which was wholly caused by the
anxiety then felt on the subject of our dispute
with America, in regard to the Oregon territory,
continued to prevail until Tuesday, when the ar
rival of the New York packet of the 16th ultimo,
with accounts showing that heavy supp'ies were
still being receiv d at the shipping ports, produ
ced a decided re-action in the feeling of the mar
ket. Holders for the last few days have again of
sered their stocks freely, and the advance bt fully
Jd per lb in American descriptions, which was
obtained on Monday, is now entirely lost, the
market closing heavily at the prices of Friday
last, No change has taken place in the prices of
Surats or long stapled Cotton. The sales of the
week amount to 46,530 bales, ofwh ch 8700 Ame- .
rican have been taken on speculation, and 2680
American, 30ft Pernams, and 150 for extrort.—
Th committee’s quotations for fait Cottons arc
as follows—Bowed 4fd, Mobile 4jd, and Orleans
4Jd perlb.
Aran. 18.—The sales of the past week amount
to 41,910 bales, of which 7300 American and2Co
Pernams have been taken on speculation, and
2170 American, 270 Pernams and 60 Madras for
export. The market throughout the week has
been abundantly supplied with American cottr n,
but no definite change from the prices of Fridav
last can be noticed The same may be said of
Egyptian and Scrats; in Brazil, however, a de
cline of id per lb has been submitted to. The
import of the week it will be seen has been large,
amounting to 74,981 bales. The Committee’s
quotations to-day, for fair cotton arc as follows,
viz:—Bowed 4jd, Mobile 4fd, and Orleans 4Jd.
Extract of a Letter received per the Hibernia, al
Boston.
Liverpool. April 18. ;
After we had closed our last circular of slh inst., the
report of rhe observations made in Parliament by the
members of the Government upon that par I of Presi
dent Polk’s inaugural address relating tn the Oregon
Territory, was received here and revived the excite
ment felt two days before in our Colton market; and
though it came al an earlier hour when the weight ot*
the business of the day is usually netrlyover, about
5000 bales changed Handset lather heller raws than
were obtainable previously on that or the preerdmg
dav, and about equal to the currency of the 3d instant
A less encouraging slate of trade in Manchester
with some decline in lhe value of bo>h goods and yarn
has contributed to the llatne-s, and this together with
the advices of lhe continued heavy receipts into the
American ports have proved sufficient to check anyad
vance growing out of apprehensions of lhe possibility
of an interruption of lhe friendly relations beweett
the two countries on such a question ; and yet it has
excited considerable uneasiness in the commercial
community. The sales ot Colton for lhe week ended
I llh mst. amounted to 46.530 bales, of which DOOO weie
taken mi speculation and 31100 lor export, and for the
week ended this evening lhe business amounts tn 41,9K1
bales, of which 7500 is to speculators and 25(10 to ex
porters. The American descriptions sold this week:
consist of 70<M> Upland at 3J (a) 4,c ; 16,250 Orleans, al
3la>-Md: 12.650 Mobile and Alabama at 3 (a) 4M, and
270 Sea Island at 9J ltd 20,1 dP lb. We quote Vpland 3|
(a) Old. fair 4j: Orleans 3J ml .'.|d, fair 4|d. and Alabama
and Mobile 3f /rd 5). fair 4gd lb. The imports since
lhe Ist nf January has been 556,000ba1e-, against 370,000
tn the same period last season.: in the supply from lhe
U. Stales the increase is 180 000 bales The stock in
this port is about 820,000 bales, ag insl 68,000 al the
same period lasi season ; thestock of American is about
590,Uc0, or 110,000 more than at that period.
Remains of Cart. Shubrick. —The Charles
ton Courier of yesterday says: TheU. S. ship
Lexington, Lieut, Comdg. Ellison, arrived at
this port on Saturday, Irom Mahon 15th, and
Gibraltar 29th of March. She brings home the
remains of the late Capt. E. R. Shubrick.—
Lieut. Ellison slates that preparations were
again being made to raise the wreck of the U.
S.steamer Missouri.
The Illinois Canal Loan.—Letters received
by the Hibernia, state thatthe foreign bondholds
approve the co'irse ot the Illinois'Legislature
in reference to the payment of interest on the
State debt, and the completion ot the Illinois
and Michigan Canal. The money necessary
tn complete this great work will be advanced as
: rapidly as required. The first instalment of
i 12J per cent, is payable on the 26th inst. the
I day belore the election of the trustees, who are
- charged with the disbursement of the fund, and
. invested with the other functions which apper
. tain to lhe old board i f Canal Commissioners,
1 and in fact with all powers necessary to secure
the speedy completion of the canal.— Jour, of
Com.
Wonders of the Iron Manufactory—The
; amount of iron annually produced in the United
1 States is 300,000 tons, all of which and much
f more is consumed in this country. The amount
. of nails alone is supposed to be fifty thousand
, tons. Foity thousand casks (or four million
r pounds) are annually made by the Boston Coin
'. pany on the mill-dam. If we suppose that the
5 nails will average one hundred and sixty to a
y pound, lhe number here produced each working
;• day would be nearly two millions. Thisissup
t posed to ne but the t wenty-fifth part of the nail
e manufacture ol the United States. It seems in
y credible that about fifty millions of nails are
» made, bought, sold, and used every day in the
* United States, yet such seems to be the fact.
e —-
I A Deaf Mute Wedding.—Two deaf mutes
y were united in marriage on Monday in New
s York. The True Sun thus describes the cere
’ ntony:
.. The Rev. Mr. Carey, one of the teachers at the
, Deaf and Dumb Institution, arrived a short time
’ before 8 o'clock. At that hour the bridegroom,
Mr. J. W. Jennings, and lhe bride, Miss Mary
j Ann Reeves, proceeded up the aisle, and stood
in front ot the railing. The clergyman then
j proclaimed if there was any objections to the
e marriage, they should be declared. None were
n made, of course. The. five hundred persons
present would have been much disappointed it
any valid objections had really been offered.
n The attendants were two deaf mutes, and the
party were intelligent and fine looking jjeople.
The exhortation, the questions to the betrothed,
I and the prayer, were all expressed in the language
of signs. A Bible was presented the bride, a
a ’ very pretty girl, and the whole affair concluded
I with some salutaiions upon her fair cheeks, and
a great shaking of hands. It was an interesting
spectacle.
II Professor Morse passed through this city yes
'■ terday, on his way to New York, and we learn
J that the arrangements for the establishment of a
' line of Electro-Magnetic Telegraphs between
, Philadelphia and New Yorkare neatly comple
ted. It is suppo-ed that the line between the
two cities may be in operation in about three
£ months.— Ball. Amer., 10/A inst.
Rhode Island.—The General Assembly met
at Newport on Tuesday. Lieut. Gov. Diman,
h in the absence of Gov. Fenner, presided in the
le organization of the Senate. After the organi-
I- zation was completed the Senate proceeded to
i- ballot for a clerk—George Rivers was elected
v In the House, George G. King, Esq., was elect
g ed Speaker, and Thomas A. Jenckes and Fran
t- cis E. Hoppin, Esqrs., clerks. In the afternoon
the voles cast at the lasi general election were
i- canvassed. Governor Jackson, it appears, is
i- elected by ajnajority of 149 over all others.
THE BAPTIST CONVENTION.
FIRST DAY : ..-•Thursday, May 8.
■ * t
This body met in this city yesterday, and was
called to order by the Rev. W. T. Brantx-y,
pastor of the church in which the Convention is
held.
On motion of Rev. J. B. Taylor, of Va., se- ,
conded by the Hon. Thos. Stocks, of Geo.,
Hon. Wilson Lumpkin, of Geo., was called to
the Chair.
After religious services, a Committee was
appointed to ascertain the number of delegates
present, and the religious bodies represented.
The Committee reported about 300 delegates
from the Stales of Maryland, Virginia, Noith-
Carolina t South-Carolina, Georgia, Alabama,
Louisiana And Kentucky, and the of
Columbia.
Owing to the short notice of lhe meeting of
the Convention, the Slates ot Mississippi, Ten
nessee, Arkansas and Florida, were represented
only by letters.
The delegates having been ascertained, the
Committee proceeded to appoint officers, as fol
lows:
Rev. W. B. JOHNSON, D. D. of S. C. Ptcs’t.
Hon. Wilson Lumpkin, of Geo., > v .„_
Rev. J. B. Taylor, of Va., J Vtceirs.
Rev J. Hartwell, of Ala., ? Secreta ries.
Mr. J. C. Crane, of Va., S
On motion ot Rev. Dr. Fuller, of S. C., a
committee of sixleen was appointed to prepare
and report a preamble and resolutions tor the
action of the body, to wit: Rev. Dr. Fuller and
Dr. M. T. Mendenhall, of S. C.; Rev. J. A.
McKean and W. Crana, Esq., ot Md.; Rev.
T. W. Sydnor, of D. C.; Rev. J. B. Jeter and
Rev. T. Hume, of Va.; Rev. R. McNabb, of
N. C.; Rev. B. M. Sanders and Rev. C. D.
Mallary, of Ga.; Rev. A. Travis and Gen. E.
D King, of Ala.; Rev. Isaac T. Hinton and
Rev. R. Holman, of La.; Rev. Isaac McCoy,
of Ky.
Second Day.--- Friday, May 9-
Our report in yesterday’s paper of the first
day’s proceedings of this body, (which for intel
ligence and respectability of numbers and ap
pearance, numbering as it does among its dele
gates, some of the first men in the connexion in 1
the South, reflects the highest credit upon the
denomination,) was confined to lhe morning
session, during which, the body was organised.
It was therefore incomplete, as no allusion was
made to the proceedings ol the afternoon session,
when Dr. Fuller, Chairman ot the Committee,
submitted the Report of that Committee.
The Report was taken up, and was the sub.
ject matter ot consideration during the after
noon, when many verbal amendments were pro
posed; some of which, were acted upon and
adopted. The Convention adjourned without
coming to any fiml action.
Yesterday, (Friday,) the Convention met, and
resumed the unfinished business of the previous
day, which was lhe Rejtort of the Committee,
and after spending some time in the considera
tion of amendments, the Report as amended,
which will be found below, was taken up.
Os the discussion, in which many participa
ted, during the consideration of the amend
ments, we are unable to present any report, as
we were present only at the conclusion. Nor
is it indeed of any importance, as we learn that
the amendments only proposed a change in the
phraseology. It was, however, conducted in
the best possible spirit, and the utmost good
feeling prevailed throughout.
It is proper here to remark, that in our sketch
'of the debate on lhe main question, we have
only attempted to give the substance of the re
marks of the various speakers, while we have
in every instance consulted brevity. Our re
volts are consequently meagre, and it may be
that in some instances we have not fully com
prehended the speaker, as our position some
times prevented our hearing distinctly what
was said. In such a discussion, in so large an
assemblage, there is ol course many inquiries
and short speeches, which are not important,
and we have, therefore, for the sake of brevity,
omitted much ot such matter. With this bricl
explanation, we submit the report with the sin
gle remark, that it is only designed as a mere
outline of the discussion.
THE REPORT.
The committee to whom it has been referred
to report a preamble and resolutions, cannot but
express their profound sense of the responsibi
lity resting upon your body, at the present event
ful crisis, as Ute integrity ot the nation, the in
terests ol truth, the sacred enterprise ol convert
ing the Heathen,are all involved in yourdelibe
ralions. That this convention was imperious
ly demanded must be apparent to all. The
Boston Boaxd have in their answer to the Ala
bama resolutions most clearly and unnecessarily
exceeded their power and violated their trust.
It is a question admitting no debate that the
Triennial Convention was formed on the prin
ciple of perfect equality ot members from the
South and North
And what is all important, lhe very qualifica
tions ot Missionaries, are prescribed by the ori
ginal Constitution of that Convention. The
stn Article, providi’jg that “such persons as are
in full communion with some regular church of
our denomination, and who furnish satisfactory
evidence of genuine: piety, good talents and fee
vent zeaf for lhe Redeemer's cause, are to be em -
piosiewosi Missionaries."
Besides this, too, the declaration of the Board,
that it “any one should offer himself asa Mis
sionary, having slaves, and should insist on re
taining thern as his proper’y we could not
appoint him,” is an innovation and a departure
from the course hitherto pursued by the Trien
nial Convention, such persons having been ap
pointed; and lastly the decision cl the Board is
an infraction ol the resolution passed the last
spring in Philadelphia, and the General Board
at their late meeting in Providence has failed
to reverse the decision.
Amidst such circumstances your committee
esteem it absolutely necessary that the friends
ol the Triennial Convention and the lovers of the
Bibleshall at once take their stand, and assert the
great catholic principlesol that constitution and
of the Word of God.
Your Committee therefore submit the follow
ing resolution, as embodying all that they are
now prepared to suggest to your body; there
fore,
Resolved unanimously, That for the peace
and harmony, and in order to accomplish lhe
greatest amount of good, and tue maintenance of
the Scriptural principles on which the General
Missionary Convention of the Baptist denomi
nation in the United States was originally form
ed, it is proper that this Convention atoncepro
r ceed to organize a society for the propagation ot
the Gospel.
On the question ot agreeing to the Preamble
the vole was taken and it was unanimously
adopted.
THE DEBATE.
The Convention then proceeded to the con
sideration ot the Resolution, and,
The Revd. Mf.Jbter of Va. being entitled
tothe floor, commenced by saying he had
never addressed a deliberative assembly under
a deeper sense of his responsibility, and with
out consuming the time of the house he would
at once proceed to thediscussion ol the question.
There were, he said, but three courses to be
. adopted: by the Convention. The first was to
, subnAit in the action of the Triennial board at
Boston and co-operate. The second was to
await the action of the Triennial convention at
its regular meeting two years hence, and the third
t to withdraw and form a separate organiza
t lion.
I The speaker enforced his own views of lhe
i propriety of a separation in a few brief remarks,
! in which he referred to his present and former
, position on this question. He had been a con
t servative, so much so, indeed, as to be consid
. ered by some of his friends as leaning to the
North. He was now in favor of a separate or
j ganization, and the more he reflected upon the
• subject, the difficulties which at first presented
t themselves to his mind vanished, and he believ-
I ed the cause of God would be j'rotnoted therebj'.
- In the course of his remarks, Mr. J. read the
following extract from a letter of Dr. Wayland
. to himself. Dr. Wayland says:
i “ You will seperate of course. I could not
i ask otherwise. Your rights have been infring
t ed. 1 will take lhe liberty ot offering one or
■ two suggestions. We have shown how Chris
! lians ought not to act, it remains foryou toshow
: us how they ought to act. Put away all vio
lence, act with dignity and firmness and the
world will approve your course.”
1 Mr. Haynes, of South-Carolina, was desi
i rous to define his position. He was the dele-
■ gate ol two bodies: one had instructed and the
’ other had not; he, however, felt perfectly at lib
erty to act upon this question, and he most
■ heartily concurred in the spirit of the resolution,
' and should vote tor it from a conviction that it
5 would result in good. He therefore went hand,
heart and soul for the resolution.
Mr. Marshall of South-Carolina followed, i
and urged the Convention to act promptly, ibr
that while we were deliberating, the heathen
were suffering, and concluded alter a shojt. ad- t
dress, In the safhe spirit.
Mr. Duncan of Va., had a difficulty in his
mind; he desired some of the Committee jq
state why it should be called a society 1 which,
if removed, he would vote lor the resolution.
What relation would we sustain to lhe Trien
nial Convention 1
Mr. Fuller explained: he preferred the term
society, because the Baptist Church could not, .
in this way be divided; it was separate, inde-j
pendent, republican. The churches of the Uniort
were not under any general head, they were only
associated for a distinct purpose. It was an.er
ror to call it a church, which he should be glad
to have corrected; besides, the word society
was more general.
In reply to the other question, as to lhe rela
tion we would sustain to the Triennial Conven
tion, he remarked: We should occupy lhe old
ground, the North had gone off indeparling (rom
the original Constitution, to which the Sonth
were willing to adhere.
He believed the North would sever their con
nection because of its heterngenous'character—
many were more opposed to Abolition than
to separation. Such was lhe opinion expressed
to him at Philadelphia by brethren from all
quarters ofthe North.
Some ofthe brethren here, continued Mr. F.,
felt trammeled by instructions : he appreciated
theirsituationsbecause he wasdisposed to respect
instructions—but he felt assured they would not
long thus hang off—they merely hung fire, and
they would soon feel Ihf necessity and im
portance of acting promptly, and the whole South
and Southwest would unite upon this ques
tion as a band of brothers. And he con
cluded in a most beautiful and eloquent ap
peal to the Convention, that their acts up
on this occasion should be such as they
would be willing should go forih to the world.
Mr. Burroughs, of Penn., followed and re
marked: It was with pain he contemplated
the objects of this assembly—not because of hte
opposition to the measure, big bncflilin '
gretted lhe necessity ol a separation frem those
to whom they of lhe middle States had been so
long bound by the ties ol a common brother
hood. The middle Slates were opposed to the
action of the Boston Board, and were at a loss
what course to pursue. They therefore waited
for light. They had passed a series of resolu
tions in opposition to the action of that Board.
In the discussion which was had upon those
resolutions it wasjeontended that the Board at
Boston were only acting irr the capacity of
agents, and their course would not be sustained.
The question ofa call for a special meeting of
the Trienual Convention had suggested itself,
but what good could result? None.
The present stale of things arose from the
feeling at the North, and not solely from the
action ofthe board, though this was the imme
diate cause of lhe decisive step.
He did rejoice, and we might all rejoice, that
amid all our dissenlions Jehovah reigns! and
he doubted not the greatest good would result
from their labors.
As you cannot stop in your efforts to convert
the heathen, neither will we. You nor we will
not pause in this glorious work. Whether we
of the middle States shall co-operate with the
North or South he knew not, but we are unwil
ling to submit to a severance of those chords
which bind us together. He loved lhe Bap
tist Church, and he loved it now amid the
difficulties which surrounded it even more than
ever. ,
The Church could not be severed although *
they might act in different spheres and be
governed by different regulations. VVe, of the j
Middle States, cannot ask or expect a union of I
the North and South, since the promulgation o* '
the views ot the Boston board. A separate organ
ization must be had, and he hoped a sepaiation i
would result in imparting a new and increased ,
zeal in the cause—he bid them therefore God
speed—they could not do less than to thus meet I
and thus act, promptly and efficiently.
Mr. J. S. Tinsly ot Va., here rose and said: ,
Mr. President: I am among that minority in
this Convention, who ctirneto this place without
having made up any opinion as to lhe course 1 1
should lake in regard to the t;tain question be
fore us—l mean a distinctive Southern organiza
tion at this lime.
1 conless. sir, I had rny fears as to the proprie
ty ol such a measure. As no appeal has been
made to the Triennial Convention, I was ap
prehensive such a course might ptesent us to
the world, in the altitude of seceders Irom the
great body ol the American Baptists.
1 was fearful that as the occasion of this meet
ing was very recent, we had been so hastily
called together, that on many important ques
tions which relate to such an organization, we
had not had sufficient time to mature our
thoughts, and that we might take some ste;
which might be a source ol regret herealler.
I had determined, when 1 came to this place,
that I should act with the majority of this Con
vention; that to whatever point lhe South should
be drawn by the threatening elements by which
ive are surrounded, 1 should be there, if among
the living.
And I was more particularly fearful, that
with the feelings of our Southern brethren, fresh
and smarting under lhe late action ol the Boston
Board, if a Southern society should be now
formed, it might be such a one as would have a
tendency to drive the more moderate portion of
our Northern brethren farther from us, and un
necessarily separate hea ts that were wont to
bear in unison, in the great work before us, and
invest laces that once brightened with the mani
festations of personal friendship and Christian
affection, in a cold reserve.
But, sir, after what I have heard, since I
came to this place, without knowing the wishes
of my constituents (as I have not had an oppor
tunity to consult them since my appointment,)
I shall go heart and hand tor an immediate or
j ganization. And, sir, in this I believe we shall
be entirely united--not merely united one with
another, but that the will of Christ will form the
bond ofour Union—that we shall stand upon
the great platform of truth, influenced by a
common principle. In tegardto the conscien
tious difficulties which may have troubled
the minds of those brethren composing the
L acting Board of lhe Baptist Triennial Con
vention, we have nothing to do. While this
1 subject shall trouble and agitate the bosom
of the Northern part of our Church, we, I trust,
will keep steadily before us lhe object for which
we were originally associated together. With
the voice of our ascending Lord, in his last
command, stil’ sounding in our ears—with a
• swelling and expansive benevolence of heart
which, likeconnectingseas,shall begirt theslobe,
and with an eye single to the glory of God, rest
ing upon the j lat-form ot thtssin-darkened world,
our great concern will be to be used as the in-
. struments tor spreading the light ol life overthe
dark expanse of human desolation. And al
though many of our friends who are at home,
1 like some of us have had their fears in regard
i to the immediate action of the South, sir, I
r think when we return and inform them of the
facts which have been brought t >our knowledge
‘ in this meeting, they will be ready to bid us in
i the name of God go forth, saying, we will go
with you.
; Mr. Nichols here rose and moved that pray
. er be made by the Rev. Mr. Mallory, which
t was adopted, and Mr. M. most fervently and
> eloquently invoked lhe Supreme Ruler to so
t guide their steps as to justily them to the world
i and redound to his own glory and the salva-
- lion ot mankind.
This was a most imposing and solemn scene,
; to wissess so large a deliberative body, in which
, the young, the middle aged, and the gray-head
r ed patriarchs of the Church, bowed in humble
• submission before their Lord and Master, so-
- lemnty invoking his counsels to direct their
! footsteps in the path of rectitude.
The discussion of the Resolution was then
: resumed, when
1 Mr. CaLPBPPER, ot So. Ca., proposed aver-
■ bal amendment, which was accepted by the
■ Committee.
• The call tor lhe question drew out,
' Mr. Hume of Va., who expressed a wish that
all who desired to say anything upon the ques
-1 tion should be heard.
. The Rev. Jno. Davis of Ga. deprecated haste
• in the discussion of this important question,
’ which was more important than any that had
. ever before been agitated by the Baptist Church.
The truth was, a portion ofthe North, who were
■ opposed to the action of the Boston Board, had
waited too long, they could once have averted a
: separation, but it was now too late.
Would there be harmony in the South and
t Southwest? He had observed an editorial in
, the Christian Index, in which fears were ex
t pressed that Tennessee and Kentucky would
, notact with us. He believed they would, and
thousands all over the. Union, who had not here-
tofore reflected upon the question, would also
barlnonize with us.
t|e thought a separation would be productive
of (food, because agitation would cease, and he
therefore favored lhe resolution.
hifn. Baker, olGa., next obtained the floor,
anti remarked that the allusion to the article
in the “ Index," imposed upon him the necessi
ty t>l saying the brother had misapprehend iis
iffiport. He had only contended in that article
(that the brethren ot Tennessee might be passive
lor, a season. He had in his possession a
letter assuring him of the fact, that they would
be with us, as also those of Kentucky. He had
doubled what position Kentucky would assume
but that doubt was now removed, and he
believed Kentucky would occupy the front
rank. Mississippi, 100, who had at first
hesitated, was now openly tor separation, and
he had assurances that many North of Mason’s
&©ixon’s line would justify the action of this
Convention, aje, even lhe more moderate
throughout the north and the world would
synfpathise with and justily us.
He thought the instructions given to delegates
were inexpedient, because this body was only
primarily advisory.
Mr, McNab, of Nortb-Carolina, desired to
say a few words in re'erence to his State. Since
he came here, he bnd had more light, and he
wotild heartily support the resolution, and he
believed his State would approve it.
Mr. McCoy, of Kentucky, had supposed that
Kentucky was above suspicion, and was aston
ished to hear that any doubts had been enter
tained as to how she would demean herselt. He
was satisfied she wauld sustain the action of
this Convention.
Here a brief conversational discussion was
had as to taking the question, in which several
gentlemen participated, when
Mr. Hartwell, of Ala., after expressing a
desire for more discussion, retnaiked, as noth
ing had been said of Alabama, be would say a
few words. He had tor several years acted as
agent of the Boston Board, and from his oppor
tunities ol knowing, he had no doubt Alabama
was in iaror of action.
a g||q“-Tnai I 1 II lll'iftfl j*»wrF
sion” whe'na generil call was made for the
question, and on being put, the Resolution was
UNANIMOUSLY adopted.
It was then moved that the following names
be added to the committee of sixteen, who should
prepare and report a Constitution fora South
ern Association: Messrs, W. B. Johnson, J.
C. Crane, Dr. Curtis, of Charleston, Dr.
D. Samuel Furman, Baker, Stringfellow,
and Hartwell.
After prayer by the Rev. Mr. Fuller, the
Convention adjourned to 4 o’clock, P. M. At
4 P. M., the Convention again met, but ad
journed without transacting any business.
Third Day. Saturday, May 10.
The Convention met at 8 o'clock, A. M.,
when the Committee, through their Chairman,
submitted a Preamble and Constitution, which
was finally adopted in lhe following form:
PREAMBLE.
We, lhe Delegates from Missionary Socie
ties, Churches, and other Religious bodies of
the Baptist denomination in various pans ot
the United Slates, met in Convention, in the
city of Augusta, Georgia, for lhe purpose ot
carrying into effect lhe benevolent intentions of
< ur constituents, by organising a plan for elicit
ing, combining and directing the energies of
the whole denomination in one sacted effort for
rhe propagation of lhe Gospel, agree to lhe fol
lowing rules or fundamental principles :
. CONSTITUTION.
Art. I. This Body shall be slyled the South
ern Baptist Convention.
2. ft shall be the design of this Convention to
promote Foreign and Domestic Missionsand
other important objects connected with the Re
deemer's Kingdom, and to combine lor this pur
pose str b portions of lhe Baptist D. nomination
in the United Stales as may desire a general or
ganization lor Christian benevolence, that shall
fully respect the independence and equal rights
of the Churches.
t 3. A Triennial Convention shall consist ol
members who contribute funds, or are delegates
by religims bodies contributing funds; and the
system of representation and terms of member
ship sha I be as follows, viz:—An annual con
tributionuf one hundreo dollars lor three years
next preceding lhe meeting, or the contribution
of three hundred dollars at any time within said
three years, shall entitle lhe contributor to one
representative; an annual contribution ol two
hundred dollars as aforesaid, shall entitle the
contributor to two representatives; an 1 so, for
each additional hundred dollars, an additional
representative shall be allowed. Provide<|,
however.that, when application shall be made
for the first tim'e oy bodies or individuals lobe
admitted into-, the Convention, one delegate
shall be allowed tor each one hundred dollars.
And provided, also, that in case of great colla
eral societies, Composed of representatives re
ceiving contributions from different pans of the
country, the ratio of representation shall be one
delegate for everv thousand dollars annually
contributed lor three years, as aforesaid; but
the number of representatives shall never ex
ceed five.
4. The officers of this Convention shall be a
President, tour Vice-Presidents, a Treasurer,
and two Secretaries, who shall be elected at
each triennial meeting, an I hold their offices un
til a new’election ; and the officers of the Con
vention shall be, by virtue ot their offices, mem
bers ol the several boards.
5. The Convention shall elect, at each trien
nial meeting, as many Boardsol Managers, as,
in its judgment, will be necessary, for carrying
out the benevolent objects it may determine to
promote; all which Boards shall continue in
office, nntff a new election. Each Board shall
consist ot a President, Vice President, Secreta
ries, Treasurer, Auditor and fifteen other mem
bers, seven ot whom, including one or more of
the officers, shall form a quorum for the trans
action of business. To each Board shall be
committed, during the recess of the Convention,
the entire management of all lhe affairs relating
to the object, wiith whose interests it shall be
charged; all which management shall be in
strict accordance w’ith lhe constitutional provi
sions adopted by the Convention, and such other
instructions, as may be given from time to time.
Each Board shall have power to make such
compensation to i s Secretaries, and Treasurer,
as it may think right; fill the vacancies occur
ring in its own body, - enact its own bye-laws;
have an annual meeting at any place it may ap
point; and other meetings at such times and
places as it may think best; keep a record of its
proceedings, and present a report of them to lhe
Convention at each triennial meeting.
6. The Treasurer of each Board shall faith
fully account for all moneys received by him ;
keep a regular entry of all receipts and dis
bursements, and make report ol them io the
Convention, whenever ilshall be in session, and
to his Board as often as required. He shall
also, on entering upon the duties of his office,
give competent security to the President ol his
Board, for all lhe stock and f unds, committed to
his care. His books shall be opened, at all
limes, to the inspection of any member of lhe
Convention and of his Board. No moneys
shall be paid out of any of the treasuries ol the
Boards, but by an order Irom that Board, from
whose treasury the money is io be lira wn, which
older shall be signed by its presiding officer.
7. The Corresponding Secretaries of the sev
eral Boards, shall maintain intercourse by let
ter, with such individuals or public bodies, as
th-interests ot ilteir respective bodies may re
quire. Copies ot all such communications
with their answers, if any, shall be kept by
them on file.
8. The Recording Secretaries of the several
Boards shall keep a lair record of their proceed
ings, and of such other documents as may be
committed to them for the purpose.
9 All the Officers. Boards, Missionaries and
Agents appointed by lhe Convention, or by any
of its Boards, shall le members of some regu
lar Church, in union with the Churches com
posing this Convention.
10. Missi tnaries appointed by any of the
Boards of this Convention, must, pre/iousto
their appointment, furnish evidence of genuine
piety, fervent zeaf in their Master’s cause, and
talents which fit them lor the service, for which
they offer themselves.
11. The Bodies and Individuals, composing
this Convention, shall have the right to specify
the object, or objects, to which their contribu
tions shall be applied. But where no such spe
cification is made, the Convention will make
the appropriation at its own discretion.
12 The t’onvention shall hold its meetings
triennia’ly, but extra meetings may be called by
the President, with the approbation of any of the
Boards of Managers A majority of the attend
ing Delegates shall form a quorum for the trans
action of business.
13. Any alterations, which exnetience shall
dictate, may be made in these Articles, by a vote
of two-thirds of the members present at any
triennial meeting of the Convention.
The report of the Committee proposed that
the body should be styled the Southern and
Southwestern Baptist Convention,and on taking
up the first article of the Constitution a motion
was made to strike out Southwestern, which
gave rise to a protracted debate, in which several
gentlemen expressed their views.
It was urged on the part of the advocates ol
striking out, that Southern was more definite,
shorter, nnd was sufficiently expressive to cover
th" whole ground. They meant no disrespect
to their Southwestern brethern but preferred the
shorter and more expressive term.
On (he other band, those opposed to striking
oat, expressed their fears that their consituent's
would take exceptions to a term so sectional,
and mighl think that their feelings had been dis
regarded, &c &c.
Upon these points the gentlemen who engag
ed in the discussion enlarged and enforced their
views with much earnestness, though in the
kindest feelings.
[Ol this debate we took ample notes, but at the
time of writing out this notice we have not
time to prepare them for the press, nor indeed
is it important.]
The motion to strike out the word South
western prevailed by a decided majority, and
the article wns then adopted.
The remaining articles were considered seria
tim and were ado: ted, generally without altera
tion or objection, as they came from the Com
mittee.
Having gone through with the several arti
cles, the Preamble and Constitution were then
adopted by a unanimous vote. When, at the
suggestion of the President, the Convention uni
ted in prayer to return thanks to the great Dis
poser of events for the unanimity and good feel
ing which had characterised theirdeliberations.
Dr. Curtis moved That a Committee ofthree
be appointed to prepare an address to the public,
setting forth the reasons which have led to the
formation of the Southern Baptist Convention,
the necessity of such an organization, and
giving an exposition of its principles and objects,
which shall be published in connexion with the
minutes of this body and in such public prints
as will allow it a place in their columns.
The Resolution was adopted, and Drs. Curtis
Johnson and Fuller were appointed a Commit
tee.
After the appointment of the Committee a
motion was made to reconsider, with a view
to increase the number to seven, which gave rise
to a protracted running debate, during which
various motions were made, some of which
were after discussion withdrawn and others acted
upon, and the Convention finally determined to
adhere to the numberof three by a very decided
majority.
Mr. Jeter submitted the following:
Resolved, That the individuals, churches, and
other bodies approving the Constitu ion of the
Southern Bapti-t Convention, adopted bv this
body, be recommended to meet for organization
under the Constitution, by members or dele
gates, according toils provisions, on , at
to the election of officers and boards, to continue
in office until the contemplated meetings.
This gave rise to a discussion, pending which
doubts were suggested as to the powers of the
Convention to proceed to organise even a pro
visional government. The Chair suggested the
propriety of proceeding to immediate organiza
tion of the Convention by the election of its of
ficers under the Constitution, which had been
unanimously adopted.
His opinion was, that the adoption of the
Constitution for the Southe.rn Baptist Conven
tion brought the delegates, who formed it, into
its membership, and thatthe organization ot the
S. B. Convention, by the election of its officers,
should precede all further business.
This led off into a new field of debate, and
betore any action was taken, the Convention
adjourned till 3 o’clock, P. M.
Afternoon Session.
The Convention met, and resumed the un.
finished business of the morning, being 'he Re
solution of Mr. Jeter, which, after a brief dis
cussion, was adopted.
The Convention then proceeded to organise a
provisional government under the Constitution,
and when we left the Church to prepare this no-
tice, had made considerable progress therein, a
report of which will hereafter be submitted.
The-Convention were in session until a late
hour on Saturday evening, and adjourned to
meet at 8 o’clock on Monday morning.
Third Day Saturday, P. M.
Our report in yesterday’s paper, of the pro
ceedings of this body were brought down to the
adoption of Mr. Jeter's resolution, on Saturday,
which proposed the election ol officers, &c., for
the provisional government of the church, until
the Triennial Board should meet in May next.
The Convention elected the following offi
cers:
WM. B. JOHNSON. President.
WILSON LUMPKIN, Vice-President.
J. B. TAYLOR, 2d. do.
A. POCKEHY. 3d. do,
R. B. C HOWELL. 4th. do.
J. HARTWELL, ) Secretaries
J! C. CRANE, $ secretaries.
M.T. MENDENHALL, Treasurer.
On motion,
Resolved, That this Convention now proceed
to appoint a Board for Foreign Missions, and
also one for Domestic Missions, and that a com
mittee be appointed to nominate such boards.
The Committee appointed, are
Messrs. B. E. Ball, H. Keeling, W. Sands,
R. McNab. A. J. Battle, S. Furman, J. L.
Reynolds, S. Blanding, J. H. Campbell, B. M.
Sanders, C. D. Mallory, H. Taibird, A Travis,
T. Curtis, J. I. Hinton, R. Holman, W. Crane,
J. A. McKean, I. W. Sydnor and J. McCoy.
The Committee requested that the Board of
Foreign Missions be located at Richmond,
Virginia, and that tor Domestic Missions at
Marion, Alabama.
The Secretaries were appointed to superintend
the printing and distributing of 5000 copies of
the minutes ot this Convention.
The Convention then adjourned till 8 o’clock,
P. M.
Evening Session.
The Committee appointed to nominate boards
of managers for the Foreign and Domestic
Missionary departments, presented their report,
and the brethren named were appointed.
Foreign Mission—Board at Richmond.
President— Jeremiah B Jeter, of Va.
Vice-Presidents — E. Ball, of Va , W. Cram*,
of Md., R. Fuller, of S. C., B. M. Sanders, of
Ga , J. T. Hinton, of La., T. Merriuith, of N.
C. H. Malcom, ot Ky., C. K Winston, of
Tenn., Thos. G. Blewit of Miss., W. H. Bay
le-s, ot Ark.. B. Manly, of Ala., Jas. D Mc-
Donald, of Fla., Edward Kingsford, of S. C.,
Rowland Hughes, of Mo.,
E D Mallory, Corresponding Secretary ; M.
T. Sumner, Recording do; Archibald Thomas,
Treasurei; Chas. T. Wortham, Auditor.
Managers—A. B. Smith, R. Ryland, A.
Snead, H. Keeling, Jas. Thomas, Jr., Dr. W.
H. Gwathmey. Jesse Snead, E. L Magoon, A.
G. Wortham, W. A Baynham, A. Fleet, W.
H. Jordan, J. Tallman, Sen., Thos. Hume,
Thos. W. Sydnor.
Domestic Mission—-Board Marion, Ala.
President— Basil Manly, D. D., of Ala.
J. Hartwell. Ala., J. L. Dagg, Ga., G. F. Ad
ams, Md., W. C Crane, Miss., O B Biown,
D. C., J. B. Smith, La., T. Stringfellow, Va ,
H. S. Linton, Fla., S. Watt,N. C , W. C. Lin
coln, Mo., J. B. O’Neal, S. C., W. C. Bush,
Ky., Jas. Whitsett, Tenn.
J. L Reynolds,Corresponding Secrc ary; M.
P. Jewett, Recording Secietarv; Thos. Chil
ton, Treasurer; W. N. Wyatt, Auditor.
Managers- E. D. King, E Banlist, R. Haw
thorn, S.S. Sherman, D. P. B- ster, L. Y. Tar
rant, J. H. Devotic. H. Taibird, L. Goree, W.
11 Hornbuckle, D. R. W. Mclver, T. F. Cur
tis, A. Travis, J. B, Miller, L. C. Tutt.
Messrs. Sydner, W. Curtis and J. T. Hinton,
were appointed a Committee to nominate a
brother to preach at the next meeting of this
Convention, who nominated Revd. B. Manly
and Dr. R. Fuller, as his alternate.
It was then
Unanimously R-solvcd, That the thanks ol
this Convention are due and are hereby tendered
’ to the Citizens of Augusta, lor the kind
hospitalities, so generously ex'ended to us du
ringour meeting, and we earnestly supplicate
that God’s mercy may descend in rich effusions,
and more than repay in spiritual blessings the
efforts of our friends to render our stay among
! them so agreeable.
, Resolved, That a collection be taken in the
Baptist Church to-morrow morning for Foreign
missions, and in the evening for Domestic mis
sions.
1 The Convention adjourned till 8 o’clock,
, Monday morning.
Fourth Day Monday, May 12.
The Convention met according to adjourn
' ment.
’ Resolved, That in accordance with the provi
i sions of the 2d article of the C -nstitution, this
, Convention wilt cordially embrace and affiliate
auxiliary societies upon its principles, and re
' commend to the brethren the formation of such
societies.
Resolved, That the several State Conventions,
and other bodies who may be in possession of
, funds, for Foreign or Domestic Missions, be
r requested to forward such funds to the Treasu
t rer of the respective Boards, as promptly as
convenient.
'■ Resolved, That the aborigines of America
have strong claims on American Christians for
the Gospel, and as the Indian Mission associa
tion has been organised with special reference
to their spiritual benefit, we recoinmend the
Churches to sustain that body, with zeal and
liberality.
Resolved, That the board of Domestic M ts
sions be instructed to take all prudent measures
for the religious instruction ot our colored popu
lation.
Resolved, That the Foreign Mission hoard of
this Convention be in-tructed to communicate
with the ac ting board of the Baptist Triennial
Convention in reference to any claim we may
have upon the Convention, or any claim which
that body may have, or think they have, upon
its, and that the said Board report fully to this
Convention at its next meeting.
Resolved, That our Foreign Mission board be
au'horised to enter into any equitable and pru
dent arrangement, with the acting boatd of the
Baptist general Convention, to take a portion ot
its missions under the patronage of this Con
vention.
R solved, That applications be made to the
proper authorities of th? State of Georgia fora
charter of incorporation, and that Judge J
Hillver, Hon. W. Lumpkin, Judge T. Stocks,
M. A. Cooper, Esq., and Rev. C. D. Mallory,
be a Committee to present a petition for this ob
ject.
Resolved, That this Con ention recommend
the Domestic Mission board to direct their ef
fective attention, to aid the present effort to es
tablish the Baptist cause in New-Orleans.
Resolved, That with proloundes gratitude
to the Great Head of the Church, this Conven
tion do recognise the harmonious action to
which it has arrived and that we do regard the
exhibition of the Christian Spirit which has
goveFned its deliberations as a proof ol the
divine presence in the origin and prosecution ot
this organization.
And the Convention adjournedsinc die.
The Southern Methodist Episcopal Conven
tion.
The Louisville Journal ot the Ist inst. says :
this city to day. A large number of delegates
are here, and we judge, from our knowledge of
a portion of them, that they will constitute a
highly enlightened body. May a spirit offer
vent patriotism and of pure and undefiled reli
gion guide them in their important delibera
tions.”
We also learn from the Louisville Courier
that H. B. Basromb, D. D., President of the
Transylvania University, has just issued in
that city a book of 165 pages, under the follow
ing title:—“ Methodism and Slavery, with other
matters in controversy between the North and
the South, being a Review of the Manifesto of
the Majority in reply to the Protest of the Mi
nority of the late General Conference of the
Methodist E. Church, in the case of Bishop
Andrew.”
Some of the most eminent ministers in the
South are opposed to the object of the Conven
tion, on the ground that political consequences
may result from a division of the Church.
Among these is Ihe Rev. Wm. A. Booth, of
Somerville, Tennessee, who a short time since
addiessed to Mr. Polk and Mr. Clay the follow
ing queries:
“ Will the division of the Methodist Episco
pal Church into two separate organizations,
(slavery being the cause of division, and the
dividing line,) be likely to affect the civil con
nection between the slave and non slaveholding
States?
“Ifso, will it strengthen or weaken the bonds
of their Union ?”
No answer has been received from Mr. Polk.
Mr. Clay has replied, and the subjoined extract
from h's letter endorses the views of Mr. Booth:
It was with the deepest regret that I heard, in
the course of the past year, of the danger of a
division ol the in consequence of a dif
ference of opinion existing on the delicate and
unhappy subject ol slavery. A division for
such a cause, would be an event greatly to be
deplored both on account ot the church itself
and its political tendency, indeed, scarcely any
public occurrence has happened, tor a long
l-rne, that gave me so much real concern ami
pai.. asthe menaced separation ol the church,
by a line, throwing all the free States on one
side, and all the slave States on the other.
I will not say that such a separa'ion would
necessarily produce a dissolution of the politi
cal union of these Stales; bnt the example
would be fraught with imminent danger, and,
in co-operation with other causes unfortunately
existing, ns tendency on the stability of the
confederacy would be perilous and alarming.
Entertaining these views, it would afford tne
the highest satisfaction to hearot an adjustment
ofthe controversy, a reconciliation between the
opposing parties in the church, and the preser
vation of its unity.
The Louisville Journal of the 21 inst., gives
the following sketch of the first day’s proceed
ings ofthe Southern Methodisi Episcopal Con
venlion, which met in that city cn the previous
day:—
The convention met at 9 o’clock, May 1, at
the Fourth street Methodist church, andon mo
tion ol Dr. Capers, Key. Dr. Lovick Fierce, ol
Georgia, was called to the eljair who affiu.--
so-ne-appropriate remarks, setting forth the ne
cessity of recognising the Divine Providence,
and invoking the Divine blessing on the con
vention, readan appropriate portion of the scrip
ture, and offered up a solemn prayer to Al
mighty God. Rev. T. N. Ralston, ol Kentucky,
was chosen secretary pro lem.
On motion of Rev. John Early, of Virginia,
it « as
Resolved, That the certificates of election of
the delegates from the various conferences be
read.
Whereupon the secretary proceeded to call
the conferences in order, beginning with Ken
tucky. There were tound to be present eighty
two members out ol the one hundred and two
that had been elected. The following gentle
men responded, presenting their certificates of
election in due form :
Kentucky Conference. — H. B. Bascom, D. D ,
Edward Stevenson, H. H. Kavanaugh, B. T»
Crouch, Wm. Gunn, G. W. Taylor, G. W.
Brush, J. C. Harrison, B. H. M’Cown, J.
King, J. James and T. N- Ralston.
Missouri Conference.— X Monroe, Jesse
Green, J. Glanville, W. Browning, W. Patton,
J. H Linn, Thos. Johnson and J Boyle.
Holston Conference. — Creed Fulton, T. K.
Catlett. T. Stringfield, B. M. Stevens and T.
Stillins.
Virginia Conference.—T. Crowder, J. Early,
W. A. Smith, D. D., L. M. Lee, H. B Cowles,
D. S. Doggett, A. Penn, and A. Dibrell.
North Carolina Conference.—S. S. Bryant,
J T. Brane, H. G. Leigh, B. T. Blake, P.
Douh, and R J. Carson.
Memphis Conference.—.M. B ock, G. W. D.
Harris, W. M’Mal an, T. Joyner, A. Davidson,
W. L. M’Alister, and T. Smith.
Tennessee Conference.— R. Paine, D. D., J
B M’Ferrin, A. L. P. Green, F. E. Pitts, A.
F. Driskill, J. W. Hanner, J. Boucher, T.
Maddin, F. G Ferguson, and R. L. Andrews.
Mississippi Conference.—L. Campbell.
Arkansas Conference.-- lohn Harrell, J. Cus.
ter, J. F. Truslow, and J. C. Parker.
Indian Mission Conference. — D. B. Cumming
and E. T. Perry.
South Carolina, Conference.—W. Capers. D.
D. W. M. Wightman, H A. C. Walker, S.
Dunnwoody, B. English, W. Smith, S. W. Ca
pers, and R. J. Body.
G orgia Conference. —J. Burring, L. Pierce,
D D., J. W. Glenn, J. E. Evans, S. Anthony,
J. B. Payne, A. B. Longstreet, LL. D., and J.
Brorig.
Florida Conference. — P. P. Smith and T. C.
Benning.
Alabama Conference. —J. Hamilton, D. D.,
J. Boring, D. D , Tho. Summers, T. H. Capers,
E. T. Levert, and E. Callaway.
Texas Conference.—-L,. Fowler and F. Wil
son.
Resolved, That the Bishops of the Methodist
Episcopal Chiirch, now-in attendance, be re
quested to preside over the meeting from day to
day according to such arrange cents as may
best suit there convenience.
Drs. Capers, Longstreet, Payne, Rev. B. T.
Crouch, Rev. J. Early, and Rev. T. Stringfield
advocated the resolution, which was passed
unanimously.
Bishop Soule arose and responded, that he
fe t greatly gratified at this manifestation of the
goon will and confidence ol his brethren, and
that in this sentiment his colleages fully con
curred with him. They, however, wished to
postpone a definite reply till to-morrow morn
ing.
The conven'ion then proceeded to elect a
secretary, when Rev. Thos O Summers, ot
Alabama, was chosen. Rev. T. N. Ralston was
chosen assistant secretary.
Rev J. Earlv offtred a resolution proposing
to employ a reporter to report the proceedings
anddiscussionsof the convention. The resolu
tion was opposed by Dr. Capers and the Rev.
F G Ferguson, ot Ten , and advocated by Dr.
Smith, of Va. After some further discussion
it was determined to appoint a committee to in
quire into the expediency and practicability ot
the measure. Rev. J. Earlv, Drs. Paine and
Hamilton, Rev. Messrs. English, Wightman,
Lee, McFerrin and Brush were appointed said
committee.
Drs. Longstreet, Capers and Smith were ap
pointed a committee to draft rules for the govern
ment ot the convention during the session.
Adjourned to meet to-morrow (Friday) morn
ing, atßj o’clock.
Second Day, Friday Morning, May 2.
The convention met pursuant to adjournment, '
Dr. Pierce in the chair. The usual devotional
exercises were led by Dr. Capers.
Bishops Soule, Andrew, and Morris appeared
in the convention and took seats in the altar. At
the suggestion ot the chairman, who ini iipate-jj
that the convention were waiting with stTme de
gree of solicitude to know the decision of the
venerable superintendents—
Bishop Soule rose, and in the most impressive
and solemn manner, addressed the convention,
giving his conclusions in relation to the invita
tion ot the convention made on yesierday, re-
I
questing the bishops to preside over the delibe- ;
rations of the convention. <
He said that he rose on this occasion wi(h j
feelings more solemn than he hid ever before I
known. The occasion was one of surpassing |
interest and solemnity. He lek most sensible <
the impression ol what important results their <
deliberations and decisions would have through- ■
out the country, and also the deepest interest for I
their welfare- H* hof-.ed that they would con- '
duct all their business with the greatest delibera- !
lion, with all that pureness of heart, moderation I
of temper, and regard to results, which shou d
characterise them as devoted Christians and fol
lowers of God. He hoped they would follow '
ou'that excellent lesson: “Do all things as in I
the immediate presence of God.”
The opinion he had formed after the proceed
ings of the late general conference, as to its re
sults upon the unity ol the body, was made
thoughtfully and with much consideration.
Nothing had transpired to change his convie
tions. And however deeply he might regret the
result, he was nevertheless fully confident that a
division of the church in the United States was
inevitable. He expressed the hope that the con
vention would not only exhibit a laudable ex
ample ot moderation and forbearance, but would
keep strictly within the limits and provisions of
the “ plan ot separation” which hail been adopted
by'he last general conference with such great
unanimity. For himself, he stood upon the ba
sis of Methodism as it was laid down in the
book of Discipline. From that rock he never
intended to be moved.
With respect to the kind and cordial invita
tion they had given him, on yesterday, to preside
over the convention, he begged to say, alter hav
ing calmly and carefully weighed the subject in
all its bearings and consequences, that he would
accept it. His excellent colleague, Bishop An
drew, was ol the same mind. They left they
should only perform the duty they owed the
chureh in so doing. Their excellent and worthy
Colleague, Bishop Morris, for reasons perfectly
satisfactory, and which he (Bishop Soule) con
sidered altogether right, declined participating
in the duties of the chair. He trusted that eve
rything would b» done in that spirit which
would be acceptable in the sight of God, and in
strumental in the salvation ol the souls ol men.
At the close of the Bishop's rematks, Dr.
Pierce arose and conducted the venerable man
to the chair. ,1 i i
Rev. J Early offered the following resolutihyCl
which, alter some remarks from Drs. Smith anrF '
Bascom, was adopted:
Resolved, That a committee of two members
from each represented in this
convention, be whose duty it shall be
to take into consid^H^^ the propriety and ne
cessity ol a according to
the plan of separation, adopted by the late gene
ral conference, together with the acts of the se
veral annual conferences, and report lhe best
method ot securing the come nplated object in
the appointment of this convention.
The following names were reported by the
delegates ot the several conferences as constitu
ting the committee.
THE COMMITTER ON ORGANIZATION.
Kentucky Conference—ll. B. Bascom and
Edward Stevenson.
Missouri Conference—Wm. Patton and An
d ew Monroe.
Ho.stoit Conference—T. K. Catlett and T.
Stringfield.
Virginia Conference—J. Early and W. A.
Smith.
North Carolina Conference—H. G. Leigh
and P. Doub.
Memphis Conference —G. W. D. Harris and
M. Breck.
Tennessee Conference—R. Paine and F. E.
Pitts.
Mississippi Conference—W. Winans and B.
M. Drake.
Arkansas Confetence—John Hanel and J. F.
Truslow.
Indiana Mission Conference—E. T. Perry
and D. Cummings.
South Carolina Conference—W. Capers and
W. M. Wightman.
Georgia Conference—G. F. Pierce and A B.
I Longstreet
Florida Conference—T. C. Benning and P.
P. Smith.
I Alabama Conference—J. Hamilton and J.
Boring.
: Texas Conference—Francis Wilson and L.
I Fowler.
Dr. Capers offered the following resolution,
which was adopted:
Resolved, That a committee of one member
I from eaclt d-leg ition be appointed to prepare a
plan to be recommended to the several annual
conferences, represented in this convention, for
the management and support of missions con
n -cted with said conferences, and the said com
mittee be instructed to report within the next
eight days.
The Rev. John Early presented attested co
pies of the documents placed in his hands at the
last general conference, pertaining to the South
ern organization, which w'ere direcied to be
placed in lhe hands of the committee on organi
z ition.
[A numberof papers from different Southern
conferences relative to the subject of division
were then presented and referred to their appro
priate committees.]
The remaining lime of the morning session
Was devoted to the solemn exercises of rel’gious
devotion, conducted bv lhe Rw. Dr. Capers,
TWe venerable Wm. Burke and Bishop Morris
eaoii addressed lhe throne of grace in a t-ww" -
ooh Trr-t ■ —rn? doxology sung,
the benediction was pronounced by Bishop
Soule, when the conference adjourned till to
morrow, (Saturday,) at half past 8 o’clock.
It may be proper to stale that the reports tbr
the Louisville Journal, from which we copy,
are made up bv a com iltee appointed by the
Convention from among its own member?.
Saturday, May 3, 1815
The Convention met pursuant to adjourn
ment, Bishop Andrew in the chair, and was
opened with Divine service by the Rev. J. Ear
ly-
The roll being called, two members, Wil
liam ‘Winans, ol Mississippi, and Thomas
Samford, of Georgia, appeared, presented their
certificates of membership, and took their seats.
The journal of yesterday was read and ap
proved.
Reports, memorials, &c., were called for, and
Mr. Wightman presented an appeal from the
Rev. Wm. Burke, of Cincinnati, ti all the an
nual conferences; which was referred t> the
committee on organization.
Mr. Crouch pre-enled sundry memotials
from the Lexington, Hardinsburg and Augusta
districts, Kentucky conlerence, which was re
ferred to the same committee.
Mr. Truslow presented a similar paper from
Batesville, Arkansas; Mr.Green,ol Missouri;
Mr. Kavanaugh, of Kentucky, and Mi. Ste
venson, of Kentucky, presented documents ot
the same kind, which were all referred to the
committee on organization.
On motion of Dr. Longstreet, it was resolved,
that no memorial received after Tuesday next,
should be referred to the commit'ee; and a mo
tion was made to adjourn, so that the commit
tees could have time to prepare business for the
convention.
The motion to adjourn was waived, and an
extended debate took place on a motion to re
consider the resolution appointing a committee
to furnish a report of the proceedings. Some
members objected to having any report sent out
as official that was not complete, whilst lhe
committee contended that lhe resolution tinder
which they acted only called on them lor a sy
nopsis of the proceedings. The reporc ofihe
remarks of Bishop Soule, on taking the chiar,
which we published a few days since, was said
to be incorrect
Mr. Green, of Tennessee, said he wou'd like
to see Bishop Soule’s address in lull; h*-desired
that every word of it should go to the public.—
He therefore moved to lay Dr. Capers’ resolu
tion on the table, which prevailed; whereupon
he moved that Bishop Soule be requested to
tarnish his address in lull for publication,
which was adopted by a rising vote, unani
mously.
The president announced the committee on
missions as follows, viz:— Vm. Capers, J. E.
Evans, Thoma'Crnvrder T. Fowler, Thomas
Johnson, H. H. Kavanaugh, C. Fulton, A. L.
P. Green, B. I’. Biake. W McMahan. S. W.
Speer, E. Calloway, P. P. Smith, E. T. Peery,
John Harrell.
Theappoiniments for Sabbath preaching in
the city and vicinity were then read bv Rev.
Dr. Miller of lhe Fonitl -street station.
On motion of Mr. Early, the Convention ad
journed.
Fourth Day.
Monday Morning, May 5.
The Convention met pursuant to adjourn
ment, Bishop Soule in lhe chair.
Devotional exercises were conducted by Dr.
Winans.
Dr. Winans submitted lhe following resolu
tion, which he moved to refer to the committee
on organization:
Resolved, That the committee on organiza
tion be instructed to inquire whether or not any
thing has transpired during the past year to ren
der it possible to maintain the unity of lhe Me
thodist Episcopal Church under th, same gene
ral conference jurisdiction, without the ruin of
Southern Methodism.
As thi> resolution involves some very impor
tant considerations, Dr. W. said he wished to
accompany the motion for its reference with
some remarks. Necessity, he said, can only jus
tify the meeting of this convention; expediency
could not. He assumed that at the close of the
late general conference this necessity did exist,
nor did he deem it necessary for him to adduce
any testimony to establish the lact. He said
that slavery was so interwoven with the texture
ot Southern society that it was impossible lor
any one to disentangle it, nor can any religious
society avoid, if it would, connection with this
. institution. It is also true, that public opinion
'rallies around this institution with great jeal
ousy, and that he who comes to the South or
lives in lhe slave-holding States, and arrays
himself against slavery, disqualifies himself
from exercising any influence whatever. He
who would oppose slavery can have no influ
ence in the South civilly, politically or ecclesi
astically.
He adverted to the fact, that, to this day, the
ill-judged course ot Bishop Coke on the subject
is felt mostdisadvantageously to lhe interests ol
Southern Methodism. The interests put in pe
ril were not merely those connected with the
- * •
preachers. could
upon their rights which the
jority had. perpetrated. Il was not
feeling— not the wounded espirit du corps on the
part of the Southern delegates, which demand
ed satisfaction. It was a conviction that those
outrages would disqualify them for their great
and sole work—the preaching of God’s word
throughoifl the Southern country. This con
viction had led to their solemn declaration near
lhe close of the General Conference.
they not been borne out in the judgment then
made? Ask the voice which has coma •»»
from every part of the Southern com
theritisso. The answer is, that, i.
gates were at fault, it was that they <
long and so patiently. And who is to
in this case? Are the Northern papet ,
tent to judge, whose conduct -rs view
ter through the medium of passion, j
and commitment?
We cannot hesitate to proceed to a
organization. Has anything transpired! -•e
the aspect of things since the last genet
rence? He knew of none. Has ti b
evinced any disposition todrawbacl
In New Orleans there is ene inembt
whole church oppised to division. K
Natchez district there is one. In tl •‘e
Mississippi conference three. And tu mt
of the filteen conferences represented t i .
rent about the same state of things.
The raopsßTY question ! The cry I
raised, that by separation we would for
claims to the church property. He w<
impugn the motives of those who had io-‘
the question, yet he apprehended not the
est danger; but supposing there is d
should this operate on our minds? Sup
lose every college, church, parsonage
titles-should that deter us from carryt
our purposes? These considerations
have no weight whatever. There is eq
our courts of justice in these United Sta
they will be open to hear us upon the i ■
Il we for a good cause separate—as it w
we will hold the property qj j.BiV.churcl ir
entertained no doubt
. i -1
woindß;-.-.'
creant to the interest of his trust.
to be branded with infamy.
Propositions for reconci. Union. V
do they come? From the North? If st
T»re the terms? Submit to mother church
I North is made up of far-seeing Yankees,
shave made no pronositiors, or if they
they have been very sparing in those pi
tions. They have condemned Bishop An
connection with slavery, audio this we >r
submit. And-what rtaYtiryTrtj?r its the
neration for the injury inflicted on the E la
- no Abolitionist should be made a A
Great concussion I! He had no objecn- -t
an abolition Bishop, if he be a prudent .boli
tionists. He may come to the South wi*- h*
abi litionism flaming in his heart ’till his
ache, yet if he be discreet, keeping his'
tnents to himself—and he will consult his
dence when in the South, he will do us no 1 i,
But who is an abolitionist? You may
your magnifying glass npon him, but you
not take his dimensions—he is like the Fl
fashions, always changing.
Another term of compromise. It has
proposed that the Methodist Episcopal Clt
should not meddle with the subject ol sla
This has caused the shout ot “glory.”
this proposition is not from the North.
North will give no such pledge. Dr. Wir
said, that he knew that they would never
until slavery was driven Irom the chureh, t
Union be preserved or maintained. But
are admonished to pause. He would ask
what? He could see no prospect of a ret
lion upon the part of the North He woul
willing to wait twenty years --to lie down in
grave, if he could believe that, finally, the <
cully could be amicably settled. He had, h
ever, not seen any indications of a better s i
ol things. The last document in the Wes
Christian Advocate shows more determined
position than ever. It has been suggested '
we should wail lor another general conlere
and conciliate the majority, or recruit our nt
hers and whip them by vote. To whip them
numbers was impossible. They uudersu
how to secure numbers. They can manul
lure a full four weeks' circuit out of two little
pointmen's. No, sir, we can out speak th»m,
they will always be able to out vote ns.
We cannot conciliate them. They will
repent. Postpone action until another gene
conference, and they will take it for granted t
we have yielded the question; will take hei
and look confidently to our submission in
tilings.
Let your committee investigate the matt
and if they can see a speck in the religious ho
zon, we will shout “glory,"and,likeElijah, '
will wait for the rain. We would wail if t
could see the least prospect of repentance in o
Northern brethren. Could the connection
union be preserved, and the South be saved
the same time, nothing on earth would give hi
snch exalted pleasure, such heart-felt happines
But the case was absolutely hopeless Dr. W
nans concluded with an able view of the politic,
‘waring of the question. He declared his cot
viction that the division ofihe Methodist Epi>
copal Church wonld not have any injurious ir
fluence upon the Union of the States. On th
contrary he maintained that we should presen
the Union ofihe Slates by dividing the churcl
It would put a stop to lhe agitation ol the slaver
question on religions grounds. The Norfheri
nnrtinn p‘ ■' 1 111 1 ' 1
nection with slavery,” and qp room would bt
left lor those agitators who plead conscience
Their strongest weapon would thus be wrested
from them.
Dr. Capers had no objection to instructing the
committee as to lhe matter proposed, though he
did not doubt it would come under consideration
in committee without the instructions. He
suggested a change in the wording ofihe motion
to instruct, which Dr. Winans accepted. And
he proceeded to remark, on the general subject,
to the effect that there always had been troubles
in the church by contentions in lhe general
conlerence - that the history of those conten
tions proved how important it was to curb the
action of bare majorities in that body. He first
took part in a general conference, after the
compromise law of 1816 had settled the conflict
on slavery. But he found a conflict scarcely
less exciting on the Episcopacy. This grew
warmer, and absorbed lhe slavery question in
the general conference of 1824 and 1828. That
controversy about the Episcopacy gave rest, for
the lime, to the Southern churches on the sub
ject of slavery, and parties were lormed in lhe
general conference solely on the ground oi the
Episcopal question, or, as it was commonly
called, ‘‘thgpresidmg eWerquestion.”
ThrrTJuestion bad produced at least one other
good effect. 1' had united the South and West
as one|rnan —Ohio and Carolina standing side
■qy side for an efficient superintendence as ne
cessary to an effective itinerancy. This union
of the West and South enabled them to put
downdhe revolutionising scheme al those times,
and praterve the Episcopacy from being con-
exercise of its functions by annual
Since then abolitionism had
sprung extended itself widely in the
church fronrthe East to the West. And it was
a proof of i.ls extent, and of its power where it
extended, tfbat the West in the free States had
been severed'4 r om the South and Southwest so
violently, as rft't only tojoin with New England
to undo the South and Southwest pa account of
slavery, but f\ the sake of .tils crusade on
Southern Methodist rights, as settled by the
Discipline, to giiseupthe Episcopacy also, and
degrade it to a meie oilier like that of an editor
or book agent, created and to be dispensed with
at the will ol a general conference.
This union of (he West and North and East
gavp a majority against'4be South and South
west, which nade it hopele*4lor them to re
main under lhe same generalc
diction. Both lor our rights as Christian citi
zens of slaveho ding States, and for the preser
vation of an efficient itinerancy and the princi
ples of our church government as the South,
Southwest and West have all along maintained
them till the last general conference, and the
South and Southwest, at least, must ever main
tain them, he saw no shadow of ,bwp--baLd»-<t
separate orcantzsfhiff.'Tri'TEeMsis provided in
the justice and brotherly love which lingered in
the final action of the general conference, in
their adoption of the report ot their committee
of nine. During lhe time of lhe discussions of
the general conference everything was put to .
hazard at the South. In Charleston the matter
got into the papers in the shape of a crimina
tion, if notdenuncialion of the Southern dele
gates, for remaining as members c.f a body in
such a discussion; and had not the declaration
of the Southern delegates, and the provisional
measures for separation co r e when they did,
our missions in the low country would have
been broken up at once.
Mr. Crowder approved heartily of the resolu
tion, and concurred in the views presented by
lhe preceding speakers.
The resolution was then adopted unani
mously,
Mr. Drake offered the following resolution,
viz:
Resolved, That lhe committee on organization
he, and are hereby instructed to inquire imt»4be
propriety of reporting resolutions, in case a dt<
vision shout! lake place, leaving the way operi m
for reunion in terms, which shall not compro
mise the interest of the Southern, and which
shall meet, as far as may be, the views ol ths
Northern portions of the church.
This resolution led to an animated discussion,
in which Messrs. Drake, McFerrin, Early,
Longstreet, and Stringfield, look part, and, after
having been changed from the form in which it
was originally presented by the mover into that
stated above, was adopted.
Dr. W. A. Smith, offered the following reso
lution, which l.e begged to have laid on the table
until to-morrow:
Resolved by the Delegates of the several Annual
Conferences in the South and Southwestern States,
in General Convention assembled, That we cannot
sanction the action ot the late general confer
ence of the Methodist Episcopal Church, on the
subject of slavery, by remaining under the eccle
siastical jurisdiction of this body, without deep
and lasting injury to the interests of the church
and the country; wg, therefore, hereby instruct
the committee on organization that if, upon a
careful examination ot the whole subject, they
find that there is no reasonable ground to hope
that lhe Northern majority will recede from their
position, and give some safe gnarr"” i ~
future security of our civil and <
rights, that they report in lavor of i