ke insurrections, to the endangering of government and
producing general confusion. I have therefore no doubt, but this
wise council will prefer the comfort and happiness of a whole
nation of true believers to the whim of a few _Erika_, and
dismiss their petition."

The result was, as Martin tells us, that the Divan came to this
resolution: "The doctrine, that plundering and enslaving the
Christians is unjust, is at best _problematical_; but that it is
the interest of this state to continue the practice, is clear;
therefore let the petition be rejected."

And it was rejected accordingly.

And since like motives are apt to produce in the minds of men
like opinions and resolutions, may we not, Mr. Brown, venture to
predict, from this account, that the petitions to the Parliament
of England for abolishing the slave-trade, to say nothing of
other legislatures, and the debates upon them, will have a
similar conclusion? I am, Sir, your constant reader and humble
servant,

HISTORICUS.[5]

FOOTNOTES:

[1] _The Works of Benjamin Franklin_, II, p. 517.

[2] _Ibid._, II, pp. 518-519.

[3] _The Works of Benjamin Franklin_, II, pp. 519-520.

[4] _The Works of Benjamin Franklin_, II, pp. 520-521.

[5] _Ibid._, II, p. 521.

THE PROCEEDINGS OF A MISSISSIPPI MIGRATION CONVENTION IN 1879[1]

The convention of the planters of the Mississippi Valley, which
has attracted the attention of the entire county, ever since the
call for its assembly was published, met in this city, this
morning. Delegates from all sections of the country are present
and more are expected. The original intention was to hold the
meeting of the convention in the Operahouse, but owing to the
large crowd present, and the warm weather, the place of meeting
was changed to the Concert Garden.

At half past twelve Judge Farrar called the meeting to order, and
requested Gen. W. R. Miles to act as temporary chairman. On
taking the chair the General delivered a short address and then
announced that the convention would proceed to permanent
organization.

A committee of twenty on permanent organization was appointed.

While the committee was out the convention was addressed by Judge
H. Simrall, of Mississippi, and Hon. Henry S. Foote, of
Louisiana