University of South Carolina Libraries
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, ? November 27, 1838. ) Fellow Citizen* of the Senate and Mouse of Representatives. Since your la9t meeting we bave had reason to be grateful for many blessings of a kind Providence. With one unfortunate exception, eve ry quarter of the State has been favoured with an unusual share of health ; and the industry of her citizens in the culture of the soil is rewarded, tf not with an overflowing harvest, with enough at least to satisfy their reasonable desires. In the distress and embarrassments of the past, it is to be hoped they have learned a lesson of frugality and prudence for the future. To husbanS with economy and' enjoy with moderation, is the best retorn we can make to the dispenser of good for the favours which his wisdom has conferred. When we were lately convened under these walls, the hand of afflic tion was heavy upon us. Enterprise was palsied, commerce was pros trated, the circulation, the life blood of commerce, was tainted with insecurity and disorder. Our agricultural interest felt deeply the gene fa! distraction: hs products were depreciated to a degree that left to the dispirited planter a bare remuneration for his toil. I am happy now to join with you in rejoicing at the commencement of a better state of things. We bave weathered the gale and the suo shines again : cheer fulness and confidence are restored : credit is re-established : the banks have resumed the punctual fulfilment of their obligations : Trade has returned with life and vigor to its wonted channels ? and our crops, reinstated in value, are again becofcie a fund of prosperity and wealth. TheBank of the State, well and judiciously conducreaJH&nunues, as heretofore, to be a source of advantage to the . people, and profit and convenience to the country. For a full and detailed statement of the i. 4 a/fairs of this institution I beg leave to refer you to the President's re port, whi &is herewith submitted. The nett profits of the last year are one hundred and ninety -sir thousand five hundred and thirty dollars, ($196,539.) A. gre*t impediment to the freedom of its operations, has been removed, by the general resumption of specie pay me n^. For the condition of the finances of tHe State, and of the Surplus Revenue received from the General Government, you are respectfully r referred to the report of the Comptroller General. v, HrOf the affairs of the State Banks generally, I have obtained returns, tfcjft substance of which is presented to your consideration in a condens ^ ed report. The result is that they are prosperous and safe: well enti tied to your approval and to the confidence of the community. F _>i The total amount of banking capital in the State is $9,153,498 48. The liabilities of the Banks consist of ? IfeiS -Notes in circulation, v? ? _ - v - - $4,567,327 62 ? Deduct amount of each others notes* held by the Banks, ' *tod not is circulation, *_ - - - 566,025 19 .x- rx ; $4000,302 43 Individual deposits, - - 2,732,583 37 Balances doe to Banks, - 1,308,206 59 Other liabilities, included in the return of Bank of the State, Sinking fund, &c. - ? 1,921,127 93 5.961,917 89 \ Total, $9,962,220 32 Tcr meet which, they have Speeie, - - ; - 2000,149 61 ?gT Real Estate, . "* - - 365,780 03 jj- Stock* - - e 1,090,936 34 F Balances due by Banks, 1,393,861 65 ? $4,850 727 63 I domestic exchange, 998,909 86 uiKed and bonds, 14^379,110 60 S20, 228,748 08 . ... __ to the above security to the community, the stockholders - of th* Ranks (other than the Bank of the State) are bound in their In . dividual property, $15,994,360 01. The care of the State militia includes a large share of the duties of yftor Executive. I have therefore heJd it, throughout the term of my service, in especial regard, and have watched with much solicitude the operation of the several provisions you have made for the improvement of this important arm of defence. have reviewed every regiment of infantry 'to the State, (46 in number^ and six out of the seven regi . stents of cavalry." . - ? v ",r - T Jp the much wit and sarcasm that ingenuity has arrayed against the -jr^ljB^fitia service, i^perki be quite out of place here to ajiswer. The i; ^ioldier|nf twelve days in the year, will hardly be compared, in skill or ^ discipline, with the soldier by profession and by the practice of a life time. But if the best milkiaare only very imperfect soldiers, what would rfou expect from the worst? And let it be remembered that, good or V Ua^ ignorant or intelligent, spirited or without spirt, as your wise or Ir* eareless legislation may affect them, the militia are still your only means of protection. ?. In the appeal to force, which every State pre tending to^the character of independence must be prepared to meet, they are your only argument, and you must make the most of it The militia are not unimprovable. They bave improved and are improving. ? In many parrs of the country the militia are every thing that could be reasonably desired. v This excellence has generally been the result of the-^irfted exertions of individual officers, whose zeal and activity de-. servetto be encouraged by the representatives of the Stale. When this species of public service shall be rewarded with its proper measure of approbation, the difficulty will at once cease of maintaining a well organized uiilitia. The system of Encampments has wrought the best effects. Its suc cess has heen such that the inconveniences still arising from defects in an experiment comparatively new, should only urge us to a d'rtigeut ' enquiry for the meajis to obviate them. In this spirit I beg leave to recommend to your consideration, 1st, the purchase of a suitable pa ride ground for eacL. brigade; 2nd, the issue of rations to officers attending encampments. The first of these propositions, though ap 1 parent Ey of little importance will be gf essential advantage in effect. Akpreseut the convenience or caprice of individuals may~aT"any mo - wftit defeat the orders of the Commander-in-chief, and frustrate the intentions of the law. The adoption of this measure will also give an air ofpetinaneace tethe system. The issue of rations will relieve considera bly the burthen of private expense, in attending the encampments, and will initiate the soldier into a department of military affairs which it is somewhat important he should understand. It will also tend to the better ordering of the camp, and will facilitate the enforcing of discipline. . Estimates are herewith submitted of the probable ex pense bf this provision, which is, in my opinion, too small to be weighed against its manj advantages. It is also very desirable for the perfecting of our military system, that a digest should be made of the Militia Laws, suited rather for the instruction of officers than the reference of lawyers. - The Adjutant and Inspector General pre sents a combination of education and talent, especially well adapted to such a service. For this purpose the Adjutant General might without material prejudice to his other duties, be relieved for one year from ? attendance on the reviews^ In regard to our fire arms and other munitions of war, circum ^ stances bave induced me to institute a thorough examination, which has* resslted in the convic^on, that we should depend as far as possi ble for our supply of these articles on ourselves or on sources within our controul. I have the honor to submit to you the report of a Board nTXnagectors, appointed to examine the arms and amunition belonging to tiie State, in the Arsenal at Charleston. It appears that the ammsukion obtained generally from abroad, is not to be trusted in, frequently containing peas and corn, instead of ball and buckshot, and the like frauds. The Muskets ? as well those imported from England and from the North, as from the United States factories ? are, for the most part, good for nothing, and daggerous. The old cartridges have by my order been all broken up, ancl a full supply of very superior quality has been prepared by Capt. Charles Parker, of the Magazine Guard of Charleston ; in regard to the arms, I have been able to do nothing more than exercise extreme vigilance in purchasing. It is due to the U. S. government to acknowledge that the objectionable arms received from their factories were promptly exchanged for others. These last have not yet been thoroughly inspected, but there is reason to fear that they are not much better than those returned. The affairs of the College are in a condition to fulfil the best wishes of its friends. This institution has exercised a vast influence over the character of the State, and I believe is destined to be its palladium of safety, amidst the popular commotions mhich loo frequently agitate all free States. The knowledge acquired and the friendships contracted here, will be stronger than popular violence. Those who have formed a good opinion of each other when they were associated together in the intimacy of unreserved communication, will retain and cultivate a spirit of liberality and forgiveness, evgn in the heats of political hostility. Our wise and prudent ancestors could not have devised a more noble and effectual means of perpetuating their glorious iufluence over the destinies of their country, than by the establishment of an institution of literature and science under the fostering care of the State, in which their precepts would be valued, and their examples appreciated. This institution should be a primary object of State policy and popular pride. It is the institution of the people, and for the people. It is there they must acquire the intelligence to govern themselves. The Le gislature should not hesitate to make any appropriation which the interests of the College may require. The number of students is rapid ly increasing, and is now far beyond any former precedent. The present ^ number is about 170? and it will> probably be necessaty,Njjfefcre long, to make a still further addition to the buildings, for their comfortable accommodation. The Library^ though respectable, cannot be com pared with several attached to other Universities in the United States. Great scholars and erudite writers must have access to full Libraries, to make their labors useful, and their productions accurate. The State should take a pride in affording this facility to them, by having a library which will give it an interest in the estimation of posterity, and in the eyes of intelligent foreigners : with a view qf attaining this end, I beg leave to recommend to the Legislature an annual appropriation, for the pur chase of Books for the College Library. The Free School system, as at present conducted, does not appear to fulfil the benevolent purposes inteuded to be effected by its establish ment. I would recommend the appointment of a Board of Commis sioners to inquire into this subject, and report to the nextJLegislature. It is- the privilege of an intelligent and virtuous people, fhit the force of its legislation may be diverted, from the mere defence of the life and liberty of the citizen, to the improvement of his property, and the en larging of his means of enjoj ing life. Amongst the noblest examples of this exercise of Legislature wisdom, s^ftids the splendid project of ' communication with the west, over-leaping the barrier of the Blue Ridge. Cost what it may, South Carolina mnst achieve this work. So cially, commercially, politically interested as she is in the cementation ~ of southern interests, she betrays herself, if she allows a doubt to hang over its successor lags irresolute while the prize is snatched by a more vigorous and enterprizing hand. Her prosperity is involved in it: her honor is bound to it : her character is staked upon it, before the world. The measures which have been adopted, and the progress made in the prosecution of this enterprize, with full information of the present con dition and prospects of the Company, will be found in thesecond annu- - al report of the President and Directors, which is herewith transmitted. In addition to this interesting paper, 1 have the honor to invite your at tention to a letter ofthe Chief Engineer of the work, Major Wm. G. Mc Neil, in reply to inquiries addressed to him on several important points, in regard to which his ability and professional skill are entitled to the highest authority. With the confidence of full knowledge and experi ence, he pronounces on the practicability of the pchem^iu a shorter time, at a cost more moderate, and with more abundant profits, than many even of its well wishers have ventured to anticipate? But what ever might be the expense or difficulty, we have gone too far ? we have promised too much to the world, to retreat with dignity. Our question should now be, not whether we shall go on, but how. Since the publication of thfe annual report of the direction of the Rail Road Company, the South Western Rail Road Bank has been organ izedrand will go into immediate operation, under the most favorable aus pices, and with every prospect of promoting the success of the great enterprise to which it is iutended to .be auxiliary. The Bank must be of inestimable value as well to the stockholders, as to the country. Act ing under this impressiou, and desirous that the State might not lose her privilege of participating in the revenues of the Bank, if that policy should be approved of, I conceived it to be my duty, in concurrence with such of the commissioners representing the State as could be con veniently consulted before the closing of the books on the 8th instant, to make a conditional subscription, on behalf of the State, foi ten thou sand shares in the Bank, subject to the approbation of.the Legislature. Following in the same spirit of domestic improvement which you have wisely led, I venture to suggest to your consideiatiou.a measure for the developement of our resources which does not appear to have been so mucli appreciated by us, as by other States of equal intelli gence. Extensive geological surveys have been instituted under legis lative sanction, in most of the New England States, in New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. Besides the contribution tol science, the direct advantage of these investigations has beeu so obvious as to dimin ish the expense, by comparison, into almost nothing. The mineral resources of each section of country have been brought to light, and made available. Mines of buried wealth, of every description, have been explored, their qualities ascertained, and their uses pointed out. The exhausted soil of lower Virginia has found an elixir of new life in her long neglectcd beds of lime and marl. Even the granite rocks of Massachusetts have been classed, and each variety examined, and pre cisely located. The fruit of this enlightened labour is seen in the blocks of masonry which have been brought over a thousand miles of ocean, to adorn even the streets of Charleston. But as I propose rath er to advise with you, than to direct your counsels, I leave this bare suggestion to your better intelligence. I will only remark, that the survey instituted some years since, under the_c barge of Etoiiessor Van Uxem, was rather mineralogical fhan of a general geological character ; and therefore tended rather to entertain the curious, than to enlighten the steps of practical industry. , Upon the general cond tion of our common highways, jt is hardly ; necessary to remark- That it cannot possibly be much worse, is I be lieve generally acknowledged. Our road laws are very imperfecjly en forced, aud the system appears to be very imperfect in itself. The unequal distribution of'the labour, the unskillfulness of the superinten dents, and the manifest interest of all who are subject to road duty to L -do as little of it as possible, are defects very sufficient to account for its -miserable success. But as the Legislature has more than once express ed its disinclination to attempt any general reform in this matter, I will only suggest the propriety of encouraging the organization of private Turnpike Companies, as well by the grant of liberal charters, as by parti cipating in their expenses and profits, in such proportions as to secure their active co-operation. ' The condition of our navigable water courses naturally suggests itself in this connection. Large sums have been expended in their improve ment, but heretofore without an adequate return-- perhaps, because the system was not vigorously followed up, rather than from having been injudiciously commenced. The Broad River is a prominent illustration of this ? one of our streams of the largest class, dividing the centre of the State. Between the Columbia Canal c\and Lockhart's Shoal, and thence to the mouth of King's Creek, in York District, there are seve ral rapids, at low water impracticable for ths smallest craft, and at all ^pr5e? difficult and da^gerota. ~jC good deal oflafcour hasalrtady titjjn* expended upos these obstructions; but fronrthe erection of ddmBtJuul the casual disturbance of the bed of the 9trearo, added to the imperfec* tions of the original work, the navigation is becoming annually i&ore^ difficult. This mstance. has been brought more especially under my observation than others, but the case is probably the same with the rest. To enable the Legislature to apply an adequate remedy to this evil, it will be perhaps be advisable to cause this and such other of our rivers as demand it, to be surveyed by competent agents, who will report the estimated expense and practicability of each work. There are^many subjects connected with the criminal code which earnestly demand the attention of the Legislature. Among these, is the habi. of wearing concealed deadly weapons, which is become too common among the more unthinking part of the community. This practice is highly reprehensible, offensive to good taste, subversive of the peace of the country, and unworthy of an advanced st:.ge of christian civilization. Revenge and resentment are bad counsellors under any circumstances, or for any age; but when they operate on youthful inexperience, they have a peculiarly baneful and mischievous effect. To carry secret weapons for an unarmed adversary, to be used on an anticipated occasion, is but to arm revenge; and to provide them against a casual emergency, is to afford a temptation to resentment. The transient ebullition of passion thus frequently results in the com mission of irreparable crime. This vulgar and unmanly practice should not only be discountenanced, as it is by the virtuous part of society, but it should in some way be inhibited by legal enactments. It would not perhaps be proper to prohibit the wearing of weapons about the person. , Such a law would be impracticable from the difficulty and odium of enforcing it. But when death ensues from the use of con cealed weapons, in a contest which commenced apparently upou equal terms, it might be, and I think it should be regarded as a capital felony; Such a law, however, should i)e well guarded, to exempt it from objections. In making these remarks, I am but conforming to the presentments of Grand Juries, and to the indications of public opinion, in every part of the State. Another subject to which I would fawto.^your attention, while, en gaged in the consideration of the criminal laws, is the trial of slaves,, especially in capital cases. These trials are frequently conducted in obscure quarters of the country, remote from observation, by ignorant men, frequently excited by timidity, or immoderate resentment. The consequence is that there is more demand for Executive interposition in this class of cases, \han in any other; and probably there are many instances of gross cruelty and injustice, which are^ never heard of out of their neighborhood. This evil might perhaps be remedied in part, by requiring all trials of this character to be held at the Court House o( each district, respectively. At any rate humanity requires ihat. something should be done. . With a view to ellicit information which might be useful to the Legislature, I have obtained from the Sheriffs and Clerks of the Courts of each district, their several opinions in regard to the existing defects of their offices, besides a list of the indictments, convictions, &c., which have occurred in the last two years, of which a condensed report is submitted. " <* ? * .. The tribe of Catawba fn*r.os, holding a reserve of fifteen miles squaie of land on the Catawba River, in York district, among the most fertile iu the State, is daily diminishing, and is already reduced to the number of sixty or eighty. The revenue derived by the Indians from the lease of their lauds, is received in a form to be of very little advan tage to them; while at the same time, the title of the whites is un settled, and the State is deriving no revenue from a producfive^sectlon of her territory. This subject appears to demand investigation, and is introduced to your notice at the solicitation of parties interested in' its adjustment. I recommend, therefore, the appointment of a commis sion to ascertain and report upon the facts. The conduct of our Stale towards the Indians has from the beginning been a pleasing feature in her history; and humanity unites with an honorable pri dft" in demanding that full justice should be secured to this last remnant of the origiual holders of the soil. Such are the suggestions arising out of an earnest use of those facilities of observation afforded by my official positiou. They are sub mitted to your superior wisdom with my full confidence that, however our opinions may change to differ upon details, we are cordially agreed in the spirit of mutual assistance to promote the [/eat end of our politi cal organization, the prosperity of the State of South Carolina. P. M. BUTLER. c At the adjourned meeting of the Stockholders of the South-Western Rail Road Bauk, held at Charleston, on the 21st and 22ndjnst. the Honorable I. E. Holmes was called to the Chair, and George W. Logan, Esq. appointed Secretary. The following Resolutions were then separately submitted, and unanimously adopted, viz: 1. Resolved , That there shall be a general meeting of the Stockhold ers on the Tuesday preceding the fonrth Monday of November, in each year, at the banking-house in Charleston, and on the second day there after, *6 election of Directors for the Bank, shall be held, at the same place, by such managers as may have been appointed by the Board of Directors, which managers, when appointed, shall be a Committee to verify all proxies presented to them before and during the said general meeting. Should the day of annual election pass, without- an election of Directors, another day may be appointed for such election, by the Directors, or a majority of those who may have 3cted as such, the preceding year, which election shall be conducted by managers, to be appointed by them, or a majority of them. 2. R'solved , That the President and directors of the Bank, may establish such Branches and Agencies as may hereafter be required in either of the Slates of South-Cnrolina, North-Carolina, Tennessee, or Kentucky. 3. Resolved , That-the Banks which held stock in the Rail Road, at the lime of granting the Bank charter, shall be confirmed in their sub scriptions for the corresponding shares in the Bank, so soon as the' Legislature of North Carolina shall permit the same. 4. Resolved , That the President of the Bank present to the Legis lature of North-Carolina, a respectful petition, requesting that the Banks in the State of South-Carolina, who held stock in the Rail Road Company, prior to the Bank Charier being granted, may be permitted to hold the coiresponding stock in this Bank. .. . 5. Resolved , That whenever either of the States of South-Carolina, North-Carolina, Tennessee, or Kentucky, shall have provided for taking stock in the Bank, it shall be permitted to subscribe for so many shares as it then holds, or may subscribe for, in the Rail .Road Company, on which the regular instalments shall be paid : Provided, the same shall be done within one year from the first day of March next. - 6. Resolved , That any person holding Rail Road stock, who has paid up all instalments due thereon, shall be admitted as a stock holder in the Bank under the subscription made in behalf of such persons by Isaac E. Holmes. Esqr. and shall be allowed to receive his certificate, on condition that the subscription to the Bank be paidoftor before the first day of March next. ? '? * < :? 7. Resolved , That the subscription, made I>v the president of the Rail Road Company, for those shares in the Bank, on the- shares in the Rail Road Company, which were forfeited to that Company, for non payment of the second instalment, be accepted by this meeting: Provided , that none of the said shares so forfeited to and owned by the Rail Road Company, shall be sold at less than the par value both of the Rail Road and Bank Slock added together; and whenever any tale shall be made accordingly, the shares sold shall be duly transferred to any purchaser by the proper officers of the Bank. ' _ 8. Resolved , That the Board of Directors be authorised to enact all necessary bye-laws for the government of the Bauk; which shall be in force till the next general meeting of the Stockholders, and that the Board report the same to that meeting. A report was then read- from the Mauagers, announcing the election of the following gentlemen, as Directors for the ensuing year, viz ; ISAAC E. HOLMES, JAMES HAMILTON, JAMES LEGARE, CHAS. A. MAGWOOD, CHAS. EDMONSTON, JOHN C. KER, t A. BLAND1NG, M. C. MORDECA1, - ALEX. BLACK, C. G. MEMMINGER, WILLIAM GREGG, WILLIAM PATTON, . LEWIS TRAPMANN, The report, on motion, was accepted, and ordered to be the journals, and there being no other business for llie meeting motion, adjourned. I. E. HOLMES, CMfiroao. Geo. Wm. Logan, Secretary. . r v Charleston, Nov. 22, 1838. "T Kv? '? *5 . , z 1 ' , -7?. ?. "*i.A rtVaX!; *~~ " ? * f * < ? f *?'? * . _ ? ? -^, CotumWa CtMojt. ,, .. "TUESDAY. NOVEMBER 27. FiS** ? - jl* .. ? ? 1 ' II ^fS:THE LEGISLATURE ..Assembled yesterday, and was organized in the usual form. In the Senate, the Hon. P. Noble was unanimously re-elect&TPre sident ? Jacob Warley, Esq. Clerk? A. Oat' ' den , Esq. reading clerk, Mr. Fulton door keeper, and Mr. Gaillard messenger. The customary messages were sent to the House and to the Governor. ; In the House, the Hon. D. L. Wardlaw, was unanimously re-elected Speaker, and 2*. IV. Glover , Esq. Clerk. John QhappclL, Esq* was chosen reading clerk, Mr, Wm. Batkin messenger, and Mr . John Mathis door-keep er. j- j*. As to the business which isiikelv to en , T , '.I**' *?-'?? J gage the Legislature, we referlo&e verj>JU~ dicious, sensible, and business-like"' Message of the Governor. North Carolina. The Legislature assem bled on Monday, the /Oth. In the Senate, two baltotiogs for Spjbaker* resulted in , a tie between Mr. Joy ner, Whig, and Mr. Wil sou,' {Van day, Mr ham, Whig, was elected Speaker, by a tna jority of 12 votes over Michael Hdl^e/W B? As the vote wasa party one, in bath c^sesT it is at once shown that there; is an anti-Van Buren majority in each branch of the Leg- * - islature. Judge White has resigned his sear io the Senate, ou account of ill heiftfc. ?* >_/ Judge Trotter, of Mississippi, it is said has also resigned. ~ , .. a - ? V;; South Western, Rail Road Bank . An ejection isto be heW to-day, by ihe board of ^ Directors, |br the following officers. Carrier, ^with-salary of $3,000 An^AssistantCashieraml Transfer " * jgf *' " _ w: Clerk, - f- \ Two Tellers, each ^ A discount Cjerk and Not aijr, 2,060 A Book-keeper, ^ ^1,600 An Assistant Clerk, ' * ^"s" 1,500 ^ ? w ? ? y . ; V </' ' * *.? "V A Collection Clerks " ' -x< l,400<-.-l An Outdoor Clerk, ^ / 1,000 A Porter, , ^ v^-> 1,000^ ,C. G.JYTc mining er, Esxp. having declined serving: its a Director, Robert Colli srs, Esq. harbeen appointed in his place. ^ "?-I# jQn the closing of the. books at Knoxifolejffi 209o<rsh ares1 had been subscribed in $5$* Bank. 5 '_>? - .v " *$&Sk& . m EUitims away iu Nor Y ork -it^pjAnn tiie \VrJji g* ^cau tf i d a tejfo by V. Tlie del^tio^at CooggMteiS6 Whigs, ldJLot5dTSo&---'^wt^e 10 Whigs and3ff Vans.v lt^ul the majority of the Whigs in joints 3a. ?' Massachusetts. Edward Everett, Whig, elected governor by about I2,00Q majority. Members of Congress, 10 Whig, 1 Loco Foco ? 1 vacancy, which -it is ,*taid will be certainly filled by a Whig. Io the Legisto* ture, the Whig majority is overwhelming, Delaware. Robinson , (Van Bureo)' !# ^ elected by a majority of 23. . r ? t*VV ^ ABOLITION? THE CRISIS. . We have perceived with less surprise than regret, that the Mercury has at length detjijjr* - mined to consider thp great question of Abo lition exclusively on the ground of party ? politics. We are aware th3t this most ?erj- ? ous topic has -never beeu treated by the ift-": cendiary paper at Washington (whose lead we fear is about to work the most disastrout - - effects upon the South) in any other wa than as one of party warfare ? declaring M spite of the truth np,toxtIie moment of its tr* giveisation that abolition was confined to t Administration party of the North, and m with equally shameless vehemence,. thatit confined to the Whig party of the Nort We fear that this -example, and the " recent proselytism in favor of Mr. Van ren, is seducing the Mercury into thj? coun An elaborate article in that paper Qf.the l7t^< treats abolition exclusively and S&veljNlf ? matter of party (idlitics, and plainly intimates that gentlemen of the South who oppose the administration, are leagued with the abolr tionists. ? . Now, in a spirit of candour and earnest-, ? ness we ask the Mercury whether, :aa-a So?th^] ern man and a slave holder, he thioka it right ^ -or safe ? we do not for the present ask wheth*., , er he thinks it Irue? to aa^Jiiat the whole. ^ -Whig paity is identical with the abolrtfetf^J ists T The question as to the truth of th^ charge we shall put to him presently ; *$(*? we earnestly ask him now, is it safe for us to siok this momentous question into a party squabble? Is it safe to drive bfe denunciation every man who does not join you in your new devotipo ti^W Buren, in* to a party division upon atwlitioa^^fe^ sefe for South Carolina to present to this. Union the alternative of Abolition .or Va^ Burenis^ Is it safotO put Oi?^ awfol issue which is oasteni^ towards us, upon the mis erable footing orthe success or- failure of , such a paltry individual as Mr. Van B wen ? Is it safe to accusttfip the pubjic jaufld&^; forego the deep and grave consideration of the crisis which ij ijow in sight, and to re- / gajrd it as at! a into the soppoff Southern principl v r . For ourselves, his -course of the ^ <**Bgbt ' cannot^ the vital 4 - - -WR, V -