Edgefield advertiser. (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, May 29, 1851, Image 1
ED~ EFE D DERTE.
Dcnastratic jottrua, UebtC ot to Sotttujrn t Net:W, 1polItic teral Mutelligtut, Kitrattnrt, s*levalitu, E vrauue, %grittt, $vi.
"We will cling to the PiUrs of the Tomple of our and if it must fall, we will Perish amidst the Ruins."
.F.DURISOE, Propri-. EDGEFIELD , MAY 29,1851.
FOR THE ADVERTISER.
Mr. EDITOR :-I consider myself extremely
unfortunate. if from the ardor of my feel
ings. I have betrayed the want either of tem
per, or "manners,"in my correspondence with
the press. It is a gratification to me to as
sure your correspondent "INDEPENDENCE,"
that nothing was further from my purpose,
than to refer to either himself or his argu
ment, in a spirit of unkindness. I certainly
entertain towards that writer, no malevolence
or disrespect. Being unvecustomed to the
pen,.I may have iustly. but most unwittingly,
provoked the severity of his retort, by ex
pressions which were not intended to be
harsh. If he wiil carefully examine my lan
guage, he will discover, that the " disgust''
expressed by me, was not, and could not be,
applied specially to himself. It i4 very clear
that the .ffensive sen'ence, could not have
been aimed personally at any single writer,
for the plural noun "gentlemen" is used to
represent a class. It would be perfectly ad
missible, and according to the purest custom,
even to denounce the olpinions of a set of
men without naming any one of them.
If I should hereafter, unhappily violate, in
any instance, the highest courtesy, mi atten
tion need only be called to the fact, to extort
the amende honraole. I must beg leave
though, to insist, th-it there was no " stupi
dity" nor impropriety in my application of
the word take. Whatever may be its ele
gance, there is no lack of good English in
the sentence, so unsparingly eriticised.
Intelligent readers will not be apt to consider
the composition of "INDEPENDENcE" an im
provement on the manner of " Jons RAs
DOLPH," or to dotect in the latter writer, so
ungr:.eeful a term as "stupidity" used in r
ference to the English of the former. I may
have some acquaintance with army termn,
myself, and I am sure, that in the place I em
ployed it, the most ::ppropriate and elegint
meaning of to take is to occupy. It is some
times inelegantly used for to carry : as to take
the enemy's position instead of, to car-y it.
k consultation with Mr NoAH WEBSTER
would have been beneficial to INDEPEND
Ec," inthis.ease;naawell.as in that of the
. tLy.a "-- Your-cerrespondent is
perhapsm. are-of the brittle "-glasi?'that
shields , en he thus makes with me, an
issue of language and style. It would he
impossible for Jons RANDOLHR to call Vir
ginia " a moral matricide" in so unhappy a
coniection as he has don-e it.
-But I shall not pursue this strain any long
er, nor shall I, after this, suffer any want of
decorum, or any personal allusions to disturb
the regular chain of our great argument. I
have used ingenious devices to keep my real
name concealed, and I would regret that any
pitiful - wrangling," by exciting the curious,
should deprive me of my obscurity and my
protection.
In my first article, Mr. EDITOR, I omitted
through haste, to reply to the argument of
" INDEPENDENCE," that the separate secession
of the State, will precipitate a controversy
between the upper and lower sections in re
gard to the apportionment of Representatives
to the Legi.lature. This view, I learn, was
urged in the House of Representatives last
winter, by an Honorable member from Che
ter, to prevent the call of a Convention, but
instead of eliciting attention, it. was received
wish an indifference worse than scorn. How
such a result could follow, I am totally at,.
loss to determine. The dangers by wvhich we
would be environed, should natura.lly pro
mote harmony. The Staite is so well con
tented with its present mode of Representa
tion, that we should reasonably expect any
other question to exeite as much interest as
that. We could prediet, with just as much
certainty, that the limitation of the tenure of
the Judgeship, or any other question on which
the peoile have the slightest dlifference of
opinion would create a terrible efiervescence
and division ini South Carolina, on her be
coming an independent Commonwealth.
But your correspondedt appears startled at
the difficulties we may experience in negoti
ating for the preservation of our slave in
stitutions, and instances the correspondence
of the British consul with the Governor of
this State, as suggestive of the policy that
would be employed against us, and of thme
0 foreign tamiperings" that would be used to
render our property a burden and terror to
us. I apprehend, that if we are permit ted to
retire unmolested from the Confederacy, all
the nations of the earth will not be disposed
to violate the international code, merely to
oppress us, weak and inconsiderable as " IN
DEPENDENtCE'' would represent us to be. He
has certainly read the points made in the
letters of Consul MATHEW differently from
myself. Each nation .undoubtedly has the
right to-.prescribe the manner of her inter
course whIir other nations, and to say, under
what conditions, the citizens of a foreign
State shall enter her borders, .or, indeed,
whether they shall enter ,them or not. The
argument of' the Brltisai Consul against the
act of the LegIslature of South Carolina,
was based on the provisions of the Treaty
between our government and that of Great
-Britain, and it maintained that we-had no
right to vioato a Treahy of-that goernmnt!
of which our State is a eonatituent member.
I desire, not only to reply to the views of
"INDEPENDENCE," which present nothingr so
very difficult to answer, but, if possible, to
m.tke my labors more beneficial to the pub.
lie, by enlarging upon such other points as
may not be properly understood.
There never was a more Ilimsy notien put
forth for the credence of the unthinking, than t
the supposition, that the United States would f
permit, a foreign government to interfere I
with the internal polity of this State, even
%hould she become an independent nation.- t
Though the Federal Government herself
might strive to rule us with an iron rod, she
would yet make every plain within our bor
ders a battle-field, before she would consent
to our reduction by a monarchy of the Ol v
World. The statesman who could seriously f
utter sneh groundless fiction-such intolerai
ble non-sense would be a fit subject for an it
inquisition of lunacy. Such is thejealousy 'a
of the people of this country towards the ti
monrarchical goverments of Europe, that even
*
Fr.ir.e and Engaid dare not intermtfddle
wh it the very weakest power on this coni i- v
nent. The genuine Yankee has as much I
pride to hold the preponderating intluenceon P
this hemi.phere as he has to make New York
the grandest ciy in the New World. Let p
Great Briain but touch the government of n
0ne of the least American ntates, and the
iv nature of the Northern is at once. melted
by a consuming fl:tme. Think of the excite
ment created in regard to that contemptible u
Musqito Kingdom. It
h
If South Carolina should fortunately sue
ced in cataliishing her iidependence, no- a
thing on earth could give England so great n
an advantage over the United States as to
form a perfect alliance with us: and nothing
eould be so detrimental. to the intereits of s,
hat Kingdom: as to atteinpt to reduce this ti
State into subjection to her will or law. The
United States, unless she were infatunted,
would resist such an encroachment, until the si
ast round of amunition in the Union was st
ired. Because, if England could get a firm In
'oothold in South Carolina, she would be
w
laeed upon a pivot, from which, her oper.- hi
ions might be extended to the ruin and utter e
lestruefioi~~otlil-Cinfedersey, gorernment
md all. I would not give a fig for the !ender to
nercies of any government. but the min is
lull oi perception, who is blind to the jeal- ol
)uSy,that one powerful rival nation enter- ar
airs for anozhor. A courso of watchfniness s
in their part, is indi.<pensable to prevent one
'rom destroving the other. It is this mutual b
li-trust amongst mighty nations, that gives h
protection to thope, which are weak, and in
.vhieh want the ability to prolect themselves.
From the extent of their commerce, the con- t
[lt of their iaterests, and the greatness and P
Variety of their resources, if two .riva,! pow- h
'rs ever existed on earth, Great Britain and d
the United" States are such pcwers. One r
therefore, will necessarily become a cheek ei
upon the other, and they will be compelled, 0
n seIf defence, to prevent one another from
a'ljus;ly augmenting their power. at
I protest against the manner, in which the ht
riebate on our alf.irs has been conducted. I I%
im ready to taku isue, even with a distin
guished Senator, to whom I am bound by -he t
ties of frien.!ship. whose character and virtues a
!reverence, and for whose wisdom and :ilii- Ig
ty, I cherish the profoundest respect, if he
intimates, that under any imaginnble circum
stances, a vessel of Liberia might insult the IJ
Commonweailth of South Carolina, with in- it
punity. "INCDErENDESCE" adduces Ireland, ri
Poland, aind Hu ngary, whose wretched dissenr-e
sions wrought their men downfall, to frighten n
us fronm the maintenance of our sovereign ti
3quaity-sneers at the idea of sovereignty n
ivithout "numerical strength," and at the ~
aoral power of "It ight, Justice, and glorious p
Chivalry."
It passes my comprehension, how your a'
torrespondent can claim to be a separate Sc- a
essionist, under any degree of oppression, el
when he is constrained to the belief, that so- a
3ession by South Carolina atone,' (even, if a
she were unmolested by the Federal Govern
ment,) ' would result in our being nominully u
an Independent Sovereignty, but in reality' a
a little Commonwealth rich . nough to enmice e
the cupidity of the world, and too feeble to a
defend her honor or protect her rights;' or
when the could deliberately wvrite down, 'th::t am
we could not exist asq an independant nation, n
macording to his belief, with the history of the g
Republic of Texas before him.' Desprair is
no0 sufficient reason for so anomalous a posi-t
tion as he has taken. A gentleman of such e
:pproved gallantry as I take your correspon
dent to be, should do no act from despera
tion-the word should be erased from his s
vocabulary. "A Marshal of France never r
surrenders," was the lsagt-age of a hero, E
" Durn spiro, spero spes," is the lofty motto
of our State, and " INDErENDNCE," if he is r
the person a friendly Journal represents him E
to be, will recognize the sentiment engraved, ~
in unfading characters, on tihe medal he wvears
-the honorable reward of his valor. (
JonN RANDOrLrn d
LOVE inspires CouIrage and hope, and
thus is doubly the giver and the preserver I
af lif - -
REM1ARKS OF MR. BUTLER,
3efore the Southern Rights Convention
.1R. Pit ESibE.NT Ali: GENTLEMEN. Thii
.n ovension that has associated with it in itt
Irobable conseq ueices grave re.sponsibilities
nch as have intensely engaged and heavil3
ippressed my mind.
The highest exertion of human wisdom it
f Make a good goernment. To change e.%
:tblished institiions with a view of substi.
uiing others in their phce, requires holdness
uresight, and deliberate design. Whilst im.
ulsive enthusiai may be well regarded as
he inotive power. and even a wise clement
i such a conjecture, it ought not to assume
be tone of proscriptive impatience.
Indeed, those who have the control of
enson, should endeavor to make it an asso.
inte with the dictates of judgment and ex.
erience. The feelings which I see here
mt1ifested, do honor to the hearta of those
-ho entertair and express them. They spring
-on the hearts of intelligent freemen, who
nowing their rights. are willing to maint.in
aetm. In taking counsel from the highest
upulses of their nature, they are impa-ient
any suggestion that might interfere with
icir free iitdulpenee. The venerable CIJEVES.
ho has been regarded as an :tilviser .o:h of
isdom and cnuragc-has presented to you
eco.munientiont well elt-ul:ted to arrest
mr aflention.-It is one tl:a wijl command,
ant bure, throughout, the Southern States, a
roflound respect. Yet I have seer that paper
wet with ihe impatlienee of the great and
most unncopromli.ing excitement which
revnils here; and even with some. who have,
D doubt. taken their heat from the fires that
'ere kindled by his bold and commanding
oquence. Under such intnauiots, I miight
'eli pause inl giving you my counsels.
We are, gentlemcn, in a crisis that calls
pon every one, especinhy every man who
.t accepted a seat in this Convention, to do
s duty, and to give you the conviction of
s deliberate judrment. No mwan should
oid responsibility by taking refuge in
atchful silence and prudent. neutrality.
Many have thought that my ofiteial position
,-uld htave allowed me to rmain away and
ke advaniwge of tie current. I have been
aujmetnd by ny frellow-ciizens to mingle in
c currecu, and help to guide it, or be over
helmed by its violence. I embark with
ose who h-tve a common destiny with me.
he fate of the people of South Cfaroliia
all be my fate-let what may come, I sh:.lh
and or fall with South Carolina, the fond
other of my birth and my affections. In
e advice and counsels that I may give, I am
illing, before the tribunal of an impartial
story, to abide by the judgment of my
- has been mI ve-year,
take, as your reprAsentative, a responsible
Art in the National councils of the confeder.
y. I have been made to feel the exposure
a struggling and isolated minority to in
rogant majority who, feeling the vulgar
rgtl of -elf*-uiinly nur mbiers, have re
rted to ail Lt.e mnehinery of a
dience and a sordid press to put uider the
mn the State whose representative I was. I
yre always had much to sustain me in try
g situations. My conviction was, that
mnth Carolina otcupied a posi'ion from
hich she could look down with the luxury
scorn epon truckling p:rtizars :nd tradine
>i:ieins, who found it convenient to assail
r to sulierve their seltfish ends. She has
eni a it umblintg.lock to many, who, it' they
red, would have placed their trencherous
ot upon her. I say here, ihatt I haid r.ther
icounter till the ha:zard of debate with fifty
inators, or any h::zards that might present
eniselves out of her limits, than differ with
single sincere friend in this assembly, as to
Iy measure calculated t, affect the dignity,
mor, and rights of oar cherished Cotincion
ea!th.
I am persurded that our difference of
>inion wiil, in the end be more -tpparent
nn real. I may well quemion the pelicy of
e--lerity thamt may be two much ne(tuatted by
dIlant zeal and une'a!euhiting chiv:thry. If.
ishi the more prudent resolution of Ulysses.
-rhaips without its wisdom. I masy be die
>sed to restrain the impetuous courage of
iomuede, I shall have none of the resentful
'tpjer of Arcililes. nor te grutmbling eenso
ousnes of Thirbytes. No, my countrymen,
y heart is two munch in the entuse ynu are
ingaged in to suffer me to do atnything but
hat is prompted by a solemn diuty. It is
ue, that the proce'edintgs of this body w~ill
t have the sanction and authority of lamw,
it they will carry with thtermhroughoiut the
inte all the influenice whiebt eloquence,
ttriotiatm and energy can impart. They
ill have committed advocates to mainitain
id etnforce them.
The address which has been read contains
recital otf imposing truths, arrayed wvith an
oqucnt sternntess which has commanded my
Imirsion and respect. It is both a truthful
id rebuking satietment of wrongs and im
aniding dangers to Southern institutiuns.
ther Southeurn States canntot condemun it
itnout condemnting their owni resoluttions
Id soletn pledges. Thec pap:er ha~s impress
I upon it utntis'akeable marks of sitncerity
1d deliberat~e purpose. Its author or authors
-e ready to stand by it, and make it good it
it' trrue imort oft the larmt', "a; every ima~:rd
ad to the las!. extremity." By others, it
any be differently regarded. Some who will
ive it thteir sanction, may look upon it, as a
tper of popular agitatiotn only. Soine mny
ven regard it us the nucleus of a Stat e par.
r, to be used thtus far, and no futrthe'r. I
hoose to regard it as a solemn beginning,
iat may result in an inmportitmt end, that will
eeply affet the destinies and intterest of this
ountry. And as my friend from St. John's has
tid on another occasion. "We should take
o beginning without looking to its probable
nd."
Thte proceedings contemplated will require
outh Carolina to tread her way tbrouigh a
arrowv pass as yet untrodden and unexplored.
owe are prepared to tread it wvitht confidence
nd boldness, and to find its termination b~
xperitnent-as Suwarrow was said to have
munid htis enemy by the point of htis bayonet,
)thers, on the contrary, insist on the pru.
ence- of reconnoissance befo the probable
ermination shall be indicnted.
The object of the address is not only tc
ut the State on th.c track of' separate ceces.
in. but by the meaaunms contemplhtod te
I comnit the Stat to that determir
tion; in oher _ eludes the ideath
the Siate will.. n its power to ado
any other measu Legislature ia
quired, as far ass proceedings can in
pose an oblgatio the onventi
together, and tha then is to put
State. as soon as 4 on the trial of sepa
ate independence.
In relation. to hfi ' ur, and others co
nected with it, and". * h:tve been presente
as alternative.* IJj h otlding to disguise
no opinion to r no entient to n
press. I shall -t]c e consistent with m
self. -.In setting our rongs and (I
dnvorinrto rous titnents of reoento e
to them, and in ring the public min
for measure of, ui resistance to t
ongroachments ott ederal Government
Southern Institu.t through the breache
of a violated Cansi ion, I have endeavore
to do my duty to best of my ability. --n
I have io steps t e backwards. IWh:1
steps forward in th uestion. Whilst met
sures were under 'sideration, in which th
slaveholding and. .Jsave-holding State
were at issue, I e resed myself freely bit
with the circumspe on of one who was wil
ling to let his remarks be carried out to thei
consequences.-Th*' representatives of th
phnoting Sttcs spole out with ignIl unnn
nii-V in maintainiqI the resolutions of thre
different Legislatt . I am proud to sa;
that the resolutionsof South Carolina, con
pared with some ' .s. were in terms modet
are, in tone firm, -in purpose deliberat
I All these resolntiow ere regarded as mutun
pledges and covemints for the Souther1
States to make conon cause, and to stan<
by each other. The Southern members con
ferred together. spoke together, and at on,
time would have-een prepared to sink o
swim in a commos peril They recrde
themselves as en ed in a common strug
gle, and their desti- as involved in a com
mon fate. For a e, the minds of all tru,
men of the Souti :were lifted above thi
miserable contentins of party and the jeal
ouses of neighboIg strife. Under the in
fluence of this anu ious state of things,
fini-shed one of my: ei-ches with a high ioi
from the Diomede .dfthe Old Thirteen-ou
neighbor Georgia -F.quality or ludeper
dence." And I say w, if the other Southeri
States h:'d beenot iited, they would h-tv
m: de good this de ' inn. They liuve it. ii
their power to m. ygood at any time; n4
they will be untru hemselves and posteri
tv ifthey do not.- all shrink from no tria
that may be effei andshn1 -only-objee
to such measuIret opinonrtaust rc
suit in failure an $tW . .If-measure:
canatb.devi z~ 'vgthycanot
torestoreiastregan ityL-an equahty los
h - measuren brought forth to propitiat<
Northern prejudice-I am willing to taki
measures for an honorable independence o
such States as by their coijtnction can as
snic the attitude, and invest themselves wit
the attributes of a natiorw sovereignt v.
A.; this is . grave co::elusiot. er ene tha
will so be regarded beyond this meeting,
I must submit the proposition upon which it i
founded.
The Constitution of these States w::s in
!erded by i's expre.s and dthlg:ated powers
to linpose limitations on the dep;artrent o
the Federal Government. For some ye:r
these limitations were observed in gort
faith; and af-er it was said that some of ilhre
had been vilated, it was throutrht that Oh
States. by the interposition of their sovereign
ties, could enforce an observance of thet
The securities of groCd faith have long sinei
dis:appeared, and the power of the Slate t<
interpose to protect their reserved rights ha
not and will not be recognized by the Federa
authority. All the provisions of the Consti
tution intended for the protection of a minori
ly, h:ve bteeln perverted by artful construe.
tion or fraudulent compromise: under thest
comibited influences, the Southern State
have not onlv lost their influence, but will
become wor'se than dependent provinuces
They wtill become proseribed political comn
munitis-disfranchised from the high honor
of the Federal Government, nnud with theia
property and institutions liable to contisca
titn, and unprovoked invasion.
The Southern Statea can no longer be th<
nurse of great statesmen. The ambition o
the eagle's flight will be no longer seen-w<
may ha~ve erowsa and ducklings, who will be
re'dy to be satfied with the crumbs ant
garbagse of office. There are those who wvil
hec willing to make an easy transition t
degradation, by being catndidates for the
secon tdary and subordinate ofices. Suppose
there were a provision in the Constitution
that no main from the South Atlantic States
should be eligible to the Presidency, it wouk
not chaunge the present state of things. Suei
a ebntise might as well be in the Constitutioi
fo llpatical puirpose. ,
Toconclude the proposition, the Federa
Government has become a despotiism ofh:
interested majority. You will ask whty havy
not the other Southern States been ready ta
join South Carolina, or rather to come into;
voluntary conjunctionl with themselkes to de
vise measures for their protection.
I encnnot better reply, than by quoting th
purport of a remark, made by Demosthiette
it' an'wer to the reproac'hes of Eschine~:, upt.
the disasters of his administration.
He said he had to contend with the thre
of neighboring States, the gold of P'uhiip be
stowed on corrupt orators; the combined lot
of pleasure and the charm of tranqtuillity."
Thte Sonthern States have had some ek
mets of disutractioni, destined, I hope, to b
temporary. The dicunion of party, in refe1
enee. to federal polities, has been powerftl
but utnless I am mistalien, must become les:
The Federal Government has a Macedonia
party in the South-strong, for a timi
through the influence of offiee and patronagi
The greatest enemy to the south has bet
an indi'uposition to encounter the hazards<
hange.
As it wotuld be out of place to dwell long<
on topics that may not be immediately nol
neted with the questions here to be discusi
ed-topics with which this assembly is
well aequainted as I am~--I will go directl
to the measures wyhich I have .subjected :
the object and end of your deliberation
That is, shall this Convention, at this'tim
n=adrta in commiit the'State to-tha.1riall
a- seperate secession, by imposing, as far as this
it Convention can, an obligation on the State
at Convention to take the step as soon as prae
v- ticable.
11- I shall now proceed to state my objections
in respectfully to this procedure.
ie I think, in the first place, that this Conven.
r- tion ought not to take cognizance of so grave
a matter at this lime, before there is a real
1. Occasion for decision. And in this I do not dif
d fler with a great many who hear mie. This
. Convention consists of representatives, un
2. equal in number, of self-constituted associa
ionis. The Convention of the peop.e, to be
i. herenftler convinced, having the responsibility
it of decision, ought to be left perfectly free to
d form the best jndgnent. in its power, uder
e the actual juncture ofcircumstances that may
n exist at the time of its meeting. It ought
s neither to be instructed nor superceded by
d the predetermination of an irresponsible
d body-irresponsible I mean in any official
t point of view. Such pre-determination will
1. make an issue not called for by the occasion,
e that must. result in popular :1giation within
i the State. It will nuke divisions among
t ourselves, and diseiose feelings which have
not heretofore existed, and ought not to
r exist. In fact. it wiildefeat, rather than
e promote the end contemplated. To show
how it will oper..te on oar f lends in other
e States, I need only refer to the consequen
y ces of wovemnuits of a sinilar character.
I say here, that from the time that pro
minent men in South Carolina intimated a
purpose to put the State on the track of
I separate secession, in disregard of the co
a operation of her neighbors. they deprived our
reid friends of the power of helping us. IUi
. they did not altogether alienate our friends
a from their devo:ion to the Southern cause.
r they gave their oponents great advantage
i over them. In fact a Southern party at
. Washington. that was fast organizing, was
. dissolved. They were willing to move
e as fast and as well -as they could.-What
a would hale been their final resolve and mean
sures, I kntiw not. But I do know that they
felt that they were separated from their true
I friend. by intimations for which their people
Li were not prepared. Our ancestors made no
r such advertisement of their purposes as to
. enable others, opposed to them, to force and
a defeat them. In general, they were by thwir
e acts ahead of their resolves; and never made
a the latter without previously having means
j to accomplish thein. We seem to reverse
. this order. We give long notice, in the form
I of speeches and threatening resolutions. The
t consequence has been that short perform
ances-have followed long advertisements, for
s the reason that we lost the aid of our true
- allies.. There-are now friends in other States
t Wi. ig'todi ali-thit they can under the cir
1Wcumstauces of their situation. I fear they
a will be driven to disavow tis; when, if left
f to themselves, they might have pursued a
. course to mintain the true but much abused
i cause of the Southern States.
The measures intimated in the draft of the
iddress, nd in some of the resolni:ons, will
I not allow many of this body to vote upon
Stheni.-Ali who are members of the Consti
:utional Convention of the people, cannot
. give a voi e to control their future judgment.
They onht not to be required so to do. I
f have coriversed with several of theni, and they
%have come to a common conelusion to give
I no vote upon any matler upon which they
will have to deliberate, when there shlhl be
I a real occasion for their ofiii.illy respon.,ihle
judgment. I find myself in that class. What
may be the sit nation of things when the Con
vention shall be called on to decide I know
not. There mny be many instructive de
velopments and revelations before that time.
iMadness and infatuation take their course
with a blind confidence, and at the next ses
sion of Congress I shall look for some of
their usual exhibi-ions.
Before I speak of the probable and con.
jectural ;:ction of the Federal Government in t
reference to South Carolina, should she de
.termine to secede, I will notice some views
-and submnit some considerations connected
tvwith Sece-ssion as a remedy for our wrougs.
rThe right of Secession in the abstract, and
-the right of resorting to it to effect a wise and
beneficial end, in a political and moral point
Sof view, are different things. The one may
I bec conceded as a legal proposition-whilst
Sthe other, as it may affect other commuini:ies
an asvell as the State itself, involves high eon
Iside..tions and obligamtions of duty which no
I statesmian can or ought to disregard.
South Carolina had the option to go iri or
remain out of the Federal Union: she entered
as a sovereign, to ennble herself and con
federates to protect their right from Foreign
poesadto promote domestic tranquility.
It these ends should not be accomplished
but in fact, if it should torn out that the
Government is used exclusively for one por
tion of the partners to thme oppression and
detriment of others-the snt~ering parties
Ishould hiave the right of resumning their origmn
al po.<iin. To say otherwise would be to
mkfreStates as they entered into the
Confederacy, noit merely parties to a despotic
Government, but tictims of it against their
consent. But wvhethier secession be coneed
e ed as a legal rigtht. or as aL mecasure oif revolu
'tioni, is immaterial, if there be a real occasion
n to resort to it, amnd it can be used to ef'ect
some grealt politic~al end worthy of its exer
e clse. if it should end ini merely separating
Y the State from her former confederates, .mnd
plncing her in a condi.ion that wvould require
e her to invest herself with all the attributes
and duties of a sovereign nation both abroad
e- anid at home, then it might bring Sonth Care
e lina into a sihuation of isolation, at war with
e- her true interests and policy. If she should
;resort to this measure, with a view of bring
i. ing her neighbors into a political connection,
n so as to enable them jointily to form a Con
3, federacy for themselves, that would be ade
e. qtuate for all the purposes of mrintaining
n their rights at home and relations with for
>f eign powers, then it becomes a question of
the greatest magnitude, full oif coinsequences
er tht should be Ii oked to with aill the care aid
i- intelligence that cnn possibly be employed.
s The State should take no course that wvould
is make rivals and adversaries of her Southern
*y neighbors. On the contrary she should en
m deavor by all possible means to act with them
s. as allies. If the State should look to nothing
e. beyond her own secession, she will enable
af te W.Anre Govarnment to makn ini af
those who in interest are, in feelings, should
be her friends.
I mnke the broad remark, that there is not
a public nian in South Carolina, sensible of
a responsible trust, and foreseeing the inevi
table consequences of separate secession, that
would put the State on the trial of that ex
periment, if the act were to operate exclusive
ly on the State itself. such an act would not
only cut off our commerce, but would place
it in the hands of our rivals. In assuming
such an attitude, it would be the duty of the
State to make arrangements for the innage
ment of her rights abroad. Her pride would
revolt at sending forth her flag. without some
navy to protect it, and without ministers and
consuls to represent her rights, and protect
her interests abroad. No nation can rely on
forbearance of others, when there may 'be a
collision of interests, or a temptation for vio- i
lation. At any rate, I would not allow the i
Palmetto Flag to float by sufferance only.- t
Whilst it would represent as proud. as spiri- i
ted a people as ever lived, it would be re- '
garded as the emblem of a Slave-holding <
Comnonwealth.-Many would be tempted <
to insult it from wantonness. How would <
the proud spirited people of the State feel, i
to hear that their flag had been pulled down a
and torn to pieces by a Boston whaling par- I
ly, or by a vessel from Liberia, or in any v
nther way? How could they avenge the r
insult ? If the State assumes a national re. a
sponsibility, it must provide also the attri- <
butes and means of national power. It must V
iave a navy and all the other appliances of t
national dignity. It cannot rely with safety 1
)n the comily of nations, or on a code found- I
.d in a sublime Anthropopathy. It seens to (
be thought by some with great confidence,
that by opening her ports with low duties on j
imports, South Carolina could, under the C
temptations of free trade, invite the com- a
merce of the world to her shores. Well, (
perhaps, if all would be good, and do as South
7arolina might think they should do, some.
thing of this might come to pass. But games I
ire generally conducted by adversary hands;
ind sometimes a play is made by one that may
iot be thought by the other to be secundem
wirem.-None of us suppose that the Federal
)Gvernment would recognize the Indepen
lence of South Carolina; or would be disposed I
to make commercial treaties with her. On the t
.ontrary, having ample means, that Govern- I
ment would war on our commerce in every 1
way it could. It would bestow bounties in, I
and give preference to, our neighboring ports.
It, so far as it could, would make treaties r
with foreign nations to isolate our condition m
2nd cripple our resources. It would divert c
and obstruct all the channels of our trade, 1
2nd might confine us to our exports alone as 1
the basis of our commercial relources. I un- t
derstand that the articles of commerce that
-ome into our ports.coastwise and by foreign t
importations, amount in value to something i
Over $20.000,000. On thissum more than I
three-fourths finds its way into other States: t
into Georgia. North Carolina. Alamama and
Technessee, leaving something undcr $5,000,
000 to be consumed in this Slate.
It is contended that under the operations
Df Free Trade more would come in, and in
some way or other it would find its way out.
Now if South Carolina was a separate sover
mignty, with a free port, there is no doubt she
nigh; attract a greater commerce than now
-omes to our ports. provided it could find a
narket out of her borders. But could it find t
is way out without violating the revenue (
aws of other nations? It is said "a rose by r
my other tname smells as sweet." We might 0
ntroduce as much commerce as we please,
mad send it to Savannah river, under what
tome Would call a brisk Free Trade, but C
'hat, in the estimation of others whose rights a
vould be involved. would be regarded as f
imnggling if carried across their borders in
-iolaion of their laws. It would be an ac
mowledged right of the Federal Government, J'
,o regard South Carolina ns a stranger. and c
,o pince her commerce going into the ports
f the States in the Union under an embatrgo, Ii
mnd so far as concerns Georgia and North
Jarolina, to re-gard as ports of entry, thoseC
laces only which communieate by water
vith the ocean, such as Savannah and WiI. '9
nington. That Government might not es. n
ablish ports at Augu~sta and Charlotte, ora
ho North Carolina line; under this view,
ommerce could come into Charleston, but S
tow could it get out without thme process of Ii
rmuggling? At the interior points indicated, f
t could not without smuggling. I then put r
he proposition, would capitalists import f
toods into Charleston, in opposition to the r1
e'deral Government, under the supposition f
hat they could make a prolit on them through a
he operations of thrifty smuggling? But in f
commercial war, the State might be dis- 5
osed to tarke atll advantages, and it might be Ii
o the interest of Georgia and North Carolina t
o have ports of entry at Augusta and nenr E
Charlotte. What then? Could goods pay a
en per cen. in Charleston, and forty at these r
:,laces,-in competition with a trade through r
Savannah and Wilmington, paying a duty of
hirty or forty per cent ? Certainly not. I I
will not dwell on this view of the subject any <
longer, as I do my friends the justice to say'
that they have a much higher aim-one I
whose dignity of purpose may give their
inovements a din'erent character. To move I
with the first view alone, would be to make
the State submit to something more than a
vain sacrifice. She would not have the eon-t
solation of' blind Metellus, who lost his eyes
in going through the flames of the Temple I
to save the Palladium. Her fate would not
only be self-destruction, but it would be a
sacrafice to build ub the interests of new I
rivals.
Those who really look to the end of this
beginning, take the step with this view-to 1
induce other States, by the prosperous
and successful example of South Carolina, to
come into conjunction with her. Or to place
them in such circumstanuis. that, having a
common destiny, they would be compelled
to be involved in making a common sacrifice.
I will not notice the first part of the pro
position. The latter presents the subject ain
its great magnitude, not unconnected withI
considers of the deepest delicacy. To force,
a Sovereign State to take position against its I
consent, is to make it a reluctant associate.4
It would be to offend its pride and force its
judgenment. Is there any evidence that Geor-4
gia would be fomced to take jYositon With a.,
under the present juncture of affairs? She
will perhaps contend that having decided for
herself, south Carolina must abide the fate
of her own decision. Before such a move
is made on Georgia, something more ought
to be made known of the sentiments of her
people; who would not only sympathise with
her friends, but ultimately, for their, own
benefit, come to their support. Nothing of
he kind has been attempted. I may be asked
f I can give any assurance that Geargia will
aver be prepared to act in concert with us,
)r that she will take any measures to throw
>ff the oppressions and encroachments of the
Federal Government. All that I can say is,
hat she once said she would, and that in the
nost solemn form. But in spite of herself
rhe will have to come to such a conclusion.
L'he slave and nor.-slaveholding States can.
lot remain long together with the present
ssues, and under the operations of causes
hat must bring about their seperation. That
t as certain as if it were written on the wall
rhis confederacy, that in a short time might
omprehend fifty States, must undergo new
rganizations. I would not have a change
ffected through the confubion of anarey and
iolence, if it coyld be done with intelligence.
nd the co-operation of the parties concerned,
nsult, usurpation and accumulated wrong,
till not allow our Southern neighbors to
emain indifferent.to their and our situation
iuch longer. They cannot stand and see
no corner of the house in which they and.
,e dwell, undermined, without seeing that
he edifice is in danger, and that when it falls
he common tenants must perish with it.
loth interest and honor must require the
;otton States to take counsel together. They
hould look upon themselves not with the
-alousy of rivals, but as a common crew, all
qually endangered, whose duty it is to make
long pull, a strong pull -and a pull alto
ether, to save themselves frpm animpend.
ig wreck. It is bad tasteind worse judg.
,ient for States, identified in interest, to use
inguage of disrespect and censure towards
ach other. The same remarks may be made
f public men who hold responsible positions
nd who ought to practice courtesy and in
ulcate harmony. Such has.been tie course
if some few public in Georgia especially. I
ave been surprised at a remark attributed
o Speaker Cobb, who in speaking of South
Jarolinn, said that her indicated course would
ie infamous. That gentlemen should recol
et that every blow aimed at South Carolina
vill strike Georgia.-For South Carolina is
ow only endeavoring to-do- what Georgia
aid she ought to do.. It is grossly.unbe.
oming in those who should discharge the
rust of Sentinels, not only-to quit theiiposts,
ut to turn round =d fire- a the camp of
heir comrades.
We all know the dominion of party; its
les for a time may be more powerfuf than
he true interests of the country. [c annot
rut believe that in Georgia its ;ower wil be
emporary.-The talent and ambitious spitit
if young Georgia cannot be long hampered
>y it. In the struggle for lndependence,
vhat States were more united than South
arolina and Georgia. When Clark, Twigs,
rnekson, and others fought the battle of'
Eiging Rock, Musgrove Mille, and Black
'tocks, they did not even think for a moment
hat they were fighting on the soil of South
Jarolina. And when Gen. Pickens carried
is men to Kettle Creek. and fought the bat
le on the soil of Georgia., he did not think
f the Savannah as a dividing line. The
ames of Twiggs, Elbert Pickens and Ham
iond, are all mingled in the exploits at
Lugusta. And in the war with Great Britain
11812, the delegations of Gecrgia and South
'arolina were united, and officers of the army
Lted together without thinking of local dif
arences. I, myself, have seen Troup. and:
lilledge, and sometimes Crawford. joining
outh Carolina Representatives intncommon
urney to Washington, and there all con
arring in common counsels Nearly all that
have said might be repeated of North Caro
na. The commercial interests of North and
oth Carolina must make them one people.
our Rail-roads will make our port their port.
[eeklenbnrg is a nmem full of inspiration.
'he blood of many of its patriots and states
en now mingle in the veins of those who
re ready to go farthest for South Carolina.
Let not South Carolina take such a course
s will de Amer-icandize her; let her not, in
er movements for redress, separate herself
-om her natural friends. Whilst she is prne
ared to take measures to separate herself
-om her non-slaveholding oppressora, let her
ot do anything to separate herself from her
-iends and neighbors. And let not her friends
rid neighbors look on and see her encrificed
>r maintaining a cause to which they them
elves stand pledged, and which they will
ave to tmainmain, It is in vain to disguise
ie fact, that the present form of our Govern
tent cannot be preserved. Its perversions
re gross-its operations are partial. There
inst be a radical reform, or there must be
ew organizations. Those who attempt to
rop it up with crurdbling Compromises and
rittering constructions, are only making the
rises of its dissolution the more disastrous.
rhe South, united, could make one of the
'eat Govornments on earth ; a Government
mat could be guided by statesmen and sup-.
orted with a gailant ecurage that would
dorn the annals and history of any people.
'he young men of the South, throwing off
he ties of trained politicians, should look to
heir own destiny. They need look to no
'ederal preferments that are worthy of their
mhition. Third and fourth places they might
ttain, when they would be entitled to the
ist, if they were in their rightful position.
.et thenm quit all participation in Presi
lential canvasses. Let such contests be left
o those wvhose temper and training have
riven them an accommodating facility.
I may be asked, (and I ouirht net to object
o answer any- questions wich my oppor
unities may enable-me to answer,) what will
he Government at Washington do, In ease
iouth Carolina should determine on separate
eession ? What I have said what I can
sy, is conjectural.-I do not think the mill
ary force will be directly resorted to coere
bouth Carolina. Such an- employment of
>ower would at once dissolve theConfeilera
y. The Federal Goverrnment eansoj, by
cets of coercion, compel onemenbf the
jonfederacy to remlnenonaginst
ta onesenut. If aahoidbbu Iherfomh