Piney Woods planter and Amite union literary reflector. [volume] (Liberty, Miss.) 1838-1838, 1838-02-10


1t might naturally be expected that in present
ing the first number of the Piney Woods Planter
to the public, we should distinctly point out the
course which we purpose to pursue. This VIC
might do simply by referring to its Prospectus
as faithful index to its future character With
full confidence in the intelligence of the citi-
Of this part of Mississippi, we unhesitating-
ly incurred all the expenses necessarily Incl
dental to the establishment Of press, relying
on their good will and iberality for that support
necessary to ensure its success. In this we
were not mistaken--our expectations were not
disappointed The oft repeated well-wishes and
assurances OF numerous friends have been highly
'fattering, while the ready cheerfulness with
which they have subscribed to our paper, has
given lively and satisfactory evidence of the
liberal patronage that awaits it. For this we
have to offer our removed assurances that no
pains will be spared--no effort wanting on our
part to render this paper a channel of nfor-
nation both pleasing and profitable to its read
ers. Amite county has resources which arc yet
undeveloped, possessing a geographical extent
equalled but by few of her sister countless
fertility of soil by no means inferior to many;
and could the native talent of her sons, which
Is so conspicuously manifest, be rendered effec-
tive by a general discrimination of knowledge,
she might yet stand without a rival To nur-
turc, faster, and draw forth these-to elevate
the character of the merchant, the farmer, the
mechanic and the professor of science, will be
one of the leading objects Of the Planter, so that
when the intelligence of her people shall become
commensurate with her natural advantages, she
may point to her sons and say with the pride of a
Roman matron, 'behold! these arc my Jewels ~
From a firm conviction that upon the contnu-
ance of the Union of the States, depend the Sc
curity and perpetuity of the rights and hap
pness of all, we shall uncompromisiegly oppose
all faction under however specious pretence it
may oppear-frown upon every attempt to en-
gender false and sectional prejudices, which by
diminishing that spirit of kindness and fratcrnal
regard that ever characterized the members of
this great confedertcj, may have a tendency to
riissxx gcments that bind in one harmonious
= whole, the Union; and we will hold up the ad-
vocates of such unholy measures as proper OBJ
iects for public scorn and detcstation. And
here may we not hope that those who differ
from us in opinion touching political matters,
will have the generosity to pardon us for refus-
ing to give assent to new-fangled political theo-
ries, the practical application of which would be-,
as we most conscientiously believe, to distract,
to dismembcr and to tear into fragments this
r.1. L..
Against the slanderous tongue Of misguided
and misinformed fanatics utteIly rendered mad
by morbid philanthropy, we shall defend and
maintain our Southern Institutions, confident
that We shall at all times be able to yindcate
them from their calumnous and foul aspersons
satisfied that the institution of slavery is not
only congeniGl with morality and religion, but
is most admirably adapted to take away the
source of greatest distinction among frcemen,
we look upon it as a blessing and not a curse
Where there arc no slaves, the dependent classes,
the menials, if they do not lose their indepen-
dence and suffer themselves to be driven from
their rights, or even the remembrance of them
by the dictation of their employers and the bri-
berry of those who have riches, and thus give the
government proclivity towards an aristocracy
of wealth, will become disconnected WITH their
condition, and looking with an eye of envy and
cupidity on the possessions of those who riot in
the luxuries of fortune, will ask themselves why
this difference between men that are equal2 But
here the spirit of equality, the true spirit of
publicanism may exist without the slightest
danger of leading on to corruption on the side
of the rich, or agrarianism on the side of the
poor, because our laboring classes and menials
are all slaves of different color from their
masters. Believing then that interest, patriot
ism and philanthropy demand its continuance,
we look upon it as the sheet-anchor of our coun-
try's liberty, and we will foster and cherish it
as the palladium of her glory-we will cleave to
it through evil and through good report as the
ark of our safety.
While the cause of Democracy has triumphed
in every part of the Union Hhcre the press has
come to its 6id in setting forth its truths, com
batting the prejudiccs of the uniformed, and
correcting the misrepresentation of the base
and wicked, it has seemed to anguish here, and
why2 Because its friends have been contentcd-
~ rcposng on thelr wen earned laurcls while |
their opponents taking advantage of their apa-
thy, have redoubled their efforts to gain the as
tendency. Influenced by these considerations,
we are happy in being able to offer to the repub-
hcans Of Mississippi paper devoted to the best
interests through which they may see reflected
the real character of all political parties Rca.
son and experience have convinced us that the
principles of the present administration are hap
,ur common country. The American people
ave more than once stamped them with the
cal Of their approval They shall have our
ordial and unyielding support, and we invite
he friends of liberty to rally with us around the
.andard of democracy, where the ''bIows fall ,