Southern Argus. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 1834-1842, 1840-05-12
THETIMES

lii
II must be apparent to the most casual OBJ
server, that the times are not only becoming
excruciating, but intolerable, not only in Mis-
slssippi, but in every other section Of the
country. The distress that prevails at the
present moment is without a parallel, and no
portion of the Union is free from its effects,
and from what quarter relief can be expected
is impossible to conceive. Indeed it appears
to US there can be no relief, and that the better
way is for the people to make up their minds
at once to abide the consequence of utter ruin,
and especially in this state, with the determin-
alton to repair theirfortunes as soon as possible
Mississippi is now entirely 1oithoW currency
and the debt which has to be paid is enormous
Where is the money to come from! Prop
erty viii not bring it because money does not
exist. The question then occurs is it right for
our citizens to see themselves Invested of ev-
cry thing for song! Is it right for their prop
erty to be literally taken from them, and no
equivalent left! and they at the same time be
lett with a heavy debt on their shoulders I'M
satisfied. We confess our inability to answer
the question, for we know the potency of the
laws! But 1t is quite evident without some
thing can be done the picture we have Just
described will be realised in all its horror, In
our present condition, there can be no doubt
that negro men will sell for 500 in less than
twelve months, that cost $1,000, and other
property at a still greater sacrifce!-Under
such circumstances then, what can stay the
curses of ruined people from the heads of
those who have mainly contributed to bring on
the country this state Of affairs!-for who can
kiss the hand that would plunge the knife or
plant the dagger! Yet there is, astounding as
it may be, slight disposition to do this in
some portions of the country-and portions
too, that have suffering and are still suffering
from the blghting effects of Loco focolsm
Borne down by torrent of adversely, cowed
in spirit. and ruined in circumstances, they
appear appear not only resigned to their fate,
but are also inclined to wear any fetter that
an imperiOus despot may impose on them. But
fortunately, whilst this is the case with some,
there are others whose spirits and patriotism
are Irrepressible and unquenchable, and like
the chamomie, flourish the mOrethey are tram
pied upon. On such rests the only hope for that
delverance and protection which the supine-
ness Of their more INDECENT and less pau lotto
neighbors seem inclined to disregard; and to
them will belong the praise Of redeeming their
country from thraldom and ruin, should they
succeed, and succeed they must, and with this
noble band will oe found the people of the
State of Mississippi. Imposed upon, more
than any others, her sons will stand foremost
in the breach and"shouder to shoulder battle
long and hard in defence of their rights. Stung
by the recollection of injuries past, and calam-
ties present, Leonidas like, they will march
boldly to the defence of their own interests,
determined to save their country or perish no.
bly, in her cause. That there are indications
| throughout the state to do this, there is no
doubt. The spirit of inquiry is abroad among
the people. Having been deceived by the
false promises of others, they now begin to
examine forthemselves, and the GOLDEN song
ofsage impostors falls heedlessly on their ears,
| they hear it, but it only serves to shake their
confidence still more, and make them more de-
termined in pursuing their own plans, which
are to get rid of men incompetent, and unwor-
| thy longer to direct the affairs of the govern
ment Of the people. We say this without the
fear of contTadIctlOn--and more, that Missis-
sippi is no longer a Van Buren, State! Come
what will, she is as sure to go against him, as
that the needle points to the pole.