The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1836-1851, 1840-12-02

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priely Of calling your attention to law
of South Carolina, authorizing the sale
of the services of white men, under cer-
tain circumstances. 1t is opposed TO the
enlightened spirit Of the age, especially to
the genius Of our Southern Institutions,
and earnestly suggest its appeal.
A law of the last Legislature, regulat-
ing the Election of District Officers, Is
found to operate serious public incon-
veniencc, in one particular. This is in
the mode of granting commissions. Un.
der the former, immemorial practice Of
The Government, the return of Managers
of Elections was forwarded to the office
Of Secretary of State, the person elect
filed his bond with the Treasurer, and the
Secretary of State, gave the commission.
This mode was simple, direct, convenient,
and never proudced mischief According
to the construction Of Governor NOBLE,
in which, | understand he was sustained
by the Attorney General, the present law
requires that the return of Election should
be made personally to the Governor, and
the commission issued Immediately from
him. His practice was in conformity to
this opinion, and as the Governor of South
Carolina has no fixed residence, but sort
of travelling Head Quarters. men have
been compelled to ride some weeks in
pursuit Of him before they could get their
commissions.
1t has been repeatedly recommended to
you, TO require the Governor TO reside at
the seat Of Government. Sustained as
this measure is by the most obvious con-
sidcraliuns of public policy, it is really
strange thatit has been SO long overlook
ed. TO say nothing of the almost incon-
ceivable inconvenience TO which persons,
having business with the Executive, are
subjected, the most substantial reason for
the enactment of such law is.to be found
in the fact, that the administration of pub
lc Justice is habitually retarded, and not
unfrequently prevented.
have the satisfaction to inform you
that Treaty has been concluded with the
Catawba tribe Of Indians, by The Com
missioners appointed for that purpose,
and I herewith transmit the proceedings.
South Carolina cannot be an indiffer-
ent spectator of the great political strug-
gle which is going on in our country
Never, I believe, since the organization
of our government, has there been strug-
gle of more fearful importance. For ma
nv years, she has forborne from taking
part in the election for President OF the
United States, because she could not
have done so without compromilting her
principles. Her political position was
peculiar, andit was right and proper, that
she should not aid in putting into power,
men who were only known as enemies Of
her best interests. At the late Presiden-
tial election, she refused to vote for Ell
ther of the prominent candidates. prefer
ring to hold herself uncommitted, and
Judge the Administration by its measures.
MIR. VAN buren, was elected, and it is
no, to be disguised, that she INDUCED to.
ward him, feelings Of strong opposition.
1t is not necessary here to review parti-
cularly the causes which separated her
from his party. Itis enough to say, that
Gen. JACKSON forfeited her support, by
his practical abandonment Of the conser-
vative doctrine of the State sovereignty,
and that Mr.. VAN buren,, it was belicv-
ed, would tread in his footsteps. But the
maxim of our State, is "principles, not
men" She has carefully watched the
Administration, and found it essentially
Republican,. Whatever may have been
the grounds Of former objection to Mr..
VAN BuREN, they are substantially re-
moved. The party which supports him.
has committed itself TO principles, which
she cannot repudiate, and unfurled that
flag, undes which, if true TO hersalf, she
cannot fail to rally. The struggle which
is going on between the contending par
lies, is essentially struggle between Re-
publicanism and Federalism. Ii we look
al the elements of the self.styled Whig
party, we find peculiar cause for appre-
hension. That sagacious statesman, MIR.
JEFFERSON, predicted that the Federalists
would change their name, and, under
false pretences, again attempt to get into
power. Il is even SO now, and party,
exhibiting every hue and shade of opinion
has arrogaled TO itself name, consccra.
ted by the most glorious associations, 1t
is to be feared, for the purposes of i'm
posture and delusion. While, as body,
it has made no exposition of It's prlncl-
Piles, its prominent members, in different
parts Of the country, have professed every
thing. The Convention which nomina-