Southern Argus. [volume] (Columbus, Miss.) 1834-1842, 1841-12-07
For The Southern Arons.

fence. shall not attempt 10 reiort bis scar
rility, or 10 appease his wrath-No benefit
could result from either-io the pubic Or 10
myself, but brief aud calm reveiw Of pof-
ton Of his reply TO Publius, will not, trust. be
looked upon as a desire OIL my part to afford
this doughty champion, fresh materials for dis
gushing the public with thuse specimens of de-
cency in manners and language which mark
his productions, and are certainly peculiar TO
himself II trade ofgross Inconsistencies,
and profuse showers of d llingSgaie be regar-
ded as evidences of strong mnd and aen-
erous Spiru-'he columbus Democrat will
be entitled to full share in the distribution Of
Irizes--for in his "reply" we find abundant
proof Of his excellency in that linc, consider.
ing that he is the prcfsssed advocate of deco
rum. would No doubt be accused OF more
than "pariy malignity," should l attempt 10
point out the difference between his theory
aud practice. but am willing that his "reply"
should speak for itself am accused oe en-
ploying terms of abuse, unjust and disgrace(ul,
but IN the next breath my reviewer produces a
specimen IN that way, which leaves me with
out the least hope of imitation. Were desir-
Gus of engaging IN contest of this nature, |
should assuredly avoid the "Democraf," as my
opponent-sn far as have learned his character
he stands as an mimi abb example in that line
My experience at least. has shown me, that
he has been well and regularly bred 10 this
mode of warfare. How much farther his good
.reedIng extends, it does not remain for me to
determine, tutthe fact is clear, that it does not
reach infnity. Infamous and indecent as I
may be deemed l am not vet so lost to discre
tl' n, as to select him as an example by which
to work my reformation. The Democrat as
serts that Publius sis Of genuine wing manu-
lacture, possesses many rare beauties and
winds up by suspecting that his own party
would prefer that he should "keep silent
Now if 'Publius' was ''dislilleG regularly from
wing brain,--and shove the "genuine wing
manufacture" hout,--where does the
"Democral," derive his "susp'cion" that the
party would prefer he should keep silent."-.
Tins truly affords fne specimen of his edlto-
rial perspicuity--and his peculiar ideas oil
connection. 1t remains fer "hl> brain to dis
t1P' a solution of this seeming Inconsistency.
1t appears that the "Democrai," considers
the notions of Publius in regard to repriials
upon Mississippi C,t'on. as too "absurd and
rdulous for notices. Publius claims to himself
no excellence in profound legal alta nments,
for lac is "a plain unlettered man, but will
nevertheless undertake 10 produce The pr per
authorities 10 sustain any opinion be may ad-
vance.-Cnhke the "Democrat" he does not
throw himself upon his natural strength Of
mind, or hazard an opinion from his own con-
ceptions Of international law. 1t is not for
publius TO say whether any hand will seek re-
prisaIS, but it now remains for the democrat
to prove, that such course would not be just
and well grounded,
| AllgJyernments were formed for the purpose
Of promoting the welfare, and protecting the
| rights of their citizens. To this end il de-
vol, es upon the sovereign or chef representa-
| tibu vi tuC HlhGliitiTub IculGcS lihdsC ihJN-
ries as well as pubic wrongs. A series of nm
interrupted customs, has given rise to what
has bet Ii denonIina'ed the |. " of nations, and
there are many instances on record, wherein a
fail, r. 10 comp,y with such law, has beer fol-
| 10 we'd by Consequences ofthe dire I character.
Refusal 10 pay deb justly and fairly contrac-
d, will be admit d by all, as adequate ground
for repri-al, and we contend that the bonds OF
lis State, sod for the Unon Bank, and nrgo-
taieJ by legally appointed agents or sponsors,
whose acts were duly sanctioned-is just
debt, and Lne VIII ch we ought to be- made to
pay. Vattell in Book 81, page 294. lays down
the following principles, "The wealth of the
citizens constitutes part of the aggregate
wealth Of nation. and between State and
State, the prirdte property Of the members is
considered as belonging 10 the body" "Every
thing that belongs 10 the nation is subject Il
reprisals, and between State and State, all The
property Of pirate Individuals is considered
as belonging 10 the nation"
Iftherefore, England should seek reprisal
the Cotton Of all the Planters would be liable
TO seizsre, and all that would protect US woulC
BE- the difficulty in Identifying it. Under
these clrcuinstane es, therefore, it 1t rationa
inference. that advantage should be sought b,
the purchaser, in the way suggested by Pub
lus, in order 10 effect good bargain.
But the author cited above S still more ex
plct on this pont, and goes on to say that re
prisaIs ought evento be granted on denial Q
iustice-euher an actual denial, or one whcl
there Is good reasonto aPPrehend." Now wi
the "Democrat," have the audacity or hardi
hood TO assert, but that The election Of Nj
Tucker was gained by his open and declare
opposition to paying the bonds of the State
No other issue was made either by the polii
ical journals, or by such as were candidates 70
r office. Is there not then good reason to oE
prehend, at least, repetition of this denial! q
has the government of England any ground
t, refuse letters of marque and reprisals |
those Of her citizens who hold the bonds
this State!
vaitel again says, lpage 2s5-Book 2d) !
the same way tIle sovereign demands justice
makes repri~aI<, not only for his own concern
but also for those of his subjects, whom be
bound TO proteck and whose cause is that