The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1843-12-25

CHARLESTON, Dec. Is, l843
State of Cauounisn,-Ris Prospects of Clay
South Carolina.
Mr.. JAMES GORDON BENNETT
SIR
AS your correspondents of this place fail to give
you account of all that transpires in this great
head quarters of Calhounism, / shall endeavor to
give you sketch of such passing events as may be
interesting to those at a distance.
The friends of the great southern statesman have
been in state of the most feverish excitement
since the commencement of the present session of
Congress, after having been sumbering in state
of confident security of their strength previous to
that time. You may well imagine what was their
surprise and modification at finding themselves in
such pitfu minority at the muster of their forces
at Washington preparatory to a combat with their
opponents The first demonstration of the strength
of the friends of Mr.. Van Buren,, was SO over
whelmlng to strike terror through their ranks to
such degree fora shorttime that they scarce knew
how to act; and when fully awake to their situation
found their cause was in a most dangerous way
Still they were not without hope for call is not lost
that is in danger" With nearly the whole south
and the aid of their northern friends, they might
still retrieve the day but alas, these hopes were
not to be realized, for after this first fire ii is found
that the northern Calhounists have hauled down
their colors, and are flying from the field with the
utmost precipitation. To add to their misfortunes
midst, and under it have rallied many of our most
prominent public men, and if they but carry on tie
war with half the vlgor their partisans with you
DO, they will during the next two years, go far to
wards revolutlonizing the politics of this State.
But to return to the unfortunate Calhounists The
| finishing blow to their cause and hopes has lust
been given by the Democratic Convention of Ala
bama, which has nominated Van Buren, for Pres-
dent, and King, OF that State for Vice. At its an
nouncement here their rage knew no bounds-they
stamped and swore, and tore their halr-but this,
and the last dying kick will be given by the Legis-
lature OF this State in December, 1874, giving their
vote for Calhoun, after which he will be politically
consigned to the tomb of the Capulets.
Our Legislature have Just adjourned after short
session, in which but little has been done of much
public interest. They have passed an act to change
| the name OF the once famous Louisville, Charles
ton and CINCINNATI Railroad Company to that of the
| South Carolina Railroads.&c. original design ha-
| wing long since been abandoned as impractcable,
alter making but about seventy-ve miles of it. and
| 1t seemed like parody on the WISDOM name and
fame of its pro ectors te continue it. During the
session bill was introduced to modify the present
law In reference TO tree negroes coming within the
State on board of vessels from foreign or other
ports. BY 1t 1t is made the duty of the sheriff to
commit all such negroes to jail, until the vessel is
ready to depart again. 1t has been customary here
totore to allow such negroes the privilege of the
yard attached to the Jail, being only restrained from
going beyond 1t. In return, they were only requir-
ed to assist the others in keeping it clean while
they renamed. IL was proposed to modify the law
so as to confine negroes to their vessel only after
the captain or conslgnee signing bond to that eff
feet. The bill passed the House of Representa-
tives, but was rejected in the Senate from the fol-
lowing cause 1t appears a few weeks since Bril-
tish ship arrived here, having board free negro
named Jones, whose ideas OF his personal conse-
luence and rights had been very much enlarged by
the abolitonsts in England; and on being taken to
Jail by the sheriff, kicked up terrible fuss about it.
md called in the aid Of the British Consul to be
released; and on being directed to do some neces-
| sary work at the jail, used some outrageous lam
suage to the TAILOR, in the presence of the other me-
groes, for which he received some well merited
punishment. This brought forth the Consul, who
talked loud about the protection Of the British flag
and threatened the weighty displeasure of her Ma
lesty's government, and its consequences, and blus
tered about considerably On learning which, the
Senate, determined that they would not be bullied
or frightened into any measures, but uphold any
laws they might pass at all hazards, and the bill
failed and to prevent the like in future, negroes
will hereafter be confined in close custody So
much for abolition interference.
The theatre has had an unusual season so far -
The enterprslng manager, Forbes has been lavish
in producing novelties and attractions for all and
has been better supported by the public than for
veral seasons past We are all on tiptoe of expec-
tation for Macready, Ole Bull, veux Temps, and
the other great artists. When they arrive you may
hear again from A LosT PLEIADE.