The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1836-1851, 1848-08-30
THE CAMDEN JOURNAL.
Wednesday Morning, August 80, Is4s.
WILLIAM B. JOHNSTON. EDITOR.
A Southern Convention.

urged upon the southern people the necessity of
some mode Of united and concerted action with re-
gard TO the protection Of their interests; the mode
we advocated, and which we still believe to be the
most efectual, is Southern Convention. We
were then solitary and alone in endeavoring to a.
rouse our citizens to the necessity Of such siep'
we were consoled with the knowledge
that our position was sustained by our most eminent
statesmen. The bonds of party union were too
strong then, for the members Of either party to
make the effort to unite all on this subject, but we
are reioiced to perceive that now, tho southern
press are awak.g to sense of our danger. and
calling for such a Convention. Where we had
not paper to unite with US in urging the proprIe.
tv of such course we now find numbers who
whilst they may give due weight to all minor is.
sues, are setting aside mere party feelings and are
earnest for union of all parties upon this imFor-
tant question.
We can conceive Of no good reason why Wings
and Democrats should not unite, and unite hearth
ly. and cordially upon some measure for the main
tanance ofour rights. Every man may, and will
have his personal preference for one or other OF the
presidential candidates and this preference when not
inconsistent with his duty as southerner, we feel
and acknowledge to be the inherent right OF every
citizen; but can we not support our favorte without
being 80 much estranged from our political oppo-
nents, that we cannot unite our energies on SUBJ
ject far above the mere effort to elevate this or
that man 10 the Presidency! South Carolina is
democratic, Georgia and North Carolina may be
whig, and every other Southern State will cast
her vote as her people may direct, but there ran
be no diversity of opinion on the question OF firm
maintenance of our rights, and the defence of our
institutions We would set down that man as in
flee the best interests of his fellow citizens at the
shrine of party or personal ambition, or who, for
some paltry personal aggrandzemcnt would bar
Ter his birhright of equality as free citizen o.
this Union.
The time has come-tlat tire so dreaded by
our earliest patriots-when fanatcism has gathered
sufficient strength Of popular feeling to enlist the
majority of the people of one section Of the country
in an attitude of most wanton aggression upon the
constitutional rights OF their fellow citizens, and
shall we fail to proclaim that we are prepared to
stand up IN defence Of these rights! If we do.
then we have no claim to be called the sons Of
freemcn or of patriotic sres.
The time has come-the history Of the session
of Congress just closed, presents but an unint"r-
rupted series OF wanton insults flung with an un-
sparing hand against the South. The failure Of
the Compromise bil-the refusal to adopt the Mis-
souri, compromise; the refusal 10 recognize the prn-
al bill, and the ENGRAVING of the ordinance Of 1887
upon that measure-al1 give us warning that the
time has come, when the people of the South must
make mighty effort to save the the Union and pre-
serve their cwn honor.
The time has come-the precedent has gone
forth under legislative and executive sane ion
Nho' accompanied with protest from the latter,)
that all future territory shall be closed against the
people of the South, their institutions must be cir
and that their children and children's
children must forever be debarred from any share
in the benefits of new requirements gained by their
own blood and treasure. Not only this. but they
must be surrounded By those who will never cease
in their efF,rs TO rob them and render valuelesa,
which, with their property, they now reluctantly
consent.
The time has comet is not few foolish IA
natics amongst whom were found old women and
negroes, who some years since ranted
against the South and her institutions. Mott is
the gathering Of the hordes Of the North, Of every
political hue and complexion, under the banner of
"Free Soil" and whose rallying-cry is "Break
down the slave rower.' They have mustered
strong; from frurtecn States their representation
alone at their late convention was numbered by
tens Of thousands and their ''patform" is publish
ed to the world stripped Of all equvocaI phrases
plain and easily understood. 1t is struggle for
power they are preparing for. that power they are
gradually but certainly gaining, and it will he used
to rob the people of the South not only Of political
rights and equality, but Of our property.
The time has come-Southern men, this is no
exaggeration. Calm reflection upon the develop
ments Of the last eight months must convince you
of its truth, and to hesitate now, to postpone the
issue to some indefinite point Of endurance, will be
and prove fatal to your interests. You
may adhere as strictly you please to yonr polit-
cal princ pies, you may be justifabe in your en-
leayours, to elevate the exponent Of these princ-
pies, but, Carolinians, let the words Of CALHOUN
sink deep into your hearts-"the Carolnian 'rho is
farthest from you in opinion is nearer to you than
any Northern m an Of either party" And here, as
the conductor Of S. Carolina press, We plant our
flag, and express our determination to adhere to
this patriotic sentiment. Whilst we will advocate,
with sincerity, and with all the ability We are pos
sessed Of the politcal PRINCIPLES TO which we are