The Sumter banner. [volume] (Sumterville, S.C.) 1846-1855, 1848-08-02
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had in Charleston in relation to the sub
ject that now agitates the people at large
call for some remarks however trivial in
point ofmerit they may be. l allude to
the late democratic meeting in relation to
the nomination Of Gen. Taylor for the
Presidency, and their determination to
support that nomination., determination
for which they can shew no reasons, and
if any, they necessarily are but slight
ones. Gen. Taylor, however deserving
he may be ofthe office, cannot expect to
be supported by the South. His principles
are in direct opposition TO ours, und con-
sequently favor those of the North.
It has been avowed that he is SOUTH
ern man, and that he is large slavchol.l
der; and it has also been said that his SER
vices to the country entitle him 10 the Of.
fee. No man gives him more credi,
than myself for the services he has ren.
dered our country, but why should that
reason be the means of elevating him to
the chief magis'racy2 Gen. Taylor has
done great deal, but others have per-
formed equally US much. Look back 10
the public life of Gen. CAss, and mark its
course. You will perceive the benefit
that has accrued to the country from him;
besides in the latter we find a staunoh
Demo rat. All his principles tend 10
shew it; they coincide with ours as near
uspossble. 1t is impossible for one mans
principles to conform TO those of every
other, without varying in some degree.
Gen. Taylor, it istrue, is Shareholder;
but how easy is it 10 dispossess himself at
any moment of such property, as it is.
very readily converted. May he not, if
elected, Immediately dispose Of such
slaves and invest the proceeds in some Of
the northern states in property more a.
vailable, and Of nature that cannot be
injured by the great question now at
stake? Suppose such 10 be the case,
what interest will he have in tho institu-
tions Of the South, and what difference
will it make TO him, if slavery should be
abolished2 All his letters, both public
and private, shew that his principles are
northern, in other words, that he is thor
ough whig. For those, if for none others,
however much we may admire him for
his gallant conduct as soldier and re-
spect him as man Of integrity and un-
blemished character, we cannot, with JUS
,ice to ourselves and to postcrity, sacrifice
our principles, our interests, and our in
stilutions, to personal friendship.
The wings at the next session Of Con-
gress are expected to have small ma
jority. What disadvantages, therefore,
will we not labor under, iflhe question of
slavery is brought forward, Of which there
is no doubt2 Gen. Taylor has repeated
ly implied that he will not exert that pow
er, which he alone will have at command,
Il mean the right of vctong. The
South, then, ifhe is elected, is at his mer-
cy. Therefore, if they value their ins,i-
tutions, and desire DEMOCRAT to fill the
presidential chair in ls49, let them stand
up to the motto, PRINCIPLES NOT MEN"
The South needs true Democrat and
withal a statesman 10 fill the presidential
chair during the ensuing term. No man
is more worthy ofthat office, and in whom
they can without distrust repose more
confidence than LEWIS CAss, for all that
can be said to the contrary by q few SO
called democrats, who are influenced by
the clustering and raillery of some nmbi-
,ious demagogles, who have everything
to gain and nothing TO lose in the event
Of his dcieat,-an event that is as impro.
bable as that the moon and stars are one
object, if the South will only unite as in
ls43, and again put the wings ut success.
full defiance. "Fugit irrrvocabile tempus.'
Therefore, let the South rally around the
Democratic standard before it is too late,
and success is certain.
JEFFERSON.