Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1849-08-08

principles, if necessary, by Juining those,
whom he has heen accustomed to regard
as his political opponents. lie should stand
up as the bold advocate Of right and JUS
lice against all opposition, and only aban-
don his principles when j: is necessary 10
sacrifice them on the altar of his country.
The great duty To country when our coun.
,ry speaks lis determined will, is para.
mount to every pIher consideration, except
our duly to God. There is. il is rue, some
compromise of moral duty in the lofty senti-
menr of Decatur-"Om country, ai,oayS
right; but our country right or aorong" ];
yet it is compromise OF one vi''ue to
the glory of another, higher and nobler.
The patriot in the council chamber, may
display in all their strength. his wisdom
and eluquence against The fatal policy of
his government. aud point with prophetic
vision 10 The disastrous tendency of lis
course-but when. The State, The nation
has once spoken, so that il would be dis.
honorable 10 retract or dangerously fa'aflo
daily or move slolhfuIly, honor. patriotism,
moral duty. all urge the Statesman to
cease opposition and to unite his sincere
efforts in The cause of his country. The
good Pilot, in the time of storm. and dan
ger. will not desert his vessel because he
had becn lindered from directing her in
d safe passage. but will still cling To her
amid shoals and breakers, adding all his
skill aud vigilance to secure her future
safely. This is the course likewise of the
good patriot. The Ear! Of Chatham
poured fourth his stormy eloquence in all
The sincerity and Vehemence of his nature
agninst the war with America but the
headlons rashness of The British ministry,
regardless of his wise counsels, plunses
the country into the war. Shocked at The
unnatural stale Of things between the
mother country and The Provinces, but
feeling the honor of their nation involved,
and that it would be dishouorable and dis
aslrous 10 withdraw, the Old Earl had
himself borne TO The House Of Lords upon
a litter, and while upheld by his friends,
delivered his last memorable speech,
urging upon the nation in burning elo-
ruence 10 prosecute the war with the Ut
most sor and energy.
This was a noble sacrifice Of his perso-
nal opinions and Of his setlIed views Of
policy to The cause of country; q surrender
for the time of his principles 10 ex:ricale
the British nation from The fatal results Of
a rash aud headlopg act Of her Legislation.
This may, by many be considered as an
exception To the doctrine we have advanced,
of adhering faithfully to principle in poIili
cal conduct but if so, il is an exception
which proves !he rule. The only sure
guide for the statesman, if he will work
for The 'lrue glory and prosperity Of his
country, is by studying oat and diffusiug
correct notions OF political rights and just
rules Of political action; and by boldly
combating error and prejudice in every
shape and form. We must not stop to
study laucry or to cour, popularity; but
must pursue an open, independent, honesI
line of pulicy-never failing freely 10 uIte'
the truth Oh matters affecting the public
good lor fear Of giving offence, if by pro.
claiming The truth he is likely to promote
The inleres, Of his county. A bold advos
cacy OF truth ana Jdsii.--.n.- -,nai,A-a-oG
national importance against the prejudice
and fana,icism Of party or faction, emo
bles The stateman, and points him oul as
benefactor 10 his race. Thut man is lie
tree friend of The people,!
Briefly TO recapitulate our position To
be q friend 10 the peoJ le, it is necessary 10
labor for The good of the 'ch0ie people-not
bare majority Secondly, 10 strive 10
keep the maturity within due bounds, or
from encroachins upon the rights Of the
minority Lastly, 10 labor, 10 keep
sense of right and justice in the public
mind. Ito suppress popular prejudice. to
pursue prompt and independent course
OF conduct, and 10 diffIse correct and solid
information on subjects Of public interest.
OSE or THE People.