The Sumter banner. [volume] (Sumterville, S.C.) 1846-1855, 1850-06-19
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Letter of the Hon. Joseph a.
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asg Congregational District.
Fellow Citizens: Sixty.three South.
ern r'enibersof Congress, Senator'S and
Representatives, thought ii a solemn
duty to appeal TO the peopls, Of the
South on the Importance of establishing
at Washington press devoted TO the
defence Of Southern rights and institu-
tons. Other members approve the
movement, who, for certain reasons, did
not think proper to unite in it.
II is not my purpose to attempt an
explanation Of the state, of things which
made this course necessary. 1t would
take many pages 10 do SO. If you can
not rely upon the solemn declaration Of
so many Senators and Representatives.
as free Of motives TO deceive as men
could be, it would be vain for Inc 10
resort to proofs and exposition. But |
cannot forbear 10 submit TO your good
SCiISC, u lew IClicCtlOtlS.
you will patiently reflect upon the
situation Of party editor Mt Washing
ton, you will see how impossible il is
that he should defend the local interests
of The party al the North. BY becom-
ing the organ of the whole party, he
contracts equal obligations 10 the North
ern and 10 The Southern division. Par.
ty faith birds him tc neutrality, in all
matters OF difference between the two
divisions. An organ could not other
wise fulfil the ends Of its establishment.
A different course would endangcr the
harmony Of party, which il is the bust
ness and proper function Of an organ to
preserve. And. except the editor meant
stod dose, he would be bound by every
principle Of good faith, 10 resign his
post. AS long, therefore, as he con,in-
ues in that position, it would be absurd
TO expect him TO maintain any position
that all allies might not occupy. If lie
fail TO persuade the North to adopt
views consistent with the rights Of tho
South, he must needs cndeavor TO pre-
vail on the South to fall in with the
North, on the best terms they may be
able 10 make. And however degrading
these terms might be, regard for ap-
pearanccs, as well us sound party poll
cy, would make it Indispensable to per-
suade the injured portion that all was
right, and fair, and honorable.
II seems, then, that principle Of
good faith and honor--party fuilh and
honor-binds the conductor Of an organ
either to give up his position, or serve
his party on whatever conditions the
party may require. And if good faith
were an insufficient guaranty, The high
pecunary advantages involved, would
render breach Of party faith next 10
impossible.
Reflect upon this, fellow citizens, and
see how ridiculous it would be for you
10 turn from your own responsible Re-
presentatiYes aud commit your rights
and liberties 10 q "Party Organ" at
Washington To an editor moro de-
pendent on your enemies than on YOU
who dares not offend your enemy lest
he should be forced ",o drink the cup
Of poverty 10 lis dregs."
But do not understand me TO intimate
that you have anything like certain
assurance in the fidelity of your Repre-
scntntives. They are but men, and
some OF them not the best specimens OF
men. More Of them, however, arc
weak and vain, and infrm, than posi-.
lively dishonest and false. There is n
delusivc imagination that, rs n member
of the House represents 10000 people,
he is, therefore, magnfed 10000 times
in his intellectual and moral proper.
tons. That, cmbodying in himself all
that he represents in others, he is by a
plain rule Of arithmetic, 10000 times
wiser, more virluous and patriotic
more interested in nnd devoted to the
rights OF his constituents, than any one
private individual. This is a grca, dc.
luson. Being a member of Congress
in no degree enlargcs ones moral pro
portions, or invigoratcs his patriotic
impulses. He differs from ono of yol
only in this, that he is under grsale,
temptation, and has it in his power, n.
you have not, to me- living and ,
reputation, by becol-ing false TO you
| Nor is his interest in the property o
his constituents equal TO that OF all o
! them put together. His interest is il