The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-08-15
From The Jackson { Miss.) Soutiron.
signs OF the Times.

Signs OF the Times.
ssIhe poics and poaoer Of The South Let our mem
bars Of CongrSss come home" With these emphatic
words the Mississppian led or in grand style last
week We have hardly yet recovered from the
state of nervous excitement into which we were
irresistibly thrown by the language of majesty
and patriotism which followed. One would inno-
Gently suppose from the article that the South is in
a perfect blaze Of excitement on account of the
Nashville convention; sufficiently 80 to burn up
some Of the outside barbarians, unless they flee
forthwith to the remotest corners OF the earth But
while stood in fear and trembling, we thought
we saw indications of tone of exaggeration; here
we began to breathe more freely Still farther on
we became impressed that the whole truth had not
been told.
That there some eminent and well meaning
among the wire-workers, dsunionlsts, ana
arrant demagogues, who are seeking 70 make tne
Missouri compromise line test OF loyalty 10 inc
South we do not deny Almost any cause Will
have in its ranks distinguished tor talents and
generous characteristics. Even in the reckless
faction of fanatics at the North will be found exam
plea of strong intellect and fearless independence
But when we are told, with flourish OF trumpcts,
that the great mass of the people are speaking out
in thunder tones in favor OF the action OF the Nash
Vile convention, asked to believe that from
which we most emphatically dissent. All know
how easy it is to represent on paper splendid and
enthusiastic meetings. Pithy resolutions, vehe-
ment oratory, heroic displays of whitening sar-
casm, can be exhibited in the presence OF empty
benches and bare walls, and yet, wiha few touches
Of the fancy, behold, presto! large and Intelligent
audience showcring applauses upon the speakers.
We suspect that the numbers present at the dill
ferent meetings prominently paraded in the Mis-
sssippian are like Falstafs men in Buckram. II
is said, .'dstance lends enchantment to the view;
hence what is done in Georgia, Texas, and Ala
bama seems grand and overshadowng when 1t is
beheld in Mississippi. A tremendous effort Is now
making in this State among those who assume to
themselves to be the staunch and peculiar guar
dams of the rights of the South to create the impress
sion that vast majority OF our citizens are warm
in their support of the action of the convention.
Every rope stretched to its utmost tension, every
sail is flung to the breeze concert OF action Is estab-
lished; hence when we take up Democratic sheet
from any part of the State, we see the most mpas-
stoned appeals put forth, the most confident asser-
tons made, all to the effect that nothing but the
Missouri compromise can save the country Inc
managers understand their parts, and they deserve
great credit for their adroitness in endeavoring to
accomplish their ends.
That our readers may know that we are dealing
not in surmses, but in tangible and conclusive facts
we refer them to a letter in another column from
a highly intelligent and respectable gentleman OF
Jasper county, showing up in their true colors the
proceedings of the meeting lately held at Paulding,
To listen to the report OF the Hon MIR. McRae, late
delegate to the Nashville convention. The readers
of the Clarion would infer that the resolutions and
address of the convention had been ratlhed with
great unanimity at an immense meeting. But
when the facts, as they really exist come TO be
known, it appears, that notwithstanding great CT
forts were made to secure a large attendance but
few assembled, and when the vote was taken, forty
five in favor of the resolutions, and forty three
against them.
Our readers have been informed of the ratifca
ton meeting held at this place few weeks since
At this meeting there were only about fifty present
who actually sympathized with each other in its
proceedings Now why h it, that here, the capital
of the State where the influence of the State officers
was brought to bear, where the whole scheme Of
the Nashville convention, according to ex Governor
Matthews, was originally concocted-why is it,
we ask, that here, at the very headquarters OF the
camp a larger assembage did not convene II
he Wcrcs 40 enthusiastic,
they not come out? Why thus lukcwarin in sup
porting measure which, our opponents say, 10 the
only cure for our evils? Why did some two or
three hundred of our voters, more than double the
number that signed the call for the meeting prefer
to sanction the course of Mr. Foote in the Senate on
Mr.. Clay's bill, by sending to him letter OF APP
prevail The to this is too manifest to be
overlooked. The people do not believe in the doc
trnes of the Nashville convention. They know
their rights, and they intend to maintain them at
the point of the bayonet, If necessary, whenever
the crisis shall come. But to be bamboozled into
the conviction that the line 36o 30 is the sine qua
for the South, by clap-trap schemes OF tortuous
and cunning exaggeration, and coarse denuncia-
tions of those who may think different line oi
policy better, is what they have not submitted TO,
and we think they will not submit to it. Their
eyes are open to the composition OF that convention
They cannot forget that but nine OF the hiteen
slave States were represented at all, and of those
which were represented they sec that more than
half of the delegates were appointed in such an r'
regular and informal manner as virtually to make
keep in mind the kingly and aristocratic words OF
ex- Governor Hammond OF South Carolina, who with
the spirit and bearing of despotic monarch, said
that they (the Conyentionists) were to command
and the people to obey They behold, that it is as
clear as the MONDAY sun, that the adoption OF
the Missouri line ia a complete abandonment of the
principle of non intervention, and that If we yield
the right Of Congress TO legislate concerning
slavery in half the Territories, may just as
well yield the right 10 egislate concerning the
whole.
We profess to be warm in attachment &c
southern rights any one; and whatever our feeble
pen do in protecting and defending these
rights it shall do. But do not believe in tho
use of bravado language, which, like barking
dog that never bites, means nothing, and accom-
plishes nothing. This species of gasconading does
infinite amount Of injury TO the South. 1t leaves
the cool and calculating North to think that we arc
insincere in our course. Ebulliuons OF passion ano
naughty attitudes of defiance are not the weapons
which the South should make use of Knowing oui
rights let reason, argument, and sensible appeals
be employed to show that these rights are sacred
and inviolablc, and if this will not do, then let vi
show by our action what forcible means can do. IL
this way shall feel more respect for ourselves
and demand and receive more from our brethren a
the North.