The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1850-12-12
The debate was opeued bv Mr. Middlstor

whose resolutions were first in order His main
object was to declare the improperly of cleo ing
State Senator to fill the place of Mr. Calhoun
on the ground of the futility of such appoint
ment to nominal duty. He enforced his views
on this point as well as on the general question,
with much force and fervor.
am, however, disposed to believe that his
view on this subject will not be concurred in by
the majority of the representatives and that a
successor to Mr.. Calhoun will be elected next
week-on the ground that while this State is in
the Union, it should be represented at WASH
ington.
There is great indisposition here to do any
thing which Gin the expressive language of Judge
Cheves) may look like "nibbling' at the ques-
ton. Mr. Middleton was the former Speaker
of the lower House, gentleman of high char
acter, intelligence and influence representa-
tive from the lower country. lie was followed
by Mr.. keitt of Orange, prominent represent
tative of the middle country, whose recital of
the wrongs and the remedy was equally clear
and decided. His resolutions indicate the policy
he proposes, and he enforced his views with
great earnestness, while adjoining his dcton
with the flowers of II glowing Imagination and
fancy. Mr. Johnson of ST. Helena, near the
seacoast, also advocated the series of resolutions
presented by himself in Il sustained and logical
rgument-clear, concise, and in language d.
vested of superfuous ornament. There was
so netting of the characteristic traits of CAL
houn's linked chains of logical argument in his
arrangement and discussion of his several pro.
positions.
He was succeeded by Mr.. Preston of this
place, whose eloquent letter, rcpublshed in the
Press a short time since, produced so profound
Il sensation. AS statesman and an orator bid
ding fair to rival his ustrious brother, he poured
the full tide Of his eloquence and passion into
the advocacy of Mr.. Johnsons resolutions, and
spoke of the great struggle rs though his soul
was in his theme He boldly declared that the
tyranny Of the existing Government was insup-
portable, and that secession, or rather revolution
alone could liberate us. He went first for cX-
hausting every reasonable method of securing
CO. operation-but on the failure of that for
separate State action Such was the ground
taken by all the speakers-such, it seems, will
be the basis Of the action of this legislature.
In the State papers you will find that such is the
general sentiment of that organ of public scnti-
ment.
The galleries aud the lobbies of the House
were densely crowded during the delivery of
all these speeches, by tIIrong Of fair women
and brave men-and from the expression of SEN
timent on the part of the former, there can be
no doubt Of their deep sympathy and devotion
to the cause, nor of their desire to animate and
encourage their friends and kinsmen to speedy
action. The matrons Of the Revolution live
again in these their true descendants.
In the Senate the debate has not yet COM
mcnced-and it is supposed that there will be
but little there-the Senate fully sharing in
and concurring with the meditated action'of the
lower House.
The election Of Governor has not yet taken
place. Messrs. Means, Pickens, and Buchanan,
are the most prominent aspirants-al fully con-
curing in opinion on the Southern question.
The Presidents message has attracted little
attention, and less comment, here. 1t Is re-
garded as mere milk and water. Mr.. Ponsett's
letter has met the same reception-it has not
even made ripple, The general impression is,
that he with the very few compromisers who
have written cpistes,) is very far behind the
times. 1t has been laughed at very good humor-
edly-and will do the writer personally as little
good, as it will do the movement no harm at all.
1t has been suggested, however, that had he met
his old friend A Northern man and friend to
the Union" during his Northern tour he might
have obtained better insight into Northern SEN
timent than his letter displays.
The semi official threat Of the Republic about
cocrcing the organized opposition Of a State,
when the Executive has failed even to coerce its
Boston constabrs, i. regarded here as simply
| ridiculous.
This letter has grown so fast, that further
| comments must be reserved for another oppor-
tuuitv You shall hear again soon from
! Yours,
DAI NE1'rO