The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-09-18
The Crswfordsvillc RESOLUTIONS Speech OF
MIR. Stephens, Of Georgia.

We have looked forward to the result of the
visit of Mr.. STEPHENS to Georgia with much
interest, and have read with qualification the
abstract of his speech, as well as the res
outions which were introduced by him at the
Charlottesville meeting. The most comprehen-
sive and important Of those resolutions we pub
lished a few days since To the principles
enounced in those resolutions no republican can
object. They present, in our opinion, the true
Southern platform. They avow a sincere de-
votion to the Union, they publish basis Of
right which has not certainly been yet invaded.
They state emphatically that they twill main
tain the Government as long as it maintains
us, but when it becomes our open enemy by
some hostile act, if that time should ever come.
we will be for Revolution and Independence"
We admire the bold and candid spirit which
here speaks forth; it will claim the respect Of
every patriot We have here no wrewoven
screen Of notification and secession, to protect
impap able rights from constructive aggression.
They are resolutions which the men who
will be called on to maintain them understand
distinctly. None can object to the declarations
which they contain; for they are the recital Of
cause and consequence. appreciated by every
republican. They contain the principles which
made the present Union, and must be ever re-
sorted to upon a similar emergency.
It will not, we hope, be said that these reso-
lutions weaken the position Of the South
They retrace no step; they do not even retire
within the second parallel Of her defences; the
most ardent ultraist can honorably fall back and
cover this positions the most timd must move
up and sustain it. We have, however, no fear
that the position Of these resolutions will be
assailed The patriotism and public interests
Of the Union will guaranty its safety. 1t can
not be shaken without destroying every princi-
pie Of civil freedom upon which our Federal in
stitutions repose
Whilst it may be a matter Of delcacy
to volunteer advice TO a sovereign State upon
a subject Of such vital importance, we may
express the hope that Georgia will sustain
the principles Of the Charlottesville resolutions.
We hope that the calm counsels Of the resolute
and sagacious citizens who adopted them will
prevail that Georgia will despise the rash
suggestions Of the Nashville agiiators view
carefully tho ground she is about to occupy, as
ground which she may have TO maintain with
her own resources, and amidst the discordant
counsels Of her sister States. that she may stand
firm in the silent dignity Of her position until
4" the Government becomes her open enemy by
some hostile act" She will at least, in our
opinion, have the counsel and counienance Of
the Old Dominion, State that has never com
mtted an aggression upon the rights Of others,
nor submitted TO hostile" invasion Of her
own; sustained by her arm and approval, Geor-
ga may stand confident ,gains, world in
arms" She may neither fear danger nor dis
honor.
We are, however, confident that the storm
will blow over In the South without injury 10
the Union, We have 20 many indications that
the country is delighted with the adjustment Of
our strife, that we feel confident no present or
prospective measure Of the Government will
bring its power into "hostile array" against the
property and institutions" Of the South, nor
ever render necessary resort TO the sacred and
inalenable right and remedy Of Revolution and
Independence.