The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1850-12-02

but eighteen millions and more, contributed by the
South. making their share OF, the expenditures
over S27 900 900. Now il has been seen that their
share Of the imports amount only to about S45,-
O0O, 900; upon which il would require duty Of SO
per cent TO raise the S27 900 900 OF revenue, which
they are now accustomed to spend. But as no
commerce could bear for any length Of time bur-
den of 60 per cent. then the resort would have to
be to direct tares which il is very doubtful whether
population like that in the Northern States
would submit to-
"It may be assumed, then, as a thing that is
certain, that that amount of revenue could not
Except by borrowing) be supplied for purposes Of
either war or peace; and that all the interests and
projects which now fostered by that expendi-
ture win be suffered to anguish and decay.
|" In every point of examination, then, il will
appear that the dissolution of the Union will be
followed by infinite disaster to the North; and
with comparatively little to the South. Let every
Southern man then firmly persuade himself Of
this fact--that the Union is Of vastly more value
10 them than it is TO us; and that it is for them,
and not for as, to make sacrifices and concessions
TO maintain it.
"As long as the principles of the Constitution
are faithfully observed, and the Union made to
promote the purpose for which it was formed, it
becomes our duty to support IL. ;" s, r., .. .,.
In view, therefore, Of the great damage that
must result to the North from dissolution of the
Union, we cannot bring ourselves to believe that
our INUTtHcEu pTCIiIcii Woulu al dCt 50
suicidal as to tempt ruin upon their own heads by
forcing the South to secede. The dominant ma
joriy Of Congress press their aggressions, in the
belief that we will acquiesce, and the work of
plumber go on without endangering the Union II
the whole South would stand up as one man and
proclaim determination to resist, we are hopeful
Of reactonary feeling on the part Of those who
seek to Cypress and degrade us. But so long as
they believe that the Union is stronger than sla-
very, and that we prefer the loss of our property
to the loss of the Union, we need not expect any
lull in the Storm or any break in their encroach-
ments. Hence it becomes US to act in such a man.
ner as will undeceiye our enemies, and in a form
which cannot be misund erstood.
Beset on all sides, the South in her perlous
condition can alone find safety in her own firm
ness. Fidelity to herself may preserve the Union
as it was, and with it the guarantees of political
equality. An undivided Southern front, moving
steadily on the line Of duty, will either repuse the
enemy, or fix the responsibility Of the conflict
upon the aggressive party. The Southern people
are anxious to preserve the Union in its original
character. Its destiny is in the hands of the
Northern people: they can destroy it by pervert-
ing its character, and pushing their encroachmcnts
to its overthrow: they can save it by administer
ing justice and adhering to the Constitution which
made it. 1t is for the North to calculate its value
and to determine its existence. The South is in
the minority, and, acting on the defensive, cannot
be held responsible for the consequences which
may follow the acts OF majority intolerant in Its
opinions and destructive in its policy.