The Sumter banner. [volume] (Sumterville, S.C.) 1846-1855, 1850-03-20

'A''AN'AS''' AH''y PsSotcSAOhS, supcTiINluCGu
by too frequently a partial and onc-sided pre-
sentiment Of things-a narrowing of the view,
which should DO taken OF oil questions CON
sequcnt imperfect understanding of the Tcla-
tons we bear to society, and to tho aggregate
Of societics--all those arc strong barriers in
the way, and not easily overcome. A long
continuance ofsuch course fixes prejudiccs
in the mind 80 strongly, that we persuade our
selves, that theynr honest convictions, result
ing from correct reason. We therefore hold
to them with unwavering tenacity; and any
views, coming in conflict with tlIem we refuse
to notice altogether, or else discard as hercsy
Then il becomes parilous to speak, but il con-
fornsi.y. He, who docs not fall in, however
contrary to reason and to conscie.icc, is in dam
ger of martyniom These observations are
made without special reference to any one Sec
ton. We believe that they are applicable to
every section; and that in them will bc found
ono,of tho causes Of our present difiiculties.-
There long existed very great ignorance of the
condition of either section Of this Republic, on
the par, Of the other. The proportion Of either.
who have had any thing like an intimate ac-
4unintanco witt, the condition Of tho other, must
be admitted to he extremely small. Nor has
hcrc been cvinced much curiosity 60 know
better. On the contrary, the reverse is .r''fs-
there has been rathor an aversion TO It. Few
hare taken the pains to possess themselves oil
th.. accurate knowledge Of the clements, when
make npthe society, and without which ar,rI y"
judgcmcn, can be formed ~
s,,.r ,,,:,,, :. .a,lcl ignorance and prejudice,
tayinu hold on some isolated phase, TOP ofton
| the exception to a arnle, cr,oncousiy pronoun-
| Goa u,on . eonrnunity y-iesscmipa;es his judg-
- srsiasion. and finally i becomes
settled in the mirdsaf his own and osiIer COM
aasities, Byihis means, natasal soys We
becsi centred apooia I li-,iie grsss g4sss,
d ,iiere--ovory thing there is
peT.s;s Efec,ly done--a and no must
/ gainsay it~Len,aaliy that, noble atinchmen.
for tho narrs spot, which ~ the true basis of
patriotism stead Of becoming enlarged so as
to euibIaescommuniticsA States and Nations,
dwindes 10 ranst unworthy and invctcratc
species Of .lfishncss. 'If,,s .:,andard is fixed
according, the opinions prevailing on tina. ,.ar-
row spot;,nd any deviation from it, act or
opinion, isArsparingly condemned. This is un-
fortunate, j. the very next stepis TO question
the mo,iv Of those who differ from us, and
whcnevt motives arc impugned, confidence Is
lost Ahgonistic feelings spring up--war OF
opnion declared, which wakes warmer and
more blrr, until it is brought to pass, that the
COMMUNICATION Of one side, involves the condem-
nation othc other. This feeling, not of attach
men, bs OF hostility, extends itself. Then the
parties eco,ne still more nncorous, until justice
cannopbi,lo with either, and truth Is silcnced
and n. to an open shame. Resentmonts grow
mn, ~ multiplied and diffused-are transmit
ted fbm generation to generation, and can with
dill ul,v ever be healed. To reverence the
options and wise conduct Of our rrogcni,ors,
is Egcry natural AMI proper sentiment. To
cxs,nc with care those opinions and the
crs,nis OF thn, conduct; ana If properly based
u,S n,la1tcd 10 tho circumstances surrounding
uI to embrace and act upon them, is duty
: u, to adopt error because it has been handed
IIbwn, betrays weakness and narrow-minnded-
,Hcss Antiquity can lend no snnctity to error
Il bu,truth grows brighter in the cycle OF ages.
The times we live in invite to these rchoc-
TONS but they are more eimmcdia,elys ggcstet
by the speeches of three great men,SCI.Ay
CAIHoux and WEBSTER. We name them ir
the order they spoke. The limits OF an cdito
rial will admit of no more than notice ant
{ therefore we shall not attempt to 60 into then
: nj lnrge What was the condition of the coun
try before and at the time Of tho delivery o
these speeches? We might give it in on
word-an almost perfect alienation OF tcelln!
between the North and South. So fur "a hn
man eye could see, they were flying apart a
certainly and rs rapidly as it is possible 10 cor
ccivc of. The land marks Of old parties wcr
melting away-old ties, religious, political an
; social had scnsiby given way and an cntrci
: new line was drawn. The North ard the Sout
y were the parties In each section the cxci,,
!, mon, was great and pcrvading, extending alii
}. TO al, the religious denominations of each al
J m.king up n part Of their religious sontim2n
!. The people We're oSclted-1he cn''na lse'
!. tecmed with violent and rcproarhtiA rctic
y tions-cven the Congress OF the Nations w
= on fire and humiliating were sore OF 81
: scenes enacted. Insulting petitions wore {
\, iorcd--ttn fcelAgs Vi representatives we
1; Observation-Disclosures ana rorilsina,io
c were freely maalgea in-and SO stormy W
- the time that an interchange Of blows W
~ looked for. Every ihmg betokone'l vlolcnto
in break. We stood mig n upon the brink of Rev
r luton. Here we pause,---and asa what
o. to 20 done 2 How long could things rcnr
J. in this condition. Statement. ehilosoaie
ns Historian! Look at these things, and tell
q how long will the American nsma hst