The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-09-02
From the Lafayette (La.) Republican.
Nh Sa fet I'm. ScceasInn

There is matter of establishment in the blindness
Of those who would urge the South to a civil con-
hct The very argument which Is SO strongly
urged in favor Of southern secession Is the strong
est possible reason for adherence to The Union The
safety of the South is alone in the shield of the Con-
stitution 1t is not invasion by an armed force
which we should 80 much fear in case a southern
confederacy should be formed the civil means
Of attack which our enemies would possess. De-
stroy the dcfences of the Constitution, and the
tire South is open to insidlous plots Of religious
husiasts, who would ste Al into our midst, excin g
disaIection and instruction in servile popula-
ton. We could not guard our frontier against
their entrance. Similarity Of language and blood
remove all chance OF discovering foe who might
approach in the garb Of friendship. Civil and moral
agencies, secret, and of the most formidable cha.
racter, would exist TO awaken in our midst a
vile war, than which none can be fearful.
These would supply the knife for murder, and light
the torch of midnight incendiarism.
Independent then, of the direful consequences of a
secession, could epeacefullymade, the South,
by abandoning the protection thrown around her
by the compacts OF the Constitution, would prepare
the way for the destruction of the rights she desires
to maintain or her utter ruin amidst the horrors of
a civil war.
The South is aggrieved; she may demand re-
drcss justice urges that her plea should be hea rd;
and the most solemn obligations rest upon the de-
Lucrative councils OF the nation to secure her
against continuance of aggression. But while
we press our claim with earnesncss and determi-
nation upon Congress, there is folly in threats and
antec of prosperity and security.
While smarting under real wrongs, many mag
Nifty them into gigantic proportions. The wealth
and enterprise, the prosperity and energy Of the
North, are regarded as obtained at the expense OF
the South. Her millions of toling hands, and plan
ming heads, secure to the North her progress. The
untirng activity-the forecast which penetrates the
distant futurc-develop her resources.
The South, too, should flourish and exhibit an
extraordinary development Of all the elements OF
national power and advancement. We have our
beds of coal and iron, our quarries of granite and
marble. We have climate suitable any pro-
duction OF husbandry. We have mountains abound
ing in minerals, rich in forests; waterfalls that
might move the machinery Of the world; rivers
that can accommodate its commerce. We alone
produce the agricultural staples which control the
markets Of civilized nations; and yet in all that
constitutes progress, we are outstripped by our
more northern neighbors, who have compare
lively sterile soil and unpropitious climate. The
fault is our own We talk of secession from the
Union, when we should assiduously cultivate the
means of independence. Our representatives IN
Congress often display subtle ingenuity in splitting
hairs
"Between the west and northwest side -
while those of the North pressing bills for the
advantage of their constituency. Northern ship
owners were threatened with ruin by the votes
of the South. Resistance was made, but not to the
point Of disunion. Capital was turned into a new
channel and prosperity revived. IL it not well to
learn wisdom by the examples of our brethren
Let Us drive the northern fsctionists by our man
uactures out of the market, instead OF permitting
them TO drive us out of the Union. Let us build
up domestic commerce, instead Of becoming,
under a southern confederacy, mere commercial
appcndage OF an European power. Lot US produce
our grain, our meat, our horses, and cattle, in
stead of depending upon the free States for bread
This will give US political strength; this will de-
fend against northern agitation; this will enable
Us to maintain a balance OF power in the Union.
Our first duty to ourselves and TO the southern
States, ia TO lend a helping hand 20 the develop
ment of our resources.
Circumstanced are, they in reality
enemies to the South, however they may claim TO
be friends, who would foster the spirit Of dsunion
We have no security for peace; no guarantee for
the safety Of our serve institutions; prospect Of
the development of our vast resources when die.
severed from the Union. In union lie safety, in
labor the certainty Of power and prosperity.