The Abbeville banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1847-1869, 1851-05-17

We never to sit in comfort and bSice beneath
our owns6g trees. Gov. Seabrook alluded
to the favorable influence Of our catlse ON
both sexes whenever he had an opportunity
of observation, Man and woman, he had
scarce met with one, who were not in favor
OF the issue. He spoke of partial enact
ment made in favor Of other States against
Carolina, by Congress in the event of aeces.
sion, and referred to by Judge Butler in a
former address. This would excite INQUIRY
and provoke sympathy. Our opposition
was based upon nobler grounds than that of
institution or pecupiary interest, it was a
principle which involved our liberties. Itwas
to decide the question whether our govern
ment was based upon the ground of a lib
eral republic, or an arbitrary sovereignty a
central despotism. He alluded to the policy of
the administration to excite discord and con-
fuse our councils by certain questions which
would be called up on the next session Of tile
Legislature. We had been called clamorous.
He liked clamor, it was like the freman's
bell which aroused US from our slumber it
was true, but to protect Our lives and our
property from the devouring flames.
j. A. Black, Esq, of Richland, next nd
dressed the meeting. He came there with
his mind made up, but still open to convic
ton, If he saw any necessity for changing
his opinion. He had heard and weighed
every sentence in that debate. He was con-
vinced that South Carolina should act alone
If she could not procure cooperation. We
have everything dear to us involved in the
act, our honor, our lives and our property
by acting she would save her honor-by sub
mittiDg she would lose all. He was per-
picked to think that we were told that we
must rest under such burdens until other
States should take it off; even those who
differ from US most widely agree in the i'm
portant points, therefore we are in the posi-
ton to act now. He spoke of the influence
of money and Offices, if this was to affect us
there was greater reason to act now before
this influence was felt. He would strike in
tims to save onr honor and self-respect. We
wilsubmit our opinions to the convention
without controlling them that they fully un-
derstand us, ou- opinions are only individual
expressions of our sentiments.
Mr.. Badger, Representative from York,
begged leave to respond to the various COM
plimentary remarks, which he had heard
from others in relation to North Carolina,
of which he was an adopted citizen, and re-
piled in an eloquent and spirited address ia
vorable to the cause and resolutions.
John B. Mccall, ESQ.,, arose. He alluded
to. the harmony of. our debate, and spoke at
length in favor of the resolutions. He
alluded 70 the apparent object Of the Eorti,
in this .confederacy, Interest. He took it
for granted That the whole South would
sTise: The State was now ready.
He alluded to the slight difference of senti-
ment among us. He thought that the hope
of cooperation being induced BY procrasti-
nation vain. The State must strike some de-
cisive blow. He spoke Of the principle in
volved BY denial Of tie State TO act in her
sovereign capacity. Ifeblockade is attempt
ed It will be equivalent TO war-will have
the same effect, if such can be procured at
all, Of rousing the other States Of the South.
Our cause involves moro than party ques-
tion--it involves principle which concerns
all. = as ,@ .e IS
Col. Gregg now rose. Col. Gregg OBJ.
served, that after the long debate and the
upanimity manifested he was reluctant to
engross much Of the time. Our friends,
were divided as to their opinion Of the con-
sequences which would result from the step
taken by the State-some anticipated war,
some peace; some neither one or the other.
but q, measure between both. He would
consider but two, either one of which must
be the result. He alluded to- separate
State Government, which was. considered
80, critical, and alluded Ito the existence
of Texas in illustration of the position as
sumed in favor of it. She had supported
herself for ten years even against hoa-
tile encroachments ncighboring, govern
ment. Separate State = xistence was no
eyil-he looked for prosperity from the
measure under the circumstances of = peace
ful dissolution, But we should be prepared
for anything- opinion is divided. Fear is a
poor counsellor, nlalnmon worse-it is not
the counsel, for South Carolina. Suppose
our Commerce cut off-CoI. Gregg drew
a happy illustration of our position and that
of Marion, and alluded to its influence upon
the British officer Who visited his tent. he
hoped that the same spirit yet existed.
There was sufficient 'evidenceain favor of the,
position to satisfy any to encounter the haz-
afd-awar would bring US aid from other
States Mr.. Gregg .heFefreadta letter from
a friend, of another State, expressive of@eor
and favorable to the position a.
sumed, Of the necessity of our acting with,
decision s.snd spilit., 1--we act enobly,swes
will have friends throughout the South. If
we shrink back and desert these who are.
favorable to US, our cause is l,st forever, and
infanys and disgrace our doom. A former
Senator. ahad said in, favor of delay, that 2.
cnmrni,r, interest linked the South--it: wAs