The Abbeville banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1847-1869, 1851-07-09
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"h'cn mas soch distinguished supporters be-
fore reject it. have done so, and l must
declare in all sincerity that if South Caroli-
ma abandons all purpose ofacting alone, and
determines patiently and passively to wait,
(as ahe must if she waits at ally the develop
nents of the future in the expectation of
such hostile Legislation on the part of the
General Government as will unite the South
in the overthrow Of this Union, she will sac
rihce tho great cause which all her sons, with
but few exceptions, profess to be nearest to
their hearts, and givo death blow to disun-
ion. Yes, repeat-Let South Carolina lay
down her arms, lot her say she will not Sc
cede, and shout of triumph, (shall ] say Of
derslon) will 60 up over all the land, for we
have enemies every where, and the advo-
Gates of the Compromise will underwrite the
Union for the next generation. These may
be unpalatable truths, but they must he told.
come now to the consideration of the
second proposition which / have supposed
will be submitted to our Convention when
it assemblies.
Having failed up to this time TO obtain any
pledge of cooperation from the Govern
ment of any other State, shall South Caro-
lima secede alonea approach the discus
sion of this question with profound sense
of its magnitude and importance. never
expected to be called upon to give nv coun-
sci on any question under sense of higher
responsibility. have never entertained or
expressed but one opinion on the character
of this measure, aa my constituents. with
whom have frequently and publicl " con-
ferred, can testify. have told them that
secession was measure which would de-
ho -c Ill al.
all their frmness. The overthrow of any
Government, and the establishment Of an
other, is no holiday affair. 1t is no card
house We desire to construct which can -be
reared BY the hand and destroyed by the
breath Of iii infant. No! It is q stern
work which lies before It's, and if we seek
for new guards for our future security, we
must expect to obtain them at the hazard of
many sacrifices.
The questions in regard to secession which
appears to me will demand the careful con-
sideration of the Convention, are
First. Has the State right TO secedei
Second. Is she justified in the exercise Of
this right at this tiroeY
The first question is one which presume
the Convention will have very little difficult
ty in deciding, as it may be considered set
tied question in the judgment of the South
ern States ut this time, though lam aware
it is seriously denied by some within their
limits, and perhaps if not brought to judg-
ment at the present day, will in a few years
become much controverted if not ultimately
repudiated. Resolutions affirming this right
were laid on the table in one or both branch
es Of the North Carolina Legislature at their
last session. am not fully informed of the
circumstances under which this was done,
but point TO it as fact which deserves at
teption.
But, whilst the abstract right of secession
is not denied by some, yet they contend that
it is a right whose exercise "good faith"
must always practically prevent Now, ad-
nit the obligations of "good taithn in eve,Y
relation of life, public and private, on States
as we'll as on individuals. But let us see
how good faith" will always nullify this
right and render it Of no practical utility
We owe good faith to our co States and to
foreign nations, with whom We have, through
our agent the General Government, estab-
lished certain relations. Now, .as to our co.
States, as the very predicate Of secession is,
that they have violated the league and COW
enant which bound US together, that they
have first broken faith with us, surely our
faith is no longer due TO them. Good faith
requires every party to a compact to submit
to many things, to bear and forbear much,
but when the very end and purpose of the
compact are violated, when itsis. used as a
Sword TO destroy" ard moi, as q shield TO
defend, then surely, "good faith" should
not prevent any party from Withdrawing
from bis associates, on fair aud honorable