The Sumter banner. [volume] (Sumterville, S.C.) 1846-1855, 1851-07-23
P0OAG5oGla
Substance of the Remarks OF
HON. WILLIAM F. COLCOCK,

Delivered before the Contention of
Southern Rights Associatiens. as.
sembled IN the Military Hall,
Charleston, s. c., May Z, 1851.
(coNcLupED.)
But whilst the abstract right of So.
cesssion is not denied by some, yet
they contend that it is a right whose
exercise "good faith" must always
practically prevent. Now, admit
the obligations Of "good faith in every
relation of life, public and private, on
States as well on individuals. But
let us SEQ how "good faith" will al
ways nuliify this right and render it
ofno practical utility. We owe good
faith to our co-States and to foreign
nations, with whom We have, through
our agent the General Government,
established certain relations. Now,
a4taSour co.States, as the very pre-
dicats Of scccssionis that they have
violated the league and covenant
which bound US together, that they
have first broken faith with us, sure
ly 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 that compact
are violated when it is used rs a
s'sword to destroy,'' and not as a
t'shicld to defend" then surely,
tsgood faith" should not prevent any
party from withdrawing from his as.
sociates, on fair and honorable terms.
So much for our co,Statcs. But
what arc our obligations of "good
faith" to foreign nations, with whom
we have treaties, and from whose cit
liens we have made loans, &C.? They,
it is urged, are no parties to our do
mestic differences, and "good faith"
requires that we should either pre-
serve our co-partnership until these
engagements are complied with, or
provide means for their performance
if q dissolution takes place. TO this
/ reply, that if a dissolution occurs
peaceably, and an equitable partition
of the partnership property is made,
tho rights of foreign nations will not
be permitted to suffer beyond those
hazards, which, it is always under
stood, are undertaken in all intcrna.
tional dealings.
Ifthe abstract right to seccdc. then
be granted, and "good faith" docs
not justly restrain its exercise. the
next question will be, "Is South Car
'olina justified in seeding at this
time?" We all admit that govern.
merits long established should not be
changed for light and transient eau.
ses,' but the causes which impel us
to seek q change of our government
are neither eight" nor "transicnt;"
they are deep.seated, widespread,
radical. will not attempt to dcs.
cribe our wrongs before this audience,
after the recital Of them by our dis
tinguished leader, Judge Chcyes. He
has painted them to you in thoughts
that breathe and words that burn"
he has told you that we arc ''liviny
under the government Of our bitterest
enemies, whose avowcd objects are
to annihilate u.s." He has told you
of the "danger, tho dishonor, the in,
fanny" of tho condition of the South.
He has told you that history furnishes
no example Of such disreputabo sub
mission as that which the Southern
States now exhibit.
lie has told you too that che is con
vipced of fthe justice the constitutional
right, and the political cxpcdiency,
Of the withdrawal Of the Southern
States from that Union by which they
are enthrallcd, and which cannot fail,