The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-05-23
The Secession Struggle In the Southern
States.

The Secession Struggle In the southern
States.
The political struggle now going on in the South-
States is peculiar to that section Of the co lntry
aid is entirely different in its character from any
ether that has ever taken place in the other States
Of the Union. The contest is between the elements
Of the Union and the constitution on the one side,
and Of dsunon or secession on the other side The
states in which this struggle more apparent, are
South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi,
and, probably, Louisiana and Arkansas. In these
States the old party distinctions Of Wing and de-
Eesrat are entirely broken down, and the issue
stands upon the principles Of Union and seces-
sion. North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland, Ken
smoky and Tennessee, remain quiet on the old party
platforms, and both parties there seem avorable to
she compromise measures Of last session. There
are however large minorties in these old Southern
States in favor Of the ultra measures advocated by
South Carolina The contest, then, between
Union and secession prevails in the younger and
mere Southern States to the greatest extent though
u is more than probable that the commercial
influence Of New Orleans will control Louisiana,
While Florida is already the ayowcd advocate Of the
Union, and Texas is almost perfectly neutral the
question declaring her satisfaction with the com
promise measures.
A large majority ofthe people Of South Carolina
are in favor of secession at early day, unless Cali
Sornia be divided in acc ordance with their views
nj the next session Of Congress. There may be
small party in the commercial circles Of Charleston
opposed to secession but their influence is of triaing
import. In Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi,
there are but two parties-Union and secession
and already those parties have begun to canvass for
the most important state elections which have ever
taken place in those regions. preliminary con-
best has already been decided in Georgia. In which
aeonvention was elected by a large majority, ia
vorable to the Union. The contest il now to be
neved in the election for Governor, on the first
Monday in October Hon. Howell Cobb, late
Speaker Of the United States House Of Representa-
tives, will doubtless be the nominee Of the Union
party, without reference to old party considerations
and he has begun to canvass the state upon that
issue The secesgionists will make bold and de-
termined effort TO defeat their opponents, and will
most earnestly contend for the supremacy. The
press i almost equally divided; and though not 50
bitter in its senunciations Of the Union, the advo
Gates Of secession are working cautiously and with
determination Cor the cause.
In Mississippi the old parties are entirely oblite.
rated and the people are divided on the issues Of
Union and secession. Mississippi, next to South
Carolina presents the boldes front for dissolution
Of the Union, and the advocates Of that measure
have already re-nominated Governor Quitman a.
their candidate for reelection though the election
does not take place until the frst Monday in No
vembcr. This gentleman possesses great influence,
and can do more than any other 70 carry the state
against the friends ofthe Uniona aud the compromise