Semi-weekly Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1851-1852, 1851-10-03
ADDRESS,.

O. nOOLS2SSs
The present position of South Carolina is
one of fearful Importance, full Of trials, and
dangers, difficulties and perplexities. We are
now upon the eve Of a revolution, the probable
termination, and success of which, we cannot
foresee or conjecture. There are great issues
at stake, and consequences involved, which re-
.auire and demand the soundest judg gment and
greatest political sagacity. The great question
of slavery is Southern question, and the
whole South is equally interested and to Il
combination and concert of action alone, may
we look for success. . ....
If South Carolina should secede alone, with
out the assurance of Cooperation on the part
of the other States equally interested, the fu
rture will be one of darkness and uncertainty.
the great Southern question will be jeopardized,
and the fate of South Carolina herself become
a problem.
1t is to be regretted that the State Of South
Carolina i, now divided into parties, and her
unity destroyed but the lines are now drawn,
and duty must determine our ctlon. We must
"see that the Commonw eal,h OF South Caro-.
lima should suffer no detrmcnt."
In to the last session of the Legislature, the
nosition Of South Carolina was ligh and hon
orable, presenting an almost entire unaninly OF
sentiment and feeling, and an undivided front
to n common enemy We Lad no submission
party among us. Resistance III concert with
the other Southern States, was the universal
sentiment of the State, and Southerr Union
formed the basis Of action. Separate State
Action was not entertained, and it was thought
that no practical good could result from it.
The Legislature of South Carolina in 1913,
had said "That the time for discussion by the
Slaveholding States, as to their exclusion from
the Territory recently acquired from Mexico,
has passed, and that this general assembly re-
presenting the feelings of the State OF South
Carolina, is prepared TO cooperate with her
sister States, in resisting the application Of the
principles of the Wilmot Proviso, to such Ter
ritory, at any and every hazard"
The Legislature OF lS49, approved Of the
resolutions of Mississippi recommending Con-
rention of the Southern States TO meet in Nash
vile "fo consult in common Nth rier 10 nnuy
ofaction." And at the same time, empowered
the Governor to call the Legislature together,
in the event of the passage OF the Milmost
Proviso, or any kindred measure, Sin order to
take such steps, as the rights, interests and
honor of the State, and of the rhoie South
shall demand" And also further, adopted a
resolution approving Of the course ol those
Southern Members Of Congress, who refused
to rote for Speaker, at all tainted upon the
subject of Slavery.
The Southern Members of Congress in the
session Immediately following our own, pub
lished an address directed to the people of the
South. recommending in the strongest terms,
concert of action, and union, as the only hope.
This Address was responded to with great
uuanimity of leelingby the people Of this State,
and throughout many portions OF the Southern
States. This gave rise to the Southern Associ-
a,ions, which were originally intended to embo-
DIV the whole South, and to produce Co-opcra-
ton. That such was the purpose, the name
itself would imply y-Souihern Rights Associa.
Gons. The Nashville Convention met after
wards, composed of delegates from all the
Southern States, except perhaps North Carroll
ma. and that Convention recommend South
ern Congress; up to this point, Cooperation was
the basis of action.
The election Of members Of the last Legls-
lature took place. and the only question dis
cussed before the people, and which assumed
heated and partizan character, was the Bank
question. The Legislature met,-the Bank
question was dropped-and strangely that Le-
eislature. without any expression of opinion
6y the people, passed Convention Bill, and
precipitated the election of delegates, by bring
ipr on the election in February, before the peo-
ple Of the State knew what had been done, and
A. :.,,,o ,,,do ,pd heforc even the acts OF