The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1851-09-23

eel changes in the political relations Of State with
2 confederation Of States must necessarily be
Those who cannot live together in peace must not
part in peace; they must resort TO the right of the
strongest, and fight it out.
Thus the determination Of portion of our fellow
creatures, perhaps our countrym is an indispen
sable preliminary to all great political changes;
and hecatombs must be offered up on the altar of
Liberty before she can become legitimate god
Of
secession, would, in its application to the case
under consideration, leave no resource to any men,
Der Of this confederation, under the most ntOlera
BILE oppression, but civil war, with all its aggraya-
tions 1t leaves open no appeal to the great tribu
nal of reason, justice, and humanity; the right of
the strongest is the right divine; and discussions
among confederation of Christian States can
only be adjusted like those Of the wild beasts of the
forest, by death struggle. | am aware that this
has been the almost invarable practice Of mankind
In every age and country; but never till now do
recollect seeing it asserted that it was the only
justifable mode OF settling controversies among
States and nations; and it IS with no little regret
see this doctrine sanctioned by one whose opinions
are Of such high authority among o large portion
OF the American people. have dwelt more empha-
tcaily on this topic because consider the right of
secession as by far the most i'm Portant of all the
questions involved in the present controversy. and
the attack on as one Of the most nsidious as well
rs dangerous blows levelled at the rights of the
States, all OF whom are deeply Interested in the
issue, since those who are now the aggressors may
one day, be placed in position where it will Be
their only refuge from the uncontrolled despotism
With regard to the expediency of the Stat, of
South Carolina exercising this right of secession,
either now or at any fut are period, it would, con-
ceive, be presumptuous in one SO far removed from
the Of action, to offer his opinion, or in.rude
his advice. In such o crisis South Carolina must
act for herself, and rely on herself alone. | would
only observe that, in taking step so decisive as
that Of withdrawing from the Union, unanimity
uo horc 81 athsuo arIv oh
ing it, seems indispensable. IL appears, however,
that many distinguished men among you, whose
reputation is national, whose opinions are entitled
to great weight, and who have heretofore taken the
lead in opposing the compromise, believe that the
time for secession has not yet come; that the coope-
ration OF at least majority of the Southern States
is absolutely necessary to the successful issue of
such measure; that it is best to wait for further
injuries, or at least to see whether they will be
attempted, and, if So whether they will produce
such cooperation. Those whose views coincide
with the resolutions adopted by your association,
the other hand believe that immediate secession,
or secession after waiting reasonable time for
the cooperation Of other States is indispensable to
the safety and honor of the State Of South Carolina
Which Of these parties will eventually predominant
remains to be SEEM and until that is dec ded, shall
content myself with asserting the right Of secession
leaving the expediency of its exercise to be decided
by the result. Should it be found that very con-
siderable minority is not only opposed, but will re-
sist resort to this remedy for their grievances,
conceive its immediate adoption would be ardous
in the extreme. But, when great in .erests are at
stake, much should be rsked in their preservation.
For myself, will only say, that were citizen of
South Carolina, any other Southern State trus:
should not be found among those who after placing
themselves in front of the battle, and leading their
followers into position whence they could not
treat without dishonor, retired from the field only
it would seem, to see if the enemy would pursue
them.
A few words more, gentlemen, in order that
may not be misunderstood or misrepresented and
will no longer trespass on your time patience.
If | know myself and the innermost feelings of my
heart, am better friend to the Union than many
Of those who while loudly protesting their DEVOTION
are steadily pursuing course OF policy that has
already alienated considerable portion of its
citizens, and will assuredly bring about its dissolu-
ton. 1t is under the influence Of this attachment
that have lent my feeble aid in opposition to that
policy. Neither force nor coercion can preserve a
Union voluntarily formed on the basis of perfect
equality; nor do believe it possible to preserve
perpetuate this confeder alton by any attempts to
extend the powers Of the general government be-
yond the limits prescribed by the constitution,
strictly construed agreeaby to its letter and spirit
The first attempt to coerce any one of its members
will be the handwriting the WALL predicting the
speedy and certain fate Of the Union. 1t is not to
be presumed that great States, many of them equal
in extent to powerful kingdoms, AMI inhabited by
increasing millions of freemen, jealous Of their
rights, brave, high. spirited and energetic, be
held together except by voluntary cohesion.
This confederation may be likened to the great
system of the universe and it is only by the benign
and gentle influence Of attraction that the bright
orbits. Those who attempt to bride or spur them
WILL in the end, fare like the rash fosl who aspired
to direct the chariot of the sun.
am, gentlemen, your obedient servant,
To F. d. Richardson. H. H. Raymond, w. H.
Peronneau, committee, &c, Sc, Charleston, South
Carolina.
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