Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1851-03-22
The True Position of South Carolina.

We have reason to believe that one of the chief
arguments used by the Disunonists of South
Carolina, to persuade the people of that State to
follow their rash counsels, consists in representa-
tons that she is scoffed at ridculed and threat
ened with demolition by all who do not approve
of the Disunion project. With the boundless
freedom which is allowed to the press in this coun-
try, it is impossible to say what extravaganza of
expression may not have been employed in some
papers; but, according to our observation, the
causes of complaint just referred do not exist to
an extent worthy of serious notice. True, the
frothy declamations of such men as Rhett have
elected much caustic commentary and the var-
GUS violent propositions which individual leaders
have put forth have been criticized with upspar-
ing severity, but we are not aware that the people
of South Carolina have been treated with disre-
spect. Least of all is there just ground for the
assertion that the State has been extensively threat
ened. Arguments have undoubtedly been used
by advocates of the Union, TO show that no State
can expect TO withdraw from the Confederacy
without mourning the Inconvenience OF war; but
such reasoning was inseparable from the nature
of the subject So far as the national administra.
ton is concerned, all must admit that its course
has been marked by singular circumspection and
forbearance The President has frequently said,
with immediate reference to violations of laws, in
the observance of which the Southern States are
particularly interested, that he would use all his
authority to execute the laws. But, in regard to
the position of South Carolina, not word has es-
capped him, which would authorize her most SEN
siuye cit izen TO take umbrage. And, in ruth, it
seems to be the general tone of public sentiment
in those States which most opposed to dis
solution of the Union, if South Carolina should
determine to secede, to waive the question whether
she may properly be restrained by force, and to
permit her peaceably to learn by experience the
folly of her course.
For our own part, we have not the slightest dis
position, nor do we think there is any such dis
position on the part of the Union men of Virginia
composing ninety-nine huudredths of her citizens,
to speak or think Extensively of South Carolina
We confess we have great respect for South
Carolina leaders and speech-makers, but the peo-
Pile of South Carolina are undoubtedly brave
people and an intelligent people, and if their press
es and public men would allow fair discussion
OF the Union issue, We have no doubt the deci-
sion of that people would be correct. 1t is now
due to them to say that their attitude appears in
some degree, 10 be misunderstood. The State
is commonly said to be pledged 10 secession, and
very broad statement to this effect bya paper called
the "Southron," published at Chariot tie, N. Caroli-
ma, has induced striking and significant ex-
PLANTATION in the Charleston Mercury, from writer
styling himself' An old Nullifer." The /" South
ron" had asserted that, if South Carolina did not
secede, she would become reproach, the Pal
metto device upon the shield OF cowsrdice,
the State tie Falstaf among the States, &c.
The writer in the Mercury asserts without
fear of contradiction, that the Legislature of
Souh Carolina has never, by any law, manifesto,
resolution, or act, or deed, whatsoever, taken any
such position proud stand.' He proceeds
TO say:
She began her opposition to FEDERAL aggreasions by
declaring that she would not arrogate 10 herself the po
stion OF leader IN oi resistance. She follow
ed the lead, in adopting the resolutions of Virginia po
posing Convention OF the Southern States. She has
sent delegates 10 such Convention. Size has coun-
SEIZED with other STATES and s still pursuing measures
10 hold further counse. With Them She has, by her
acts, caused to be understood that she is ready for
secession, Tor any other measure OF resistance in
which her ssrer States OF the South shall agree to co.
operate But she hasyet adopted measure, put forth
no declaration 10 Indicate. that she will act independ
emily OF their counses operation On the contra
ry the last session OF her Legislature she inv
ed the other Southern States to meet her for further
Joint elaboration, and appoint delegates to Convention
TO be called Tor this purpose. She simultaneously pass
ed law calling Convention OF the people oil her own
State, or the purpose, the first place. of taking into
consideration the proceedings and recommendations oil
Congress OF the slaveholdng Statesi the same shall
aud be held; and tor the further purpose of ia
King into consideration the general welfare OF this State
10 view OF her relations to the laws and government Of
the United States and hereupon to take that the
commonwealth OF South Carolina shall suffer no detri-
ment, and in this very law she declares in relation TO
her delegates to the Southern Convention that tn are
entrusted with full power and authority to deliberate
n conference with the other States with the view and
intention of arresting further aggressons and if posi-
bic OF restoring the Constitutional rights of the South
and not, 10 recommend due provision tor their future
safety and Independence.
1t needs no argument to show that by the above en-
actmsns State stands pledged to hold conference
10 the first instance with the other saveholdng Staes
and that the rst end object n this conference
deliberate with view to arrest further aegfessons and
10 restore tie Constitutional rights OF the South the
nights OF the South under he Constitution and in the Uni
Ca Ii TINS cannot be done, then other
be devised tor security but what they be our
State has never announced and 10 pursue any other
specific measure she therefore does not stand Pledged
1t ls true mas been eroneousy supposed that the cal
ling of Convention OF the people of this State was
done with view 10 her immediate secession from The
Union; but We have shown that this not the fact
This measure well as that OF armng the State was
as proper gut this State position TO carry into Ell
feet the result OF the Joint deliberations of the slave
States as for any other purpose Should they resolve
10 secede, South Carolina is wiling. ard through her
Convention is ready, to doso.
" South Carolina advocates resistance, almost to
man, and we are not prepared to say that ia
wi she secede alone. do desire that she should
come 10 any such determination Ba, we do say that
size does not stand pledged 60 Of this Uoion by
herself. and we think That 10 adopt any such pledge
his time would be most unwise. Associated az she ia
with other States equally aRgreved and equally brave
shall she assume to disregard their counsels and pre-
oipiatey pursue measures which may loh the very ends
she may aim az She has been counseled, by the mea
sares OF her SoGthera allies, to wait yet longer. Shall
che venture to that. by disregardng this eoun-
eel, she Will gaia their sympahies
We L.. L 4 Nj L.