The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-03-03

su4ko man more ucrrv than visa must cosl.
fess that could not we'll have beloved that the
people of Vermont were obnoxious TO the charge
that John Randolph mads against our country
that We could enter for the cup, of being
the most drunken nation on earth" | thought
cold water ran over the surface Of Vermont with
the copiousness with which the Nile mandates
her delta, cleansing ali the aIluviums OF inso-
briety--that blue ruin and Monongahela hal
been exercised from the limits of the State, not
as adulter ted rotations, but "as the DEVILS
own"--ttat marlborough was moral, as we'll
medical Bethesda, in which some of our hard
victims, even in Texas, might be dipped to con-
siderable advantage
But that there should be drunkars in such a
religious and moral community as Vermont,
which at once detests negro slavery, and as lsup-
pose, abhors whisky with equal loathng-that a
grave assembly, under the influence of both,
should have run muck against" the Consti-
tution of the United States, is indeed passing
strange. My object, General, in suggesting the
Intervention OF Virginia, was that, consulting
the spirit which animated her Legislature 10
1898, this great commonwealth should expostu-
late with Vermont on the proprety Of amend
ing her principles, as well rs her deplorable
habits, Gu phrase which the apostles of temper
Dominion should have made her appeal from
f" Philip drunk to Philip sober" in a language
that could be susceptible Of no misinterpreta-
ton.
| have but one topic more left TO consider in
this discussion, in which hope may vindicate
my claim to being a far better prophet than
ourself:--What will be the future position of
South Carolina in this yet painfully undeter
mined controversy! believe--perhaps because
| sincerely hope it--that she will, in case no
fresh aggressions are perpetrated against the
institutions OF the South, finally defer to the
wishes and feelings Of the other Southern States,
and in a manner pre-eminenty to her honor alb
stain from an experiment 80 hazardous as sepa-
raie and insulated secession would unqnestions
ably be.
believe this must be her course, because it is
consistent with policy ut once enlightened,
considerable, and humane, and at once in har-
mony with the confederate duties she owes to
the other Southern States; for she cannot, in the
physical and moral geography OF our country, by
secession, alter her territorial position. She can
not push herself out of this /" visible diurnal
sphere" she will stand where she does if she
secedes, and touch in contact, if not sympathy,
her sister States, whether for good or for evil.
But whilst affirm this as my belief, am equally
convinced that she will run all the hazards and
perils OF secession, If aggression does not cease,
if she has not single Southern State to unite
with her in her action | warn you of this, as
one of the avowed and boosted conseryators of
the Union.
In such crisis if her past history should not
assure to you the fact that she will stand her
hand, whatever may be the peril, recent events
viii not be without their authority in rendering
this probable.
1t is known to you that our people shared
largely in the opinions of the late Mr. Calhoun,
as to the unjus,ifiable character of the invasion
Of Mexico, g inexpediency of the war, and the
portentous evils which the acquisition of new
territory would inhict on the country. Yet,
Carolina, in her habitual loyalty to the Union,
when the honor of the country was supposed to
be at stake, sent one Of the finest regiments that
adorned the division of General Scott, and gave
strength to his mastery movements, For the
achievements of this regiment, refer you to the
records Of a war in which no standard was borne
higher, or streamed with more glory, than its
own; yet these were, generally, mere striplngs
our grown men mostly remained at home
where they will be found, General, when an
enemy lands on our shores, let hu come whence
he may.
God forbid that the moral resources of South
Carolina should ever be tested by what she is
capable of doing against the Union, with her
physical power, however much this last may be
condemned
This day, consecrated as the anniversary OF
the birth of the Father of our country, is called
lated to excite far different reflections than those
which belong to the strfes and struggles of this
confederacy. Yet we shall find everything in
his example and precepts to rebuke injustice and
oppression, and nothing to justify submission to
manifest wrong. We cannot be made wiser or
better, Gen. Houston, than by lingering around
the monument of this mighty spirit. 1t rises as
far above the level of humanity as the pyramids
of Sisostris assembled above the thirsty plains of
Egypt Its foundation, like those miracles of
antiquity, seems TO rest in the centre Of the earth
its summit glitters in the skies
Protected by the Constitution, and sustained
by Justice and equality amongit its members. re-
gard the union of the States next to the spirit OF
liberty, and the form, of social and civil polity
residing in the States as the first and greatest
human blessings But like all the blessings az
corded by the Almighty to man, it is subject to
be estimated by reason, not to be mystified by q
blind superstition that cannot perceive the evils
which are undermining the very fabric ITSELF
.
Union, however vo.iferous, will not be consid-
cred as the best mode of preserving it, and con-
tinued shouts Of Union Union Union p will
be deemed as senseless and ridiculous as il
would be + public man of your dimensions
to be caught in the streets of Washington play
ing on that inefiable instrument of torture" the
Scotch bagpipes.
The reign of humbug and cam is rapidly dis
appearing; jugglers with fools caps and ostrich
feathers will soon find it difficult to get people
TO pay at the door, and ! feel quite as certain
that we shall survive the reign ofpoitIcal noun
tebanks, as the medical autocracy of Swain and
DIR, Townsend.
believe the Union will survive all those ter
rife exhibitions of emprcism, not by the admin
istration OF doses Of cant or humbug, nfnitessi-
NAL or large but by fearless and courageous
resistance TO every violation, however minute,
of the great cnarter of our liberties,
In conclusion, General, if you desire to make
South Carolina a. peaceful as dove, and that
she should return to her old loyalty to the Union,
remit the Union back to an honest interpreta-
ton of the Constitution. Persuade Congress,
with whom you have far more influence than
myself to nryasf tho dscuo sion ri tho CLAW. nj &C.