The Abbeville banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1847-1869, 1851-07-16

been engaged in eager strife for party ascen-
dancy. But with US there has always been
a "unity of sentiment" which has emphati-
cally CONSTITUTED us one people," Hence
we have been able to look at these great
questions through a clearer and more coesect
medium, and in this way the popular mind
has been sooner informed and sooner set in
motion. But South Carolina has manifested
no disposition to aspire to the leadership Of
the South. Let the records of her legisla-
ton for the past fifteen years be searched,
and it will be found that she has invariably
preferred to give the lead to others. Good
taste, as well as sound policy, required this
of her. Her notification contest placed her
sufficiently far in the van to forbid her vol
unfairly assuming that position again, and
accordingly she has ever exercised all proper
Difference and respect towards her sister
States, and is even now doing SO by inviting
them to meet her in q Southern Congress.
The truth is, that South Carolina is less
responsible for the present agitation than al
most any other Southern State. Virginia,
Georgia, Mississippi, and Alabama were cer-
talnly in advance of her. IF then she now
appears to be in advance Of others, it is the
result of causes for which she is not respon-
sible. But, freely admit, that if she retires
from her present position she should always
in future preserve the dignity of silence.
She must now act, or forever after hold her
peace"
b, Again: 1t is said that the cause of dis
union is making progress, and we ought to
be satisfied with its present advance, and
wait for further developments-that few
years ago there was Eno dsunion party in.
South CAROLINA, whilst now there is scarcely
any other To .his,@I reply, that if it is
meant to besaid that our friends in the other
States have kindied their fires at our alars,"
shall we nowS abandon our position and ,ex-
pect them to advanceQ Some of them are
now telling us,ssswe want a measure to unite
us-we are beating the empty air-we speak.
to the idl, winds" Let us then give them
oil for their lamps. We have no other issue
to tender but recession; it is the last arrow
in our quiver-itais the only alternative to
submission. ~; ~ ~ E
Mr.. President a state Of high excitement
is not natural condition either in men or
nations. We must not expect to: keep up
this agitation always. The people become,
wearied with long continued and fruitless
exertions; They become fatigued into COM
.: :::! s:3! . a:suggle that holds ont
no, hope Of ifnmediate victory. This, sir, is,
our danger. Let US beware how we lose our
opportunity: { s :.. -
Another objection urged against us, is,
that our friends in Congress from the other
Southern States, have moi, ,conpselIed ssecss-
sion, and Z aiDaPpeaied TO BY my friend and
colleague (Mr, ORR to say if this is not the
case. Ianswer frankly it lis, so far as my in
tercourse extends. But, at the same time,
! must be permitted to say, that am in
clined to think these very gentlemen, who
are worthy of all our admiration and esteem,
would be very apt to make the most uncom-
promising secessionists if they were, as l
wish with all my heart they were, citizens of
South Carolina. In all questions Of this
kind, involving fundamental changes of gov
ernment we generally find that the people
are ahead of their Representatives, and it is
wise and proper that they should be 80. In
the ordinary administration of public affairs.
the Representative may righ,fully assume all
responsibility-but the responsibility Of al
tering their form of government belongs to
the people, aud cannot be delegated. Hence
we frequently hear the remark, even in our
own State, that the Representatives are be-
hind the people on the question Of disunion.
Whilst our friends in Congress, therefore,
very properly declined to counsel a measure
in regard to which they had no authority to
commit their constituents, know that they
will never be found in the tanks of those
who will denounce South Carolina If she Sc
cedes, but that in them we will always find
men whom We will delight to honor. ~
Lastly: 1t is urged that secession will be
met by coercion and its consequent difficult
ties. Now, before proceeding to consider
this objection, must be permitted to say,
that If were contending for the mere ii
umph of aforensic discussion, I should hold
our friends precluded from bringing 'intosthe
argument any ol the dangers or sacrifices
of secession, because the highest authority
| amongst them, one for whom we all feel 4
common yeneration, Judge Cheves) whist
opposing this measure on other grounds, ex.
presslys says that mo dangers and no sacri-
fees can be too great in such cause" But
am seeking no such triumph. The sub
ject, ,forbids it'll am actuated, i trust, by a
higher purpose. will proceed then to con-
slider this objection. II opens,.I admit, "a
most important inquiry. .-.,.s, s..g.; :,
The aspect in which this branch Of the
subject presents itself to my mind has g
ways been this: Will the Administration,
withtbe powers they now possess, undertake,
on their own responsibility, to oppose the
Esecession Of South Carolina in any way or,
supposing Congress to be III session, will they
ash for its authority to coeYe t,s and ff,r M,