The daily union. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1845-1857, 1851-05-22
From the Charleston Mercury.
Remarks Of mS. Butler

Remarks OF ME-. n~tAoA
Before ths Convention Of Southern Rights Associations
thai has associated with it's probable consequence
grave responsibilities as have intensely engaged
and heavily oppressed my mind.
The highest exeron OF human wisdom is TO make
good government To change established institutions
with view Of substituting others in their place requires
holiness. foresight, and deliberate design Whilst mpul
er, and even a wise element in such conjunclure IT
ought not to assume the tone OF proscripve impatence
indeed those who have the control Of should en-
q make an y Inc hS 81 hee
manifested do hsnor to the hearts OF those who enter
tain and express them. They spring from hearts q IN
,slssnt fresmsa Who knowing their nights are ennn
sci from the highest mpues OF their nature hey arc m
patient at any suggestion that might interfere WIN ,ne,
Tree indulgence. The venerable Cheves7who mas peen
REGARDED as an dyse OF both wisdom and couragehas
presented to YOU communication well calculated TO ar
rest your attention 1t is one that VIII command, am
snre throuyhou the southern States profound respect
Yst have seen that paper meet with the Impotence OF
the great and almost uncompromising excitement winch
prevail. hseaad even w.h some VINO nave no d 40 s
hold and commanding eloquence Under such ntimations
might well pause in giving you my counsels.
W. are gentlemen Crisis that calls upon every one
e,peesIly every man who has accepted seat in this
veadono do his duty and e give you the conviction
of his deliberate judgment No man should avoid re-
sponsbity BY taking refuge in wachfu silence and pu
Many have thought that my official position would
have allowed TO remain away and take advantage OF
10 mngIs in the current and help 10 guide it, be
wheluled by it's violence. embark with those who
have common destiny with me. The fate Of the PEG.
Ole OF South Carolina shall be my fate Let what may
come shall stand fall with South Carolina, the fond
mother OF my birth and my affections. In the advice and
counsels that may give am willing before the tribu.
nal Of my impartial history 10 abide BY the judgment OF
II has been my fate for the last five years take,
your representative responsible part IN the national
tha / hava hear mn In fnaI
the exposure OF sugg ling and isolated minority TO an
arrogant majority who, feeling the vulgar strength OF
selsustaning numbers. have resorted TO all the ma
chinsry OF tauntng audience and sOrdld press to put
under the ban the State whose representative was
have always had much to sustain in trying situations
My conviction was that South Carolina occupied posi-
ton from which she could look down with the luxury Of
scorn upon trucking pasans and trading politicians,
who found it convenient to assai her to subseIve their
selfish ends. She has been stumbling block to many
GUS foot upon her say here that had rather encoun-
ter all the hazard Of debate with fifty senators, or any
hazards that might present themselves outside OF her
limits than differ with single sincere friend in this
semby any calculated TO affect the dignity,
honor, and rights Of our cherished Commonwealth ;,
am persuaded that our difference OF opinion will in
the end be more apparent than real may well question
the policy of celebrity that may be too much actuaed 6y
gallant zeal and uncacuating chivalry. II with the
prudent resolution OF ulyssesperhaps without its
wisdom-I may be disposed TO restrain the impetuous
courage of Domede. shall have none OF the rssentul
temper of Achilles, the grumblng consciousness OF
Thirsytss No, my countrymen; my heart is too much
in the you engaged in 10 suffer me TO do any
thing but what prompted by solemn duty. 1t IS true
that the proceedings of this body will not have the sane
on and authority OF law, but they will carry with them
throughout the State all the influence which eoquenee
patriotism, and energy impar They will have COM
mitted advocates to maintain and enforce them,
As this is grave conclusion that will so be
garded beyond this meeting, must submit the propose
ton upon which il is founded.
The constitution Of these States intended by id
express and delegated powers, to impose limitations on
he nf fho fo1o knra rmf
years these limitations were observed in good faith
and after il was said that some of them bad beer
violated, ii vas thought that the States by the in
terposon Of their sovereignties, could enforce an
observance OF them. The securities of good faith
have long since disappeared, and the power of th'
not and will not be recognised by the federal authority
All the provisions OF the constitution intended for tn,
protection OF minority have been perverted by artfu
construction or fraudulent compromise Under these
combined influences the southern States have not only
lost their influence, but will become worse than depend
ent PROVINCES. They will become prescribed political
from the high honors OF the
fedeFal government, and with their property and nsu
tons liable 10 confscation and unprovoked invasion
The southern States longer be the nurse OF great
statesmen. The ambition OF the eagles flight will be no
longer seen-we may have crows and ducklmgs who
will Be ready TO be satisfied with the crumbs and gar
bage OF Office There are those who will be willing "a
make easy transition TO degradation BY being candi
dates for the secondary and subordinate Offices Suppose
there were provision in the constitution that no man
from the South Atlantic States should be eligible TO the
presidency it would not change the present state Of
things Such clause might as well be in the constiu
ton for all practical purpose.
10 conclude the proposition, the federal government
has become desposm OF an interested majority. YOU
will ask why have not the other southern States beer
ready 10 join South Carolina, rather TO into
voluntary conjunction with themselves TO devise
ures for their prolection'
i cannot better reply than by quoting the purpor OF
remark made by Demos,henes, in answer to the re
psoaehes Of Eschnes, upon the disasters OF his admins
aton he SAID he had 10 contend with the three grea
soennes OF free States the jealousy OF neIghborne
the combined love OF pleasure and the charm OF tran
GUILTY."
The southern States have had some elements of die
traction, destined. hope. 10 be temporary. The dis
union party, in reference TO federal politics. has beer
powerful, but, unless am Mistaken must become less
The federal government has Macedonian party in the
So1h-srong for time, through the influence Of Office
and patronage The greatest enemy to the South has
m indsPoson to encounter the hazards of change
A. would be out place dwell longer on topics that
may not be Immediately connected with the questions
mere 10 be dscusaed-topcs with which this assembly il
- Wen acquainted as AMI will 90 directly to the
measure which have suggested the object and end
OF your deliberations That shall tins convention al
this has. undertake 10 commit the State to the trial OF
separate secession by imposing far this
can an obligation the State convention TO take the
step a. soon a. praciicablei
shall now proceed TO state my objections respectfully
10 this mode OF procedure.
The address which has been read contains recital OF
,mposing truths, arrayed with eloquent sternnes-
Sneh has commanded my admiration and respect Il is
h truthful and rebukng statement Of wrongs and
pen"ng dangers 10 southern institutions Other south
GU oM'es cannot condemn j, without condemnng their
C~n 'sso'nuons and solemn pledges. The paper has
osuSlss purpose lis author. authors, are ready Ia
seAne oy u, and make good in the ,rpe nooy, ~ IN.