Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1851-08-15
VIEWS OF THE eco OPERATIONISTs."
Letter from Co.. J. S. Preston
COLUMBIA, July "a, Is


GENrLEMEN-Y Yesterday received your letter, post
marked the 2lst, inviting me to meet portion of the
citizens of Barnwell, at Barkers Mills, on the
26th inst. While regret that cannot join you, per-
nit me to thank YOU very earnestly for the honor you
have done me in the cordial invitation you have been
kind enough to extend to me.
| agree with you thoroughly in the belief that Csc
parate action by South Carolina, under present circum-
stances" q mean without operation actually estab
lished,) "cau do no COED to cause In which we are
all SO much interested, and may do incalculable evil.
This does not DENY by the remotest inferences the in
dsputabe and fundamental principle OF the American
system of Federal Repubicanism-the Sovereignty OF
the contracting States, and the right OF those
States to interpose that Sovereignty to remedy evils
growing under the compact either by change OF poll
CIV or by annuling the contract. We in South Carroll
ma believe that the evils of this Union has become
sore as destroy that vital principle OF the Conede
raton-the equality of the Staes-hat its determined
policy is destructive to best nteress-and, there
fore that The ONLY remedy for us is to annu the con-
tract. None of US hope or remedy in the Union.-
For one, do not desire it.
We are dsputing among ourselves, then, as to how
and when we shall political connection the dis
solution of which, unless most carefully and wisely
done and at the right time, may be fatal to al we cher
,sh as citizens and patriots. Whether take counsel
from fear interest," or both, land both are commenda-
bic in the patrot) cannot but believe, it South Caro-.
lima acts alone the effort to dissolve the Union that
act will be attended with results appalling to the
temptation OF every man who loves his country-and
that among these results, most prominent and to my
conception most certain, is the consolidation OF the
Federal power, and the consequent early abolition OF
slavery Besides this, am deeply impressed with the
apprehension that, in conflict with the General Gov
eminent sustained by the other slave States, South Ca
rolna would fail to effect her own dellverance She
may become glorious martyrif glory can be predi.
Gated such martyrdom but am apt to fear she will
not effect distinct nationality. Arrogate TO ourselves,
and for our purposes, divine Virtue, and all we hope
for may come without struggle But such seems not
be the order of Providence 10 these latter days. Men
and fight for their rights. Reason first, and
ithat fails then fight. Now it me, thai
al! Alabama
States, have interests Identical with ours that the pow
r OF this interest is GREATER acting in masses than by
segregaton-lha these States have Ike courage, INTEL
gence ard appreciation OF selt-inerest as we have
and if is right they cannot resist the impul-
sion which drives them to unite with us. In this vew
l cannot believe the power exists on earth which
keep Georgia in this Union ten years longer, or halt
that tme unless her emancipation is retarded by pre-
mature conflict brought on by our rashness. Dsunion
reignng through all her vast borders. The
al sound dong familiar to us) Is rouslng her people to
look great political rights which have been fast melt
ing away while they engaged in the petty inter-
ofephemeral partnerships or the absorbing pursuits
OF personal ACKNOWLEDGEMENT.
Mississippi is fast convincing herself that rivers of
her best blood too high price to pay for the
parchment privilege of arresing at Boston mula-
to barber who escaped from Natchez on an Ohio
steamooat-for such s her part in the Mexican acqu.
sition-her share in the 'just and glorious compro
mise" They and begin to feel, there is remedy
but disunon That banner on the breeze-and soon,
very soon, its hosts will be beside ours and before
them the wretched agent at Washington will tumble
like chlds card castle. Acting alone and despite
natural allies, who shoutpgto us to await their
coming, give strength to the weakness OF our foes
we invite and almost drive friends to join them
we make glorious vital cause the sport ofchances
which are all against In word, we risk every
thing to impatient of wrongs which require
for their efectua of patience, tortitude and
wisdom than Of the force and power CT the rashes and
most chvarc courage.
Such, then, gentlemen, is my belief that South Caro-
lima should devote herself now and patiently, to seek
the operation OF other Staeso do this by the
tmen OF her people expressed in their primary associa
tionsby the acts of her most especial
ly by the solemn ordinance OF the peoples supreme
organ now existng--in all honor to use all argument
and solicitation If she fails, sovereign and free she
is she has acquitted herself the world and to poster
ity. Then let her take her destiny in her hands,
and those who now cry for corporation will be seen
and felt in her front ranks.
Renewing the expression ofmy sincere thanks for
the honor you have done me, beg you gentlemen to
accept the OF the perfect esteem with which
| am Your fellow citizen and friend,
JOHN S. PRESTON.
Messrs. Barker, Riley Hogg, DC, Committee.
The meeting then adjourned.
G. W. MOVE, Chairman
c. c. BRowN, Secretary