The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-02-22
For the Southern Press.
philadelphia, Dec. "a.

PmLADELrHIA, Dec. "a.
MEssRs. EDiToRs Il trust you will permit
Souiherner, who has resided in this city for some
weeks, to give his views on the subject now in
dispute between the North and South.
When arrived here, entertained sincere re-
gard for the Union, and earnestly desrsd it's pre-
servation. Since then complete revolution has
been effected in my feelings, and my sympathies
are entirely with the ultra Southern party, be-
cause ! am convinced that the North despises the
Constitution, and is hostile to our interests and
institutions. A strange delusion, fanatica SYM
phathy, the offspring of a mistaken philanthropy
has possessed the minds of the people, extending
its influence throughout all the ramifcations of
society, and enlis,ing in the cause of abolition the
open support of many, and prejudices of ALL Con-
hdent of their power, they seem to think that we
are entirely dependent on them for existence ; so
completely ct their mercy that we dare not act
with independence f; and regard the solemn deca-
rations and warnings of our legislatures as I'M
meaning ebultions of impotent wrath, and con.
scous weakness, 1t canuot be denied, that a few
union meetings have been held in the North, and
some have been found bold enough to sacrifice
popularity TO patriotism. But it is equally true
that these meetings have been comparatively
poorly attended, no enthusiasm has been mani
Tested in them, and larger and more influential
bodies have unhesitatingly given expression to
the indignation felt at the operation of i law,
whose repeal they urge, even at the price of dis
union.
In one word, the affections ofthe Northern peo-
pie are estranged from US, their sympathies are
with our slaves, and in the chemerical hope of
eilecting their lberaion they are willing TO vio-
late the Constitution, and repudiate It's obligations
That identity of interest, unity Of sentiment, and
expanded patriotism which have hitherto sustain
ed The Union, no longer exert their influence, and
II now depends for support only on a vague, UNI
stable, traditional regard, which past associations
have eogendered, present fanatcism is rapidly
consuming. And as confederacy deficient In
life and spirit, mere nominal compact to whch
neither interest nor affection gives its sanction,
cannot offer favorable condition for advancing
ils members in those things which are essential TO
their honor and prosperity, prudence and self re-.
spect demand on the part Of the South, an imme-
diate separation from the North, and the establish
mont OF an independent government. That the
South IS capable Of maintaining separate exis-
tence nay more, that she il rich In all those ele-
ments which have ever been the source of national
power and glory, only ignorance or malice can
deny, and with that energy Of character which
carve out for herself desiiny more glorious than
aught OF which the pen OF history has written or
the muse OF poetry sung. Surely then, rather
than submit to injury or insult, she will not hest
tate TO make an experiment, that will perpetuate
that institution upon which her existence depends
rahouhd IN her prosperity, and secure for her in
the worlds history ga name that was not born to
die"
All that patriotism could demand has been tried
by US m defence of the Union as established by
our sres. We have appealed to the people Of the
North as brethren. We have conjured them by
the ties of consequently by the glorious rscollec-
tons OF the past, and by the sacred obligations of
the Constitution, to pause their Of insult
md wrong. They have 'heard bot Needed not ~
They have "past the Rubicon, !" and the time has
now arrived to assume attitude Of resi- stance,
and TO break forever the ties which have made us
one people. The crisis is at hand now let us say
to them eye shall go no farther" and If they still
turn to us deaf ear, them must fall the conse-
quences OF their contumacy, for we ciA defend
our rights ga, all hazards and to the last sxtrem-
ity.
UnaniDIty among ourselves is absolutely ne
cessary for the accomplishment Of this great OBJ
lect, and that can only be secured by the Sc
! cesslon of some State from the confederacy. The
antsgonism resulting between IL and the general
government, by creating sympathy throughout
the Southern States, would unite them at once
and forever, and secure the success of their com
mon cause. The first clash Of arms would be the
death kne Of the Uuon and tho bitterly regret
ting the necessity, the true friends or the South
would chant pean over its grave.
Conventions can accomplish nothing. There
must be a move on the part of State; the prin-
ciple of secession must be maintained by decided
action, or the day for the vindlcauon Of Southern
rights and honor will never arrive. ! sincerely
| hope and believe separation can be effected with
but little blood shed, for the attempt TO reduce the
seeded Stale to subsection, would lead to con-
ference which, in all probability, would result in
a peaceabe dissolution Of the Union, and the es-
adjustment Of separate governments. But If, in
despite of all efforts, we can neither obtain
justice nor peace; If the North remaIng firm In it'
determination to force upon us ndenities which
cannot be submitted TO, awe OF a sacri6ce Of rgh
md compromise Of honor, if war be its wish
then, conscious that the responsibility 10 not ours
we will unfold our banner TO the breeze, appeal Il
the God Of battles, and show the world that An
glo-6Axon blood has suffered no deterioration be
meath Southern sky,
s CHowAN.