Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1851-05-08

Commonwealth, rich enough to cntice tho
cupidity Of the world, and too feeble to de-
fcnd her honor or protect her rights-or that
the attempt at secession will be regard, by
the Government Mt Washington, only to the
extent of removing the Custom.house and
preventing the importation of munitions of
war. That we could exist as an independent
Nation, cannot believe, with the history of
the Republic Of Texas before me. IF we
were undisturbed, the natural increase of the
slave population would begct miseries great
or than War Nor do | believe that we
could alone couneract and resist the iDflu-
enccs of the Federal Government, other
than actual force, which would be brought
to bear against u.s. Concessions would be
made to the other Southern States, the mo-
mcnt that South Carolina announced her act
of secession-the tariff reduced to revenue
standard, and every act of Congress hereto
fore known ut the South as I" Federal usur-
pation," so modified or repealed as to ensure
those States remaining passivelv in harness.
Especially will commercial privileges and
federal pap be showered upon our cotermm-
Gus Statcs for the double purpose of quiet
ing them and Furnishing the wandering lsh-
macl 7&tt&
In coming to my conclusions, it is frankly
acknowledged, that my mind has been no.
little swayed BY the significant. fact that alb
the old leaders Of the Notification party,
who arc now alivc-HAMILToN, BARNwELLr
PRESTON, our own BUTLER, THOMPSON, HAM
MoSD, Judge WARpLAw and P1cKENs-alT
urge the necessity Of cooperation. These
men must have merit and ability or5they
could never have taken the high positions
they did on the Tariff and other. questions.
| We are estopped from impeaching their jugd-
ments by the manifestations Of confidence
we have so often given. If they were ever
able to advise, they are competent still. Be-
cause advice is unpalatable it does notfollow
that it Il unwholcsome Our former leaders
cannot divest themselves Of recollections Of
the year '32, when they hourly awaited a
summons to Charleston, at the head of Rcgi-
ments and companies; and after the heat Of
excitement had passed and the condition in
which South Carolina would hare been left,
had but one gun been fired, appeared to their
sober senses, they we'll remember the revul-
sion Of feeling which then occurred, and how
fervently they gave thanks to the Great Ru-.
Ter of the Universe, for aYerting a carnage
which would have wrought no permanent
good to the home of their affections. Ez
perientia docet." And it seems that not only
old Nullifiers have been taught, but that
some old Union men also, have unlearned
their former lessons and are now ,rabid gse-
cessionists. A variety of lessons are taught
by Experience. If our soil had been invaded
it is certain that our people would then have
made a most brilliant struggle. And SO
would they now But courage and spirit are
not the only requisites of success in wars
Spartan valor won only grave Mt !Thermopy-
lac. The invader was not arrested; nor have
we Troczene whence to convey our women
and children. 2.s t,.;.g....e.e,,.
have now, Mr.. Editor, given feebly but
candidly, my reasons for the position [ have
taken, " that the cooperation of other slave
holding States, is essential TO a successful
resistance of Federal tyranny, and to tthe
well being of one State after its connection
with the General Government is dissolved.
South Carolina is in the condition of;a: be-
leaguered fort, in which a council il held to
determine the mode Of defence. It, is not
only the privilege but the duty Of each ofsifs
:inmatHsto give his opinions frankly md snsz
, pectfully,3 and also TO hear those 3ofs0thefs
equally interested with himself. If myiopin>
ions are orerruled my first duty is to acqui-
esce--ny next is to obey with .alacrity any
order which proceeds from the supreme. pow
er Of the State, and this / will do. !.
INDEPENDENCE,