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

HON. R. B. RHETT'S SPEECH.
WE publish in this number, the Speech Of
the Hon. RoBT. BARSwELL RHE7T. 1t is
statesmanlike and able production, the very
ablest that we have had the pleasure of see
ing from our younger Senator Mr. RHETT
had before, given earnest of distinguished
talerts but, we think, not of such eminent
ability as characterizes his last effort.
It's plain and manly exposition of our
condition, and the views of the speaker, which
commands our own admiration, and which
ought to secure to so courageous Represen-
tative the respect of all honest men.
For ourselves, we prefer that men in high
stations should declare their sentiments frank
" and boldly. 1t is wiser to do so. Decep-
tion and cunning are pisiful in great man'
and in the end, always injurc the cause he
cspouses. 1t is very common to hear men Gi
high attainments, comp!;mentiGg the correct
ness and strength ofthc position of a speaker,
and, at the same time, regretting that. for the
sake of policy, he should have spoken out so
plainly. 1t is frequently urged, that frank
ness and dircctness may frighten off the peo-
pie from the support of good measures
Now we have more confidence in the patriot
ism and intelligence of our people, than to
believe that the plain truth will scare them
from the support Of the right. If such is
their disposition, they arc unworthy of free
dom, and are totally incapable of guarding
their rights or of maintaining their indepen-
dence. We have no reliance in men whom
we have to gull into our support, and we do
not desire their aid and cooperation.
Mr.. RHETr marches directly up 10 his sub
iect, embraces it, and never lets it 60. Hc
occupies, in our judgment, the only true
ground. Perhaps, we might disagree with
scrae Of his views expressed in thssssdor Of
his IlaruTe, md wnn ll-tIe IRE Warm,
enthusiastic temperament. But. considering
his excellent argument, as whole, we find
in it nothing to censure or disapprovc. II
will do 10 rally upon, TO stand upon. and TO
fight upon.
lie contends that our wrongs would justi-
fy any measures of resistance by freemen
that we must expect no reparation for inju-
ries received, but continued aggressions in
the future He therefore advises, that it is
the duty Of the South to resist the past en-
croachmcns upon her rights, and on her fail
urc 10 do so, that the only alternative left to
South Carolina, if she means to be free, is to
secede alone, even at the risk of failure and
Of Overwhelming disaster. His remarks very
clearly prove, that the other Southern States
have already acquiesced in the odious meas
urcs of Compromise, and that it is vain
hope for this State to expect aid from any of
her sisters, before the initiative of secession
shall be made, and the contest begun. The
hazards of decisive action are not concealed,
but South Carolina is qdmonished to arm,
prepare, and march steadily forward to the
accomplishment of her destiny, whether for
veal or woe.
He urges secession as our right inaliena-
bic, and also explains the perfect practica-
bility of our exercising it; combating with
strength and power, the argument that our
State may be unable to maintain her inde-
pendcnce and support "A separate govern
ment. He has brushed away the flimsey OBJ
iections to bold poicy-the counsels of the
wavering, and the suggestions of fear, as
=dew drops from the lions NAME
The speech is logical, as well as lofty in
its tone; and if it lacks any thing in discre-
ton, it fully supplies the defect by its manly
truthfulness.
Every man that is in earnest in his advocacy
of State Rights, will be repaid for reading it,
and will want .ar excuse for his omissioh>1o
do so..---'
,Y" The Fairfield Herald, has the fol-
lowing
sit appears to me, that the public men of
your State, so far rs can learn, are inclined
to counsel delay The papers, however. are
generally, for separate action. How is it
with the people.
The above query we copy from the Edge
field Advertiser. in which paper 1t appears in
q letter from its Alabama correspondent. OF
course we cannot say with certainty how it is
with the people Of the State generally, but
of Fairfield we are sure her sons are united
and in favor of Secession from the NortherG
States, Southern confedcracy, Free Trade
and Southern Rights. What say you Mr..
Advertiser.
In reply to our nciglbor, we can say, with
some confidence, that we believe Edgefeld is
all erect, and fully alive to the crisis. We
know that she is in favor of Secession from
the Northern States" " A Southern Confede-
racy,"s Free Trade" and Southern Rights"
and we entertain very little doubt, that she
is in favor of secession alone by South Caro-
lima, before the termination of the existence
of the present State Convention, in case Of
OF. G.!lgrc, within la! tt!!:@2c: 70 oI:2!H tho