The southern press., 1851-08-09

| the days of his childhood--for in Mississippi bs
had always hoped TO make home. In propor.
ton to the veal and prosperity Of the State he
had felt q pride and pleasure glowing in his
bos m; aud in the same respect with her mis-
fortune he had felt depressed. Under that same
flag that had so long waved for the Union. and
under which there had been so MANY glorious
achievements accomplished, he still marched. so
long as that flag was the emblem of Justice and
equality. If he had ever found the honor Of
Mississippi assaed--that honor which was az
dear to him as his own---if he had ever found
her honor attacked or calumniated, he had al
ways rushed to the rescue, as a son would de-
fend the honor of his mother Perhaps he might
be more affected in the disputes that had arisen
than they We're, inasmuch as he was more closely
involved in the struggle, and that he was more
excited than many who lived peaceably in their
homes, under their present temporary security
but II he were more excited, it arose from the
fact that his Tublic career enabled him to see the
treacherous and crafty designs OF the enemies
of the South; and It was also because he saw
the dangers and the difficulties bv which the
South was environed more plainly; but it would
be with deep humility If he had to hear that
Mississippi reprobated his political acts, not for
sacrificing their interests, or submissiyely sur
rendering their privileges, but because he had.
to the utmost Of his ability, defended their
rights under the Constitution, and scorned to
succumb to the encroachments Of a powerful foe.
II was not his wish to let down his constitu-
ents, or to act the recreant when in the face Of
the majority. 1t was for the people to decide
whether they would curtail the power of their
representatives, or whether the platform raised
by State convention, should be abandoned or
supported. He trusted, however, Mississippi
would do that which became her high honor
and her selfrespect, in order that she might be
spoken of abroad as she always had been. For
himself he had only to say, hat his first and his
last allegiance was for the South and Nissis.
sippi. His allegiance was reserved for this
State, whenever he might be called to any posi-
ton where his services should be required. In
the hour of need, whether upon the field or
elsewhere, he would be found by the side of
her friends; he would rejoic in her prosperity,
and in adversely, throughout the storms that
might threaten her; he was with her to the last
Cloud applause.) Her honor was his honor,
and if she asserted her proper position, he was
always ready to maintain it. On every occasion
ne had defended State sovereignty, and if Mis-
sissippi agreed with him, as her son, he still de-
clared for it. Let them, then, have no retreatino
from their original and just position and not
corporars guard throughout the length and
breadth of the State, would wish to. see injured
any one part Of the Constitution If secession
presented the only alternative to social and DO
litical degradation, he believed Mississippi would
adopt the alternative even had her citizens to
leave their widows and orphans sone to weep
upon her fields-(applause.)
To the ladies he would say that their number
p esent on that occasion, sufficiently demon
strated the interest they felt in the important
questions before the country. He believed them
to be in favor of Southern rights On all occa.
sons he was anxious to have the women on the
side of his party; their countenance and their
favors should always be esteemed. In the reyo.
luton for liberty which crushed an oppressive
power, the daughters Of the land exerted them.
selves by every means 10 give assistance To those
who were engaged in the fearful contest. The
mothers of the ladies present, toed for the ia
theirs who battled in the bloody but victorious
revolution; the women of Poland sold their
treasures and their jewelry to maintain the last
unhappy struggle for liberty. He felt pleased
to think the Southern rights had countenance
and favor from the ladies', who were ever on the
side Of liberty and Justice
To his fellow ci izens of Jefferson, he re-
turned his thanks for the honor and kind atten-
lions shown to him. The spot on which they
were assembled was filled with many bright re-
of the past--it was dear 10 him rom
its association; and therefore their o. inions were
always douby valuable.