The southern press. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-09-24
The Result in Mississippi.


The defeat of the Southern party in Missis-
siPpi by considerable majority in the conyen-
tional election, has, we observe, frightened some
of our friends in that State, and perhaps else
where, from their propriety. General QUIT
MAN has withdrawn from the canvass for gov
ernor, and the Mississppian, at Jackson, and the
Free Trader, at Natchez, have announced their
retirement from the struggle, and called on the
Democratic party of the State to re-unite on the
basis of acquiescence in the compromise. We
see no adequate reason, and there can be no nd
equate reason for such precpitate stampede.
We care not whether the submission majority
is six thousand, as the Mississppian reports it,
or fifteen thousand as the submissionists pro-
claim. We believe that the cause of resistance
TO the compromise is right, and that the party
Of resistance, although not majority in Mis-
sissippi, is strong enough, in such a cause to
maintain the struggle with q prospect of ulti-
mate success sufficient for the fortitude of good
men and true. That cause is triumphant in s. &.
it has prevailed in Arkansas; it is advancing
to victory in Georgia. it is powerful in Alabama,
Florida and Texas. In every other Southern
State it has able and influential friends. In
the most submissive of them we could des-
ignate persons Of the very highest authority for
political sagacity, patriotism, and standing, who
are convinced of its ultimate success But
whether it perish or prevail, now or hereafter,
there is large body of the most intelligent and
patriotic men of the South, who believe that it
is identified with the Constitution, and who re-
gard the Union as a curse without the Consti-
tuition. The Southern party is strong enough
in number, in talent, in character, and in pur-
pose, for its own preservation and for usefulness.
The opposition heretofore made to the CON-
promise has been no holiday or frivolous thing.
1t was radical, and il was devout for that meas.
ure was pronounced not only unconstitutional,
but fraudulent and atrocious. And this opposi-
ton rose above and beyond party, and has al
ready resulted in sunderiug both parties in
the South. To turn about now, and acquiesce
in il, would make case of submission, compared
with which that Of the original supporters and
apologists Of the measure would be respectable
and commendable.
Bot we are told that the question has been
made, and the people have decided for the com.
promise. Well, when was it that the principle
was adopted by either party, or any party, that
simple popular vote on subject of public dis
pute settled the question! Why, the Wing
party eontended for Bank Of the United States
fifteen years after majority Of the people de.
cded againsti. The Democratic party had the
contumacy to persist against repeated popular
decisions hostile TO The sub. treasury, and finally
obtained triumph.
But We are told the compromise is unchanged.
BILE. In what respect! We assert that it has
no feature Of perpetuity whatever. II will be
changed by the admission Of any new State
and by Legislation on the Fugitive and District
questions. But whilst IL stands, il is an aggres.
sion and fraud on the South. II is so consid.
cred and so pronounced by the whole Southern
party, and yet il is now proposed that Southern
rights men shall ratify or acquiesce in it-nay
skSll pledge themselves not 10 disturb it-not
t9fedress wrong inflicted on themselves. The
condition Of the re. union Of the bunker and
Free-soil sections Of the Democ attic party in
try on the settlement OF the recent questions by
Congress-" Is there any man in the ranks Of
the Southern party who can do that! IL so, he
can excel as a word-eater the whole Of the South
ern States that resolved to resist at all hazard.
and to the last extTemity-be can excel all the
men who have clustered and then submitted.
And what is the object of this new union
j. il to prevent a violation Of the compromise
Isit TO prevent further aggressions on the South
II so, would not the coalition be most appro.
pirate one-with the Massachusetts,, New York
and Ohio Democracy-the champions Of the
Wilmot Proyiso-the men that send SUMsER
and CHASE, and DIX to the Senate
Can il be office that prompts this new
phase Of submission! Surely, the men who
were ready TO renounce the Union, on account
of federal aggression, are not already anxious
for federal honors and spoils
But whatever may be the motives, or the oh.
jects, the hopes or fears, Of those who are look
ing TO reunion with either Of the great nation.
nj parties, we can inform them that the thing il
in vain,-itis TOO late. As for the Democrats
those who have joined the Union party in the
South, will never all be reclaimed. And as.for
the great body which has joined the Southern
party, II is impossible for them ever to re enter
into party connection with the Democrats Of
Ohio, New York and Massachusetts,.
The Southern Wings will not, os Mr. TooMB:
tells MS, rel in the Wings Of the North,--how
then.can Southern Democrats resume Free-soi
alliance! No this agitation has not been without
any good. II has produced disunion of the two
national parties. And now the Southern party
and the Union party at the South are, upon The
great question Of the day more united, than th'
Northern aud Southern sections Of the two lat,
parties.