The Abbeville banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1847-1869, 1851-05-17

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this the position and wrongs of the State
were reviewed, Her association was one
which involved danger. The abolition OF
slavery was the end 70 place the master Of
the South on the level with that agrarian
rabble of the North. We have no desire
TO- dictate to Others have studiously
avoided any attempt at preceding Others
wei hacs been influenced through this mo-
Etive to submit longer than justice Or pru-
edepce would demand. until our energies had
Ebecome paralysed by procfastination and
endurance. The spirit Of the vassei will not
rise with the wrongs and indignities heaped
upon him. We are losing spirit. Wiiat
we submit 70 now we would never have toll
GRATED ten years ago, nor would the North
have dared to inflict them.
When Virginia once slept forward, South
Carolina with generous devotion planted
herself By her side.a When Geoygia arose
10 resist oppression, she rejoiced at the op-
portunity 10 share in cost Of the conflict.--
When Mississippi called her Convention, we
displayed our willingness to act with her.
We are willing to adopt, even now, any
meastlrs:w which may be proposed, if any be
possible, 70 ensure unanimity or restore JUS
tice and The Constitution. But If these can
not be, we must exercise the right of our
independent sovereignty and meet the con-
sequences. The right of secession cannot
be denied. If coercion is attempted, it will
substitute tyranny of the most despotic
form-a central despotism subversive Of all
equality and liberty. South Carolina will
not suffer aione-sovereignty destroyed in
one State must effect all. The action of
South Carolina cannot suggest such tyran-
ny. 1t must have existence in the present
rule. We wish that the necessity for seces-
sion may be averted, that concert may be
produced, otherwise we must act alone.
Moved that the Report, submitted by the
Committee of arrangements, be printed and
made the order of tho day. when the meet
ing adjourned.
CHARLEroN, WEDNESDAY, May 7.
According to the motion of adjournment,
on Tuesday, the Assembly met tLis morning
at 10 o'clock.
The business of the meeting was prefaced
by nm eloquent prayer addressed by Rev.
Mr.. Hankel.
A recommendation of the Chair proposed
to the Assembly that perfect order, harmony,
and decordm be observed, and freedom from
all irregularity and unnecessary excitement
in the conduct of the debates.
Mr.. Finley submitted the following reso-
luton:
Resolved. That having perfect confidence
in the constitutional organs of our State
government, that the meeting does not de-
part from the objects in view of their as
sembling, by prematurely making issue !;
but that it be left to the former to decide on
the course necessary for our adoption, pledg-
ing ourselves to abide their decision, whether
secession or aught else.
The order of the day was taken up by
the Report Committee.
Col. Gregg addressed the meeting in favor
of the various resolutions presented. He
said that the State, for the last three years,
had pursued. consistently, certain policy to
obtain the lead or to gain leaders from
abroad. II was impossible to bridle the feel
ing Of indignation against hostile encroach-
ments-a change is necessary. The hope
of cooperation, no stronger since November
last, VIC have been discouraged from reliance
on our sister States. Virginia and Georgia
had withdrawn from their position; even
Mississippi was considered doubtful BY some.
He hoped that the power of the resistance
party in that State would control its policy.
If this is not done, and ali hopes fail, we
must move alone. Mr.. Gregg thought that
the minds of the people was made up since
last November, to act alone. Since then
submission party in the State professed to
be gaining ground. He deemed those sub
missionists, who, in spite of injury and In
dignity, hug and cling to the phantom of a
union. II: =
Mr.. Gregg alluded to the different parties.
He doubted the influence Of submission doc
trines in gaining advocates, except among
themselves. The other party was constitn.
ted by difference Of opinion with regard
to time. The question should now be de-
cidea This Is aproper body to represent
the opinions of the people, investing in IL
SELF by representation, ali that is siworth be-
ing eslled South Carolina. Snch step
would Strengthen our catise by an exhibition
Of Gsphess and determination the opposite
course would weaken, by q loss Of conf
dsnce and yaeci1laiion, our cause with friends
III oehsr States. South Carolina ;is the last
hope 81 ths South. '."@'s'.5.. ri .'.'%H
Mr. Gregg further Observed that, II 10 tile
mi1osity, Ws SpAid NOT distract Che State
BAt n thosS WSS0. zee the necessity Of filRifS.
esisahiihh esisahiihh @ bo66G, would act viii us as ole
~ kiSx ID fhia, they viii aayance with
l8 ~ 70 Squsd az isnbmission.
8 iJnassd Stats
ss d Il!!Il. 4 & - g. 3 8 % = -