Semi-weekly Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1851-1852, 1851-06-24
REMARKS OF HON. J. H. ADAMS,
Before the Convention of Southern Rights AssOcia.
lions, in Charleston.

lions, in charleston.
Mn. PRESIDENT 1t is no idle affectation,
when assure you it has been with great diff
Guilty have mustered sufficient courage to fol-
low our distinguished Senator Judge Butler)
in this great debate, whose patriotism all of US
unhesitatingly admit, and who is far better
qualified, by superior wisdom and experience,
to guide and direct our counsels; but feel
that we hl, reached point in this great con-
troversy, when mere personal considerations
should not be allowed, for single moment. to
conflict with an honest and fearless discharge
of duty to our country * y-ISS.s.. ~
h Although we have been invited to meet here
for the purpose Of consultation, it is not to be
disguised, that the result of our deliberations,
be they what they NAY, will exert powerful
influence over the actun of that higher body, to
whose assembling, at no distant day, the whole
country is now looking with such intense inter-
est, and in certain quarters, with such fearful
anxiety Nor is it to be disSuished, that but
one feeling pervades our whole Confederacy,
and this is, that so far as South Carolina and
the Federal Government are concerned, mat
ters are fast coming to serious circle. Un-
der such circumstances, whether wisely or un.
wisely called together, now too late to inquire,
we owe it to ourselves, we owe it to our con-
stituents, that we deal with each other in plain
English; that we do not separate without thor
oughy understanding each other; that we in
duIge free and frank interchange Of opinions
and feelings on the grave issue before U.S.
While we should studiously avoid the use of
epthets and insinuations calculated or designed
to irritate and embitter, let US have no conceal.
ments. no falterng, no quibbling, no resort to
of double or doubtful construction. Let US,
in word, endeavor to prove ourselves equal to
the crisis in which we find ourselves, and dis
carding all considerations Of SELF rising supe-
rior to all unworthy struggles for individual
mastery, let our high and sole purpose be, to
pursue such course, to indicate such policy,
as shall, under the solemn sanction of that high
tribunal whose nterpositon has been invoked,
fully vindicate our honor, and restore, if posi-.
bic, security to deeply insulted and wronged
people.
With these general rematks shall proceed
at once to submit my views upon the great ques-
ton before US. | shall state my position briefly,
without arguing them at length, which neither
my own inclination nor the time of the meeting
would Justify me in attempting. | shall begin
by announcing certain fundamental PROPOSE
tions which will not be disputed by any men,
ber of this Convention, and which | shall as.
sumo as points on which we are all agreed:
First, we all agree that any State of the Con-
fcderacy has the right peaceably to withdraw
from it, whenever she thinks proper so to do
Second We all agree, that the General
Government has deliberately legisiated us out
Of our share of the common property OF the
country, and we feel that the effect of this legis-
lation has been to degrade us from the rank of
an equal to that of an inferior member of a
common Confederacy.
Third. That under vile pretext ola regard
for the right of petition, Congress has usurped
authority over the institution of slavery, and
under forced and unwarranted construction
of the words exclusive jurisdiction" has al
ready legislated on the subject in the District
Of Columbia.
Fourth That the Northern States have not
only failed to comply with plain provision of
the Constitution, expressly inserted for our es-
pecial protection, but by vexatious legislation,
have rendered it worse than useless. These
propositions | shall not attempt to fortity by
argument before this body And fortunately
for our cause, there exists little or no division
of opinion in relation to them throughout our
entire State Those in our borders who are
ready to controvert them, or defend the past
acts of the General Government, in numbers
scarcely constitute corporal's guard, and
thank God, they never have had, and | trust
never may have place in the confidence and
affections of our people. The next proposition
| shall announce, is to my mind equally clear
with the foregoing, and shall be disappointed
if it does not meet with as ready assent from
this body. viz: that settled purpose pcrvades
a large portion of the North to destroy our
property, and ultimately degrade and ruin us,
and that this purpose is destined speedily to be-
come the fixed feeling of whole section of the
Confederacy, which by mere force of numbers
can control the action of the Government
Does any one doubt the truth Of this position
Does any one ask for proof of this asserions