Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1851-07-10
WHO OPPOSE THE ACTION OF SOUTH
CAROLINA ..a

We ask this question now with reference 10 our
outside advisers and our outside opponents. BY
the first we mean our Southern brethren-by the
last our Northern enemies. The first may be di-
vided into two parties, the Southern Rights and
the Union parties. The last may be placed in
several classifcations, the two most prominent Of
which are the Abolition and the Administration
parties. Here then are four grand divisions, two
South and two North. Among these four, which
do we find earnestly opposing Carolina secession
The answer is tie Union party at the South and
both parties at the North. And why is it so We
will give what we conceive to be the true answer
very briefly.
The Abolitionists oppose it, because they per-
stitutions beyond the reach of their controlling
power. The Administration wing condemns it
and is using various exeriions TO preventit, because
it is highly probable that our action will result in
a Southern Consederacy and consequent pros
tration of the political and commercial power
of the Northern States. The Union division
of Southerners are, az Q mass, deluded and bewil-
dered by the tact of cunning and talented men, Oh
the causes then which operate upon the body OF
this party in opposing the action Of Carolina, we
delay our opinion. Of the causes which influence
the leaders and Dire-,corkers of that division, we
are ready to speak now. They oppose Cardinals
course, because they know the direct tendency OF
it win be to blight their cherished visions of FEEDER
al honors and Federal cmouments.
If fexamined, it will be found true, as general
rule, that those without the State who condemn
most bitterly our course of resistance, nre nimcal
to us-have no feeling of sympathy with us-and
have ever, in the history of our government, op-
posed whatever might give us equal advantages
with the Nortl-whatever might clash with the
interests of that section We have then every rca-
son TO infer that their opposition to Carolina
course arises tnot from any drawings of brotherly
love, nor from any apprehensions for our future
wel-being,) but from secret fear that our action
will prove eminently successful. The bare fact
thcn Of their opposition, coupled with the perfect
knowledge Of their enmity, is one argument for
our unfinching perseverance. Forif they saw, as
the result Of our action, Carolnas destruction in
stead of peril to themselves, they would c1ult at
the prospect Of our secession.
But there is fourth division not yet spoken Of
the Southern Rights division. This is the great
and rising party of the Slave States. What is
their position towards us! With fen exceptions,
they most cordially approve the Carolina move
ment. The more cautions among them give us
aid and comfort by denonncing the prospective
interference Of Federal power. The more intrepid
openly declare that The cause of the South is in
our hands-that by advancing we secure it, by
faltering we sink it. None condemn us-all, to q
greater or less degree, encourage us. Here then
is the conclusion. The only party in the Union,
which feels with US, thinks with us or can ever be
expected to act with us, approves, either inciden
tally or directly, our contemplated action. This
is cooperation already attained, and it may be the
only cooperation we will have, anterior TO action
Our choice is between accepting this earnest from
friends and Souherners, as sufficient surety of the
policy of our onward course, or cringing before
the alarums and threats of our foes md oppressors
even to the extent Of submission. Who can hes-
tate which to choose! That the veil of uncertain.
ty hangs, at last, between us and our future, no
one denies. That there is room for doubt as well
as hope, we do not gainsay. But the facts, so far,
give the preponderance to hope. Looking calm
ly and impartialy upon the probabilities of success
or defeat, let us continually bear in mind the
wholesome truth, that our doubts but too often
-'prove traitors,
And make us lose the good we oft might win
BY fearing to attempt"