The primitive Republican. (Columbus, Miss.) 18??-1852, 1851-07-03
Mississippi ece ion
Ehe late Mississinpi Convention. which

The late Mississippi Convention, which
dominated Gen. Quitman for reelection to
the Office Of Governor, says the New Orleans
Picogpae, declared against secession ssunder
existing circumstances They say that,
while no right oan Be more clear o. more es
sential to the protection Of minority, than
the right Of State peaceably to withdraw
from the Union, without denial o. obstruc-
ton from any quarter whatever, they also
consider it the last remedy-the final alter
native" and state that the exercise Of the
right by the State of Mississippi, under ex-
isting circumstances, would be einexpedi-
EN-" and not meet the appreciation Of the
convention.
We need not, however, make haste to CON
clude that the convention meant, BY this Ian
guage, pronounce secession for existing caus-
es. 1t is only disclaimer under existing
circumstances, which is very different
thing. The existing circumstances may be
the deyelopementof public opinion against
secession, the want Of sympathy from the eur
rounding States, and the desire, forced upon
them by these prospects, of delaying untilse-
eession can be made formidable and sure, by
the cooperation of other States, which it is
allowed it will be work of time to obtain.
The nomination of Gen. Quitman, and the
approval of his principles, are the best COM
mentary upon the meaning the convention
attaches to these declarations. Gov Quit
man has pronounced che positive opinion that
a prompt and pcaeeable secession" of the
aggrieved Southern States is the only efec-
tual remedy" for their grievances, and that
in consequence of past aggressions," desig-
mating thereby, pointedIy, the compromise
measures of the last Congress" the Union
of the States has been so perverted from its
original purposes as to render its further con-
tinuance incompatible with the power, the
prosperity or the safety of the slaveholding
States"
The same political leader whom the CON
vention has selected as the exponent of its
principles, states also, with clearncss, what is
the alternative" to secession of which they
speak. Thepast must be corrected, and guar
antees be obtained for future protection; that
is, the compromise must be repealed and the
constitution amended.
He would offer distinct propositions to the
North that California shall be divided on tho
line Of $50 30, and the constitution of the
United States amended. The offer would be
made with little hope that it will be accepted,
and in the event of the refusal which he an
ticipates, he unhesitatingly declares that Sc
cession is the only remedy.
The convention, therefore, speaking thro'
It's selected candidates, is for disunion for ex-
listing causes, as soon it has obtained the
proof to satisfy others that the compromise
will be maintained and the constitution will
not be altered. Under existing circumstan-
ces, it is willing to postpone the fatal al
tentative"
This is the same sort of secessionism that
prevails in some portions of South Carolina,
where separate secession is opposed as bad
policy, nddelay demanded for the purpose of
better combining an extensive organization in
the South in favor of dissolution of the
Union for existing causes. It's nota change
of principle or purpose, but change of po-
sition to effect the same object more secure
/ ly.
Practically, they who make continuance in
the Union conditional only on the happening
of events which they do not anticipate and
pronounce to be impossible, and who propose
to make ready as soon as possible for that ia
tai but certain alternative, are disuniopists in
purpose; however existing circumstances, /"
may induce or compel them to put off the
overt act of secession; and this we trust the
people Of Mississippi will see clearly at the
coming election.
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