Richmond daily times. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1853, 1851-06-09
Reaction in South Carolina.

The Charleston Courier publishes the otficial
proceedings OF the public meeting held at Hamburg.
nEdgefeld district, on the 3ls. ult. We have
stated their general character. 1t appears that
the meeting was called by "over four hundred CT
tizens of Edgefeld district to take Into consider
alton the alarming position which South Carolina
is made to occupy by the recent Convention which
assembled in Charleston, and to adopt such mea-
sures as, in their opinion, will relieve tho State
from the evils of separate secession
Appended to the proceedings is a list of a por-
ton of those who subscribed the call, numbering
some 270 The resolutions which were unapi-
mously adopted, are as follow:
l. Be it therefore RESOLVED, That whilst we are in
favor OF resistance to the late unjust and odious leois.
ation OF Congress known as the compromise measures
III the most efficient form, we opposed to the sepa
rate secession OF South Carolina being inefficient
and utterly inadequate, remedy for past wrongs or
security against more threatening dangers in the
future.
,. Resolped That the co. operation of other States
In the South, having with common origin ns
tutlons and destiny is Indispensable the perpetuation
OF African slavery, and that all honorable means should
be used by South Carolina to produce unity concert
and harmony with other Southern States in any orga.
nzed plan OF resistance to the entertainments of the
3. Resolred, That the final determination Of this
question by the State Convention after its adjourn
ment should be submitted to the people of this State for
approval or disapproval, at the ballot box.
4. ReSolred, That the destiny OF South Carolina is
our destiny and that will all the means placed
IN our power to avert the evil of separate secession
at this time, and reckless dissolution OF the ties that
unite US with our brethren of the South whose origin
Interests and destiny inseparably linked with ours
hesolred, That this meeting requests the people OF
Souh Carolina, who entertain similar opinions, to as
sembe in all parts of the State and respond to our re-
solutions.
The indications are now quite conclusive that
the sentiments declared in these resolutions will
be adopted by the people at large. Although they
proclaim a settled hostility to the Union, their prac-
teal direction is to prevent South Carolina from
running herself and endangering The whole Union
by the folly of separate secession. 1t is much to
be regretted, however, that even the most consid-
crate of her public men propose to remain in the
Union only for the purpose of striking more effec-
tually hereafter for its destruction.
Letters were read at the Hamburg meeting from
Senator Butler and Mr.. Burt. Judge Butler ex-
presses very much the same views that were pre-
scented in his Charleston speech. He evidently
feels the embarrassment of his position in advo-
eating disunion and opposing secession and states
accordingly, that he has determined not to mingle
in public meetings at this time. He holds the ul-
innate cooperation of at least Georgia, Alabama
and Mississippi with South Carolina as a result
that may be anticipated from the issues now PEN
ding in those States-referring obviously TO the
fact that the "Southern Rights party in each
propose modification Of the compromise measures
or amendments of the constitution, as the condi-
ton on which they will adhere to the Union.
Mr.. Burts letter is much more frank, as it
plainly tells the South Caronans, first, that sepa-
rate secession will be disastrous to them, and
secondly, that the secession OF other Southern
States is utterly hopeless. We subjoin the letter
in full
ORANGE HILL May 90, 1851
Gentlemen greatly regret that shall be unable to
attend the meeting in your Town on the 3st of this
month, to which you did me the honor 10 invite me-
My regret however, is diminished by the iact that
have recently demonstrated, III the most res0ute and
emphatic manner, against The suicidal measure to which
the reckless and desperate efforts making to
drive The people of his State. heartily with
vou that the people who to bear the burhens and
fight the battles that must result from such Madness
should rebuke the headerg ndiscretion of those who
would precpitale such evils upon them.
lncontestble as hold the right OF secession to be-
those who urge the State TO resort the present
uncture do not pretend to deny that exercise would
probably, involve the State in hostile collision with the
federal government This concession is abundanty
made, in The address OF the meeting, which was lately
held III Charleston. | have never doubted that such
conflict would take place il but State seeded and
the assertion ihst have modified my opinion, is wholly
destitute OF foundation. do perceive how apy ra
tonal man dout it. Those who urge secession
regardless OF the other Saes with but four exceptions
admit III without the aid of of those States de,
feat would be the probable result of such unequal
struggle. presume no sane man, of respectable intel
lgence could come 10 any Other conclusion. Indeed,
il is 50 obvious, that unsparlng efforts made
sure that The other savehoding States named ne-
cessaFliY become involved with us-either by having
their courage excited by example, by being drag
ged nto against their will. Again, told that
IL is one mission to save The South from the doom that
mpends and that our first gun will rally The slave-ho
ding States under our banner. l tell you, gentlemen,
drug State INTO our ditncultes. 1t Is pre-
poserous think oft. Would it be manly to do it,
could We must concede 10 the other States, what
claim tor Observation-Disclosures to understand their
rights aud oonrage defend lhem Yes, we must take
Tor granted that they also have seespect, and
that they ards and cravens. am proud OF
she vaor and heroism OF South Carolina, but OF
opinion that other people have these qualities ALSO.
And Isl 10 nay judgment, bad policy 1t is badtaste,
that SouthCarona, Alone nss the spirit and
ihs INTEL gence 10 defend and preserve the common
rights OF all The Southern States.
believe | have The means OF knowing the public
oplnon oil the slave holding States, aud | declare,
with sincere sorrow, that of then nor any
siderable minority in any OF them, Is prepared to
advise or Justify the secession ot South Carolina. As
public sentiment IN the other States, take issue, and
demand the proof know, personally and WE'LL The
gallant and distinguished and true men, tat represent
oil them in Congress, but know man
amongst them that would not stay US from the madness
OF secession Let those who affirm the contrary name
the
No, gentemen we have no hope that
or eoesce any other State into secession al The present
mOnent
ikiuk we should deceive ourselves if we suppoe
should the gratitude oil the So.then States
eTsn their admiration, by secession They Will lei
understand that II is not their battles that shal
fight, their that shall uphold. They will no
ha Us as the champions Of the South, But If the sc