The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-05-21

kemnrks VI Mt DutscS,
Before The Convention Of Southern Righis Asso-
ciahons.
Mr.. President AND GENTLEMEN This is
an occasion that has associated with il In It's
probable consequence grave responsibilities
such AS have intensely engaged and heavily OPP
pressed my mind.
The highest exertion Of human wisdom is to
make good government. To change estab-
lished institutions with a view oil substituting
others in their place, requires bodness, fore
sight and deliberate design. Whilst impnlsiye
enthusiasm may be well regarded as the motive
power, and even wise element NJ such con-
juncture, it ought not to assume the tone OF
proserptive impatience.
indeed, those who have the control of rea-
son, should endeayor to make it an associate
with the dictates of judgement and experience
The feelings which see here manifested do
honor TO the hearts Of those who entertain and
express them They spring from hearts Of in
telligent freemen, who, knowing their rights
are willing to make any sacrifice to maintain
them In taking counsel from the highest i'm
pulses Of their nature, they are impatient at any
suggestion that might interfere with their free
indulgence The venerable Cheves has
been regarded as an adviser of both wisdom and
courage---has presented to you communication
well calculated TO arrest your attention. II is
one that will command, am sure, throughout
the Southern States, profound respect. Yet
have seen that paper meet with the Impotence
Of the great and almost Incorporating ex-
element which prevails here; and even with
some who have, no doubt, taken their heat
from the fires that were knded by his bold
and commanding eloqucnce. Under such init
nations, | might well pause in giving you my
counsels.
We are, gentlemen, in a crisis that calls upon
every one, especially every man who has ac-
cepted seat in this convention, to do his duty
and to give ysu the conviction of his deliberate
judgment No man should avoid responsible
ty, by taking refuge in watchful silence and
prudent neutrality
Many have thought that my official position
would have allowed me to remain away and
take advantage of the current have been
summoned by my fellcw-ctizens to mingle in
the current, and help to guide il, or be over
whelmed by its violence. ] embark with those
who have common destiny with me- The
fate of the people Of South Carolina shall be
my fate--lct what may come, shall stand or
fall with South Carolina, the fond mother of my
birth and my affections In the advice and
counsels that may give, am willing, before the
tribunal of my impartial history, to abide by the
judgment of my countrymen.
1t has been my fate, for the last five years. to
take, as your repre- cntative, responsible part
in the national councils of the confederacy.
have been made to feel the exposure of a
struggling and isolated minority to an arrogant
majority, who feeling the vulgar strength of
sef-sustainng numbers, have resorted to all the
machinery Of a haunting audience and a sordid
press to put under the ban the State whose
representative | was. have always had much
to sustain me in trying situations. NV convic-
ton was, that South Carolina occupied po-
sition from which she could look down with the
luxury of scorn upon trucking partizans and ira
ding politicians, who found it convenient to
assail her to subserve their selfish ends She
has been a stumbling block to many, who if
they had dared, would have placed their treach.
erous foot upon her. | say here. that had
rather encounter all the hazard of debate with
fifty senators, or any hazards that m ght present
themselves outside of her limits, than differ
with single sincere friend in this assembly as
to any measure calculated to affect the dignity,
honor, and rights of our cherished common
wealth.
am persuaded that our difference of opinion
will, in the end, be more apparent than real
may well question the policy of a celebrity that
may be too much actuated by gallant zeal and
uncacuaiing chivary. If, with the more pru-
dent resolution of Ulysses perhaps without its
wisdom, | may be disposed to restrain the i'm.
petuous courage of Diomede, | shall have none
of the resentful temper of Achilles, nor the
grumbing consciousness of Thirsytes. No,
my countrymen, my heart is too much in the
cause you are engaged in to suffer me to do any
thing but what is prompted by solemn duty.
1t is true that the proceedings of this body will
not have the sanction and authority of law, but
they will carry with them throughout the State
all the influence, which eloquence, patriotism
and energy can impart. They will have COM
mitted advocates to maintain and enforce them
AS this is grave conclusion, or one that will
so be regarded beyond this meeting, must sub
init the proposition upon which it is founded.
The Constitution Of these States was intended
by its express and delegated powers to impose
limitations on the department of the federal gov
eminent. For some years these limitations
were observed in good faith and after it was
said thnt some of them had been violated it
was thought that the States, by the interposi-
ton of their sovercigntes, could enforce an OBJ
servance of them The securities of good faith
have long since disappeared, and the power of
the States to interpose to protect their reserved
rights has not and will not be recognized by the
federal authority. All the provisions of the
Constitution intended for the protection of
minority have been perverted by artful eonstruc.
ton, or fraudulent compromise under these
combined influences the Southern States have
not only lost their influence, but will tecome
worse than dependent provinces They will
become prescribed political communities--di
franchised from the high honors of the federal
government, and with their property and insti
tutions liable to confscaton and unprovoked in
vason.
The Southern States can no longer be the
nurse of great statesmen. The ambition of the
eagles fight will be no longer seen--we may
have crows and duckings who will be ready 10
be satisfied with the crumbs and garbage of Of
fee. There are those who will be willing to
make an easy transition to degradation, by be-
ing candidates for the secondary and subordi
nate offices. Suppose there were provision
in the Constitution, that no man from the South
Atlantic States should be eligible to the Presi-
dency, it would not change the present state Of
things. Such clause might as well be in the
Constitution for all practical purpose