Semi-weekly Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1851-1852, 1851-02-21
From the Charleston Mercury.
PRAISE WHICH IS NOT PRAIS

pRAISE WffiNIf1 10 NV Ihhi.'I.
The letter Of Bishop Capers, published in
our paper Just before the election for the Con:
vention, has been the subject Of comment in and
out of the State. Athome the writer is recog.
nised as South Carolinian, identified with his
native State, in all his feelings, and the com.
ments on his advice are altogether respectful in
tone, thongh the advice itself is considered bad.
1t is asked why, on an issue of principle, a high
minded man should address himself exclusive
ly to the fears of the people 1t is also asked
why, after Bishop Capers had advised and
aided dissolution of the Union in the Method
ist Church, on this very ground of encroach.
ment and unjust interference with the rights Of
shareholders, he feels inpelled to oppose the
assertion of the same priaciples4in politics
which he had asserted in the church. These
questions are asked in South Carolina, but in
tone that indicates no distrust ofthe good faith
of the venerable clergyman. We cannot say
as much for his reception out of the State. His
letter is copied and praised by that portion only
of the Southern press which seeks all occasions
for accusing and deridng South Carolina. As
it goes North it gathers the same discriminating
con1mendation. The National lntelligencer
cannot refuse itself ";he pleasure Of laying it
before its readers" The New York Evening
Post, Van Bureu's organ, concludes its praises
with the following paragraph.
owe copy his address below, which can
hardly fail of having great effect His demand
for a Convention of sober and wise men. instead
of boys, and men half.made, is significant
enough. 1.-THE convention should be composed
of the materials against which he demonstrates
we may naturally look for a counter.organza.
tion ofthe more rational portion of the citizens
of South Carolina"
Mechanics and Lawyers. The New York
Mirror has the following, which shows that
enlightened constructiveness is rising to its true
place in public estcem
"The Bar is no longer the resort of the am.
bilious youths of our country. The mcchani-
cal departments are being prcferred; there are
now thirty young gentlemen in this city, that
have received liberal educations, who are scrv.
ing their times as shipwrights, architects, car
penters, &c. In few years the United States
will have the most accomplished mechanics in
the world. A new class is sprnging up, who
will put the present race Of mechanics in the
shade The union of substantial education
with mechanical skill, will effect this. Indeed,
already could we name some mechanics who
are excellent mathematicians, and acquainted
with French and German, able to study the
books in those languages connected with their
vocations Heretofore fond fathers were wont
to educate their sons as doctors or lawyers, to
ensure their responsibility and success. The
day is past. Mechanics now take the lead,
and in few years will supply the larger por.
tion of tie State and Federal Legislature"
SAD AND FATAL OCcURRENcE.--It is with
unfeigned regret we announce the death of John
Simpson Peden, of GreenviIIe District, who was
shot by Enoch Massey, on Thursday, the 9th
inst. while attempting to locate small tract
of land, supposed to be vacant, which Massey
claimed. He died on Monday last. Massey
has been arrested; and is now in Jail at Green
vile G. II. We forbear to state the particulars
from rumor, as the case will undergo legal
investigation.
Mr.. Peden was gentleman ofhigh respecta-
b,lity, member of the Presbyterian Church,
and much esteemed by his neighbors as pes
ceable quiet and orderly citizen.
LaurcnsuiWe Herald.