The southern press., 1851-10-04
For The Southern Pres.
To the Planters OF tho south.
eeTo be or not 70 be, that's the question"

cuSSslon more COR least attentlOh) lnuh Inc uoc-
uine now universally prevalent that the plant
ers of the South are so mercenary IN their ma
lures that no effort for their agricultural or
commercial redemption (and from that their
politi.aD will meet with success, so long as the
North either for her own account or for the ac-
count of English spectators, have the money
to bride and buy up the planters under the high
sounding name of "trade" and commercial re-
lations !" .natural results" &C., &c, DC. The
position assumed is, that the planters will al
ways remain under this influence, socially and
commercially, while the more spendi lures on
the part of the federal government will secure
the allegiance of her statesmen. That notwith-
standing all her wrongs and grievances, to say
nothing of the actual benefit flowing from her
commercial and manufacturing Independence
she will never make an effort for It. because"
Gas non. believer in Southern patriotism and
Southern intelligence, said to me the other day.
because, they love the Injuries and conve-
nences they enjoy under the present system,
and unless something is proposed extending
these privileges, enhancing these benefits very
materially, you can never move them into
action" "what," remarked, do you not believe
that they are capable OF higher motives; do you
not think they can be actuated by the interests
involved in the future of the present state OF
things" "They may be, but doubt it; am a
Southerner in heart and feeling, but ] am con-
vnced that there is wanting the proper feeling
among the planters, on these grave subjects
It is to them that the South must look for sue
cess in any commercial movement, for they con-
troll and produce the great staple which IS the
basis of Southern trade, a. d though | hope
everything will turn out well, yet apPrehend
that when you come to touch their personal and
hot will find that fhav
love their chains"
This is the current talk of those who are in
terested on the Northern side, or Disguised with
the non. action of persons who sag great deal,
or from indifferent parties who ridicule US with
our ssfiimsy ideas of independence, and all that!
do not believe it. | have enough faith yet
left in the South, to believe that there are feto
at least of those spirits left, who have ever, from
the revelation down, sustained under all circum.
stances her rights. The communicating inHu
ence of Northern and British gold has found its
way to the yery fre-sdes of some, but j know
that there are those left who have resisted every
bribe and every attempt at corruption. Sara
topa and Newport, and Congress, and the Sen.
ate. the Presidential chair &C., &C., with the
false and Turing tales of the buzzing travelling
agents have in great many instances bought
M persons who pretend 10 promote Southern
interests, that they may reap their own glory
But that the whole planting interest is under
mined by their influence is base SANDER
They have confded in those who have deceived
them, and after years Of patience on their part,
and encroachment and fraud on the part of their
enemies, they are now waking from their slum.
Der. The South is now making last effort by
establishing sdirect trade" with the continent Of
Europe, and il they fail this time, who will re-
animate her carcass The subtle scheming OF
athose opposed" has commenced. Visionary
plans by pretended friends, made like sky-rockets
to explode at The proper time; doubtinss-abso-
lutte opposition, procrastination, and apologies
| from our late enemies; these, with counter
plans, active business agencies, extraordinary
tender of facilities from New York and English
houses, are combining to crush this struggle, and
what then !-why to relapse into the old state OF
things.
! Has Il not always been so? appeal to the honor
| and recollection Of every Southern gentleman
q Has il not always been SO" "Our agents,
q our agents, will take care of your lnterests.'
Our agents who are our agents :" Will any
one pretend to deny hat under the present sys'
tenn fhe cotton brokers, factors or buyers or sellers
are The agents # The consumers, and MT Of he
producers-of the manufacturers and speculators
and not of the planters. This is the root Of al
our evils. The planters must move. The plant
ers, the planters must arouse themselves and
combine and act. No sacrifices are necessary OF
required, for you have n staple phich is dliody'
valuable and capable # bearing changes. You
have Cor will have rendered at the Macon con.
vention) the monied facilities Of one Of the rich.
est cities in the world, and il depends entirely
upon yourselves whether You will succeed OF
not. But even were these facilities not in your
power IL England and New York possessed all
the available capital Of the world, you wonld owe
il to yourselves TO make sacrifices. For, are
you not engaged in cause involving your dear
est rights, your honor, and your very self pres
ervatonl Remember that the greatest enemy
Demo- themes had 10 contend with was not Philip
himself, but Philips gold. Remember IL The
Macon convention will be fully attended, moi
only from the South, but also from the North
and by Northern and English agents resident
in the South. but whose sympaihies and means
are North Of Mason and Dixon's line. Beware !
You are approaching great crisis, and take a
friends advice, and rely upon yourseires.'
Your cotton bales proved a good barrier
against British lead at the battle OF New Orleans
let il shield and protect YOU now against English
and Northern gold Plant your slaves behind
your cotton You will have the means Of de.
fence placed in your hands. But, above all things
decide whether your carse is a just, righteous
and necessary one, and u 50, pledge yourselves
10 il by your most sacred konors," and II neces
sary, make every sacrifice for its success, and evi
dence 10 the world that chivalry and determine
ton Is not yetextinct in The Southern character.
ALABAMA.
How TO MANAGE AN OBSTINATE WITNESS
The following extract from popular work de-
scribes method Of managing an obstinate wit