Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1851-05-08
HON, R. B. RHETT'S SPEECH.

HON. R. B. RHETT'S SPEECH
WE publish in this number, the Speech of
the Hon. RoBr. BARNwELL RHETT. 1t is a
statesmanlike and able production, the very
ablcst that we have had the pleasure of see
ing from our younger Senator. Mr.. RHETT
had before, given earnest of distinguished
talerts but, we think, not of such eminent
ability as characterizes his last effort.
tt plain and manly exposition of our
condition, and the views of the speaker, which
commands our own admiration, and which
ought to secure to so courageous Represen-
tative the respect of all honest men.
For ourselves, we prefer that men in high
stations should declare their sentiments ffank-
ly and boldly. 1t is wisert to do so. Decep-
tion and cunning are pisiful in great man'
and in the end, always injure the cause he
cspouscs. 1t is very common to hear men Gi
high attainmcnts comr!;mcntiag the correct
ness and strength ofthe position of a speaker,
and, at the same time, regrc'ting that for the
sake of policy, he should have spoken out so
plainly. 1t is frequently urged, that frank
ness aud dircctness may frighten off the peo-
Pile from the support of good measures
Now we have more confidence in the patriot.
ism and intelligence of our people, than to
believe that the plain truth will scare them
from the support of the right If such is
their disposition, they are unworthy Of free
dom, and are totally incapable of guarding
their rights or of maintaining their indepen-
dence. We have no reliance in men whom
we have to gull into our support, and we do
not desire their aid and cooperation.
Mr.. RHETr marches directly up 10 his SUBJ
iect, embraces it, and never let's it go. He
occupies, in our judgment, the only true
ground. Perhaps, we might disagree with
sc,rae Of his views expressed in thsssgdor Of
his 1afuTe; and wIti an the nre OF Warm,
enthusiastic temperament. But. considering
his excellent argument, as whole, we find
in it nothing to censure or disapprove. 1t
will do to rally upon, to stand upon, and to
fight upon.
lie contends that our wrongs would justi-
fy any measures of resistance by freemen ;
that we must expect no reparation for inju-
res received, but continued aggressions in
the future. He therefore advises, that it is
the duty Of the South TO resist the past en-
croachmcn's upon her rights, and on her fail
urc TO do so, that the only alternative left to
South Carolina, if she means 10 be free, is to
secede alone. even at the risk of failure and
of overwhelming disaster. His remarks very
clearly prove, that the other Southern States
have already acquicsced in the odious meas
ures of Compromise, and that it is a vain
hope for this State to expect aid from any of
her sisters, before the initiative of secession
shall be made, and the contest begun. The
hazards Of decisive action are not concealed,
but South Carolina is 1dmonished to arm,
prepare, and march steadily forward to the
accomplishment of her destiny, whether for
veal or woe.
He urges secession as our right inaliena-
Bile, and also explains the perfect practca-
Lility of our exercising it; committing with
strength and power, the argument that our
State may be unable to maintain her inde-
pendence and support "A separate govern
ment He has brushed away the fmscy OBJ
jections to Il bold policy-the counscls Of the
wavering, and The suggestions of fear, as
=dew drops from the lions NAME"
The speech is logical, as well as lofty in
its tone; and if it lacks any thing in discrc-
ton, it fully supplies the defect by its manly
truthfulness.
Every man that is in earnest in his advocacy
of State Rights, will be repaid for reading it,
and will want~ar excuse for his omissioh1o
do so..-'- q !
ly The Fairfield Herald, has the fol-
lowing
1t appears to me, that the public men of
your State so far as can learn, are inclined
to counsel delay The papers, however, are
generally, for separate action. How is it
with the people"
The above 6ucrv we copy from the Edge