The southern press., 1851-04-04


capital of the State, thus comments on the pro-
posed mediation of Virginia, as suggested by
some of the Southern acquiescents
SYMPATHY AND MEDIATIoN.-We give in
another column extracts from two journals, the
New Orleans Picayune and the New York Her
aid 1t is well, we think to let our people see
what others say of them--how their position is
appreciated and understood by their nei ighbors
1t is evdeht that the Picayune is pretty well
convinced that the small vote at the recent elec-
ton for delegates, is but little indication Of apa-
thy, on the part of our people, to the great issue
as then was the time, ut the baot.b box, to sta,ny
their disapprobation, if any existed, of the course
of the legislature in appointing n convention
And the Picayune is right it was the CO m Of
| fixe1 and nearly unanimous purpose, nd moi
apathy, which, even by small vote, returned
secessionists from every district, with two OF
three exceptions, in the State
The extract from the Herald is in the usua
| hippant style of the political writers in that
journal 1t is of opinion that Virginia media
ton will be used as the pretext for submission
by our Legislators and people. Both Of these
extracts, in their tone and language, give evi-
dence of a wiltu misrepresentation, or culpable
Ignorance of the position which the people OF
South Carolina now occupy. We must shortly
know whether Virginia will offer the suggested
mediation and it will be time enough to speak
of it when her Legislature authorizes it to be
proffered We think, however, that the prom
nent men of Virginia, if they have given due
attention TO the progress of affairs in tins State
understand too well the deep feeling which per
vades the mass of the people in Carolina to
attempt mediation in an issue where their honor
and interests are at stake.
| A. matter of course, the firm stand taken by
! the people, and the prospective measures adopted
| by the legislature of South Carolina, have
created an earnest anxiety elsewhere in relation
| to her contemplated action. But they evidently
misunderstood the real state of affairs with us
or are deceived by the frequent and perhaps toe
| loud enunciatons of the purpose of our people
They mistake the ebulitions of an honest excite.
ment for the frenzy of madcaps, and the earnest
manifestations of popular feeling for undoubted
evidences of rashness and precipitancy. As far
ms our observation has extended and we have
not been careless or superficial observers during
the progress of the preparatory action of the
State, neither rashness nor precipitancy will char
acterize her future course. And the movements
of the past few months should be sufficient qua.
rantee of this. Rash and precipitate counsels
had they prevailed to any extent, would have
summoned the legislature in extra session last
autumn; assembled convention, and perfected
secession many months since. But whilst firm.
ness of purpose has marked every step the au
tborities Of the State have taken, wisdom and
commendabe prudence have directed their
course.
With regard to the sympathy of her sister
States, we feel well assured South Carolina en-
joys it, and though here and there reckless and
partisan prints, misrepresenting popular senti-
ment in their localities may deny the existence
of any such feeling; yet every day brings fresh
proofs of the falsity of such declarations. We
further believe with the Wilmington Journal
that "disunion must come" and that when il
does come South Carolina must not stand
alone" Nor will she, unless the South, in utter
despair and hoptlessness, is prepared TO give
up the cornerstone of her social peace and com.
mercia prosperity--the institution of slavery