Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1851-05-22

-vsauie be a.. .-...S.is.., .,,esai ve: But
upon this point, there is no difference of opinion
that we have heard Of All of us, who have ex.
pressed any opinion whatever, are agreed that
armed interference will not have the sanction of
Law.
What other ground is there FOR this expectation
If it be affirmed to you tha. the Federal Govern
ment wiu pursue this course, because she has the
pouer to do it, we would suggest the following in
quiries rs being german to the matter. What have
the Northern States to gain bypcrsecuting us with
war! What incoming pecuniary or civil advan-
tages can be held up to the calculating people of
those States us inducements to incur the vast ex-
pense of such war? What effect would such
war produce upon Mississippi, Alabama, North
Carolina, Florida and even Georgia, (NIr. CoBB to
the contrary notwithstanding y Would theysup.
port this war by contributions of men or of money!
Could their people be restrained from revolution,
upon the happening Of such an event! We think
that candid, and well-considcrcd answers to these
questions, will bring each mind the conclusion,
that IN armed attempt TO control South Carolina,
is distant probabiliiy-or, if it should happen,
that it will tend directly to strengthen our cause.
Others may think differently. Let us all reflect
fully and dspassionately.
Another apprehended result is that our right to
our oUn free port will be restricted and contested
by Federal Revenue-cutters. What difference be-
tween this and armed interference, is the first en-.
quiry suggested. Suppose that sloops of war are
sent to blockade our port, would it, or would it
not be the opening of military campaign! Ifso,
the same difficulties lie in the way of its being set
on foot, and sustained by the American States, as
in the case of direct war; But perhaps the South
ern States would consent to the experiment, un-
der the assurance that no open act of war would
be committed, and that intimidation only was in
tended. And yet, this point. having to be discuss
ed not only in Congress, but before the people of
the hesitating States, would necessarily be known
in South Carolina, and to the world, and the ex-
pertinent would readily be tested, by some mer-
chairman coming to Charleston. Were the attempt
made to bring her to with blank gun, she would
sail on her way laughing at the farce She would
then perhaps be chased, grappled with and board
ed, or regular broad-side would be poured upon
her; and thus would be violated the stipulation
which induced the friends of Truth, Justice and
the institutions Of the South, to sanction the arma-
ment. The supposition that an armament with
such ridiculous restrictions, would be loated to
our harbor, may excite a smile. But upon what
other terms can it be supposed, that the Govern
ment could avoid the reprobation, protest and re.
sistance of several Of its constituent members. Is
not blockade supported by powder and lead, war,
palpable war! Can any sophistry make it other
than war! Would not the object of this block
ade be tosubdue South Carolinal A portion of our
opponents would exult in this deed-but the Just
and honorable everywhere, and especially in the
South, would ask, what do you propose to effect
by conquering this Free State! The precedent
would be an minently startling one. Perhaps it
would at once occur to the slave States that enmi.
ty to slavery the true secret of this inveerate
hostility. Perhaps the desire to settle forever, the
question of State sovereignty might be discovered
to be the chief stmulant to the passions of
sailants. Perhaps, about the same time, 1t might