The southern press. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-10-11
From the Daily American.
Letter from tho JnnIOr Editor.

CHARLESTON, y. g., Sept II, 1851.
The great secession meeting took place this
evening at Hibcrnian Hall, and has just ad-
journed. Its ostensible object was to ratify the
nominations of Messrs. Ashe and Palmer as
delegates to the Southern Congress, by the
State Rights Association of the Charleston dis
trict. went early to the hall, which is mag
ni6cent building, and the largest OF the kind in
the city. The meeting was called in the Mer-
curry Of yesterday, and was signed by over 100
names, procured in very short time. The vast
hall was filed to its utmost. The officers were
chosen from among the most noted men of the
city, and refer You to The papers for full par.
tculars. Immediately after the organic alton, a
scene took place which | can never forget
Just behind the platform Of the president and
officers, about fifteen feet from the floor, is a
tribune, or place fora musical orchestra, which
overlooked the hall. Suddenly, without the
least warning, banner was unrolled from
this lofty position, upon which was painted the
Palmetto, with the rattesnake coiled at its base,
and above, a single, gittering, golden star. Its
effect was magical. The whole audience, with
one accord, sprung to their feet, and never be-
fore, in all my life, did witness such a scence.
Cheer after cheer shook the building Hats
were thrown up; and the sound was perfectly
deafening Old men, as well rs young men,
participated. I obtained an elevated place, to
ascertain whether the feeling was general The
whole crowd was agitated by the same senti-
ment. 1t was unanimous Never will forget
it. Should it ever happen that the confederacy
be sundered that the thirty-one stars which
compose the constellation of the Union no
longer shed their united light upon the world, /
will look back to this night as the commence
ment of the operation of the power which pro-
duces the result. As gazed upon the solitary
star of South Carolina, crowd OF thoughts
came like flood over me. You can best imagine
them. Sometimes when have better oppor-
tunty, | will endeavor to describe them.
After the introduction of resolutions, and an
address, pointing to secession as remedy for
evils, letters were read from Hon. Mr. Gayle, of
Ala, and Hon. John Forsythe, Of Georgia.
They advise immediate secession. You will find
them in the Murcury and Courier of t'-mor-
row.
Gen. d, F. Jamison, of Orangeburg, was
then introduced, and made calm and able argu-
ment in favor of secession. You will remem.
Der him as one of the delegates from South
Carolina at the Nashville convention.
Hon. Mr.. Black, formerly an ii. c., then spoke
for about an hour.
The next speaker was Mr.. Kite, member
of the Legislature. He is young man, of n
most singular and striking appearance. His
speech was truly brilliant; as fiery as the sun.
It's effect was wonderful. ] have never heard
but one orator whose eloquence created such en-
thusiasm, and that was Mr.. Soule, Of La. The
crowd was swsyed to and fro. 1t rocked as
though tempest was agitating them. AS he
portrayed the wrongs and insults heaped upon
the South, or described in glowing terms the
duty of Carolinians, you could see the fire flash
from the eyes of his listencrs.-lt was the elo-
Quence of which | have imagined Mirsbeau was
capable, though without his Judgment and pre-
cision. regret that ! have not time TO speak
more at length Of the several speeches. When
obtain leisure will try and give you more
extended notice Of them. They were most
warmly applauded throughout; l should say
terrifealiy.
On the conclusion OF Mr. Kites speech, The
meeting adjourned, first giving ninf cheers for
the Palmetto banner. with its lone star.
Disunion is an active, growing, palpable reali.
ty, ana you must so regard il. Il Il madness to
laugh at South Carolina. The seccssionisis are
in earnest. The work Of tonight was not
game Of brag or bravado. They mean TO do, or
try too. exactly what they declare, But upon
this subject more anon. T.B