The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-03-12

msn and myself as outlaws, not entitled to the
sympathies Of the American community. But
will forbaar going as far back 40 the date of
the Texan revolution, and advert to the time
when was denounced for my vote on the Ore
gon bill. Although it. was the Identical vote
that had been given by the representatives OF
South Carolina in relation to Iowa and Wscon-
SIN, and am not sure but other States, with the
very same proviso contained In 1t, yet, in pub
lished speech in Charleston, a gentleman, then
member OF the Senate, now no more, de-
nounced me, and said that ought to be held up
to reprobation for voting as did Subsequent
to that time---for thought | had paid up for
that--another individual of South Carolina as
sailed me In style suited to his own taste. Ii
was not admired as an elegant literary specimen,
grant, but still ii may have answered his pur-
pose. To that assault replied. then thought
matters were ended, and was in hopes they We're /;
but recently publication was made by an hon
orable gentleman who is from South Carolina,
believe or at least claims an affinity with that
State, and very properly, tool allude to Gen.
Hamilton Being letter addressed to a relative
Of mine who had asked for any suggestions that
might feel at liberty to make on the present
crisis, took occasion TO advert to the letter OF
Gen. Hamilton; and | did il, as thought in n
courteous and becoming manner, without any Ill
feeling Gen. Hamilton responded, and 1t was
but fair that should respond TO him again.
did so, and in the same spirit with which he an
swered my letter to my relative, which rendered
the correspondence between us direct.
If, in my reply TO him, however, inaccuracies
exist, they were not intentional, rs must be
manifest, and they are Of course now corrected
did not expect that any illusions OF mine
would be calculated to prejudice South Carolina
in the estimation Of her sister States. The
general character of my general objections to
South Carolina, however, is not changed. Her
character as an oligarchy still remains. She is
controlled by few leading men. Look at the
last election for representatives or members Of
the convention and see the popular expresRn
that has been given by the people OF that State,
and whether the present man9uvres now going
on there are not controlled and managed by a
few of the leading Individuals Then, sir, have
not right to aninadvert upon that State, and
array the composition of her conventions?
To allege that members of the United States
Senate were not elected by the legislature Of
South Carolina was an naccuracy, contrary to
the understanding Of every one; for every per-
son knows that all the States appoint senators
Of the United States in the same way, and |
must be very ignorant, indeed, not to have sup
posed that the legislature Of South Carolina ex-
ercised us many functions as other State legis-
latures
That the people Of South Carolina do not en-
JOY their full right Of suffrage, compared with
the other States, still affirm. Has ever popu.
lar vote been given in South Carolina for the
chief magistrate Of the State! Has ever popu
lar vote been given for presidential eector?
No, sir. Is no property qualification requisite
for electors and representatives in either branch
Of the legislature! A property qualification is
required for electors, or do not read the con-
stitution correctly. These are in substance my
allegations and have they been explained
away!
And, sir, if am to be taught anything in re-
gard to liberty, beg leave to be allowed to Sc
lect my own preceptors. There are many qnali
fieations requisite in a preceptor, and must be
allowed to choose one who has the most Of those
qualifications; at least, must find in him as
many as will induce me to think well of him,
and repose confidence in his ability. What sir,
n TeXan-a representative of Texans on this
ioor--to be instructed how to gain liberty or
how TO preserve it! And is he to 90 to South
Carolina to be taught it? or is he to 90 there to
learn loyalty to the Union? Texans have been
taught in the school Of adversely, and they have
been taught from instinct. They were Amer-
cans like Americans they have acted and like
Americans they win always act They will be
true to liberty and to the Union. 1t would be
pretty thing indeed, to suppose that the people
of Texas, after eight years tribulation--eight
years Of gloomy trial--a little band of Texans,
insulated from the common society of nations,
struggling against eight millions of people, and
million and half of warriors or more, and
still with a heart yearning for reunion to this
country, with all the fia attachment of children
that they should not learn to appreciate their
own condition, and to esteem their renewed in
PRODUCTION into this Union would Ike to see
the preceptor of Texas for the last fourteen
years They have had but one common nstruc-
tor, and that WIS their love of liberty. And !
should be. glad to be instructed if South Caro-
lima has stood in any danger that has not been
common to the whole countrys What has she
done that others have not equally done! For
her losses in the field of battle which were great
and grievous to South Carolina, the honor which
has redounded to her. will be imperishable.-
Gallant were the sons of South Carolina who
fell on the soil of Mexico and offered libation
to their country in the blood that was shed on
the fields ofvictory. | appreciate all that they
have done, but to accord TO them the need of
praise to the exclusion of others-to grant that
South Carolina has led the van on all occasions
where the conflict was most ferce-I am not
prepared to do.
desire not to say more about South Caro-
lima; and in the course that has been pursued,
and which it may be in contemplation to pursue,
will only ray what it may be necessary, out of
regard to my personal position TO say, and leave
the other matters TO rimnate upon when oc-
casion may require a further opinion
Mr.. BUTLER Mr.. President, hope may
be permitted TO say word in connexion with
some of the topics--and only some Of them
which have been brought into this discussion.
And | shall make rather a severe structure upon
the gentemau's charges and remarks; at least
shall not allow him to take refuge in general
defamation from what he has said. The SEN
ate and the country will bear me testimony that
upon no occasion, either here or elsewhere, have
thought il necessary to proclaim the praises Of
South Carolina, or eu,ogize her character
have always thought 1t in bad taste to do So and
have forborne if on all occasions | have
never, however permitted myself to submit
tamely and willingly to deliberate detraction aud
mis-