Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1851-05-15
SOUTHERN RIGHTs CONVENTION.

WE publish in full this week the proceedings
Of the Southern Rights Convention, to the ex-
clusion Of almost every thing else. There is
nothing, we suppose, that will be looked for by
our readers with moro interest and anxiety. than
full account of these proceedings. twas fear
cd by many, that this Convention would be con-
trolled by Charleston politicians. and others who
take ground with them, and that the meeting
would either result in lowering the tone of the
State, or would break up in ridiculous confusion.
1t was snecringly anticipated by others, that the
asscmblage of such an amount OF con'bustlblc
material, would terminate in some sudden cXplo-
sion, some turbulent out burst Of the passions, at
which the world around would smile in satisfied
dcrision. Neither expectation has been verified
The friends of the cause have had their apprc-
tensions entirely removed, and its few enemies
have had their hopes Of failure, or Of precpta-
ton completely snatchcd from them. We con-
gratulatc the people of South Carolina, upon tile
issue of this important meeting. uaving been
u
the body, we have no fear of contradiction before
our eyes, when we say It was influenced, in all
that it did, by the deepest conrietion OF the rec
titude of our cause, combined with the most
heartfelt solcitude to ensure TIE UNION OF OUR
OWN PEOPLE, and the cooperation of our friends
elsewhere All heated or dstempercd express
sions were sedulously guarded against, both in
speeches and in social conversation. The ques-
ton was discussed everywhere, in and out of the
Convention, with that calmness and seriousness.
which its magnitude and gravity demanded.
The arguments on either side, were listened to
with equal respect, although with different de-
gross of appreciation. 1t was no unusual thing
to see gentlemen of different opinions, who had,
perhaps but short time before, been attacking
each others positions from the rosrum with all
their ability, talking together upon the floor of
the Hall, with the opcnncss and friendliness oi
brothers. 1t tmight have been observed again and
again, that almost every street argument terml-
mated more cordially even than it began, with
smile of abiding confidence in each others homes
ty, and hearty shake of the hand, rs tacit
pledge ihat they would be ultimately united. In
deed, while the minds of mcn seemed powerfully
moved upon by their respective views ofthe prop:r
policy for South Carolina, the hearts of all were
evidently animated by but one feeling, desire
to place our State free from the dcspotism of our
NJ f,iIn 10
his fixed resolve, to abide by the decision CT our
Constitutional Convention, and to support that
decision with all the means God had given him.
And now we fondly hope, that this high cx-
ample will be cmulatcd by the people Of South
Carolina throughout her limits. No cause for
wranglng, or unkind controversy has arisen from
the meeting in Charleston 1t was said by one,
very high in station, and esteemed in an eminent
degree by all of US, that there was no ground for
schism in the Resolution or the Address, adopted
by the Convention. And such will surely bc the
conclusion of every one who will, without pref u
dice, read those Resolutions and the Address
sustaining them.
Let it be observed and needed, that there has
been given no indication of the adoption Of sepa-
rate State action, only as last resort. We are
all anxious for Southern cooperation, we still
hope for it and will continue to hope on tothc
last. AL we do say is, that these hopes being
utterly blightcd, we prefer that South Carolina
shall take her destiny into her own keeping, with
the help of God, rather than finch from the high
ground of resistance, which the whole country,
,cithout dOuJt, understands her to assume
And, if another change has not very recently
come over the spirit of our people. VIC suppose
that the State, with the exception of small mi
nority of unionists, will be found standing fear
lcssly up to this linc This is certainly, the only
ground upon which our people can be brought
together with anything like unanimity. We
make this assertion with confidence; because it
has Just been made clear TO our understanding
We have just held conference together, and have
Ind free interchange of sentiment upon the
condition of the public mind throughout the
State. From all that we have learned, we are
satisfied that nothing less than the course sus-
grstcd by the late Convention, will meet the feel