The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-06-28
From the Richmond (Va.) Republican.
Fourth OF July I'm south Carolina.

Fourth or July In south Carolina.
'sThc Carolinians are sorely puzzled as to the
most becoming way the approaching anniversary
of American Independence should be celebrated
In that State. One writer in the Charleston Mer-
curry suggests that all the fathers in the State should
turn Amilcars, and make their young Hsnnibals
swear eternal hostility to Uncle Sam. Another
correspondent warmly seconds this motion, but
would further recommend that the day be observed
as one of fasting. humiliation and prayer through
out the State. He wants to see charleston hushed
into serious proceedings Of every kind, uninter-
rupted by the peal Of cannon He calls upon the
authorities, therefore, to sec to it that the APP
preaching anniversary be dedicated to matters Of
serious and solemn import. Per contra. third
writer hints that Is probable it will be the last
Fourth Of July which would find Carolina in the
'meshes Of this accursed Confederacy,' the people
should make it an occasion Of unusually great re-
joicing."
We clip the above from our contemporary Of
the Enquirer. We have pondered somewhat the
various suggestions contained in the above, and,
though hints from Virginia pass for nothing in
South Carolina, we will take the liberty TO express
our own preference. We are opposed to the recon-
mendation of the last writer that Gas It ia probable
it will be the last Fourth of July which would find
Carolina in the meshes of this accursed Confederacy
the people should make it an occasion of unusually
great rejoicing" 1t is wise rule never to hurrah
till you out Of the woods, and it would look
extremely absurd to celebrate the deverance of
South Carolina now, If it should 90 happen that, ON
the 18th Of July, 1852, she will still be found, 10
more than probable, in the American Union. Tho
party opposed to immediate secession will carry the
day in that State, unless all the signs of the mcs are
at fault Nor do we agree with the classical per-
sons who would have all the little boys of the State
converted into young Hannibals, and made to
swear eternal hostility to Uncle Sam. The little
L.. A~lx~
with their nurses and enjoy themselves with bon
bons and pop-crackers. It is wrong to cheat
child out of holiday, and much better calculated
to make him "curse his daddy than Uncle Sam.
Besides, we do not covet for Carolina the fate of
Carthage. But the second proposition meets our
unqualified appreciation. We mean the one which
recommends that the 4th of July be observed in
South Carolina cas- a day of fasting, humiliation.
and prayer" The author of this proposition
might have enforced it by various strong consider
atoms. We think If there DO any State in the
Unio whose political sins demand that it should
fast and humble itself, that State is South Caro-
lima. We shall rejoice to see it go down on its
marrow bones, and, arraycd in sackcloth and
ashes, CRY out "Peecayi Psceaci"' We would
recomdI the severcsF kind Of pcnance, and
would advise Carolina to torture herself thorough
~, 30 ~ to prepare herself by self inflicted pur
gatory of the worst kind to appreciate the exqui-
site blessing of freedom from pain. There is an
other good reason why Carolina should fast on the
4th of July and tn at is because she is eastng all
the rest of the year. The disorders of her system
have arisen from too full habit. Cotton, At thir-
teen cents pound, has gorged her with prosperi-
ty. Champagne, nvass-back, turtle, and oys :
tiers have overcharged the bood-vesscls. A fast 10
excellent remedy for replstion, a. well as avail
liable aid OF peni tence. We therefore hope this
suggestion will be adopted. and carried out in good
faith, TO prevent the dcvotecs hereafter from
feeling any disposition to quarrel with the goods
which the gods provide them
In other parts Of the Union, however, the 4th Of
July next may well be celebrated as high festival
and holiday. The past year has witnessed the de-
liverance of the Republic from greater dangers
than any which have assailed her since the estab-
lishmcnt of her independence. When the sun set
on the last anniversary of her deliverance, it
doubtful whether the sun of another 4th of July
would ever again arise on q united country. Men
observed that day with fear and trembling.
with hushed voices and gentle footsteps, as they
would commemorate tho birthday of a father
whom disease was threatening to remove from
them forever. They gnzed sadly Upon the nation
al banner they thought how soon its constella-
ton might be qucnched forever; their recollection
of past glory was bitter, for all its precious
fruits were at stake; and the Future, which ina
gination had once painted in the most gorgeous
hucs Of power and prosperity, was now mid
| night sea, tempest-tost and starless, from which
wailings, like those Of Lost mariners, seemed To
como up with every breeze. Well might such a
day have been changed from feast into =,
| Flow different now the scene The clouda Of %
full doubt have disappeared; the endangered rights
of the South have been vindcated, and system oil
measures established upon which the mass of her
people regard Il ~ safe and honorable to abide.
Tho danger Of disunon and of civil war has passed
away. But for the wise councils which have pre-
vailed these fields which now smile with luxuriant
harvepts might at this moment be trsmpled down
| by contending squadrons; these busy cities con-
sumsd with fire; these habitations, now echoinG
with joy and mirth, desoate and hung viii