The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-06-11
Remarks Of Hon. J. II. Adams,
Before the Convention of Southern Rights A.
Citations, in Charleston.

Before the Convention Of Southern Rights Asso-
Citations, in Charleston.
Mr. PRESIDENT: 1t is no idle affectation, when
assure you it has been with great difficulty l
have mustered sufficient courage to follow our
distinguished Senator Judge Butler) in this
great debate, whose patriotism all of US unhes-
tatingy admit, and who is far better qualified,
by superior wisdom and experience, to guide
and direct our counsels but feel that we have
reached point in this great controversy, when
mere personal considerations should not be al
lowed, for single moment, to conflict with an
honest and fearless discharge of our duty to our
country.
Although we have been invited to meet here
for the purpose of consultation, it is not to be
disguised, that the result of our deliberations,
be they what they may, will exert powerful
influence over the action of that higher body, to
whose assembling, at no distant day, the whole
country is now looking with such intense inter-
est and in certain quarters, with such fearful
anxiety. Nor is it to be disguised, that but one
feeling pervades our whole confede.acy, and
this is, that so far as South Carolina and the
federal government are concerned, matters are
fast coming to serious crisis. Under such cir
cumstances whether wisely or unwisely called
together, now too late to inquire, we owe it to
ourselves, we owe it to our constituents, that
we deal with each other in plain English; that
we do not separate without thoroughly under
standing each other; that we indulge free and
frank interchange of opinions and feelings on
the grave issue before US. While we should
studiously avoid the use of epithets and iusinu-
atoms calculated or designed to irritate and en-
bitter, let us have no concealments, no faltering
no quibbling, no resort to- phraseology that will
admit here or elsewhere OF double or doubtful
construction. Let us, in word. endeavor to
prove ourselves equal to the crisis in which we
find ourselves, and describing all considerations
Of self, rising superior to all unworthy struggle,
for individual mastery, let our high and sole
purpose be, to pursue such course, to indicate
such policy, as shall, under the solemn sane
ton of that higher tribunal whose interposition
has been invoked, fully vndcatc-our honor, and
restore, if possible, security to deeply insulted
and wronged people.
With these general remarks shall proceed
at once to submit my views upon the great
question before US. ! shall state my portions
briefly, without arguing them at length, which
neither my own inclination or the time of the
meeting would justify me in attempting shall
begin by announcing certain fundamental pro-
positions which will net be disputed by any
member OF this convention, and which shall
assume as points on which we are all agreed :.
First, we all agree that any State of the confed
eracy has the right peaceably to withdraw from
it, whenever she thinks proper so to do
Second. We all agree, that the general gov
eminent has deliberately legislated MS out of
our share OF the common property Of the coun-
try, and we feel that the effect Of this legisla-
ton has been 10 degrade us from the rank of
an equal to that of an inferior member Of a com
mon confederncy.
Third. That under vile pretext of regard
for the right of petition, Congress has usurped
authority over the institution Of slavery, and
under forced and unwarrnnted construction of
the words exclusive jurisdiction" has already
lcgslated on the subject in the District of CO.
lumbia.
Fourth. That the Northern States have not
only failed to comply with plain provision of
the Constitution, expressly inserted for our espe
cial protection, but by vexatious legislation, have
rendered II worse than useless. These pro-
positions shnll not attempt to fortify by argu-
ment before this body. And fortunately for
our cause, there exists little or no division Of
opinion in relation to them throughout our entire
State. Those in our borders who are ready to
controvert them, or defend the past acts Of the
general government, in numbers scarcely con- |
stitnte corporal's guard, and thank God, they
never have had, and trust never may have
place in the confidence and affections of our
people. The next proposition shall announce,
is to my mindcqually clear with the foregoing,
and shall be disappointed lift does not meet
with ms ready assent from this body, viz that
settled purpose pcrvades large portion of the
North to destroy OUT property, and ultimately |
degrade and ruin us, and that this purpose is