Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1851-01-16

2 ~ =. :: -.S-.r representatives, 1NlS 10 lHe
~ a.nhical and wisest basis Of repre-
sl.---S3e1 * ever conceived of in constitutional
government. 1t was at first adopted rs COM
promise between what was at the time (lS0S)
called the low country and up country inter-
est. In the early settlement of South Caro-
lima, the up country or western part OF the
State was denied all representation; but in
the progress of events they were admitted.
Finally the excitement extended in clamor
for popular liberty, which brought the State
to the verge of Il revolution. Robert Good
low Harper, from the old "96" district,
wrote pamphlet in favor of extending rights
to the up country, that produced intense eX-
citcmcnt. He was elected to Congress, and,
! believe. to seats in the Legislature from Il
.pasiish.and. from SpartaabaEg district, all at
the esdmeeHcH1n terna z-44ff 6eepsSathe one
to Congress, and afterwards moved to Balii-
moro, and became Attorney General of the
United States. Col. Aston, from near
Georgetown, afterwards Governor took the
side of the up country, in favor Of enlarglng
their representation. The great William
Lowndes-thc purest and one Of the greatest
men that ever blessed his country-madc his
first speech in the Legislature on the compro-
mise and the general philosophy of govern
ment. 1t is said to have been, from tradition,
full of wisdom and patriotism. Col. Blan-
dinr, afterwards so distinguished in our State
as iurst. was in that Legislature, and it is
said drew the compromise in our constitution
for 1903, which settled the exciting questions
upon the present basis. Dir. Lowndcs' speech
covered all the grounds with matured Wis
dom, and Col B!andings proposition was
adopted. This is believed to bc brief his
tory of the compromise. Sincc then the
State has vastly changed. Education and in
tclircncc with wealth have gone into the up
per country. Even in slaves the "upper dl-
vision" Of the State has more than the
slower division" And il the Legislature
were to change the objects Of taxation, it
would change representation IN the Slate..-
Below a certain line there is different mode
of valuation and taxation on land, and il that
were cqualized it would change representa-
ton. The Legislature is not confined to any
particular objects Of taxation. Many sup
pose that the compromise was made upon
Slaves bciur taxed, and therefore represented.
Not so at nil. II is far wiser and profound
or principle, and pcrvadcs every form OF So.
ccty that may arise. 1t Is, that taxation ana
representation shall follow each other. No
matter how wealth may change or how it may
be distributcd-no matter from What the gov
crnment may raise taxes-still the principle
attaches, and lis the true basis of conscrva-
tism and regulated liberty. But mere terrific
rial representation in the Senate is L different
matter. Let the Legislature select the prep
er objects of taxation with wisdom and JUS
ticc, and hope the real compromise OF our
constitution will never be disturbed.
We are approaching 4 junctnre in our at
fairs where wisdom and lirmncss may be OF
the gravest Importance to South Caroiina-
4 convention of the people to represent their
sovereignty is to be elected I'd Monday in
February next, and not to assemble for Il year
thereafter; and no man can tell what ques-
tions may arise in the meantime, and what
issues they may be forced to decide. 1t puts
us in a critical and uncertain position, from the
want of distinctncss rs to its objects, and the
want of definite time for it to meet Let
the State he sure as 10 the men acho are TO COM
pose that body.
Our feelings and rights have wantonly
spuncd and dcfed by the legislation OF Con
gress, rs well as by our co-States in the Con-
federacy. We have great conflict 10 meet
sooner or later. It is contest between two
distinct orders of civilization-the one rest,
inc upon the basis of free soil and individual
equality and the other resting upon dedes domestic saS
society becomes pressed down into its differ
ent ciassifcalions, this conflict will become
deadly. 1t will be struggle for power on
one hand and for existence on the other
Those who suppose that it can be avoided 6y
paliativcs see but the surface of things. 1t
springs from the difference in our social sys-
tens. All classes in the free States, from
the schoolmastcr up to the minister, are train
ed up with bitter and hostile feelings to us
and TO our institutions. 1t first sprung from
the philosophy Of the French school, taught
before their great revolution. ltarose in the
dreams of Rousseau. and breathed forth in