The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-05-21

by imposing, a. far e. this convention can, M
obligation on the State convention to take the
step ~ soon rs practicable
shall now proceed to state my objections
respectfully 10 this mode of procedure.
The address which has been read contains
a recital Of imposing truths, arrayed with an
eloquent sternness which has commanded my
admiration and respect. IL is both truthful
and rebuking statement Of wrongs and impend-
ing dangers TO Southern institutions. Olher
Southern States cannot condemn II without CON
demning their own resolutions and solemn
pledges. The paper has impressed upon 1t un-
mistakable marks OF sincerity ana deliberate
purpose. It's author, or authors, are ready 10
stand by it, and make it good in the true lnpors
of the terms "at every hazard, and to The las
extremity" BY others, it may be differently
regarded. Some who will give 1t their sanction,
may look upon It as paper OF popular agitation
only. Some may even regard I as the neuceus
Of State party, TO be used thus far and no
farther. | choose to regard it as solemn be-
ginning, that NAV result in. an inn ortant end,
that will deeply affect the destinies and interests
of this country. And rs my friend from st.
Johns has said on another occasion, "we should
take no beginning without looking to its pro-
bable end"
South Carolina to tread her way through a mar
row pass as yet untrodden and unexplored.
Some are prepared to tread it with confidence
and b0ldness, and to find its termination by ex-
perlment--as Suwarrow was said to have found
his enemy by the point of the bayonet. Others,
on the contrary, insist on the prudence of re-
connoisance before the probable termination
shall be indicated.
The object Of the address is not only to put
the State on the track of separate secession, but
by the measures contemplated to commit the
State, now to that determination in other words,
it excludes the idea that the State will have it
in its power to adopt any other measure. The
legislature is required, as far as these proceedings
can impose an obligation, to call the convention
together, and that body then is to put the State,
as soon as it can, on the trial of separate indie
pendence.
In relation to this measure, and others con-
nected with it and which have been presented
as alternatives, ! have nothing to disguise---I
have no opinion to retract no sentiment to sup
press | shall at least be consistent with myself
In setting forth our wrongs and endeavoring to
rouse sentiments of resentment to them, and in
preparing the public mind for measures of eifec-
tual resistance TO tie encroachments Of the fed
eral government on Southern institutions
through the breaches of violated COnstitu-
ton, | have endeavored to do my duty to the
best of my ability, and | have no steps to take
backwards. What steps forward is the question
Whilst measures were under consideration, in
which the slaveholding and non-slaveholding
States were at issue, expressed myself freely,
but with the crcumspec ton of one who was
willing to let his remarks be carried out to their
consequences The representatives of the plant
.r,<v Stofa Ia n
maintaining the resolutions of three different
legislatures, am proud to say, that the resolu-
tons Of South Carolina, compared with some
others, were in terms moderate in tone firm
and in purpose deliberate. All these resolutions
were regarded as mutual pledges and covenants
for the Southern States to make common cause
and to stand by each other. The Southern mem
bers conferred together, spoke together, and at
one time would have been prepared to sink or
swim in common peril They regarded them
selves engaged in common struggle, and
their destinies as involved in common fate
For time the minds of all true men of the
South were lifted above the miserable conten-
tons of party and the jealousies Of neighboring
strife. Under the influence of this suspicious
state of things, | finished one Of my speeches
with high note from the Diomede of the old
Thrteen-our neighbor Georgia" equality or
independence" And say now, if the South
ern States had become united, they would have
made good this declaration They have it in
their power to make it good at any time and
they will be untrue to themselves and posterity
if they do not. shall shrink from no trial that
may be efectual, and sbsll only object to such
measures, as, in my opinion, must result in fail
ure and discontinue. If measures cannot be
devised--as | believe they cannot-to restore
lost equality-an equality lost by measures,
brought forth to propitiate Northern prejudice
am willing to take measures for an honorable
independence Of such States as by their con-
junction can assume the attitude, and invest
themselves with the attributes of national SOW
ereignty
| think, in the first place, that this convention
ought not to take cognizance of so grave mat
ter at this time before there is real occasion
for decision. And in this do not differ with
great many who hear me. This convention
consists of representatives, unequal in number,
of self constituted associations. The conven-
ton of the people, to be hereafter convened,
having the responsibility of decision ought to
be left perfectly free to form the best judgment
in its power under the actual juncture of cir
cumstances that may exist at the time of its
meeting. II ought neither to be instructed nor
superseded by the pre-uelerinliatlOn OF an IRE
sponsib,e body--irresponsbl meanIin anv Off
cia point of view. Such pre-determination, will
make an issue not called for by the occasion,
that must result in popular agitation within the
State. 1t will make divisions among ourselves,
and disclose feelings which have not heretofore
existed, and ought not to exist. In fact, it will
defeat, rather than promote the end contem-
plated To show how it will operate on our
friends in other States, need only refer to the
consequences of movements Of a similar charac-
ter. | say here, that from the time that promi-
nept men in South Carolina intimated purpose
to put the State on the track of separate seces-
sion, in disregard of the cooperation of her
neighbors, they deprived our real friends of the
power of helping US. If they did not altogether
ALLEVIATE our friends from their devotion to the
Southern cause, they gave their opponents great
advantage over them. In fact, Southern party
at Washington, that was fast organizing, was
dissolved. They were willing to move as fast
and as well ms they could. What would have
been their final resolve and measures, know
not But do know that they felt that they
were separated from their true friends by init