The southern press., 1851-07-07
SUBSTANCE OF THE
Rcmarks Of Hen. Willlan CeIceek,

eUBaTAAcR OF THE
Renarks Of Hen. Willlan Celesek,
Delivered before the Convention Of southern
Rights Authorizations, assembled in The Miiikayy
Hall, Chavleston. $. C., May z, 1851.
i Mr.. President and Gentlemen Of the Conven-
ton; If stranger should enter this hall. and
see this unusually large assembage Of citizens
from all part OF the Stats, composed az it is in q
great degree, Of her wealth, Intelligence, and in
huence, he would at once come to the conclu-
sion that some subject fur beyond the circle
of ordinary topics had brought them together
short time since member Of one of your
local associations rises in bis place, and offers
resolution proposing that u general convention
of all the associations in the State should be
held in this city for the purpose Of consultation
and corporation.
4 In answer to this call, thus unobtrusvely
made, and without concert of excitement OF any
kind, | find you leaving your homes at this busy
season of the year, and at much expense and
Inconvenience, assembled here today to the
number of near five hundred delegates.
This must afford to every one the most con-
vincing proof of the earnestness and sincerity
of your purposes, and of the deep and absorb
ing interest of the subject which brings you
together.
| am aware that some OF our friends, whose
judgment highly respect, are of opinion that
the action Of this body should be confined
strictly and solely TO the objects and purposes
prescribed in the constitutions Of our associa-
lions, and that we should carefully abstain from
the expression of any opinions which might
have tendency to forestall the action Of the
constitutional convention which has been re-
Gently elected, and into whose hands the safety
Of the State has been committed Whilst am
free to confess that these views may have been
urged in the first instance with much propriety
against the call of this convention, still must
be permitted to say that it is expecting too much
of popular assembly like this, under the cir
umstances which now surround us, to tread
this narrow path without touching those great
questions which lie on either side of it, and
which now fill the hearts and minds of our
whole people.
For one, therefore, do not regret that the
questions which are presented by the report and
resolutions now before u.s. have been presented
| for our consideration.
regard this as family council, as meeting
of friends bound together by the indissoluble
ties of a common destiny, and we should con-
duct our deliberations here, and our discussions
hereafter, with that fairness, candor, and good
temper which are due alike to our own charac-
ter, and to the interest Of our State, for whose
| "a
ardent devotion.
In entering on the discussion of the questions
before us, the first thing that strikes the mind is
the almost entire unanimity of opinion, which
pervades this body, and indeed the whole State,
upon the subject of dissolution of our present
form of government. feel myself justified in
saying that it is the universal, deliberate, and
well considered judgment Of the people ofSouth
Carolina, that the government under which we
are living, as now administered, is destructive of
their rights, property and safety and that hav-
ing no hope of REFORM they are under the solemn
obligations of duty to themselves and to their
children, to seek for security and protection
under some other form of government. Am
wrong in this assertion, or do | state the por-
position in terms that are too strong! If | am
in error, then it would be idle for me to say an
other word as this is the postulate of all the
argument expect to offer, and if it be not true
/ admit in advance that my conclusions will be
false.
If the usurpations of this government; if its
entire departure from its original purpose and
design If its hostility to our institutions if its
unjust and unequal administration; in short if
its utter unworthiness of our confidence and
support, are still open questions, or questions
| for reconsideration, then have nothing to say
which is worth a moments attention
If the people of South Carolina have not made
up their minds on these questions or if they de-
sire to reverse their judgment, then let them ex-
ercise the privilege which unquestionably be-
longs to them us freemen judge now, or reverse
their judgment.
1t may be unpleasant, nay, it may be even
humating, to retract opinions long and pub.
lcly ayowed; but it is better, far better, to do
so, than knowingly to persist in error, and to
carry out doubtful opinions into decisive action.
But will not presume for a moment that any
such state of feeling exists here, or elsewhere
that there is any fuctuation of opinion among
our people on the great questions connected
with the continuance of this government. II
repeat, then, that having no hope of reform, we
are all the avowed, deliberate and sincere advo-
Gates of Disunion. For the state of public SEN
timent take my full share Of responsibility, |
and so must all your public men: your Sena- !
tors, your Representatives, your members of the |
Legislature, your public functionaries you your
selves, the people, ALL all are responsible
The sentiments unanimous that South Caro- |
lima must never submit to the past aggressions
of the general government Now, whatever
Specification may be attached to the terms "sub- |
mission" and resistance elsewhere, presume |
they are well defined in South Carolina. BY |
/" resistance" we do not mean mere protest and
remonstrance, bnt something actual, practical, |
organized, forcible, if force be made necessary
for defence. Such has always been the con- |
struction placed by this State on the celebrated
resolutions of Kentucky and Virginia. When,
therefore, it is said that South Carolina must
never submit, | understand all those who hold
this language, TO mean that the State shall
within a reasonable time, adopt some such prac-
teal, efficient, and decisive mode of resistance,
ma will iustify the nae of nil her riUhta and re |
sources, to relieve herself from the injuries
which have heretofore been inflicted upon her.
Such is the seed we have sown. Are we
prepared to eat the fruit which it offers to our
lips?
Mr.. President, this is not the commencement
of new controversy We nre in the midst of
our old and longpending contest, and our
ground has already been taken. We must nd
vance. We are advancing. We cannot close
our eyes to the past. What has been done can
not be undone The State, under the guidance