The Abbeville banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1847-1869, 1851-07-09

init, understand all those who hold thi
language, to mean that the State shall, with
in reasonable time, adopt some such prac
tical, efficient and decisive mode of resist
ance, as will justify the use Of all her rights
and resources, to relieve herself from the in
juries which have heretofore been inflicted
upon her.
Such is the seed we have sown. Are We
prepared to eat the fruit which it offers tc
our lipsa
Mr.. President, this is not the commence
ment of q new controversy. We are in the
midst of our old and long.pending contest
and our ground has already been taken.-
We must advance. We are advancing,
We cannot close our eyes to the past. What
has been done cannot be undone. The State,
under the guidance aud direction of her con.
stituted authorities, has already taken the
initiative, and entered on important meas
ures. A Convention of the people has been
ordered and elected, and large supplies have
been demanded and are in the course of ex-
penditure.
Although I have heard objections made
to the course of our Legislature on these
subjects, yet it has never been repudiated by
thepeople. That most delicate power which
every faithful representative exercises with q
sParlng hand-the taxing power-was free
lyt exercised and rs freely responded to by
an earnest and intelligent people, who well
understood for what purposes their money
was de1uandedd. Il Is now eeoTe too ,,t,
! repeat, to retrace the past. What has
been done, has deliberately been done-and
deliberately confirmed. The people have
determined TO put the State upon her SOW
ereignty in Convention assembled, and to
furnish her with the means of maintaining
and defending her final judgment. Into the
hands of that august tribunal, the honor,
the liberty, and the safety of the State have
been committed, and by its decision al! must
be prepared to abide.
Such, then, are the undisguised sentiments
and purposes of the people of South Caro-
lima, and such the present attitude of the
State before the world.
Thus far have we advanced with almost
perfect unanimity. Thus far have events
been allowed to progress without scarcely
any organized opposition.
For the present position Of the State then.
we are all responsible. No appeal has been
taken, and all are concluded by the past.
From this high position, therefore, aud from
no other, we must now survey the whole
field before us, and decide what the future
demands of us, which shall be in harmony
and consistency with the present and the
past.
Shall the next act in the drama sustain
the unity Of the preceding onesa
In this deeply interesting conjecture of
our public, affairs, we find ourselves assem-
.bled this day, and for the first time our coun-
sells ara divided-diyided too on the gravest
issue which can be presented fol. .onr consid-
Grafton.
4. TO me this division is source of profound
regret. At the very threshold I find myself
called upon to differ from those with whom
4 have been associated all my life, and whose
judgment and opinions l highly respect.
Foremost among these stands your senior
Senator, (Judge Bulter,( whose stern deyo-
ton to the interest and honor Of South Car
olina, have had recent occasion 70 witness
and admire. Yes, Mr.. President, It has been
my lot, day after day, to stand upon the
floor of the Senate Chamber dnring that
memorable contest, whose history Is iamil-
lar to you all, and to observe the conduct oi
that Senator, when after the death of your
great Statesman, he had, single handed and
alone, to contend in your name for the cause
of truth, justice, and the Constitution :
Few, Sir, at distance from the scene osIn
fully understand and appreciate the cares
the anxieties, the heavy responsibilities of q
situation like this, to one of bis proud spiri!
and pure integrity. Well and nobly did he
discharge his high trust, and richly has be
merited your confidence and affection. Bu,
although it is painful to differ from one lex
much honor and esteem, imust initiate hi
example, and follow my own convictions o
duty. am consoled too by the reflection
that though we diverge at this point, we vii
soon come together again, and that whe,
the State decides between us, We :will.cor
daily unite in carrying ont her decision.
Our discussions thus far have brought d
to the consideration Of two leading measures
both pro saing TO have the same end i,
view. Befofe entering on the conaid4ratiol
Of these measures, allow me to cay, that
understand sit 10 be the general Judgment G
this assembly that the legislature, atils mex
regular session. should appoint time ior il
meeting sof the consiituhtiona L Conyspt;o
which Was slsetsd I'd Fsbfnasy Last under il
direction. Nosoneithat J. am aHarsso ,,pre
poses that the Legislature should dsclip
this Office. sAs the term 81 service 3of q
ptesent Legislature viii expire on 5tlie secon
Monday ins October, 1855, a presume, IS
!. matter Of couns, that the meeting ofsth
j Couvsntiop Mill be fixed a. some pasiods sal
, terror 10 that day. Assuming, then, flh.
TIE Cohssi,t; mi 66s ID ssssiou islns In
6etNses thst tIsg JNnulsyS eAdS ithsss sIst est
bsr; 1861, ~ fssasurss iori 10 cord ier1sic
a may be stated hns ~.
i asjst shall South cegetps shsadbn q