The southern press. [volume] (Washington City [i.e. Washington, D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-06-14
Remarks of Hon. J. II. Adams,
Before the Convention of Southern Rights Assc
Citations, in Charleston.


Mr.. PRESIDENT: 1t lis no idle affectatiou, when
assure you it has been with great difficulty j
have mustered sufficient courage to follow our
distinguished Senator Judge Butler) in this
great debateSwhose patriotism all OF US unhesi
tatingly admit, and who is far better qualified,
by superior wisdom and experience, to guide
and direct our counsels; but feel that ae have
reached point in this great controversy, when
mere personal considerations should not be al
lowed, for single moment, to conf ct 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, 1t 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 perva1es our whole confede:acy, and
this l., that so far as South Carolina and the
federal government are concerned matters are
fast coming TO n serious crisis Under such cir
cumstances, whether wisely or unwisely called
together, now too late to inquire, we owe it TO
ourselves, we owe il 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 epitbets and insinu-
atoms calculated or designed to irritate and en-
bitter, let Us have no concealments, no faltering
no clubbing, no resort to phraseology that will
admit here or elsewhere of double or doubtful
construction. Let VA, 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
tion Of that higher tribunal whose interposition
has been invoked, fully yindicate our honor and
restore, fpossible, 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 positions
briefly, without arguing them at length, which
neither my own inclination or the time of the
meeting would justify me ID attempting. ] shall
begin by announcing certain fundamental pro-
positions (which will MT 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 las 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 legisated US out Of
our share OF the common property Of the coun-
try, and we feel that the effect of this egisla-
ton has been 70 degrade us from the rank Of
an equal 10 that Of an inferior member Of com.
mon confederacy.
Third. That under vile pretext of regard
for the right Of petition, Congress has usurped
over the institution Of slavery, and
under forced and unwauanted construction of
The words exclusive jurisdiction" has already
egslated on the subject in the District Of CO.
umbis.
Fourth. That the Northern States have not
only failed 10 comply with plain provision Of
III Constitution, expressly inserted for our espe
,iaI protection, but by vexatious legislation, have
rendered II worse than useless These pro- !
positions shall not attempt to fortify by argu-
nent before this body And fortunately for
bur 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
them, or defend the past acts Of the
general government, in numbers scarcely con-
stitute corpora's guard, and thank God, they
never have had, and trust never may have
,lace in the confidence and affections Of our
PEOPLE. The next proposition ] shall announce,
s to my mind equally clear with the foregoing,
ind shall be disappointed lift does not meet
With rs ready assent from this body, viz: that
ettled purpose pervades n large portion Of the
North TO destroy our property, and ultimately
lsgrade and ruin ~, and that this purpose is
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