The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1851-05-02
Mr.. Rhstt's Secession speech.

al " eSfchesfer.
Mr.. Rhctts Secession Speech.
The Charleston Mercury which reached us
last evening contains report corrected by Mr..
RHETT himself Of his speech delivered at Hi
bernan Hall, in Charleston, on the 9TH of April,
at meeting of the Southern Rights Associa-
tion. That journal speaks of it as ga search
ing examination of the question of secession
clear and simple in its statements not less
clear in its onclusions-eminently practical,
and at the same time animated throughout
with kindiing spirit"
We think, in all candor, that the speech has
much of the merit here attributed to it, 1t is
quite Ineligible from beginning to end There
is no manner of doubt as to what Mr.. RHETT
desires or recommends. He means the disso-
luton of the Union, and the overthrow of
the Constitution peaceably, if there is any
chance for it; otherwise, by war and blood
shed. He means sedition, perjury, and trea-
son. Here is a man who, few weeks since,
came in reeking with treason from Nashville,
and in the presence of the Senate of the
United States took solemn oath to sup
por. the Constitution With that cath hardly
cold on his lips, the same man goes into an as
sembly at Charleston, and invokes the people
Of South Carolina to join with him in the over
throw of that Constitution. Is it not charity
towards such man to believe that he is lu-
natic2 IL not candidate for the asylum-of
what other place ought he to be an inmate? 1t
ia difficult to conceive Of any more shocking
manifestation than is made by Mr.. RHErr, if
we once admit him to be a sane person.
1t is not at all uncommon TO see men of very
weak intellect possessed of very uncommon
powers of elocution. Mr.. WENDELL PHILLIPS,
of Boston. is one of this category. He is a
fanatic of different school from Mr. RHETr,
and yet the two men seem to us very like in
their capacity and disposition. They are both
clever and spirited declaimers-Mr. PHILLIPS
having rather the advantage in voice and
manner over Mr.. RHETT. They are both
bent on overthrowing the Constitution, and
we do not know that Mr.. PHILLIPS has
ever sworn to support it. They both seem
solictous for the honors Of martyrdom. Mr.
PHILLIPS is said to have expressed recently
strong desire to be hung, and how far that pc
culiarty is also exhibited by Mr.. RHErT, our
readers will be able to Judge after learning the
tenor Of his speech.
Mr. RHErT commenced by saying that he
had Just come from the seat of Government
and that he would only speak to the mode Of
redress, for the wrongs, with respect to which
the argument was exhausted. The two expe-
dients for redress contemplated by the last Le-
gislature of South Carolina, are then thus
stated
Your last Legislature looked to two expedicnts
for redress secession from the Union in co opera
ton with other southern States; and secession by
South Carolina alone With the exception of less
than q half dozen members, all the members Of the
Legislature toere disunionisfs. Those who were in
favor OF disunion in concert with other southern
States limited their policy to the call Of southern
congress-. Those who, despairing of the dope
ration of any other State, in favor Of seces-
sion by South Carolina alone. supported the call of
"a State convention Tho latter prevailed by a
large majority in the Senate, and their bill was sent
down to the House calling State convention. 1t
there failed for want Of few votes necessary to
give the two-thirds majority, required by the
constitution to call a convention. On the other
hand the southern congress bill failed also in the
House, where il originated Az all aimed at the
same end, il was soon agreed to pass both mea-
sures. All desired southern congress for re-
dress, II it could be obtained. Time would in a
very few months settle lite practcability, whilst
the call Of State convention would put it in the
power Of South Carolina, in case her invitation
for southern congrces should be declined by the
other southern States, to go out OF the Union
alone. A bill cmbodying these measures passed
both branches of the Legislature by an over
whelming majority-far more than the two thirds
required by the constitution to summon the peo-
pie in convention"
The orator then gravely announced that
southern cooperation was at end. The
governor had sent TO every southern State an
invitation to meet with South Carolina at Mont
gomery, in Alabama, and they were all silent
but one. VIRGINIA had spoken for all, and
VIRGINIA "succumbs.' In this view Of the mat
ter, Mr.. RHErr is much pleased that no south
ern congress is to be held. He thinks it would
be their ruin. South Carolina then, is thrown
back on submission or secession by herself alone.
Secession, then"-Mr. RHETT continues
secession by South Carolina alone, is to be
our policy. Let us look it fairly in the face,
and try to estimate it's probable consequences"
First Of all things on secession, Mr.. RBETT
says that they would declare absolutely free
trade with all the States south Of the Potomac
and Ohio rivers. Ten per cent. duties on inn
ports would enable Charleston 10 undersell the