Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1852-1852, 1852-11-26

enemy but by their own internal strifes. 1t was Toe
plainly seen that any action under existing crcumstan
ces could end in nothing but self destruction. :.
Many bold and gallant heart that had never quail
ed before the power Of the Federal Government grew
faint at the prospect and shrunk from the thought Of
civil strife.
The people had, by large majority. passed their
verdict against separate secession III the election which
had been recently held for members to Southern Con-
grcss. Under these circumstances the Convention
met. The only course which wisdom and patriotism
could suggest was pursued, namely, to heal the
wounds which had lately been inflicted: and re-une
the State. / can but congratulate you ON the happy
result The members Of that Convention, actuated by
la spirit worthy of the palmest days of our Common
wealth, determined to bury all bitter feelings that had
been gene: ated by the contest and act with an eye
single to the good of the State under the clrcumsali-
ces which then existed Nor do / think, i'll eiecting
this great object that any sacrifice Of principle was i'll
volved. The principles which have ever been held
dear amongst u.s. were not only rc-atfirmcd, but set
forth in the solemn form of all Ordinance.
But sincerely as feel the qualification OF announ-
cling to you that the State has been united, must call
upon you to remember that safety has not yet been
secured. The storm which, one day or other is des
tined to burst upon US is still brewing. The great
features of the Compromise, which induced our sister
Southern States to accept it, has been openly violated
In Of the Northern States the Fugitive Slave Law
has been uuied and in all the others it is but dead
l0tter brutal murder OF Shareholder has Decn lnc
result ofan attempt reclaim slave under tins vaun.
ted law The spirit of mischief is working with fearful
energy. Agitation still goes on with ceaseless actlV-
ty. Every element which can he made to operate OH
public opinion is put in action against our institutions
Even that powerful weapon, the literature OF the coun
try is employed to direct its polished out poisoned
shafts against them 1t is true that nothing has been
done by Congress, since your last session. against
which we can complain. Judging however, from the
elements which are at work. and from the history OF
the past cannot hope that this cessation from hos
tile acts against our institutions will he of long dura-
ton. Amid all prosperity, and the still greater
prosperity Which we would enjoy left alone the heart
sickens at the contemplation of that fierce hnatcism
which is at work, and which hangs like pail upon our
future. However strong may be my convictions as to
the propriey Of attempt to stay the coming storm
ly may deplorc the decision to which ourpeoplc have
come upon this subject God forbid that l should fan
into flame those expiring embers by now reconmen-
ding it to you. Our destiny for veal woe, is con-
nected with the whole South. Further aggressions
(which will surely Gomez will convince our Southern
States that the institution upon which not only the
prosperity Of the South but Repubcanism itself de-
pends is no longer safe in the Union Then we may
hope that they will rise in the majesty of their strength
and spirit and in conjunction with US either force our
rights to be respected in the Union, or take place
as Southern Confedcracy amongst the nations Of the
earth. ..
In the meantime let us unite, heart and hand in
ryng out those great schemes Of internal Improvement
by which the wealth and resources Of State will be
developed and thus give it all the power and strength
of which it is capable.
... JOHN H MEANS.