The Sumter banner. [volume] (Sumterville, S.C.) 1846-1855, 1852-06-22
er with those of Cuba, constitute the

pflilClpdl pufG Ol tuc ClVlllIeu com
merce of the world. And now the
abolition Of African slavery would
not only dcsolate the most productive
agricultural regions Of the world, but
would, in far greater degree, de-
stroy that commerce which ccnsti-
tutcs the principal trade Of all the
great civilized States, and would ab-
solutcly PROSTATE the whole system
of modern civilization.
These things ought to admonish us
to beware of implicit faith in the
boastcd power and value of opinion.
Slavery has defed and triumphed
over opinion--thc opiuion of modern
Christendom. And we think this fact
deserves the earnest consideration of
all the young men Of the South,
especially at the present time, when
the shallow and ilimsy movements of
party, as well as the designs of ia.
natics and fools, are disturbing the
Legislation and the elections Of the
country.
What is the part which the South
is to act with her institution of slave
ry i'll the present and approaching
movements in society and govern
mcnt? We behold a powerful ten
dcncy to change. The doctrine of
universal equality is the favoritt
the equality Of all men, without
r gard to their moral and intellectual
character.
1t is to this doctrine We owe most
Of the isms Of the day. Abolitionism,
Frcesoilism, Frccfarnism, Interven-
tionism, things which all result
in anarchy and barbarism. These
doctrines arc gaining ground in Eu,
rope and America. They may yet
subvert society and government, in
many portions Of the civilized world.
But African slavery founded .4an
the principle that the man or the
race which is morally or intcctualiy
inferior, mnst he subordinate. This
we hold to be the great moval Law
which has hitherto governed the
world, aAI must always govern it,
too, for the greatest benefit Of both
classes. May it not happen, in the
progress Of error, that The South
will yet become the barrier to the
modern and fashionable hcrcsy, and
roll back the tide Of destruction p
And when we come to consider, what
can be a more sublime principle than
that Of tic supremacy Of moral char
actcr? What principle is more i'm.
portant or clcTatca i'll all the rcla-
tions OF life tlan the one which re-
quircs every man to look for liberty,
power, fame, and greatness, in moral
excellence ? 1t is the only principle
of progress, and Of stability. 1t is
as well the title Of the master to the
slave, as Of the candidate to the great
trnsts of legislative, executive, and
judicial lowor.
And ". maintain that 30 long as a
moral superiority is maintained. =
Let every Southern man therefore
consider this great principle, and acs
upon it-lct lain aim a. the highest
elevation, morally and intellectually,
Of his race, and African s!>vcry will
withstand triumplantIy all external
assault-nav, the very slaves them
selves Will assist in rcpclIns it. For
there is 10 allrgian ;e SO certain as
that which a subordinate feels for
one really superior; and no condition
50 happy iJr a man or a race Of mEe.
rlor moral attainment, as that Of sub
lection to those who have this indie.
feasible right to rule. And this is the
principle Which we have seen has
Teen sustained by a remarkable con
cuvrencc and succession Of events
running steadily against the crronc-
ons opinions and short sighted policy
Of politicians and drcanrls.