The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1852-07-08
From the Southern Press, July 8.
Perso nal Explanation.

the silence OF the Southern Press on the subject OF
the Democratic nominations. That silence has
been protracted far longer than was agreeable
TO either Of us, since We never have been accus-
toned to'conceal our opinions on any subject of
public interest. In this case we have only con-
sented to waive their expression for time in or
der to allow parties interested to relieve us and
themselves from most painful and EN- bal rassi ng
position. Selfrespect will not admit OF our keep
ing silence longer, 1t is our right and our duty
now to speak.
For two Years past, since the establishment OF
this paper, it has been under the conduct and
control of Mr.. Fisher and myself, and during the
Whole OF our connexion no serious difference OF
sentiment has ever before arisen between Us. Our
difference now (as i regard itA turns on ques-
ton OF policy, not OF principles Tor the principles
we have ever avowed and maintained are still en- :
tertained by US both Those principles neither of
us can or would change; and we can look back
with equal pride and pleasure on the record Of our
lsbors which the Southern Press bears and will per-
petuate the fruit of two years. earnest labor.
The question which divides now ia, whether
the Southern Press should lend its aid and influence
to the support OF Pierce and King, or stand neu.
ttra in the Presidential contest? My colleague is
in favor of the latter course nay own judgment
has led me to prefer the former. But am free to
confess, that events which have recently trans.
pired have created doubts in my mind az to
the good faith of portion of that party, and beed
the professions OF Cancellation and harmony on
their lips. voice, supposed to have come from a
high quarter, has Illuminated accommodation on
the Soutkern Press, its friends and supporters,
orally aud through of its satellites of the press
IT southern men are to be denounced and pro-
scrbed before the necessity for their aid is over,
what have they to expect after that necessity has
passed? II sold Fogies" of the party to be
INDUCED in "feeding fat the ancient grudge they
bear" those who have thwarted their views Of pcr-
sonal ACKNOWLEDGMENT, how can they expect their
Democratic brethern TO dwell in unity? Insolent
haUa hoe,
are not without motive; for the kiss of Judas is
.ltea not more treacherous than the noisy vapor-
ing Of the stabber, seeking to provoke a brawl.
The mettle of the southern men has been much
overrated, il they will meeky endure such buffet.
ings, or consent to sit at the Democratic board as
~'prodigal sons" even with remote prospect Of a
slice of the fatted calf of party.
1t ia we'll know that, previous to the reorgan-
ization of the Democratic party, we strenuously
insisted the preservation Of the separate organ
izaton of the Southern Rights party until the con.
vcntions had acted, believing that our friends would
have more power outside than inside OF those con.
veptions. In that policy we were overruled; the
reorganization was effected on certain conditions,
and the next question was, how best to secure the
interests of the party and OF the South within the pale
of the Democratic party. My colleague was una
voidably absent for some weeks preceding the
session of the Democratic Convention, and, feel
ing the necessity of taking position, took the
responsibility of indicating the course which
was, in my judgment, proper for the party to
pursue. In carefully considered editorial, which
appeared on the Friday preceding the session
OF that convention, those views were indicated.
On it's appearance it met the approval of those
friends in whose opinions l place the most re-
lance. For that editorial neither Mr.. Fisher nor
any of my political friends should be held respon-
sbie, for none OF them were either consulted or
cognzant of it before 1t appeared in print. Suisse
quent reflection and examination have only con-
vinced me the firmly of the correctness of the
views set forth in that editorial still adhere to
them right and judicous, and in perfect har-
1t would be needless for mo here TO rciterate the
reasons and the arguments then SO fully set forth
II 10 sufficient to refer to them. and 10 reafhrm my
conviction of their truth. Those who carefully
weighed and considered the language OF that edi-
torai must admit that its acquisitions not full
ly met by the action of the convention, especially
in relation to the platform. But they reversed the
action of the Wing Convention, for the nominees
wero seleoted by the South, and have proved more
acceptable to the southern than the northern wing
of the party. ..s-..
To me, as to all southern opponents of the Com
PROMISE there are in that platform Objectionable
features; and l could not honestly pledge myself
sto adhere to and abide by' all that string of reso-
lutons contains or implies. Yet when the South
ern Rights men in that convention agreed to abide
by its action and presented candidates personally
unobjectonable to u on the main issue. and it be
came evident that those whose interests and prn-
ciples the Souther, Prem represented had warmly
accepted the nominations, it seemed to me that The
question narrowed down to a choice between
the two partiee; and in making that choice could
not hesitate moment, assuming the fact that the
faith they plighted would be kept inviolate. 1t
seemed to me that "masterly inactivity" would
not in this case and that for the sake of
friends and the ultimate triumph of principles,
ii was important, promptly and openly, to sustain
the nominees Of the Democratic party, and oppose
the triumph of Genera Scott and the evil inf uences
which surround him. This was my judgment. My
colleague thought other wise; and cheerfully &C
cord him the same justice he will award to me, that
q strong conviction alone has swayed his course
~, md in fn ina al uro nj
ly expressing his views on the Monday succeed
ing, and was only withheld from doing SO by my
remembrance and declarations of decided dissent
As the proprietor OF this paper, he had the IN
doubted right to give il that direction, as had the
rig ht to avow my own independent opinions but
we both hoped that we might be relieved from this
antagonisrn by the action Of the Southern Rights
-nen in Congress, at whose invitation we came
here, and whose battles we had fought At my
request submitted our difficulty to them, aud
proposed to resign our trust into their hands. The
~csult-ot that negotiation, thus far, has been al
ready stated and Mr. Fisher, far ] am con.
cerned, ia released from any impeachment on that
score, and free to pursue any course he may deem
proper. have done my duty. and more than my
duty, in interposing and mediating thus long, and
ms 1t has proved. thus far, SO fruites-ly. can do
no more. Mr.. Fisher is the proprietor OF the pa
per, and will shape its course to suit his own views
OF policy and propriety, should other arrange
ments not be contaminated.
My own future Connexion with this paper will
depend on the course which it may take, for which
1 cannot longer be responsible. In so far as can
CO operate with my gifted colleague in advocating
the views and the principles which we entertain in
common, and in exposing the fell designs of the
enemies of the South, am still willing to lend him
my aid, Believing, as do, that this agitation, far
from being setrled has but commenced and will
continue to the bitter end, an 10th to termi
nate my labors in the cause to which all OF my
time, my means, and my energies have for the last
five years been devoted, on the threshold Of great
events For, without claiming the gift of pre-
science, yet foresee in the future of the South i'm
pending peris, mlre threatening and dangerous
than any yet acknowledgements procrastinated
only by this Presidential contest, but into which
the South will be precpitated soon as this con-
tcst is But know can speak for my col
league, well as for myself, in saying that, as we
did not come unbidden nor unsolicited as volun-
tecrs to this work, nor have either sought or sue
ceedcd in making it matter of profit, 80 we are
perfectly content to resign our trust into other
hands more prudent and polite, perhaps, if not
more Jealous.
For my own part, at six hours' notice left my
home, my friends, and my private interests, to an .
this CALI and have been chained to the work
like galley slave to his oar-ever since, with
out relaxation or intermission. How have per
furmcd that duty is not for me to determine; but
have done my best Owing to protraCted absence,