Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1852-1852, 1852-04-13
From the Daily State Rights Republican.
What Should the Convention DO


From the Daily State Rights Republican.
What Should the Convention DO
MEssRs. ED1ToRs: The original motive for
calling the Convention, was to provide an agen-
cv for carrying out, and into complete effect,
whatever was determined on in the Southern
Congress, which, by the same act, was agreed
to. That measure, recommended by the Nash
Vile Convention, failed, was crushed and destroy
ed bv reason of the panic which was Propaga-
ted through the South by suggestions OF inten-
perate and extreme violence on the part OF so
large a portion of cur people, as to seem tor
while. the voice of the State itself. Georgia,
Alabama, Mississippi, &C., shrunk from COIN
munion with so excited body and when it
turned out that these ultra measures were not
the iudgment of the State, but that more sober
and rational purposes were entertained by it, the
evil had been done. 1t was supposed that our
convention was an instrument for secession. But
this idea has been corrected by decided, def
mite and emphatic expression OF public oplnon,
which makes the law of the case with all who
are not disposed to be in actual rebellion against
the State. Still the Convention meets, and is
BODY of terrifcspotency-f fearful to the last de
gree, but for the modifying influence of public
opinion, which, in this country, IS ofnnipotent.
Under this salutary restraint,fw may contem-
plate the Convention without terror, and antic-
pate and discuss its proceedings.
In the first place, we may fairly conclude that
it will not attempt in regard to Federal Relations
any separate or solitary action for the State has
positively negatived such proceeding
In the second place, We may conclude that 1t
will not meddle with our internal organization,
for that department has not been entrusted to
it by public sentiment, but tacitly withheld: In
truth, the Convention is an accidental body,
elected by very small portion of the people,
not according to the usual principles of election,
and not in reference to the qualification of its
members for special objects. The mode Of NOM
ination was peculiar; the interest taken in the
election was very little. There really was no
attempt to elicit opinion, or to display talent.
The Convention doubtless contains good deal
of ability it also has good deal which cannot
be so regarded, and which would never have
been e-nitted to enter it, if due excitement
had existed.
The initatory step of the Convention is its
organization. This, suppose, will be made un-
der the very capital rules of our House of Rep
resentatives. The first act is the selection of
Presiding Officer This selection, it seems to me,
involves the exercise of some care and delibera-
ton. 1 therefore throw out the suggestion for
consideration, that the body elect as its Presi-
dent, Langdon Cheves. In point of age, he is
the most venerable member of the assembly
and yet vigorous, alert, and active. He enjoys
a high and broad reputation throughout the
United States for singular honesty; promptness,
and courage, He has had large experience
exceedingly to his honor, of the business of
presiding officer. His opinions upon the mat
ters which will come before the Convention, are
precisely those which have been endorsed by the
State, and thus he would be the officer of the
cta.o, and rot Of party.
The only competitor for this position, would,
by p, S ibiity, b. the Governor; an eminent and
mo re ,pectable citizen, who has borne his pub
lie functions with honor and appreciation, win
ming the applause, and securing the affection Of
his felow-citizens. He has indicated, by his
administration, the wisdom of his selection by
the Legislature, and justified the anticipations of
his friends, amongst whom, though humble, |
was ardent Still, do not think that the Gov
ernor, propter dignitatem, should be placed in
the, to him, novel and difficult position of presi
ding officer over a numerous, unframed, and pos
sby, heated assembly, on whom devolves the
duty ofcarying out measures which have met the
decided disapprobation Of the Governor, and Of
repudiating projects which he in vain urged up
on the people with all the fascinatiors of his
captivating eloquence and withal, the prestige Of
his high office.
As to the measures of the Convention, what
is very desirable, would be the means proposed
of gathering in a general rally, all the South,
to common effort to effect our security by the
least possible change, but to effect it at all haz-
ards, and with whatever changes may be indis-
pensable to the end.
A CO-OPERATIONIST.
The various schemes now before Congress to
4lo -,rhEo domain nrinnns the grow