Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1854-07-27

the tendency OF too much eectoneeflnS IS 70 oeSee
evil let the observant man only watch the corrup-
ton Of the balot-box in our larger ctes-and even
in Columbia and Charleston, where the contest iof
office is keen, and the means Of prostutng the
privileges of the citizens at hand and are more
abundant, and let him see how bold can become tne
self-abasemcnt and degradation Of men, VINO ooast
themselves Republicans and frecmen, IN as chI'a-
ro:iis State us South Carolina Their votes are
actually, often bought and sold III broad-daylight,
and learn that they are sometimes positively penned
Nm like b.asts and dumb cattle and fcased and
drencbed with liquor by some Of the contcnding
champions Of liberty, who on the day of the cleo
ton are to receive the united surages of this band
Of freemen and unterri6ed Democracy. We our
selves have seen the like abroad and say, God in
his mercy forbid, that so wicked practice should
extend 10 our people, and especially should pervadc
the whole country. If it should extend itself,
would not give wisp OF straw, either for American
freedom or for the American Constitution, or tor
even the most rtvcrcd principles of our American
government
Whilst though, l would guard the freedom OF
SlcctOuS, Us SacreuS iiS iie wig" p"''- - 49,
daughters or the unstained affairs OF our holy re-
Erion, think it is becoming, and decent in all Can
dida,es for election, to withhold nothing from
the people, that they have right to know; and
mos, heartily make this promise TO every one Of my
fellow citizens who has the least concern for my
prosperity andfor the success Of my designs OF pro-
moton-if lie hears of me entertaining any strange
or peculiar notion AMI will only write to me for the
truth, he shall have the truth, on my solemn ac-
countability to God. will conceal from the votcra
of the District no important principle whatever,
which they may earnestly desire t" learn of me !;
and, if am charged with any abominable sin or
transgrcssion, il the people will do me the kindness
to nauire of me the truth Of the report, will un
lock the whole mystery to them, and let them have
it all have as few secrets, rs any other gentle
man in the community, and it viii be pretty gener-
ally conceded that am very much inclined TO di-
yulse what know In fact every political principle
have. belongs to those would have for my con-
sttuents.
honestly believe, that have had rather an it,
auspci,us time for my aspirations after Office. was
elected to the Legislature not long after my return
from the war; and seeing that our brethren of the
North were about TO appropriate to themselves ex-
clusivcly all the remuneration had received for
the blood and treasure and lives, SAW lavishcd by
the united North and South it is possible, that un-
der excitement from SO deep provocation, my con-
duct NAV have partakcn Of rashncss for the moment
and may have given evidence Of a violence oi
character, which actually did not, in general belong
to me. certainly do moi regret the course pur-
sued, or retrlct principle then ayowed. We had
been wronged beyond endurance. had TO select
nv plan of conduct and cleave to the safest plank
could find, in the midst OF violent tempest. 1t is
probable that from the ardor of my nature, future
commentators OH my conduct vii. charge me with
readiness To leave the vessel before she was quite
in q sinking mood, and only wish that the times
had been little more quiet, so that men could have
properly estimated the real motives that governed
me- and so that could have clearly exhibited some
of the prudence as well as boldness OF my nature
Judge myself that am a conservative in disposl-
,ion and not inclined to make alterations in govern
nent until they become imperiousiy necessary and
demanded by the people, either 10 conserve their
rights. or 10 relieve their burdens. In my opinion
that is the only safe rule 10 adopt
But, as it the fashion to place nc in the cate
CORY of Rcvoutonists, am fully convinced that |
lost my las. election, from having been msudse as
an advocate Of the division of this Ds,rict--a pro-
jcct could not well espousr, and especially agllate
unleSs it were incontrovcrtble that majority oi all
s asSple ecosssssd were in favor Of it, and had
plan 81 ;ooss:aish9 well matured, and unless its
practcablty seemed probablr,-and then, unless It's
benefits were made clear to my perception. have
kind Of patriotic attachment TO the whole District
and as Il large District has more power than small
ono, it it only has the wisdom TO properly exercise
il, I confess that it would be with some reluctance
and some serious misgivings, that could look on
and behold our old house divided against itself, and
its fractions made into such potential Districts us
Lexington or Sake Gotha
No one can fully conceive, with how much pure
delight, would maintain and vndicate the views o
the friends of my bnyhood, or with what pain it is
that am compelled to differ with them in sentiment
Il. is due 10 them, though, that should speak out
and speak explicitly, and aul very conscious thai
they will esteem me the more dealing with them
in spirit of rrankness, 50 that treat them without
captousness or i.l-wl, or unreasonable opposition
If should b. so fortunate as to be again elected
will strive, with all my might to make the District
and State. useful member for am ambitious and
| love reputation, and love my country.
AS our State is getting along well and harmoni'
ously at this jurcturc, will endearor to preserve
her IN the same peaceful track And as we all seem
to be prosperous and happy, shall generally oppose
myself to all change especially to rerolution with
out stringent cause and unless it is made as clear
as sunlight, that such change will render the peo-
pie prosperous, more wealthy, more happy, and
more contrnted. Some modification and reform OF
the military system of the State might be found ex-
pcdient and beneficial but it is the course and prac-
tce of wisdom never to make radical alteration in
government until such alteration Sccome highly cs-
senal, and until the defects Of the government be-
come very apparent, as well as very grievous, and
actually insupportab!e TO the people governed.
JOSEPH ABNEY.
NEGRO K1LLED-Wc learn that the conduc.
tor of the down train of the Augusta and
Waynesboro Railroad when about eight miles