The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1854-07-15
INC. 'Brook,s..sNat

mentsslike these should rather gorge some Of
the editors of this State /; for sthsresere some
who cannot scepatriotism in anything save n
yilliffeationsof tie North and glori-
fieation of the South in general, andsof, South
Carolina in particular. We arc not of that re-
ligion. While we yiold to ,no5one, editor or
what not, IN our devotion to the interests and
honor of our own native South and eglorous
Palmetto we eannqtfor our lifessee the propri.
ETY. of an everlasting denunciation of other
sections Wherais the grace, the propriety or
wisdom ofsuch,ascoursef DO othosc who mourn
the nationality of Mr. BnooKs and others actu-
ally believe that we are now out Of the Union2
Have they forgotten that this is still tho Amer
lean Union,Tand this tho Congress o., the United
Statcs3 What if one section is iuimioal to the
other, we are still counselling together; and is
it wisdom or prudence in counsel to be for
ever exciting to sectional alousy and illfcel-
ingi Nay. Itis bad dpvl,.y-miscrablc states
manship. Why, if even Heaven md He'll were
to meet in convention, there would be no use,
no expediency, in ON unccasing abuse of his
Satanic Mnjesty's representatives by the supe-
'rior delegates of tile upper world, It would
do, MS it will do in. the Congress of the United
States and asst will do in anyeconvcntion,
nothing but arouse the pride of every spirited
representative for his own section, and preclude
tho possibility of access to his reason and iudg-
mentS It closes the door to his sense of pro-
priety and justice, and strengthens his obstina-
cy Can any one expect to exert on, influence
in any republican legislature by standing upon.
his ownpeculiar soil, and indulgiug fl contiii-
ual abuse of others, and protestations of love
to hmselfa Is it the business of the, represent
ativc in Congress or elsewhere to quarrel?
Nay,srather is it not his business to reason with
those who compose tho common council9 If
reason fails denuneiation and blows, il, Con-
gress will faikto convince or win over When
reason ceases to command, Let tho conflict be
adjourned to another arena, and physical force
decide. Custom has failed, and will fail, to
invest rabid sectionalism with influence, or
prove its beneficcnt policy in the legislation of
the country. 81
There are no doubt some men who 20 to
Washington wholly filled with sectionalism sim
cerely entertained. They love their own Sec
tion, and hate the other, and no association
can remove their deep prejudces, or manifest
to them tho impolicy of constant exhibition
of their ultraisms But in many cases this ram.
pant ntsectionalism is produced somewhat after
this fashion: A man goes to Washington ms an
office-seeker,o or as representative and failing
to receive that degree Of marked attention to
which he inlagines himself entitled, he at once
strikes for popularity at home by a galvanized
System of abuse of the Government It will
not do-the hobbyshas been mounted and rid
den .by too many. How can true patriot and
man OF social temperament associate with his
low;o6mtrymen, Northern or Southern, and
not be moved with desire for the welfare of
his whole .country2 AndSthe influence of one
man in Congress who discards in word and in
deed oil sectional prejudicas is worth that of a
score of rabid seetionalists. Let those editors
who grieve oyer ~BnooK's declension visit
Washington, and1 Northern men render them
a courteous and brotberly regard they will
come home no less in love with their own insti-
tutions and their own homes, but vastly more
disposed to cherish emotions of national pride,
and acknowledge the happy influence of nation
oil feeling Upon the destiny of the country
But if they fail to be 'lionizcd," woe to the
Southerner who reveals inklings ofnationalism
there is 'treason in the tainted gale"l =
We wish pats 10 be misapprehended Our
love for Southern hearthstones is a part Of our
very nature, and our devotion to the rights and
honor of our sectionSis as true as mans can be-
But we hold that such devotion and q liberal
'nationalityH ns tits denominated, are not in
congruous elements. We cap hold in one hand
the Federal Constitution, and in the other the