Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1854-05-25

ed with Mexico, and he had received evil
dcnccs through party in Mexico, that they
had proposed negotiations for the purchase
of California, all of which designs " / labor
ed to de feat !"
He bad been called from private retire.
ment to fill the office Of Secretary of State,
and it was only after repeated solicitations,
combined with sense of duty to the coun-
try, that he had consented to accept the
office. lie however expressed want OF
confidence in professional politicians, and
considered that their corruption and time.
serving intrigues for office and spoils, would
continually tend to mislead the people.
"The time is past" said he, "when men
shall be elevated by the people for their
long services or talents. The scramble for
plumber is becoming worse every year The
jealousies Of ollice-seekng combs!ants will
induce them to compromise on either second
rate civilians, or incompetent military men.
The time, fear, is past, when the country
is to bo ruled by truly great, experienced,
and patriotic men.
"We have two extremes to apprehend
under our form Of government, cenlraizatlon
on the one hand, and anarchy on the other;
both leading by different roads to the same
gaol, monarchy, or to the one man power,
The impossbility Of filling important offices,
except with second rate men, Of easy princi-
Piles, is an evidence of the press in favor OF
anarchy; while the continual encroachments
made upon State rights by the will Of a
Congressional majority, indicates a CORES.
ponding progress in favor Of centralzation-
an antagonistic principle to all permanent
liberty. We thus find that both priciples
are active, even at this early stage OF our
Republic. Neither can be successfully
reached and maintained for any great length
of time, without ending in monarchy, or in
a central government.
al think it likely that the days have gone
by when men of great craftsmanship and
patriotism are to ill the executive Office
The election of Mr.. Polk commences a new
era for the country, the results of which |
cannot look forward to with satisfaction.
The fear is, that the people will become
passive to the fntrigues of political conven.
tions, composed chiefly Of men intent only
upon personal aggradizement, or the acquisi.
ton Of spoils, at the expense of the people
or their government A system of political
Juggling, having its origin in New York, has
become wide spread in lis influence. They
will clamor for any man who promises to
dispense benefits for them, and at another
some new, but not better qualified political
idol, or dispenser of official patronage"
At this stage of his remarks torch light
procession passed through the street, nearly
under his window, shouting aud cheering as
it went, in honor of Polk. "Do you hear
that" said he. "That same collection of
men will, four years hence, shout just as
Justify for new incumbent, though perhaps
inferior to Polk himself People accuse me
Of ambition, and say that my greatest aim
is to be the President. | state frankly to
you, what the people and especially the poll
.icians would never believe if publicly an.
nounced II would not turn over my hand
to be President, unless some greater danger
or threatened calamity to the country could
by my instrumentality alone be ayerted \
man who seeks to have his name 90 down
and stand well with posterity, must not sa-
crifice to the temporary applause of the multi
tude, which from its inability, produced by
biased or ieeting excitement or passion, is
incapable Of duly apprecating what it would
condemn or praise; but rather resign himself
to the discharge of his highest duties to his
country. to human happiness, to liberty, and
to his God; and leave the reward to the just
and enlightened praise Of men who shall
follow him in after ages.
Most men who have advanced to more
or less distinction among their lelow-beings,
are too prone to court the popular breeze, to
trim by its course, or to change when it shifts
its direction, vainly hoping to base perma-
nent and just fame on the foundation of no
applause, which is as frequently
bestowed upon unjust men and measures, as
upon the soundest policy; and the most
wise, disinterested and patriotic motives.
"My rule of life has been to do right, or
at all times to be governed in my actions by
the most scrupulous and conscientious con.
victions of duty, and without the slightest re-
gard to the popularity or unpopularity of
my course. never entertained thought
whether my course would either please or
displease my constituents. | presumed that
they gave me their confidence from convic-
ton of my honesty; and whenever failed
to give satisfaction, they would, as they ought !
10 do, discontinue my services. | feel deeply |
sensible Of the long and responsible trust they
nave reposed in me, which, during public
lie Of over thirty years, has never been
changed or withdrawn"
Here his eyes flashed with renewed ami.
nation, and his cheeks had become flushed
rom his excited conversation. Col. Benton,
who had followed up his illberal attacks up.
IN Mr.. Calhoun with much personal bitter
less, had short time previously y made Il
'iolent assault upon him, in speech he had
delivered in the Senate on the annexation oil
Texas asked Mr. Calhoun if he intended
o reply TO it, He said, not at all that he
lad made it a point never to notice personal
Ittacks that silence towards those guilty Of
PERSONAL ytuperation was the best means of
lisarming them.
When honorable attacks were made upon
lis political views or principles, in which he
cemcd the interest of the country concerned
c felt it TO be his duty to vindicate them to
he utmost of his power. 1t was not for
applause men should act Per-
onal contest and triumph were too much of
gladiatorial character from which neither
he victor nor the yanquished could retire
With proper self respect, and nothing could
le naned for the cnuntrv 4 man whose