The Camden weekly journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1853-1861, 1855-11-27

time to develope them fully. eIhe first great
cause of sectionalism arises from the immense
extent of our territory and our vast population.
The philosophy Of Federal Government arises
from necessity of union between separate
States incapable otherwise ofprotection against
external force. The original thirteen States
were Obliged to unite to protect themselves
against England. Our country has become So
longer exists. The North and the South are
each strong enough for separate coniederacy.
The paramount purpose Of the Union being
removed its power of cohesion is proportion
ably weakened. When we consider that we
possess a territory almost as large rs the whole
of Europe, with vast and increasing popula-
ton, the prospect OF a permanent union seems
visionary. The increasing power of each
section naturally drives it towards scc'ionalisr',
the first step towards separate existence. In
the natural course of things, if the slavery
question even had not existed, the gradual ill.,
crease of our power would tend to division.
The natural tendency of great governments is
to disintegratiun where the parts are strong
enough for SELF government. We see the
steady operation Of this principle on various
occasions in modern history. The Nethc rlands
were once part of Spau as soon as they
were able they set up for themselves. Spain
had also vast provinces in America; they went
the same way. Our ancestors illustrated the
same principle when they threw of the British
connexion: it was not the insignificant tax on
tea which moved them it WAS the irresistible
impulse to self government The kingdom of
Brazil was once Il Portuguese posSessnn it
obeyed the same impulse. The tendency Of
every individual man is to self government
the tendency Of masses Of men is to the same
point. The division between the North and
the South is philosophical necessity; we may
regret it, but constituted as human nature is, it
is unavoidable. The slavery agitation has not
originated the sectional antagnnism; it is per-
haps more consequt nee than cause. lflhere
had been no slaves, some question would have
arisen; hut OF all questions which could have
arisen, there could have been none so donation.
alizing as the question of slavery.
To the North it is great moral question !;
rejecting the morality Of the sacred Scriptures,
and founding themselves on a superior morality
Of their own, they consider slavery the great
sin. By constantly dwelling upon this idea,
heir opposition has become il tanaticiSm con-
stantly increasing and to Increase III extent and
vrulcncc. Such is the state of the slavery
question as it affects Il large portion, perhaps
the majority Of the Northern people. Such Il
condition Of the public mind iorbids the idea
Of rcposc or adjustment A question Of policy
might be compromised; not So 4 question of
conscience. Such is the slavery question in its
naked aspect 10 the North. 10 the South it is
a question of inexpressble magnitude. 1t is
a question of life aud death, question OF cx
istcnce. 1t is sometimes spoken Of as the
property question, but this consideration is as
dust in the balance We could lose that val
ualion of property, and go to work and make
more. 1t is us soci,l question, one affecting
the poor as well us the rich; that il assumes its
gigantic proportions. 1t involves the question::
shall He Remain as we are, TIE advanced guard
of civiiizat"n enjoying the greatest amount OF
It's dressings, and the least OF its evils. or shall
we run the hazards Of another St. Domingo !
We caunOt conceive Of stronger motives to
action, than the slavery question preSentS'to
the South; it impels the North in one dir"c
ton to Northern srctionalism, and impclS the
South in ruother direction to Southern section
aiism. Every day they get more and more
;,>und"r. Such is the nature Of the great qurs
ton pending between the North and the South.
1t is d>cordant enough of itself, but is aggra
waited by various causes.
The Northern Church, speaking of it in gen
era terms, is constantly preaching an abolition
crusade. The Press OF the North, speaking of
it, Likewise, in general terms, IS continuously
pouring leprous distilment into the ears of
the Northern people. And no press since the
invention of letters, has been so false, SO venal
so Inscriptions, so base, as the anti slavery
press of the North. There then is the motive
of political power moving the North to abo
ton, in order to Scclionalizc parties at the North
and thus have entire control OF the Federal
Government. Then there is the antagonism Of
classes between the rabble of the North and
the Slave holders of the South. Slave OcIacy,
as they term it, jars upon the notions of the
greasy rabble, because according to their con.
ceptun, it is kind of aIstocracy. Besides,
there has grown up at the North Il feeling Of
hatred to the South, engendcred by long years
of arrangement, disputaton and strife.
On the other haud, there are strong causes,
which cannot now dwell upon, operating con
s.arly to intensity Southern feeling. The result
of the agitation North and SoutI, is, that the
guilt between them is constantly getting more
profound, and we are going with accelerated
velocity to the final results. This is sad picture
but think true one. 1t is no pleasure for
me to contemplate it; would infinitely prefer
to see peace and fraternal concord existing
between the two sections. This would be a
sublime spectacle; gratifying to every patriotic
heart, beneficial to both sections and to un
versa humanity. Peace, sweet angel from
heaven, what countless blessings are symbolized
IL. I'D ihnf ihnn nnIIlnSt