The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1855-09-07

which stood respectively Mr.. Madison and
Gen. Hamilton. The leaders have passed
away, but the principles which divided them
will live forever. The parties which repre-.
sent their principles have under different
names successfully triumphed and controll-
ed the Government. At the last Presiden-
tial election the Federal or Whig party
sustained an irreparablo defeat-was al
most annihlated. A feeble effort was made to
| rally, but old issues were unavaiing, and
leader was wanting. The sagacity Of the
party, however, suggested that there was
another element of cohesion, inherent in
every Republican Government, to which
an appeal is never made in vain-the op-
position of those who are out to those
who are in Office Legitimate warfare con-
cluded, resource is had to the general skir-
mishing. The standard of opposition is
raised, and old Wings, disappointed Demo-
Gratis, discharged office holders, and vora-
cious office seekers, rally to it, and the
Association naturally and appropriately
axes the name of Know Nothing.
At Philadelphia they affect to quarrel,
In view Of the success Of their plans, it
was necessary and convenient to quarrel;
for the different wings of the party knew
not that each would be asked questions,
and these troublesome questions could not be
answered without quarrel. That difficulty
removed, the party could cooperate.
North and South they agree to ignore the
Constitution-to vilify the Democratic par
ty and the present Administration. In
this at least they are consistent; for the
Democratic party under this administration
has been true to the Constitution. How long
it will remain so neither you nor I can
tell but while it is true, We of the South
are constrained by policy and justice o sus-
tain it cordially. So long as Democratic
Administration is true to the Constitution
it will have troops of friends at the South,
and should it become untrue, we should
be ready to oppose it by holding ourselves
united.
Know Nothing principles may distract
and divide US in prosperity, but they can
never unite us in adversely. Had the South
been always united, we could have con-
trolIed this Government Were we united,
We could do so now.
AT this juncture, particularly, there is no
excuse or sense in our people taking up
strange doctrines, or running after false
prophets. We have but one question in A.
merican politics-the question of slavery.
The gathering Of the opposing host who
are to encounter the shock of real battle on
the question, is even now murmuring in
the distance nor will it be long before they
meet each other "with clangor, whilst the
meadows resounl." Would to God that
some Ncstor in wisdom and authority
might arise amongst US, who would say
to the people of the South, in the language
of Nestor Of old, "Lct us no longer waste
time in words, nor put off the performance
of that deed to which opportunity invites.
But come, let the hcralds of the mailed
Greeks, by their proclamations, assemble
the people at the ships, and let lis thus in
body walk through the wide army, that
we may sooner inspire them with tile keen
desire Of fight" And may some future
Homer write, that every son of the South
proved himself an Agamemnon in obcdi
ence and valor.
1t is impossible to do moro than indicate
my views upon so grave matter as that
which brings you together, in the proper
limits of q letter, but have had occasion
to send an address very recently to nv
constituents on the subject, and to that 1
respectfully call your. attention. Your obe-
dient servant,
P. s. BaooKs.
Messe J. Seigling jr, W. G. DeSaus-
sure, T. Y. Simons, jr., G. r. Miles-Com-
mittee of Correspondence.
-
What Know Nothingism has Done.