The Camden weekly journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1853-1861, 1855-11-27
m TH-CAROIINA, TUESDAY MORNING. NOVEMBER p, 1861

the central system.
Further, it We wish to cherish the conserva.
tism of the State, preserve existing forms and
checks and compromises, we should above all
things avoid fusion with great national party,
because in the fierce struggle for power be.
tween the different national parties; for as |
have said we will have more than one-it will
soon become necessary to appeal to the fierce
democratic spirit, and seek to govern from be-
low, upwards. Reformers will spring up, our
form Of State government will soon be found
not sufficiently democratic, and change will
become the order of the day..
What are the grounds upon which we are
urged to change our past policyl 1t is said
that our presexce in convention will give us a
greater influence in the selection of suitable
nominee for the Presidency. But deny that
this result will follow. If we 90 into the con.
vention, we will have the influence of eight
votes If We remain out OF the convention, we
Of our past history our present attitude of
observation our devotion to principle our free
dom rom sordid motives, in short we will have
that influence, which great ideas, constancy Of
purpose dignity Of character self.reliance in
dependence and calmness, always have over
the imaginations of men. Our influence in
the convention would be mere ly nominal; out
Of the convention it will be moral influence
of higher order and infinitely greater.
But We are further urged to 60 into conven-
tion, in order to sustain those Northern men
who have manifested a regard to our consttu-
liol,al rights, | think we certainly should
sustain the constitutional men OF the North.
But tho mode Of doing this is qucstisn for
our own determination. No party at the North
have n right to require from US departure
from that line Of policy we may consider con.
ducive 10 our interests. We owe them all
due support but no more, and this we are will.
ing to render out Of the convention by giving
them all the moral weight Of our approval, by
all the legislative nid in our power, by the
action and the votes of our Representatives
in Congress and especially by sustaining the
nominee of the convention if he be an accep-
table man on an acceptable platform. In this
way we can render to the constitutional men
at the North the most cffecual aid in our power
and certainly all the aid we can give without
prejudice to ourselves There is clearly moth
ing in this inducement.
But we are further urged to 60 into the
convention as a step to the Union Of the South
but think this view entire y faIIacious What
we have always desired at the South is great
Southern party what We have always regretted
is tie division of the South into two great ard
hitherto irreconcilab!e parties We have al-
ways considered yourselves of the Southern
Rights Earty, acting with the Democratic when
We thonght it wise to do so but not fused with
it. Our anna gamation with the Democratic
party would only add to the division of the
South for while it might bring us nearer the
Democratic patty OF the Sout. it would remove
us father from all other parties at the South.
And thus so far from the union of the South
being promoted by this step the divisions would
be farther aggravated.
There is further motive 70 fusion with
the Democratict party which though not avow'
ed, has have no doubt given more impulse to
the movement that any and all other causes
combined, and that is that the leaders in the
movement will be suitably rewarded by the
Democratic party in the event of success This
may be very sufficient consideration for the
movement to the political leaders who can effect
IL.
other not less attractive stations may glitter
before their excited magina,ious and may If
they carry their points become realities. But
DO not really see what particular benefit that
will be to you or the State at large or the
great cause of Southern Rights. should think
il would be bnt as the tinkIing brass and the
gallery of pictures. For what will it profit us
il a few men of vauting ambition gaia all
their vain imaginings, if, in so doing, South
Carolina, our common mother, receives deep
wound
conclude, them no sufficient reasons have
been adduced to reconcile US to the idea of
amalgamation with the Democratic party.
am not willing to rest the question here, as
might safely be done, but propose now to
consider the claims of the Democratic party
to our ftalty.
The great merit of the Democratic party
consists iii the passage of the Kansas and Ne
braska bill repeating the Missouri restriction.
This was an act Of justice to the South. | ad
nit it, ard rejoice at it. believe LOO that
some Of the Northern men who were active in
the movement we're actuated by tho noblest
motives. Some, whom | could name, mani
tested determination, an energy and bold
ness worthy of all praise, and they endured
load Of obloquy at the North Of which we
have scarcely any conception. Honor, all
honor to the true men OF the North! If they
are repudiated by theirown section, the South,
the generous South will honor them and history
will redress the injustice Of their cotempora-
ries.
But when have said this much mus: be
allowed to say what the truth of history de-
mauds. That the repeal Of the Missouri restric.
ton in its general scope, was not SO much an act
of justice intended to the South as a great
;r;anl ,,,nrn Lu ,,.hich tho Snlth was % be