Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1856-08-06
=: rHEH6RTH AND THE SOUTH.

=: THE NORTH AND THE SOUTH.
TIL. ensuing elections in the Northern States
are looked to with much anxiety by all conserva-
tiyes as most likely to determine the question of
Union or disunion. The condition Of affairs i6
Congress shows very prominently that legisla.
tion there is becoming rapidly sectional, and II
The Democratic party does not net up 10 its as.
sumed obligations in the present canvass, and
the Black Republicans succeed in fixing their
influence on the councils Of The confederacy. the
Union will terminate.
We of the South have long been impressed
with the necessity of preparing for the change,
and our people are thoroughly satisfied that we
have within US the elements not only OF exis-
tence and strength, but of wealth and greatness
as an Independent people. Whatever may be
the views Of the North we know our position,
md are entirely willing to assume the responsi.
biIity if forced upon Us. We have no fears on
this subject; as practical fact we are ready for
disunion.
But while these are our convictions and feel.
ings, and we constantly have aggression making
upon us, on our vital interest, and institutions.
we are still dspos.d to forbear the severance If
there be my prospect of continuance in con.
f.deracy which was framed on q basis Of
equal rights, and these guaranteed by written
Constitution. We have borne very much,
which has brought on farther aggression; but
the events which have transpirod during the
past year have brought matters to the point OF
a settlement by the approaching elections,
So far as South Carolina is concerned, she
has decided against separate secession. and SHE
awaits the combined action Of her sister South
ern States TO Indicate the course which honor
and interest require. In common with them
she has taken part in one more effort to unlle
the Democracy of the whole country North and
South, for the defence Of the Constitution. In
this great effort she will follow the lead of Viz
pinia, in casting her vote for James Buchanan,
who whatever may have been his former position.
is right now in adopting the p.inclples and
pledges whicr are satisfactory TO the South.
What ifhe formerly held opinions ut variance
with those he now professes-look into the hi..
tory cf our own great statesmen and yon will
find that their opinions OIL many vital Questions
have differed with circumstances. Iempord
snutantur ct nos nnutamur Ills. Policy varies
and 50 do Statesmen. In individuals, in carPors-
tons, in States, and in Government. cirrumstan.
ces require change in the great cause of human
progress.
In our present position in political affairs, he
that is not with US is against us. and those who
profess friendship must show it by acts. We
havo pledge from, the Democracy Of tine Union
to stand up to our principles. We avail, with
anxiety their redemption of that pledge BY
their vote the Democracy of the free States will
show whether union with them * longer desra-
bic. II they are true to principle, we believe
our people, whatever" their willingness may be
for separate independence, are quite satisfied to
90 on-nay would prefer TO- continue the con-
federscy Of their fathers if they can enjoy its
privileges on equal terms with those who are
associated with them.
The Democratic party is the only one which
has ever been willing to assume position salts
factory 10 us. We now look to it with conh-
dence that it will support the only principles
that will save the Union.-South Carolinan.
Hoy. PRESTON S. BROoKs.-The Richmond
Enquirer in notice of this gentleman's address
10 his constituents, says:
at is not easy to understand the embarrass-
ments of Mr. Brooks position. The ACT which
so suddenly exposed him TO public observation,
however justified by adequate provocalion, me-
cessarily associated bis name with ideas OF in
temperate passion and physical violence, rnther
than of personal dignity and intellectual power.
Yet every one who knows Mr.. Brooks, will at
test the reserve and modesy of his character,
his aversion to anything like ruffan reputation
and his chastened aspiration for the fame of a
purely intellectual prowess. The chas,Semen;
of Sumner left even upon those who applauded
the act an impression altogether Inconsistent
with tho only distinction which Mr. Brooks
covets. He had therefore to show by his sub
sequent conduct that though Of fearless spirit
he is nothing of the bully, and that he is pos
sessed of higher and worther qualities than
mere physical strength or moral intrepidily.
And this vindication too he had 10 accomplish
in the face Of every sort Of embarrassment and
obstacle-of friends counselling a ,imd course
or pushing him to desperation-of a treacller-
GUS foe skuking from fair and equal combat
and lying in wait for the mistakes of brave
and generous spirit.
sHow Mr.. Brooks has borne himself through
trials 10 which no man in this country was ever
before subjected-how he confronted an army
of Black Republicans clamorng for his blood by
secret stab. or open assault-how he encounter
and unhorsed every abolitionist who ventured
to enter the lists against him-how he exposed
their counterfeit courage, and chased them from
the ield-wilh what brave spirit he has en-.
durcd every species of obloquy and persecu.
tion-wih what an imperturable self.possession
and unerring instinct Of judgment he has con-
trolled his conduct-in what terms Of singing
scorn and fierce defiance he repelled the censure
Of Black Republican majority, and in what
eloquent language he yindicated himself and
his State from the libels Of the cowardly calum-
niator all this is too familiar for repetition in
ths columns of Southern journal. 1t IL enough
10 say, that Mr. Brooks character and abilities
are not now appreciated only, by his intimate
friends, but are recognised nnd applauded by
the people of the South; and that the verdict
Of bis constituents on the chaslisement Of Sum-
ner, will express the universal sense Of this
section Of the country"
DECIDEDLY RIcH-It will be remembered that
m account of Gaming at the Metropolitan Hotel
by Mr. Vicks, who thraxhed Sianwood severely,
appeared in our columns few days since.
Connected with Mr.. Yicks We have tale to
unfold which will make the abolitionists of
Philadelphia feel very cheap.
It seems that when BIZ. Vicks was about to
leave North Carolina in company with Mr..
Haywood on a Northern pleasure tour, he was
requested BY the State authorities to take with
him q negro who had been sentenced 10 banish-
mept from North Carolina for u g'arng outrage
upon the laws of that State. Dir. V. consented
and on his arrival at the Hotel in Philadelphia