The Abbeville banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1847-1869, 1856-10-30
III US GEL L q M &WWS .
THE SOUTH AND THE COMING PRESIDENTIAL
ELECTION


THE SOUTH AND THE COMING PRESIDENTIAL
ELECTION.
In a recent editorial as to the position O
AIR. Breckenridge upon the slavery question
the New Orleans Delta says:
We are sick and Disguised with the
quibbling, the pettifoggery, the prevarica
ton, the skulking reticence, the double
dealing and tracl,cry which we have oJ-
served North and South, during the present
canvass, OH the subject of slavery. But in
the midst of all the fog and mystifcation,
we have kept tn true interest of the Soutl,
her vital interest, the very apple Of her
eye-steadily before us, and by that we
have steered and shall continue to steer,
following it as the clo:d by day and the
pillar of fire by night. AS regards her
political relations in the Union, that inter-
est unquestionably is the preservation of
her equilibrium in the Senate by the exten-
sion of slavery. The North is seeking to
gain the balance of power-a majority i'll
the House aud in the Scnate-and that
once gained, Abolitionism will sweep away
every constitutional rampant and the South
will be at its mercy. The abstract question
of slavery becomes thus merged i'll the
higher one of self-dcfcnce. TO defend the
South, it is necessary to preserve her eIuii-
brium in the Union; to secure that equil-
brium it is necessary to extend slavery to
perpetuate slavery it is necessary to extend
IL; aud, therefore, the extension of slavery
il the vital interest of the South rs regards
her relations to national politics.
These were the views of Mr.. Calhoun
and there is no l'ettcr guide than his clear
intellect amid the storm and darkness of
these pcrlous times. Why should not the
Democratic leaders and organs in the South
have expressed these views, instead Of quiL-
bling, i'll way that member Of village
debating society would Le ashamed of,
about the Democratic party being neither
for the extension of slavery, as party, nor
against it-as a fraternity Of donkcys, we
prcsumes Why not say boldly that the
Democratic party desired the South to Ire,
to defend herself, to grow her natural
growth, aud as necessary thereto that il de-
sired the extension Of slavery? Depend
upon ii, the Northern people would arprc-
ciate sucl, candor. They are sick enough Of
the hypocrisy aud dishonesty of their own
politicians, and they would be glad to cn-
courage such frank honesty, if merely for
its novelty. Sc much for the question Of
slavery extension.
AS regards the three candidates for the
Presidency, our opinion has been the same
from the beginning. Mr.. Frcmonl's cleo
ton would lie a proclamation Of war Ivy
the North against the South; it would be
blow in the face; the South could not
bear it meekly, without being self dcbascd
and acknowledging that not insult and no
injury could drive her out Of a ,lisllonora-
Lle Union. Mr.. Fillmorc's election would
be uegation at best; but MS we could not
rely upon his free exercise Of the veto
policy that the Black Republicans might
succeed in carrying out through Congress.
Mr.. Duchanan's election would be little more
than negation but for the pledges he has
given in the Ostend letter and in his ell
Lo,sement Of the Cincinnati platform. The
South, under his administration, would
have four years longer for preparation; she
would have time to strengthen her outposts,
placing Kansas, if possible, on one faux
and Cuba on tie other, with valuable rally.
ing point in Nicaragua and thus, if the
interim were wisely turned to account, un.
der tho favor OF Heaven, she would be
ready at the end Of four years to bid de-
fiance to all her foes, and stay in the Union
if an honorable and equal position were
frankly conceded to her, or if not, go out
Of it-fresh as the morning, fair as tile
moon, clear as the sun, and terrible rs any
army with banners.