The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1856-02-19

SOUTH CAROLINA AND THE MA
TIONAL CONVENTION

| u utI1 IFttutly SOuCn NdTOlHd mas DeeL
much divided in regard to the propriety OF
sending Delegates to the Cincinnati Nation
al Democratic Convention. Now, there ap-
pears to be much unanimity on the subject.
| We copy the following letter to show the
reasons which have produced the change
in the PUBLIC mind of South Carolina, on the
subject, addressed to a gentleman of S. c..
New ORLEANS, February 8, 1856.
MY DEAR SIR; 1 was one of the mem
bers of the Legislature who declined to join
! an appeal to the people, asking them to
send delegates to the Cincinnati Convention.
l opposed tho moVement-frst, from my
unwillingness to see the State change its
policy in regard to these cauouses, but
mainly because at that time l could not see
to what section of the Democratic party we
could safely ally ourselves. Our nearest
ally undoubtedly seemed to be the Presi-
dent; but who were his friends and sup
porters in the Democracy of the North? In
New York, unquestionably our most dam
gerous enemies. Who were his bitterest
opponents in the same region? AS I'M
questionably the best friends we have beyond
our own borders, the HardS of New York.
Neither in the Middle States, the North or
the West, was Mr.. Pierce considered as
representing section Of the party. And
even in the South we were casting about with
the names of Buchanan, Dallas, Douglas
and Dickinson, and perhaps jointly, and
lob
tioning Mr.. Pierce. In this confusion the
question was natural-where might we fall
in the ultimate action of the Convention?
l think, therefore, feared justly for the
interests Of the South, and the good name
of our own State.
confess frankly that Mr.. Pierce has
entirely solved this difficulty, and I, for one,
can no longer hesitate in the conviction that
it is our duty and our interest, and the duty
and interest of every Southern State, to
send delegates to that Convention, instructed
and pledged to vote for Mr.. Pierce without
alternative.
The wheels of government were stopped
by our enemies on an issue involving the |
vital interests of the South. In the very |
heat and fury of the contest Mr.. Pierce |
threw the weight of the Executive branch |
into the scale of Southern and constitutional |
right. This act proves that, with q pure
and constitutional construction, there may
be Joined heroism in craftsmanship as
lofty in courage and daring as the heroism
of the battlefield or the quarterback. Mr..
Pierce's annual message is the most brilliant
and virtuous political act which has illus
trated the country for thirty years. For it
ne deserves the gratitude, the confidence
and the support of the South, and of every
rue lover of the country, and | trust South
Carolina will manifest her appreciation of
lis worth by endeavoring, in all just ways,
% effect his reelection to that office, iE
he honors of which he has placed himself
'ide by side with Jefferson, Madison and
Monroe.
AS member of the Legislature, the laws
# the State confer on me the privilege of
citing for the Presidential privilege they
nrighteously deny to the people of Rich
and. l believe I cannot exercise that
rivilege more worthily than by casting my
ote for Franklin Pierce. This will GER
ainly do, unless the people of Richland
i've me most manifest instructions to the =
ontrary. Very respectfully,
JOHN S. PRESTON.