The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1857-03-06
MISCELLANY.
From the Ncr York Times.
THE ADD R E SIS,


Delivered by Gen. McGowan IN behalf Of
the 4th Congressional District at the
Brooks Ftstipal, Ninety Sir, S. c., Oc-
toJer 5th, 1856.
The President introduced Major-Gencral
MCGOWAN, the orator OF the day, who said:
FELLow-ClrIZESs : We have come out
upon this occasion to testify our approval
Of the political course, and to honor the per-
son of our immediate representative in
Congress- Hon. Preston S. Brooks.
1t is well for us to he here Gratitude
is a virtuous emotion; and when indulged
in reference to public political acts, becomes
patriotism itself. This immense throng, this
sea of living faces, this outpouring of the
people, affords a conclusive answer to the
stale charge that Republics are .ungrcattu
That suicidal offence should never be com
mitted by freemcn. Under representa-
tive Government such as ours, there is
nothing more proper or useful than dem
onstrations like the present. 1t is right
that the constituent should observe the
course OF the representative, and ifit is ap-
proved, to manifest that approval in the
most striking manner. Such dcmonstra.
tions of approval, declaring in the most
emphatic manner, swell done, thou good
and faithful servant" have tendency to
keep alive an active, intelligent and watch
ful patriotism on the part of the citizen,
and to brace the heart and nerve the arm
Of the representative to strike with renewed
energy for his constituents and his country.
(Applause. s.
We are great debtors to our immediate
Representative. During the last session of
Congress especially, under the most embar-
RAISING and exciting circumstances, he has
discharged his duty we'll If we could be
'insensible of, or ungreatful for, the great and
perilous services which he has rendered in
our behalf, we would merit the cxecration
of mankind, and deserve the taunting re-
proach addressed to the degenerate Romans,
who, utterly oblivious of the great excr,io MS
made to save the Republic, were meek as
lambs under the captivating tyranny of the
oppressor Of his country
"Knew You not Pompey -
Be gonel-
Run to your houses, fall upon your knees,
Pray to the gods to int terlnit the plague,
That needs must light on this ingratitude! II
But we have met here not to pay an os.
'tentatious personal compliment-not mere.
ly to manifest attachment to an individual
Independent of all considerations of princ-
pie. We have met here to perform a duty,
and as ] conceive it my humble province
from the position assigned me, to state the
views, motives aud feelings of those who
have caused this dinner to be given, and as
an interpreter merely to give voice and ut
teraneeto the sentiments inspired by the
occasion-I will eDdeavor in very briel
manner to state some of the most important
events which have lately taken place in
Congress, and the course in reference there
to Of dur distinguished Representative now
present fas the guest Of this occasion.
-. Fellow. citizens, we live in eveniful times.
The Republic, or, which is worse, the Lib.
critics Of the Republicsare 10 danger.
The great question opt of which rise the
ephshlsions that disturb and shaketbe coun.
Try As *ith an earthquake, is the question
OF AFRICAN Slavery. in which Our destinies
are bohnd up forever. In comparison with
this there is no other question worth atten.
tioh. Some Of tRe States of this Union en-.
joy The institution Of Slavery, while oe,,ers
do not, and those which do not seem re.
sslsed that every new State which may b