Southern sentinel. [volume] (Plaquemine, Parish of Iberville [La.]) 1848-1858, 1857-06-27
signs OF of the Times.

as
Report of the proceedings of a public meeting
held in the parish of PIaquemines, composed
of both parties, as also the address Of DIR. VIII
KINsoN, Swallowing forth q plan for the consoIi'
dation of southern influence" We are sorry
that our space will not permit US to give more
than the following first paragraphs, but which
are sufficient to give an idea Of the principles
of those composing the meeting. Whatever
may be the political belief, wishes, Or partlail~
ties of the reader, he must admit that there IS
a great deal of truth in the following. DR.. w.
thus opened:
FeHow Citizens :--Individual views and prl-
vate interests have exerted such influence in
hlsifying the objects and effects of certain
principles recently presented to the public as
matters of governmental policy, that were an
external enemy now to attack US, our people
would be rendered powerless; perhaps. by
mutual resenlments. It is to destroy this evil
that | would now direct your thoughts and
aim. Put aside the medium which dIstorLs and
p~erverts the objects of your attention. Even
turn from the objects themselves, which have
crown so obnoxious through the magnifglng
lens of prejudice, and contemplate others which
are of common interest to parties, and surpas-
sing in importance all other questions at issue.
The more accurately TO do this, consult the
dictates of your own conscience and judgment.
Divest Yourself as much as possible ofpwludice
and vindictive feeling; nor believe that your
neighbor, or friend, perhaps, of twenty or more
wears, can be suddenly transformed into an
enemy, who would do you a deadly wrong, or
wrest from you rights which you would only
use for our country's benefit. Unfortunately
YOU are not often left to the unbiased cOnsid-
Grafton of these matters. Your industrial avo-
cations leave you little time for other purposes,
and vour minds arc generally turned to the
consideration of political subjects by the
promptings of partisans whose ingenious, ex~
citing and sophistical arguments lead you as
tray from correct conclusions, and whose in
terests are ayerse to dispassionate reflection, but
who exult in success, attained often by the
creation in your bosoms of feelings of hate and
revenge. 1t is most opposite to our interests
and happiness that We should be thus dis
united, aud at this conjuncture it is especially
impolitic. We do not suppose it possible that
men should think alike upon all subjects. But
we would counsel sacrifices of opinion and
concessions upon minor points, to obtain con-
centratiyeness upon greater ones. In fact par.
ties are now arrayed upon questions, some Of
which have no vitality, and others are urged
only to produce excitement. Local interests
too often intrude themselves in the construc"
ton of platforms, and whenever embraced in
these expositions, we are almost sure to evoke
the hostilities of faction. 1t would be there's
fore most polite to exclude from any political
arrangement which you may adopt, every
feature which might engender the evils of facs
ton, but adopt only those comprehensive and
general precepts of policy which would unite
US as national organization.
After the address, the following preamble
and resolutions were adopted:
"A AND RESOLUTIONS
WHEREAS, in our belief questions of great im4
p~ortance have occurred, involving national
interests, and even national unity, and which
we think require the serious consideration Of
our people, and the adoption of measures
adapted to the exigencies of the times; and,
whereas, we conceive that said issues are of
such moment as to require political organiza-
ton with special reference to them and
tending TO the consolidation of Southern ina
fuence; therefore,
Be IL resolred, That we, citizens here assem-
bled, do hereby agree to ignore the political
difference which have heretofore divided US,
and TO unite for the especial purposes of main
tanning Southern rights against Freesoil ag~
gression.
Resozred, That we style ourselves Consti-
tutionalists; that we recognize only as our JeI~
fow,citizens who obey the Constitution of the
United States, and that we are and will be
steadfastly opposed to all compromises affect
mo constitutional PRINCIPLES,
Resolued, That we will not give our votes,
either for Parish, State or Federal Office, to any
one who does not agree with US in the senti-
meuts and policy of these resolutions, and who
will not publicly advocate the same.
Resoluea, That we meet again on the 4th
July at Pointe.a la ache, Ito which assembly
we invite the attendance of all interested per-
sons) for the purpose of more fully consider
ing these matters, and of establishing a plat
form in accordance with the principles e%nuncia-
ted.
Demons.-The local Reporter of the Plea