The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1858-04-27
WHAT WILL THE SOUTH Dor

In the present aspect of affairs, this question is
OF more Importance than the mere casual observer
OF events is wont to suppose. Whatever may be
the opinions of Southern statesmen and patriots
with regard to the action of the South or however
much they may differ as to the necessity of any
action at all one thing is very evident, unless
thing more potent than mere words is brought to
bear upon northern fanaticism, the day will come,
and may not be far distant, when she will have to
accede to dishonorable terms-brow-beaten and
doWn-trodden by oppression-go out of the Union
disgraced In her own eyes and in the eyes of the
world; or else appeal to the force of upon the
ensanguined field, entailing civil war with all its
horrld concomitants upon our once happy country;
In which event, the historian might we'll begin to
put on record the rise and fall Of the American
Republic, the utter dessolation of the once happy
home OF the brave and the free, and the setting of
the only star of hope that loomed above the hori-
zon, to the elimination of which, the oppressed
millions of the earth were anxiously looking as an
epoch of liberty in the worlds history.
There those, who ia their anxiety for the
safety of our section, have "darkened counsel by
words without knowledge" and talked of dissolu-
ton, until it may we'll be feared that as real danger
thickens upon the South, it may require an effort
to arouse her to exercise of her energies, and
to use of those means which clearly lie within her
grasp for the maintenance of her rights Having
preserved her selfrespect and maintained her
honor thus far, and having justice and equity on
her side, she still occupies an advantageous posi-
ton, for
"Thrice armd is he who hath his quarrel just"
And relying upon herself and the Great Ruler of
events in the day of trial, she may yet cover her
self with honor, and hand it down untarnished to
her children.
The rejection of Kansas with the Lecompton
Constitution by the popular branch of Congress,
cannot fail to strike every friend of the South and
her institutions, sufficient evidence of reckless
determination on the part of northern fanaticism
to push forward their mad schemes of oppression
until a complete and entire subjugation of the
South is consummated. She cannot submit to
such downright oppression and maintain even her
selfrespect; for there is point at which forbear
ance itself ceases to be virtue. The principle
of States. rights and State equality once ignored,
the articles of confederation that form the machine
ry of Union, become prolific source of positive
injury; for it only places in the hands of tyranny
the means of carrying ON its evil work. There is,
it is true, conservative party at the North, who
have, and who still are, boarding the lion in his
den," and contending for the rights and liberties
of the States under the Constitution; but whether
that party will be able much longer to stand up
under the assaults of consolidated factions which
daily acquire strength and erceness, is, to say the
least, predetermined; especially when they see
southern naen-those in whose behalf their efforts
are mainly direeted-lifting the heel against their
own section, and fighting against the men and
principles, whose triumph would advance their
interests and the welfare of their country.
We do not pretend to give counsel as to the
action of the South we rather disposed to rely
upon, and to hope in, the ultimate triumph-the
overwhelming success-of the principles of the
democratic party, to put forever at rest the I'M
holy that threatens the perpetuity OF the
Union. If there be any salvation for the South
any hope of recognized equality-it lies alone in
the success of that party. The triumph of its
principles then, should engage the earnest efforts
of every patriot and lover of hi. country, and es
pecialy of all southern men. This is no time for
making concessions to the enemy-no time for
toerating traitors to their section-If there is
man who fears to risk his fate by identifying him.
self with his own section, his own people and his
own fireside, let him depart "his passports shall
be made out-we would not die in his company