Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1858-11-13
Senator Hammond's Speech.

We have excluded our usual variety to
make room for the speech delivered by Gov.
HAMMOND, at Barnwcll, OH the 20th ultimo.
1t, as we'll as everything else emanating from
this distinguished man, is worthy the careful
consideration of the people of the State, and
= pil5isI,Sfthc whole South. 1t has been prcpar-
Peat care, end is distinguished for
S1ity, elaboratencss, and candor that
Spervadcs its entire length lie treats the
slavery question in mastcrly manner, and
has done more in this speech and his other
writings to perpetuate the institution than
any man now living. Upon other points his
reasoning is good, and demands from us the
tribute due to his profound craftsmanship.
This speech is explicit as to the duty Of the
South in the present attitude of affairs, and
commands our highest admiration and warm
est approval. 1t is the course pointed out
by wisdom and patriotism, and should sink
doep into tho hearts of the conservative citi-
zcns of the South. In our present condition,
overy man who holds to the faith of tho faith
ers of the Rcpubic--lct him be from the east,
north or wost-should be regarded and treat
cd as q friend: any other course would be
nnwise, unjust and ungratcful. 1t is to be
lamcntod that our friends in the free States
arenumerically so weak, but tits no good rca-
son why they should not have our sympathy
and support. Without their assistance, we
have nothing but our moral power to make
us heard in the administration of tho federal
government. In q word, the South is numer-
ically impotent for good or evil in the conduct
of governmental affairs.
And this brings us to the vital point in the
honorable senator's specch-the future Gos-
tiny of the South. TO begin, this is mere
speculation, predicated upon such facts, ar.
gument and reason, as may be within the
possession or mental reach of every one. II
is true, as affirmed by Senator HAMMOND
that slavery is stronger to-day-moro firmly
fixed in the minds of those who are sucroun
ded by it, and in the estimation of the public
at large, both at home and abroad-than al
any former period. Whilst this is true, its
enemies here, and in every cline, are stirred
by intriguing politicians to pour out theil
wrath upon its rightful possessors, and sweep
bclieve they must belunsucceGsful. But tc
the point: can we maintain the Institution
with our rights under it, in the Union? On,
Senator thinks we can, and gives reasons fol
the faith thnt is in him. They may DO goot
and sufficient ones, but they do not satisf,
our mind. Frankly, then, we are convinced
that the Union--not that { lsiioned by the fra
mers of the coEstitution-will, if wercmain il
it, prove destructive, not only to the institu
ton Of slavery, bnt to our once revered form
and system of republican government. Tn
mistakable events. casting their darkenin
shadows before, admonish us that this is no
the Union bcqueathed to us by the revolution
airy heroes of old. North and west moboc
racy, dressed in snowy colors by SEwAsD an
his black republican can, has usurpcd, il
many instances, constitutional government
and9aw. IT ispo longer q Union of tolera
ton, justice and concord, but one of passion
prejudice and discord. For tho Union, a
it was" we have reverence and great yener
tion; but, in our humble opinion, that Uniol
bas ceased to exist7-and perhaps we, ant
those who may come after as, may not lool
+ upon It's like again
4 We have said this much in justice to our
self Inindicating our opinion, IL is also ou
I intention to avoid discussion We beliov,
that eunion Of the South, IN tho Unior
oyoutpfit IS essential 10 her preseryatio,
90 s.<t...,..tv o,,d b., eoo,en tt;s ~