Semi-weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1853-18??, 1858-09-04

and who syovs his purposs to overthrow the su;
preme Court Of the United Ststsa because the Bred
Scot decision l. distasteful to him.
But to return to the Democratic party. Have
exaggerated its services ii defence OF the ConstItu
ton and the Unionf If have, furnish the incl
dent and the evidences, and will recant. Apprecia-
ting it as did, was in favor of seeing the State
represented in the National Convention at Cincin.
Datti in 1856. am in favor of the Democrats OF
this State sending delegation to similar Conven-
ton. desire that South Carolina shall have her
voice heard in determining what principles are to
go, ern the party. This can only be done with ef-
fec. in the body that makes the platform. I desire
that her voice shall be heard in determining the
nominee. know the State will vote for the nomi.
nee, however Objectionable he may be, because
know he will be safer man for rs than the nomi-
nee of the Republican or Know Nothing parties.
For the same reason, have for years attended and
participated in the caucuses Of the party at Wash.
ington, and sustained its organization. l learned
very soon that if influence to be welded on the
party, it was while they we're consulting on meas.
ures and men, and not after the members had deter
mined their line of action. No man now living in
this Union has power to accomplish any great meas
ure or policy without the aid of party, and if you
desire influence in party, it is only to be attained
by afiliating heartily in its organization. And here
let me remark, that as Representative l have
found inconsistency in afliation with that party
and with States Rights and strict construction
for nine years, my votes, the record will show,
have been cast on the same side with my respected
colleagues in the Senate and House; most Of whom
have declined to unite in its organization with the
Democratic party, and against whom the imputaton
of" Nationalism" has not been made. Virginia has
maintained her principles with much consistency
and fidelity as any State in the Union-has always
exercised potent influence in the affairs of Govern
ment and her sons have been loyal to party and its
organization.
Whenever the Democratic party ceases in good
faith to execute its professed principles, l shall
cease support it. Whenever that party fails to lay
down correct principles. shall abjure its organize
ton. Till the happening of one Of these events, my
voice and vote will be at its service. When it
pershes the wreck of the Union will its grave
and look upon the happening of that catastrophe
with more socitude as grow older. cobbler in
few hours can destroy the most splendid architec.
tural ple to restore it in its symmetry and gran:
deur is the work of years of patient toll by master
mechanics 1t is easier to pull down than to build up
1.-THE alternative presented to the South of
tnuing in the Union as interiors in the rights and
privileges of common Government, or to dissolve the
Union should not hesitate in choosing the latter
Neither States nor individuals can look upon life as
boon, it is to be spent in dsgrace-Oonscious Of
selfdegradation. My ardent prayer is that no such
alternative may ever come When this government
is destroyed, neither you nor me- your children or
my children will ever live TO good q govern.
mert reconstructed; a government that gives such
ample protection to al the rights of person and prop
erty at home and abroad and requires so little from
the citizen in return.