Nashville patriot. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1858-1860, 1859-12-03

democratic party. II has never been to the
South better support than broken stan,
and the sooner she ceases to lean upon 1t Tor
protection the better for her interests.
The Governor expresses. in this connection,
the opinion that South Carolina should be
careful not to commit herself, directly or
indirectly. to any Presidential aspirant, and
be forced by party trammels to support a
party nominee He would have her hold
herself above party machinery, and to look
TO her own power and principles for the Sc
curity of her rights and institutions. He
closes as follows:
What then, it may be asked. should South
Carolina do in view of the crisis now APP
preaching, (and, in my opionion. feariully
ncar) TO save her institutions. from destruc-
ton. and afford safety and security to her
people !? Would to God | were able to give
a satisfactory answer to this momenfous ones
ton, and thus be the humble instrument to
avert the impending danger; but must con-
fcss my utter inability to point out the path
of honor and safety, in the midst Of the diff
cnlties that surround us.
With an united South our course would be
clear, and our future glorious; we could en-
force equality in the Union. or maintain onr
independence out Of it. If, as | sOlernnly
believe, we can no longer live in peace and
harmony III the Observation-Disclosures the
associations OF the past and the remembrance
Of our common triumphs, (being treated ar
enemies aud aliens, rather than bre hren oi
the same family. and heirs of the same inner
itance by the NOrth) we can form Con-
I, deracy with ability to protect itself agains
any enemy, and command the respect and
admiration OF the world. This proud posi-
ton Is only to be obtaineu by a strict add
berence to law and duty; and while South
Carolina insists on the other States carrying
out tieir constitutional obligations, she
should be careful to do her whole duty, and
carry out in good faith all her obligations
to her Sister States and the Federal Govern
mcnt, by discouraging all attempts to evade
The laws, under any pretense whatever.
While in the Union we should comply
with all the laws OF Congress until they are
pronounced unconstitut ional by the. Supreme
Court. or our people are released from their
binding obligations by the constituted au-
thorities of the State; and it would be an ar
rOgant assumption on the part of individuals
10 set up their opinions OF the constitution
atty Of law as etheir rule of action. We
should not initiate the example of the North
in setting up ..higher law" but retain the
proud position we have always occupied
aud it will give selfsatisfaction, an approx
ing conscience, and moral power to achieve
victory.
In preparing for any emergency that may
arise, would respectfully recommend you,
at an early period to take such measures as,
IN your wisdom, you may deem proper and
cXpedient TO obtain the cooperation of the
Southern States in concerted action in de-
fence of our Institutions whenever they may
be put in jeopardy, by all the departments OF
the Government passing into the bands Of
our enemies. The election of a Black Re
publican President will settle the question OF
our safety in the Union; and although the
forms OF the Constitution may be complied
with. its vital principle will be eXtinguished,
and the South must consent to occupy an in
terior and degrading position, or seek new
safe guards for her future security. Let South
Carolina exhaust every means to get the c.
operation Of the Southern States in this vital
and important movement, yielding every
thing but principle for that purpose, prepared
10 follow any lead in resistance, but she should
never forget that she is Il sovereign and an
Jqual-that by her sovereign act she created
the relationship of that State that now exists
IN the Federal Union, and that she has a
clear and unquestionable glt 10 resume her
position us a sovereign III the family of ma
lions.
The sentiments of Gov. GIsT in regard to
obedience to law are just and proper, and in
striking contrast with the notification doc
rines taught, Of late years, by leading men
II some of the non-sloveholding States, and
attempted 10 be enforced by few of their |
State Legislatures So long as laws remain |
N the statute book, whether they be fugitive |
lave laws or laws prohibiting the African
lave trade, they should be respected and |
beycd, aud when iniracted punishment
hould invariably follow. Leading men Of
ii sections would be better employed in in
uicating these views, and impressing them
pom the minds and cousciences of the peo-
lie. than in 'desCanting upon their deformi-
les" and arousing hostility to them.