The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1859-10-21
SENATOR CHEsNUT--CAMDEN.

We had tho pleasure Of hearing Col.
Chcsnut's speech at Camden, and the op
portunity there to express in person our
satisfaction at the truth Of its statements,
the ability Of its argument, and the sound
ness of its conclusions. 1t has presented
tho posture Of political affairs, the dangers
which lu,k umlcr them, and the issues
which have arisen, more fully and directly
than any other speech or production which
has emanatc,l from our federal representa-
tives since the adjournment Of Congress.
We are not Of those who expect or de-
sire that our Senators or political leaders,
who represent not only our State, but the
United States, should, in the exposition of
general questions, enter upon the phases Of
local political feeling, or prematurely and
er,parte suggest or discuss sectional rcme-
dies and actions upon mere speculative and
future contingencies. They should instruct
upon and maintain Southern Rights-that
is the mission Of their representative office.
But on Southern remedies, it is the duty of
the people and Statest to consider, announce
and prepare, when they may be needed.
Seuator Chesnut was as considcrate on the
topics which he avoided, as be was correct
and firm on those lie discussed.
We invite especial attention to the fol-
lowing paragraphs Of his speech:
"The territorial question has recently as
sumed -shape SO imposing on the public
mind, that I am not permitted to pass it
in silence.
"Let us touch on the theory Of the ques:
ton. and afterwards regard it practically.
There are two viows Of it, even in the dem.
ocratic party, almost Numerically oppo.
site, but not supported by equal weight ol
reason and authority. Ono view is. that
the territory belongs to the United States,
and the absolute sovereignty over it is in
them; that It was acquired for the benefit
of the people Of the several States; that
the Federal Government holds it as trustee
for their common use, until it shall properly
be associated with the other States as q CO.
equal member of the Union; and that
Congress has the exclusive right to pro.
vide for its government; that the power of
Congress to legislate for it under. the Con-
stitution is exclusive {; that tho machinery
OF government to. be employed for the pro-
lection Of the persons and property Of those
who may be authorized to take up their
abode in'tbe territory, is at the discretion
of Congress, and for that purpose Congress
may legislate directly If it choose, and ap-
point its own officers to carry such legisla.
ton into effect; or may, if :spch Be The best
mode, erect territorial government there
and confer on the inhabitants power to
choose the members Of legislature, which
IS to act as an agent, created and appointed
BY Congress- to pass laws necessary and
proper, subject to The supervision Of Cons
gress, that the power Of Congress over the
person and property Of citizen in a terris
tory - not discretionary, "but the territory
being part of the United States, thseaov-:
eminent and the citiseSs both enter it tins
der authority of.tbs constitution with thei;s
respective rights defined and marked. ont !:
and the Federal Government can exerciiss i4,
uopossT over biz person aud property be.
yond what that Instrument eonisFsr.s rs' nor ,r
lawfully deny any rigts which It has ss,
served; 4at Che eou.iitstie denies the
sighkto copersis y deprive any eisisan oi
tbsi limited sslssssof thir tropsrsy;; sisboas
duo psqeses ed.hs, epd ro aps which ds.
phvcs acitizeno 81 his psopstsss suasssiy IL