Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1859-12-07

resolutions? As well might we rely upon q
paste board barque to protect US from ocean
storms South Carolina should be careful not
to commit herself, directly or indirectly, to
any Presidential asprant, and be forced by
party trammels to support party nominee.
An open and undisguised enemy is infinitely
preferable to o. pretended friend, and We
should scorh the alternative of 2 choice OF
evils, as being but the poor privilege OF
,laye to choose master. We have sunk very
low, indeed, if our liberties ale to depend ur-
on the fortunate election Of candidate for
the Presidency, who, ON account of his popu-
larity, or his mysterious manner OF expressing
his opinions, makes himself acceptable to both
sections, or is what is generally termed avail
able. 1t is unbecoming free people to stake
their liberties upon the successful jugglery OF
party politicians and interested ofice-seekers,
rather than bold and determined resolution.
to maintain them at every hazard. In the
eloquent language Of our own McDutie;t to
whom were universally accorded honesty,
patriotism and dsinterestedness, "Let us
cherish and preserve the reputation we have
Mobly acquired, as the. Romans did their ves-
tai fire. Let no statesman of South Carolina
tarliish her glorious escutcheon, by enlisting
as a partiaAn under the banner of any of those
political chiefs, who are erasping at the Presi.
Dental scep,re. Tue political principles and
peculiar institutions Of the State may be sold
and sacrificed, but most assuredly they can
never be preserved by such degrading parti-
zallship. South Carolina, and all the States
having similar institutions, must not put their
trust ip Presidents; hut look to their own
power and principles for the security Of their
rights and institutions. They are in pe.'
manent minority on all questions affecting
Il ose rights and institutions, ard whoever may
exercise the POW, rs OF the Chief Magistrac.
they will be exercised in obedience to the will
of The adverse majority" What, then, it
may he asked, should South Carolina do, in
view Of the crisis now approaching, (and, in
my opinion, .fearluIy near, to save her insti-
tutons from destruction, aud afford safety
and security to her leople7 Would to God
| were able To give a satisfactory answer to
this mnlnrntuus question, and thds be the
humble instrument 10 ever, the impending
danger; but must confess my utter inability
to point out the path sd honor and safety, in
the midst of the difficulties that surround liz.
With VII united South our coast would hs
clear, AMI our future glorious; We could en-
fnrce equality in the Union, or maintain our
in dependence out Of ii. If. as solemnly b..
lieve, VT Gun no longer live in peace and har.
mony In the MISUNDERSTANDING the as.
sociAtions Of the pa>f, aud the remembrance
Of our conlnon triulnphs, (1cing treated as
enemies and aliens, rather than brethren Of
the same family, apd heirs Of the same inher::.
tance by the Norti)-wc can form Confe6-
eracy with ability to protect itself again.t
any enemy, and command the respect and af-
miration Of the world. This proud position
is only to be obtained by strict adherence
to law and duty; and while South Carolina
insists on the other States carrying ont their
fs,n .titn.;nI-zi -t,:r-s:; n. ,'.- .;..,,,'