The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1860-12-06

Govern, which has taken possession OF the
Northern mind, is as mischievous as it is
fallacious, and is contradicted by all the
analogies Of Republican government
If a mere majority is to govern, why
have two houses Of Congress- Senate
and House of Representatives Why
give the President the veto power?-
Why submit the action of all three to
judicial tribunal? Why require juries to
be unanimous in giving their verdict
The conclusion is irresistible that it IS for
protection of minorities and the safety OF
the citizen. l may be asked if minority
should govern. My answer is, No: but
they should be able, by constitutional re-
strictions, to restrain the majority from
acts of injustice and oppression. In the
copartnerships formed by individuals, the
majority is not permitted to construc the
articles of agreement to the injury OF the
minority, but in this case there is a dis
interested tribunal to decide the question.
In a compact between States, from the
nature of the case, there can be no trlbu-
nal to decide violations Of it, and the rem
edy must be dissolution of the agree
ment, without any right on the part OF
the majority of the States to prevent the
withdrawal of any of the parties, other
wise might would make right, and COM
pact be an unmeaning and worthless piece
of parchment
ii follows from the views presented.
that the Federal Government cannot
rightfully use force to prevent State
from secedino or force her back into the
Union; but, in the language of the late
Judge Harper, " Men having arms in their
hands may use them;' and | cannot too
earnestly urge upon you the importance
Of arming the State at the earliest prac-
ticable period, and thus be prepared for
the worst. 1t is gratifying to know that
if we must resort to arms in defence OF
our rights, and Il blow should be struckat
South Carolina, before the other States
move up in line, we have the tender OF
volunteers from all the Southern and
some of the Northern States, to repair
promptly to our standard and share our
fortunes.
In urging the State to arm it is not to
be understood that we are detenceless; by
examining the report of the Adjutant and
Inspector general herewith transmitcd.you
will see that VIC have sufficient arms to
supply the number of soldiers that will
probably be necessary for some time to
come, and many of our arms are OF the
most approved patterns; but no one can
tell what day may bring forth, and it is
wise precantion to prepare in time. | can
not permit myself to believe that in the
madness of passion an attempt will be
made by the present or next Administra-
ton to cocrcc South Carolina, after seccs-
sion, by refusing to surrender to her the
harbor defences. or by interfering with
her imports or exports; but if | am mis-
taken in this, we must accept the issue,
and meet it as becomes men and frcemen,
who in all the calmness of determined res
olution, infinitely prefer annihilation to
disgrace. :,
We cannot penetrate the dark future; it it
may be filled with ashes, tears and blood, y
but let us go toward in the discharge
ofour duty, with an unwaverins trust in
God and Il consciousness that anything is
preferable to dishonor and degradation.
VIM. H. GIST.