Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1860-01-13
9durtester Daily Spp.
SENSIBLE LETTER OF A SOUTHERN POLL
TICIAN.

The following letter, which we find in the
South Carolina Patriot, is from Major Perry,
one of the ablest and most infiueptia members
OF the South Carolina Legislature. The SEN
timents which it expresses differ very widely
from those which generally reach us from that
section Of the Union but they are eminently
worthy Of consideration =
COLUMBIA, S. c., Sunday, Dec l8, 1853.
Messrs. Editors The session of our Legls-
lature is abou. closing, and for the last time l
will write to you a few lines for it is my firm
and settled purpose never again to occupy
seat in either branch of the Legislature. Ii am
done with politics, and shall devote the re-
mainder of my life to my profession. Thirty
years active experience in public affairs and
political excitements has taught me its folly
and bitterness No one has ever had a more
confiding and devoted constituency than my
self, and now take leave OF them with the
kindest and most grateful feelings.
1t may be that the Legislature will take a
recess, to meet again in May. There are two
reasons which strongly urge this course to the
members. The business of the country will
be left unfinished when we adjourn. There
are five or six hundred matters important to
the country undisposed of, and our federal
relations may imperiously require the reas-
sembling of the Legislature in the spring. In
all candor and frankness, must say, however,
that | do not believe anything serious will
grow out of our present excitement, neither
disunion, civil war, nor danger to slavery.
have confidence in the good sense of the Amer
lean people, and bad and infamous as has been
the conduct of the nonslaveholding states,
do not believe they are SO lost to their inter
ests as to desire a separation of the Union, or
attempt the destruction of our southern in
situations. If, however, the horrible senti-
ments promulgated by the fanatics OF the
north become the settled public opinion of that
section, it would be dishonorable and dishonor-
ing to continue our political connection with
them; and we should be prepared to meet
every issue that may come. The slaveholding
states should meet in convention and take
united action; the sooner the better But
South Carolina ought not to think of taking
the lead. Twice already has she attempted it,
and no other state followed.
My opinion ever has been that the sole OBJ
ject of the north, in their crusade against
slavery, is to unite the nonslaveholding states,
and take the federal government out Of the hands Of
the south, and enjoy its powers, spoilS, and Offices
Beyond this they hare no other purpose. Ever
since the election of Mr.. Jefferson, the south
ern states have had the administration of the
government. Ii the non slaveholding states
can be united in their elections, transfer of
the federal government must follow, with all
its power and patronage. And do not believe
that if Black Republican were elected Presi
dent of the United States, with majority III
both houses of Congress, that the federal gov
eminent would be administered, in any mate
rial manner, otherwise than it has been for the
last sixty years! The policy of such an ad
ministration would be, in all human probabii-
ty, that of extreme caution towards the south.
The Legislature has passed resolutions in
the House to send commissioner to Virginia
to express our sympathy, and advise with her.
/ think such mission rather in bad taste and
Quixotic. The Virginia Legislature is in SEES
sion, and will defend her honor and interests
without the advice of South Carolina. l said
to the House, on the passage OF the resolutions
that it was like neighbor going to a gentle
man and telling him his honor was wounded,
and he must resent it and fight. Very likely
this oficous neighbor might find himself kick
ed out of the house. The Commissioners sent
by Virginia to South Carolina in our nullifica.
tion contest, was to keep South Carolina from
fighting and tell her that her wounded honor
did not require such course.
The separate Court of Appeals is established.
This is great measure and a great victory,
after eight years hard fighting in the Legisla-
ture. Judge O'Neal will be Chief Justice
Dunkin, Wardlaw, and Johnston are spoken
ofas Associates. The business of the country
will be dispatched, the Judges relieved in some
measure, and our appeals better considered.
have not time to speak further OF our leg
lslatlon- B. Ftp.