The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1860-12-25
THE SOUTH CAROLINA CONVENTION.

Mr. MAGRArH introduced ordnance that tn Judges
of the courts cognizance in admiralty and
maritime jurisdiction for all offences, anier the
of the United states hereafter Referred The Commit
tee on a Constitution, with Judge Megr~lh aided
Mr. RrrT moved TO take up the address T. the people
Of the southern States prepared by the Committee 1t
was taken up and several amendments proposed
The declaration Of which usssy the secession q
south Carolina from the federal Union made special
order The whole address received nnamerablc alcra
tions.
After lengthy and not generally interestng debate
the Convention took recess till seven o'clock.
EVENING SESSION.
Mr. DrsIy moved to take up the special order it being
the ordinance provide for continuance Of commercial
affairs. He moved for secret session, which was
carried.
Information was given this morning in the Convention
that several lighthouse keepers about vacang their
positions
II is understood that the secret session is to confer
with the Collector Of the Port.
The Convention adopted the Declaration OF Immediate
Causes which Induced and Justified the Of South
Carolina from the Union. Waving the repetition of the
in the past she declares to the remaining States
and nations Of the world the immediate causes which led
10 the The declaration refers g. the which
led 10 the separation from England sd the dccla alton
Of the colonies that they free and independent
States. In pursuance Of this declaration thirteen
States proceeded TO exercise separate sovereignty
Subsequently they entered into a league by the
Articles Of Confederation, but retaining their
r-gnsy. vndor this declaration the Of the
Revolution Was fought at the close Of which England
acknowledged them free, sovereign and ndepcuicn
States. subsequently, the Uaon formed, limited to
the words Of the grant The declaration declares TIA
many Of the States have violated the compact in letter
and spirit and consequently absolves the from
Obligations of the Union. II refers 10 the States which
violated the fourth article of the constitution and says
them have complied with the spulatons OF the
constitution consequently south Carolina absovcd from
ob,.pall~.
After detailing the many caases il thus
eludcs" We, therefore, the people Of SouthCroina,
being delegates 10 the Convention assembled appealing
the Supreme Judge Of the world for recude Of nsen
tons have soemnIy declared that the Union heretofore
existing between this state and the other states Of North
Amersoa shlyed. and the sass II South Carolina has
resumed her position among the nasnHs of ths world -
separate ami independent state, with full power TO levy
war, conclude peace contract alliances, establish
merce and do other acts aud things which independent
States may of right do.
There many able and interesting speeches in the
Convention today. Messrs Rhest, spra,t and others in
the course OF discussion declared the opinion that the
Fugitive Slave law unconstitutional
Judge wIrnas In an able, logical speech, said It was
constitutional.
Mr.. M,nMSoER declared the point legally embarrassing.
Fully hours consumed in verbal alterations of
the address, The most rigid criticism indugcd in
by both sides. II was finally adopted with but few dig
sentnr votes.
Governor Pickens has, agrecably to the ordinance Of
secession issued proclamation prcclaimng to the
world that South Carolina s and has a right TO be
serarase sovereign aud independent state and as
such, has right to levy war, conclude peace nego
tiate treaties, leagues covenants, and do all
whatever that rightly appertain 10 free and ndepcu
dent State.