The day book. [volume] (Norfolk, Va.) 1857-1867, 1860-01-09
who Leads I?

w
In this great reform movement now ia con-
temptation by the South, it might be inter-
esting to know who leads? The forces are
drawn up in line of battle, and some of them
are already arrayed in the armor of "home
spun" The feeling that arouses men to
Gag erly battle for their homes is rife in the
and, and the patriotic hosts stand ready for
the fray. Then, who leads? Who among
the thousands of wealthy capitalists and
sIave-owners of the South are willing to
place themselves at the head of the great
movement for Southern independence.
1t is acknowledged generally, that the
most effective blow the South can strike at
Aoolitionism, is that of engaging in her own
trade and manufacturing; and thereby cut
ting Oft all trade intercourse with the North.
This idea has been heralded forth to her
people, and met by them with shouts of APP
probation, and has caused many of them to
dress themselves in homespun as an emblem
of their approval. But in order to carry out
this design, and place the movement on a
firm and solid basis, something more is re-
Quired than the mere willingness OF the
people. The siaeios of ,0ar must be made
use of. For this, we must look to the veal
thy and slave.owning portion OF our people.
They of all others are deeply Interested in
the movement, and it they wish to see their
property protected, it is incumbent on them
to come forward, and show an earnest, at
beast, by helping along the cause. The prin'
,ciple of "what is everybody's business is
aobody's business" will not admit OF being
carried out here; somebody must act, and
shey are the ones the masses look to for lea
ders. They should bear in mind that intn'e-
diats octaon ia necessary, also; for their foes
are already in the field, and already have
they tasted the first blood. They should re-
member that the great Union Conservative
meetings at the North when analysed,
proved to be but meetings of Southern
-.Drummers" at most, and few other inter-
ested parties; and that the abolition armo-
ries are in full blast at the North, and
thousand treason shops are melting the
conser oatipe masses of that section on to make
war on the Institution of slavery in the
Southland remembering these things, they
should step boldly forward and contribute of
their abundant means to establish Southern
manufactures of all kinds, and Southern
direct Importation, in order that we may no
longer be dependent on the North for our
bread and butter, and the wherewithall to
cloths ourselves. The slave-owaers and cap
italists we say must do this, if they expect
protection for their interests. They cannot
expect the non-slaveholding masses to do
everything all the sacrifces-do all
toe fghting-and furnish the means too.
Arouse, gentlemen; come to the rescue J.
Let US hear the gratifying intelligence that
the true patriotic spirit of Southern indie
pendence has seized you, and that OF your
abundant means you have determined to
make the land busy with the loom and the
anvil, as well as with the plough; and that
you will no longer send your money North
to contribute to abolitionism, but set the
present poor non-producing Glasses of your
own land to work with it, that they may be
Gbe more willing and able to battle for you
when the dread hoar comes-if come it
must.
1t is not enough that you send the 'Drum-
tasrs' back to their Northern employers, and
promise to withbold:your future patronage.
Cotton, wooden, -four and tobacco factories
must be Immediately commenced in the
south, to inspire the people with confidence
that you mean what you say. The thousand
aud one little odds and ends entering into
daily use amongst US must be manufactured
in the South, and give employment to the
poor and laboring classes, to whom we are to
iooS tor our lighting men. The North al
ready boasts that they out number u.s. Heed
well what that boast means. Set your young
men and your old men TO wOrk-giye them
employment, that they may not be driven
away from your midst, perhaps TO swell the
ranks of your adyersarie3. Make them in
serested in their homes, by giving them
what you now give your enemies work and
money. How otherwise can you look for
succoy from the poor man who owns neither
LAND nor negroes; and in many cases has not