The Oxford intelligencer., 1860-10-31
no Our opposltion Friends.

to1Ore acteu III opposltlOil 10 the DelhOcratiC
party. The appeal which we would make is
not based upon any merely partisan grounds,
nor do we make it with the slightest desire
that it should erure to the benefit of any
merely partisan organization. We feel that
the present solemn moment, when the desti-
ny of our country, for veal or woe, is about
to be decided, is not fitting season in which
to raise the rallying-cry of the party poll
tician. AT such time, the clamors of all
minor interests should be stiled, and the
calm voice of honest Patriotism alone be
heard.
In Mississippi, at least, there is, there can
be, no doubt of the result The State will
be carried, by an Overwhelmingly large ma
jority, for Breckenridge and Lane, in spite of
the utmost efforts of the friends of Bell and
of Douglas, whether these last act separately
or in concert. So far, then, as the imme-
date result is concerned, it is, to us, a mat
ter of profound Indifference whether the
members of the Opposition vote with us, or
against us, on Tuesday next Inasmuch as
they cannot defeat us, we are certain of a
victory, in any event. and We could achieve,
through their united assistance, nothing
more than simple victory. For the mere
purpose of giving the vote of the State to
Breckenridge and Lane, small majority will
be as amply effectual as larger one. Al ma
| jonty of 100 will suffice to control the re-
| suit a majority of 100000 could not add a
| single one to the number of those seven
electoral votes to which our State is entitled
But there is another aspect of the question,
in which we think it can be made manifest
that the Opposition, in Mississippi, would
consult their highest duty, as patriots, in
voting for Breckenridge and Lane.
1t has been an incalculable disadvantage
to the South, that, ever since the agitation
Of slavery was begun, her sons have been di-
vided amongst themselves. These divisions,
regarded by our enemies as an indication of
weakness, have emboldened them in their
gradual work of aggression upon our rights,
until, at length, they have stretched forth
their hands to overthrow the sacred pillars
of the Constitution; and there is danger
imminent danger, even now-that they will
obtain the control of the general govern
ment in order that they may pewert it from
its originally bencfcent purposes, and WELD
its powers to our undoing. This danger is
actually upon us, and it becomes us that we
look it fully in the face. The Black Repub-
leans do not understand the temper Of the
Southern people. Especially, and most
egregiously, do they misunderstood the tenn
per and the purposes of the Opposition in
the South. We have never permitted our
self to doubt that the mass of the Opposi-
ton party, throughout the South, were as
true and loyal to the cause Of Southern
rights as the men of any other party among
us; but, still, the fact cannot be disguised,
that their strong expressions of ardent at
tachment to the Union, and of a determine
ton to uphold it under all circumstances,
have done much to encourage the aggressive
spirit of Anti-Slavery, which really regards
the Opposition party in the South as its ally
in the warfare it has undertaken. We, in
the South, can clearly comprehend the full
extent Of the mistake into which our enemies
have fallen in this behalf We know that
our differences with our Opposition friends
and neighbors have been rather apparent
than actual-rather in regard to words than
things. Artful men, on both sides, have
been endeavoring to sow the seeds Of dis
scnsion between us-seeking to persuade
them that we were "disunionists per Sc" and
to convince us that they would sacrifice the
rights and honor of the South upon the al
tar of "Union'-but, when we come TO take
counsel with each other, dis carding the pet
ty animosities engendered by party strife, we
always find that there is no very essential
difference between us upon the fundamental
doctrines of our political crecds. While one
speaks of secession" as a remedy, the other
speaks Ol 'TtNOiullOu anu lHc OuiN Olntf
point of controversy that presents itself
arises in regard to the time rheH the proper
remedy should be applied. Agreeing with
respect to principle, we disagree only upon
matters Of expediency and detail. But this,
as we have before remarked, is misunder-
stood by the Black Republicans. Should
Lincoln be elected, everybody, we believe,
/ throughout the South, concurs in the opinion
that something must be done. No one that
we know of, advocates a dissolution Of the
Union, except as a last resort. We, certain
", would not favor that expedient, if any
other measure of safety could be devised.
II, for example, such an amendment of the
Constitution could be agreed upon as would
secure the rights of the South from aggTcs-
sion in the future, we would be content, y.
We know the great body of the Southern
people would also be. But, if the OPpo
sition party, in al, or great portion, Of the
Southern States, poll large vote on Tuesda,
next. it is next to certain that the fanatica