The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1860-08-21
LETTER OF HON. w. w. BoYCE


lumbia District of South Carolina, has written
letter giving his views as to what South Carolina
ought to do in the event of Lincolns election
After showing that the Republican party intend
not only to interfere with slavery in the Territories
and the District of Columbia, but also with the
institution in the Southern States, he says, speak
ing of Lincons election:
"Great as are the moral effects, important prac-
teal results would also speedily follow The
patronage of the Administration would be used to
build up Republican party In the border slave
States, anG the Federal Judiciary would be reno
deled, so that the dogmas of fanatcism would be-
come the decree of the Supreme Court. Nor could
we obtain peace by abject submission, if so in
cined; the agitation would go with increased
volume, when it was found not to be hazardous,
and we would ultimately be forced to yield all, or
to resist under circumstances infinitely dis
couraging than exist at present. To acquiesce In
the vast powers of the Federal Government going
into the hands Of our would-be masters, with the
intention of resisting, at some future time, would
be to emulate the infatuation of the Nu.aidian
King, who delivered his treasures his arms, his
elephants, and his deserts, to the Romans, and
then renewed the war, having needlessly deprived
himself of the means of defence.
If the South acquiesces in Republican Admin
israton, | think the question of negro equality is
settled against us, and emancipation only ques-
ton of time [ have regarded this question
in the light for years, and L have considered
the success of the Republican party in the Presi-
dental election as involving the necessity of re-
voution. So regarding it, | have thought the
great paramount object of our policy to let
this Republican success occur, if it must occur,
under the most suspicious circumstances for dis
ruption, and those suspicious circumstances |
thought would consist principally in the largest
attanable sympathy North, and the greatest unity
South. These conditions, [ thought were most
likely to be reached by wise and prudent moder-
alton on the part of the South; and [ accord
| ingly advised and acted in that direction, and
anI satisfied | never gave wiser counsels said
to my constituents last Summer, that we must act
with the most consummate prudence then, in order
to profit by the most desperate boldness, if it be-
| came necessary-prudence to give no pretext for
| the election of Republican; boldness to re-
lieve ourselves from such election, if it must
take place. My policy was consistent policy
prudence when prudence night be advantageous;
boldness, when nothing else was left The time is
alternative will be bodness If the Republican
party triumph in the Presidential election, our
State has no choice but to Immediately withdraw
from the Union Nor is this so hazardous an I'M
dertaking as might be conceived at first sight
Suppose we have done this. Then only two
courses remain to enemies; first, they must let
us alone; secondly, they must attempt Us.
Either alternative will accomplish our purpose.
Suppose they let US alone-very good. We
will have free trade with Europe and get along
very well in happy mediocrity far better than
as degraded satellite of gorgeous system, whose
glores would be for others, whose shame for US
alone. We would not have to pay any taxes, d.
rect or indirect, to Northern Abolitionists-tEat
would be some consolation.
Suppose they undertake to coerce us. Then
the Southern States compelled to make COM
mon with US, and we will wake up some
morning and find the flag of Southern Confedera-
cy floating over us. That would be great deal
better than paying tribute to the John. Brown
sympathizers.
The South still has splendid cards in her hands
if she will only play them. The Constitution of
Northern society is artificial in the extreme. I'm
mense wealth has been accumulated there. A
few are richer than the kings of the East; the
multitude labor for their daily bread; much of this
wealth is breath-the breath of credit. A civil
CONFUSION will bring their paper system Of credit
tumbling about their ears. The first gun fired in
civil war will cost them $500 600 600, and strikes
will not be confined to the shoemakers but will be-
come epidemic If Lincoln is elected, let us put
them at Defiance and if they incline to try the last
argument of kings against us-very we'll When,
in sixty days, they have lost S500,000,0 900, and
near Tie curses OF THEIR unemployed MOP, demand
ing bread or blood, perhaps the doctrine of negro
equality will not be quite popular, and the be-
ginning of powerful reaction may take place
the harbinger of long years of peace and fratern-
ty. But if no reaction takes place, and our North
tyra9ts persist in putting to mettle-
very we'll. If nothing will do them but the sword
be il so.
Let us show that we can grasp the sword as we'll
as they can; that are not degenerate descend
ants of those glorious old heroes from whom we
draw our lineage If the worst come to the worst,
but fall, sword in hand, fighting for all
that makes life desirable-justice, equality and
our country. But I have no fear as to the result,
if it comes to question of arms. We can give
blows we'll as receive them, and we as apt to
have winter quarters in the city of New York
they theirs in New Orleans. .
But do not desire We wish peace and
fraternity in the Union, if possible; but one thing
there is which We are determined to have, in the
Union or out of it-equaty Woe to those who
would rob us Of this, for they would bring great
calamlties on their country, themselves and hui
manity.
Mr. Orr of S. c., (late Speaker of the House of
Representatives. has also written letter in which
he takes the position that South Carolina ought
not to secede without The cooperation of Missis-
sippi, Alabama and Georgia, OF other Southern
States.
SUPREME COURT.