The Camden weekly journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1853-1861, 1860-02-28


Of its conception.
Capt. I'D. KENNEDY was called out in response
and well did he acquit himself He compressed M
shell truths that were percepble every one whose
mind was not entirely closed to conviction lie spoke
in most respectful measure Of the unchaenged patriot
ism and honesty ofpurpose which actuatcd the famer
Of this noble old document 1t calmed the contentoi
and disorder existing II our country pror to It's adop
ton, and erinced the most comprehensive clements
wisdom in its composition Great and powerful parties
had risen upon its principles. Despite the wisdom
of its construction and the advocacy oft by the
penetrating disqusition Of Statement he announced
his conviction that the corruption and tricksters
party encroaehment had prostituted its capacity o
government as touching the control Of the practlca
operations Of its great fundamental principles. This
innovation upon the firm and we'll based principles
our patriotic ancestry had led to the most dsgracef'
and uncomfortable imposition and aggression OF th'
North upon the South. Regarded the South as SO ei
ectuay swndled out of her constitutional rights ant
privileges that battle Of the Constitution did not pre-
sent itself him covering the field of action neces
sary to secure the complete salvation of the South Iron
the settled hostility of an ascendant Northern opposi
ton. He honestly and boldly proclaimed dissolution
as the only remedy calcuiared to check the cncroac
ments upont institutions of the South, and woull
Gerry the Constitution with our ark of safety.
His remarks carried with them an element of I'M
preston and conviction which penetrated the films.
veil with which sanguinc Unon-savers attempt 10 con
ceal the fostering wound of our federal compact which
sooner or later must burst ina felt reality upon th
country, and urged upon the South IN early prcpara
therefor lie closed amid the hearty response of spirited
cheering from those present. ~
S. South Carolina halls with pleasure the action
Alabama and Mssissppi1a an earnest OF Southern IN
dependence.
Col T. j. WARREN was called out, who said in sub
stance:-
in responding to this sentiment. am sure Mr.
President that would fail to do justice to the
sion and the patriotism Of this assembly, II Imagined
for moment that there was ono around this festive
board who did not hail with plcasurable emotions, the
action of Alabama and Mississippi as earnest o.
Southern Independence. 1t is refreshing i'll these days
of political degeneracy to meet swt those who ART
ready fol, action-w:llng to face the music and toe the
mark The time for preambles and general resolve:
we sUcaQ tiIiilS
ing our constitutional rights and equality in tile on
or independence out of it. now is tile time to act
South Carolina had modestly. but nobly offered hc
services to an elder sister, whose domain had been III
raded by the foes poutng tread and whose classic
soil had been rebaptizHl with the blood Of her owr
ipeaceabe, unoflendng citizens. We may be accused
as aState of some strange Inconsistencies but sir
our impulses noble and faults generous, and olter
lean to virtues side: and he is base and contempt;
the sincerity of South Carolina in her recent prupos
ton to the Southern States and offer of assistance
Virginia The movement was wise patriotic and op
iportune.
SHOULD however as likely she WILL Virginia rcfls;
corporations and the counsels Of specuating potca
wire pullers prevail and the proud old Dominion is de
graded to the yest submission be it So; upon he
,ownheadSwi rest most farully. the responsibility
and consequenseso of rejected coullscis But we mus
hop better things from the motller of Stes aud o
cox sea;ion sal 81 ne iiS lie dsesaics favor
Southern aud lutions have been adopt
ed f&oring South Carolinas proposition for Confer
eace of the Southern, or slave States:
"Rut gentlemen. you will perceive that this move
ment has originated in meeting Of people
Here we must look for the Inauguration Of new ant
practical movement yes from he people. five wa
for our so.Stvled leaders to move we may expect tc
wait forever
Gentlemen if this Union is ever dissolved and {
Southern government established, it will never bt
through tile agency Of old fogyism in power, and tIe
reason is obvious The dawning Of such an event
would I've the signal for their political sun to set in
most ingiorious obscuraton-and so mote it be-
ave can make no calculation upon Eirsinia-hcl
leaders are all too Vase for us and we must look Sont
of her. and to Alabama, Mississippi, aud others Of ou
natural allies for cooperation and assistance.
lie: these gallant and noble Commonweats marcl
up 10 the mark and South Carolina will be there; aye
more than willing, ut the first tap Of the drum-ant
tap it herscl-to have II place III the picture. even
near the flashing Of the guns" Young soldiers yol
are the hope Of the country upon your slalwart arms
must she lean for protection Be ncrvcd for the strife
and let each be prepared to take his share of the re
sponsiby. ! am ready noi0, and unwilling to leave
to posterity the performance OF SO grave duty.
"They who would be free
Themselves must strike the blow"
These rcuarks during then delivery, at intervals
were enthusiastically applaudcd.
At this stage Of the proceedings most interesting
and impressive feature was introduced,
TIE SWORD PRESENTATION.
In accordance with their appointment. the Commit
tee selected had secured in behalf of the Light In
fantry a very handsome Gilt Sword as a testimona
SHAW, who has but recently severed his connection Al
commander of this spirited corps. Lieut.. W. T. LETT
SER presenting the Sword, in behalf OF the Company
said -
CAPTAIN KERSllAw:-
1t is q trte saying that Republics are ungratcful; ;
however this may be-, as illustrated by the iancen
commonwealth it is untrue. pniosophcat; considered
Government is hut the creature Of the governed and
Of necessity nothing more nor less than mere repre-
sentative Of their corresponding virtues and vices
This is strkingly evidenced from the revolutions anc
changes continually occurring in all social or
g,nisms Therefore, it is misconccpton Of the trut
origin and nature of government to suppose that cthc
one or another FORM irrespective Of the character ant
condition of the people, will inevitably produce certain
predicted results This granted, may not safely ai
firm that Republics based like ours, upon the wisdom
of a vrtuous an intelligent ancestry reflex retnct
species Of civilization among the chief cNccilcncies
which are first tho appreciation, NdncNt the reward
ing of mcri.. Indeed this sentiment is the common
birth-righ of Americans III obedience to it, the CAM
DEN LIGHT INFANTRY, your hOnored Old Company. al
of whom have felt the friendly grasp of your hant
and the warm throbbings Of your generous nature
have delegated me- one of their number in their name
and behalf to present you with this beautiful Sword
Accept it, we pray YOU, it is iutended-not in tit
light Of reward commensurate with the services yor
have rendered us (vou have this in our good opinions
and in your own worthy examplc) but rather as 4 tcs
tmonial OF that reward.
And here let INC add that, independent Of the hear.
felt gratitude which enhances the offering, You SHOULD
prize It greatly Because it connects YOU 10y association
back to lin whose birth we now celebrating. Sir
the memory Of WASHINGTON is capable, at all times, o
aYousng intensely the most dormant aspirations OF tho
SOUL and that frightened continually by the presence
of the gt will douhly nerve your arm. All honor tt
his glorious name, Io was and is mighty principle
the complete triumph Of which can only be limteL il
long succession Of ages by the universal establish
ment of free principles and the cutirc political Olsen
tlramemt of mankind Co. sir! initiate his patriotism
,,,,, aud cl,oul vnur native Strtp