Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1860-01-19
SPEECH OF HON. w. w. BoYCE.

We give below synopsis of Mr.. BoYcE's
speech, delivered in the House of Representa-
tives en- the 3d instant, in opposition to the Re-
publican party. 1t is impossible to do justice to
his logic and eloquence in the short space which
we must occupy:
Mr.. BoYcE begins by declaring that, in his
opinion the Union was never in greater peril, be-
cause Of the rapid rise and threatened ascendan-
cy the Republican party party appealing
to the preudices, passions and supposed interests
of one section, in order to band them together
against the other section. 1t is o sectional party
upon the most dangerous of issues, because it
addresses itself to the strongest passions of the
heart in each section. At the North, it is re-
ligious fanaticism; at the South, aqueston of e1
istence.
1t is striking fact that this party does not
propose any change of governmental policy in
regard to the subjects of taxation, disbursements
and protection to home industry. They propose
no change in the tariff, none in the coastwise
trade and ship building-already Northern mo-
nopolies-none in the law, giving Goldfish boun-
ties to observation-disclosures in the law which,
under the form of the reciprocity treaty, permits
free.trade between Canada and the Northern
frontier. Why does this party propose no change
in these laws which touch the arteries of their
great industry at every point? 1t is because
they are so favorable to Northern interests, that
they cannot be improved upon.
The great practical issue of this party is the
prohibition of slavery in the Territories. They
would have rs believe this is the be-all and end
all of cheir agitation. Yet according to the sig
nifcant admission of the gentleman from Ohio
(Mr. Corwin) this question is settled by the
laws of physical geography and the movements
of population and the mission of the party be-
ing fulfilled, it ought to disband. But its organi-
cation continues. The purpose must be the Sci
zure of oil the offices, and the con6scation of all
the spos of Government.
Mr. BoYcE then points out the dangers Of a
sectional party in two particulars.
First our Government is one Of the most del
icate organism. 1t is a free government upon q
free government; free government of the sec-
ond degree for first come the State governments;
from their union results the Federal Government
1t cannot act well without harmony, and harmo-
ny cannot exist without justice. Sectionalism,
being the rankest injustice, is of fatal influence
to the Government. Farther, our Government
is not a Democracy pure and simple, but Re-
public with checks and balances. The numeri
cnl majority have not absolute power, being sub
iected to the concurrent action of the Senate,
representing States without regard to number
If one section containing the majority of States
US well as inhabitants unite in party against
the minority section, they control the Senate and
a revolution is practically effected in the Gov
ernment. Such will be the effect if the Repub-
lcan party get possession of the Government
It will no longer be O republic of checks and
balances, but passionate democracy-of all
Governments the worst, as o thousand tyrants
are worse than one tyrant.
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