Abbeville press. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1860-1869, 1860-12-21

1t may be said, in reply, that the Legisla
ture would not be in session when this eec.
ton was needed; that it is bill to supply
future emergency, and when this arises
the Legislature may not be in session. But
we must not leave the election Of these
general officers until the emergency comes,
No! they must be elected now, or our
whole system will be incomplete. We
ought to have our force armed, equipped,
disciplined, ready to bound into action at
the call of the State, or else, in the very
lace OF the enemy, we will bave to select
officers. We need not put them imme-
d'ately under pay, but have them all pre-
pared for service. 1t, however, there be
any objection to the appointment of these
officers now, let it be remembered, that the
Legislature will probably be in session when
the emergency arises. But, in regard to
the other officers, insist that the choice of
them be givepto their respective commands.
1t is in analogy with the law of South
Carolina. This law provides that they
elect all their officers, but for the sake of
prudence, will submit to have their higher
officers appointed by others. But who are
those to he placed under these comman-
ders? Citizens, by the law of South Caro-
lima; the equals of their officers, and the
peers Of those above them; soldiers from
choice, not necessity from patriotism, not
gain and who. shrink back with horror
from being shuff1ed down into the con-
ditlnn Of mercenaries, whose business it is
to die, Wedo not propose to 60 into an
offensive war, but these troops will defend
their homes and fire. sides. Besides, it is
uncertain whether they will be employed
ready when the work is done to sink back
again into the bosom of their country.
The Palmetto Regiment mustered un.
der this law into the service of the United
States, and elected their own officers of
Major, Lieutenant Colonel. and Colonel.
That regiment has done more for South
Carolina than everything else during the
past century, but theirs was notsa defen.
sive,. but an offensive war. Tn a foreign.
country, they struggled to maintain their
country's honor. Butler, GLADDEN., and
Dicklnsion, were elected by their own
men. Butler was not even in the State
when elected, though the lives of his cleo
tors depended on their choice. There was
not soldier in the ranks, who, saw Mr..
Butler receive the flag that now hangs in.
our sight on the race. course IN Charleston
from Mayor Hutchinson, but who knew
that, though he made no promises, yet that
his eye told that he would come with it.
from the battlefield, or on it.when it is
done. Lieutenant. Colonel Dickinson, in
the army Of Napoleon ], would have been
styled the bravest of the brave, and SUBJ
Major GLADDEN. showed he was the first in,
bravery, as hesreceived from Dickinson
the colors that, on the plains of Ghuru-
buseo, had led to glory; and to; triumph.
Could South Carolina have made better
choice? I am afraid, also that the oppo.
nents Of this amendment wonld dampen
the ardor of those who have offered their
services. 7 hope, htherefors, that the:
awepdment Of my friend from, Anderson,
which sthe oRlytin.ernediate policy, will
a
prevail.