The Camden weekly journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1853-1861, 1860-01-17
YfgiIant Societies.

Although not very ardent admirer Of such organ-
cations We acknowledge that our opposition has well
nigh subsidized in reference thereto, since their
general formation at the South The outbreak of abo
lition naticsm at Harpers Ferry has been the means
Of instituting large numbers of these societies through
out the South. giving more ample facility to judge Of
theis operations in general
Notwithstanding somewhat prcjudiced impression
had been made upon our mind as to the "hgher
law" tendencies of such organizations, we have allowed
our observation to speak for ITSELF and must confess
that regard the operations Of these societies in the
main the exponent Of commcndable sensitiveness
upon that central institution at the South, by whose
firm and steady move the best prosperity ofpur peo-
pie is promoted. Assailcd from without by the un-
yielding and aggressive spirit of Northern fanatcism
end distracted within the camp by the whispered
betrayal of spies within lines it is absolutely
sental that we institute an ayuseyed sentry, whose
loyalty is guaranteed by the cohesive power Of direct
interest and whose active vision will discover every
element of dsaffection in ranks as well keep
watch upon the mannuvres of those with whom we
are; to battle boldly.
The Southin our opinion, is threatened with more
present danger at the hands of concealed and covert
enemies IN the shape Of mappeddlers, book agents
sim Northern uummers generally, than from any other
source Hence, We regard it best interest to
institute the most rigid police surveillance throughout
the entire Southern territory, shutting out from an
nnehalcnged ingcss and egress that restless fdgctty
Yankee spirit, which is rarely content with knowl
edge of its own affairs but be continually prying
into matters with which it has no more business than
a pig has in paror.
There has evidently been ample room for the exhib
ton of vigilance the South, and we have long felt
the need Of more vigorous system Of police organza
ticn than tie law ordinarily supports. The admins
tration of the provisions of law have been too lax
the South generally to ensure adequate protection to
the peculiar institutions thereof Had some system
similarly active to these vgilant organizations been
in practice throughout the extent Of Southern ter
ritory for years back, we opine that much valuable
property would have been retained, and that to-day
tho soil of Virginia would not risc bloodstaned and
invaded to put to blush the boasted protection of our
fresies and altars. Let then, learn lesson from
the past and endeavor to keep alive the most active
ASRily.
% II possible that the operations of these vglant
s9icties may not always be Of tho most mild and hui
ne nature in the application of punishment to such
otndcrs as may fall into their hands, but they are
caainly the most effective yet devised in Kidding the
s0th of those, who never so agreeaby employed
asyhcn stirring up strife among the advocates and
hocrs of slavery Since then, they are found to
amer the requisite ends it may not be amiss to adj.
vote their continuance inasmuc!i the objects Of
ts organization are as yet but partially completed
y, Wwould however, in all cases, have them oilccred
enontroled by men whose judgment has been fully
iopcd and whose dnee interest in the institution
as them the most fit guardians Of its operation.