Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1861-03-13
secret session of op,uions.

!, JOURNALISTS RI tbc SOutn might ucIlNo esepp
from our Conventions, at this particular juncture,
in the business of withholding the newspaper
expression, of Thoughts that MAY as we'll be sup
pressed for the nonce. This is specially upplica-
bio to any criticisms nsy venture, upon the
acts of our authorities, State or Confederate
criticisms usually attempted WITHOUT the full iaets
in view which influence mud guide the conduct oi
those authorities. It il rendered peculiarly our
duty, to exercise this discretion towards tho Pro-
yisionul Government Of the Confederate Stntes,
by several reusuns which We would barely indi-
cntc.
First, the South is just emerging from tho tur-
bid waves Of long. continued insult and wrong into
the opon sea Of her Independence. In doing this,
shc has committed her dexinics to CUnreatiDnn Of
her people, each State for itsef,-aud is now un-
der tho guidance aud CONTROL Of these Conven-
tions for better or for worse." ii We have not
com plete confidence in tho wisdom If those bo-
dies it is to be regretted for their power is sbso-
luto and rrevocable. But we have yet to learn
that this confidence is other than strong and abid-
ing throughout the South. In South Carolina VIZ
know it is it could not be less, in view OF the
patriotism, wisdom und courage which compose
our Convention. These then nre the grand con-
serrators of TIE welfare and honor Of their re-
spcetve States in tho new Government now furm-
ing. It is for them to consider and discuss, in
their own way, tho questions Of policy and e1pe-
diency that are presented by the Provisional Con-
grass and it il for them to decide, each ConYen
tion for itself, how fur these questions are maters
of serious dispute in the present crisis of our at-
fairs 1t may be sad thut all this suggets no OBJ
lection to tho free expressions Of journalists upon
these questions ss they transpire. Wo reply that
the sovereign power of each Southern Common
wealth will at least hold ittelf slightly compli-
mented by an oGicious forwsrdness on tho part of
tho so-called) Third Estate, in disaecting and e1-
posing matters Of which each State Convention iS
the proper and final arbitcr. Surely vanity will
not carry gontlemon Of the press so far as to make
them suppose their editorial LAMENTATIONS necessary
to the full understanding and appreciation Of the
questions at issue, by those sovereign asssmbages
of talent and worth. And if not thea Why anti
cpats their judgment, when it is morally certain
that it will only be rendered upon Inaturod con-
yiction? In this view of tho matter alone we hold
that it becomes the press to be chary Of its express
sions.
But, secondly, this fitness becomes duty when
we consider the present Importance to our South
ern cause Of patient adaptation Of our policy
to the difficulties of our situation.-and that too
without even the appearance Of strife among our
selves. If wo arc not to agree, let the Conren-
tions su determine but there ia no rcuson for sup-
posing that this agreomont will not bo cordial,
when the proper tribunals shall have calmly passed
upon the Constitution and Organization Of our
! now Confedorncy. Why then initiate objections to
this, that or the other measure sogliby now, whom
tho only cfcct of it il to injure cause in the
view of tho outside world, amongst friends as we'll
as foes.
Ita to be deeply regretted that one Of tho qucs-
tons, thus prematurely discussed, should DC thut
Of tho African Slave Trnde. To make n hRsty
exhibition Of our differences upon this point, IL
just at thi, moment very unfortunate. 1t is but
giving aid and comf.rt to our enemies, mornl and
political. With the certainty that this Trade il
at present under t.e ban of public disapprubstion
at the South, ita advocates insist upon hoaring,
when that herring can do their ayorite cause no
service and may tond to weaken the faith Of some,
in the Union now coming into existence. How
much better for these gentlemen to bidc their
time, and, If there be strength in their policy,
urge it and illustrate it when shall have becomc
entirely FREQ from our late entsugemunts? If
there bu truth in their reasoning, uw years lnnre
will perhaps enable them tn demonstrate it. But
10 broach the effort now, is but calculated 10 pre-
iudice mon who at moro convenient season might
lend it an impartial consideration.
The question of the Tariff too is an unlucky one to
split upon at time like this We are aware that
division upon this point has occurred in tho
Con sress itself. So much the more important That
tho press should care it there, aud with tnc Con-
ventivns assembling and to assemble. Some tariff,
it is admitted, is necessary for revenue But gen.
temen differ as to whether moderately low or a
| mo lorately high tariff will brst subservc that
end. In regard to tho attacks made upon the pro-
tcctive features Of the Southern tariff, We submit
that they 1re ill.iiued even if pertinent. Tho
present is understood to Lc temporary arrange
,ncnt, to meet the demands of the political e1i-
gency in which we suddenly find ourselves. With
out doubt, it will gradually give place to one
compatible with tho perfect homugcniety and
identity Of interests Of tho Seeded States How
can it Lv otherwise! II is this assurod ground Of
unity upon which we must rely for the success US
We have done for the Inauguration of Southern
confederacy And thus relying, it appears to bo
the teaching both of amity and wisdom to accept
present discrepancies as but the incidents Of our
new position.