The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1861-04-04
nbientinns TO the Constitution.


have been presented against its adoption by South
Carolina There are persons in that body, men Of
ability intelligence and patriotism, who would not
be pleased or satisfied with any instrument unless
framed according to their own peculiar ideas and
it is not strange that they found carping at the
Constitution adopted by the Congress assembled at
Montgomery for the purpose Of inaugurating
government for the seeding States. But, with all
Difference 10 their superior wisdom and cnlighten-
ment in the science of government, We must enter
an earnest protest against their being considered
the exponents of opinion in South Carolina While
the Constitution is reasonably distateful to ma
jority, perhaps of our people in several paiticu-
lars yet they prefer its adoption for the present
and would acquiesce in its ratification by this
State, owing to the peculiar difficulties which en-
yiron us. And, in this connection, We might avow
that these objections, in our opinion, are we'll
founded, and should meet with correction before
similar evils befal US in this that we complained Of
while under the United States Constitution. 1t is
we'll to cnumcratc, that we may be understood:
Tie Constitution preserves the thrcc-fftlis rep
resentation of slaves, which is manifesly unjust
to South Carolina and Mississippi; yet the latter
State has adopted it, and why should we feel un-
willing to enter the same compact, if the injury
can be borne by others equally interested? We
suffered the same under the old government, Nllsle
declaring that we were satisfied to remain therein
if the Constitution was strictly adhered to, and
only severed our connection because the provisions
bo:p mfr Ontnd
Again The Montgomery Constitution provides
for the admission OF States, free alike with slave
under two-thirls vote of Congress This, in our
Judgment is the greatest error yet committed, be-
cause people have been led to expect that they
were about entering government wholly COM
posed of slave States, in which the question of
slavery or ant-slaycry, the cause of so much anXi-
city and insecurity so long we remained in the
Union, was forever at rest, permanently settled
and never to lift its hydra-head again. But, are
there not guarantees against the interference Of
these States with the institution, should they be-
arc recognized, do they not acquicscc in slave
policy? Cur individual preferences would forever
dcbar free State, as such, from entering the Con-
fetleracy, and it is only for the sake of harmony
and Cancellation, under existing circumstances
that We suppress these feelings. An abiding con-
fdcnce in the wisdom, integrity and patriotism Of
those loyal men who composed the Congress fra
ming this Constitution, would lead us to defer for
the present any severe criticisms upon their action
Thirdly. The African slave trade is prohibited
h,-. bo Tn IF firm II rnn,. bn
TO orr interests to revive that traffic but now there
is nc pressing cyigcncy for it. On the contrary.
it would he injurious to reopen the slave trade at
present not only in industrial point of view, but
because of the unhappy effect it would have upon
the recognition Of our government abroad. In
truth, we arc not prepared to pronounce in favor
of It's being rc-opcncd in the future, and have yet
to become convinced Of any practical good to be
effected by that course.
Fourihly Free trade and direct taxation is in
favor with the majori;y.of our politicians but We
entertain serious doubts whether or not the people
are prepared, to any considerable extent to take
such rapid strides away from the policy they have
become Injured to. Low tariffs and an economical
administration of tho government is what The
masses desire, and this accomplished by the rulers,
will prove cminently satisfactory for the present.
The action of our Provisional Government seems to
be based upon this line of policy, and beyond qucs-
ton meets general approval
These are some of the objections urged against
the Constitution, and while enumcrating them, We
have briefly indicated the positions we maintain
and will advocate. That there are others in this
State who differ widely with lis, we arc perfectly
aware; but in the MAN, the people will endorse
the policy We have shadowcd forth. This will be
verified by an almost unanimous vote in favor of
adopting the Constitution, by their delegates in
Convention assembled, and likewise by the debates
of that body. We repeat, then, that the somewhat
captous opposition which some have manifested is
no index to the sentiment OF this State, and should
be regarded in sister States in its proper light
The Permanent Constitution, We hope will be
adopted by the Convention of South Carolina in
consonancc with the singular harmony and unity
of action which has characterized the noble con-
duct of our beloved commonwealth since she inau-
guratcd this glorious movement for Southern indie
pcndcnce Her name is cnsLrincd in the hearts of
millions, and the petty jealousy once excited
against her has been buried beneath the ruins of
the late Union her action is pronounced heroic,
daring and gallant, and her fame is now embazoned
on the mpcrishable pages of history. What sacri-
fec of private opinion will not her chiyalrc people
make to maintain the proud position of their COM
mon mother? None verify, none!
Gen'l. Saml. McGowan.
The appointment of this accomplished officer and