New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1861-02-20

of q forcible change, is TO contrast the thing or
place fled from with that resOrted to; and this
few in this State-and their number will GER
tainly increase-are beginning to do. In no State
in the Union is there SO little Of what you at
the North understand by strict public sentiment,
as in South Carolina. There is no middle class,
ever talking reading thinking acting-making
and upmaking and holding to strict accounta-
bility those who occupy positions of trust and
power. The State, with its white population of
less than 800 900 souls, casting ts $4,000 votes,
is held and controlled by the aristpcratic few.
The form of State Government is essentially
monarchical. The people do not vote for Cover
nor or any State officer. Neither do they have
any direct voice in choosing Presidential Elec-
tors. these things being left to the Legislature,
which is chosen every two years. Thus are
politics and public questions kept from the people,
who are seldom troubled to think, or permitted
to act. The workings Of the local system of the
State in large measure deprive the people Of
power and the effect in the long run has been
to render them Indifferent to great questions i'm
lnediately affecting them. Such thing as SUBJ
hitting question to the people is hardly ever
known. Consequently reaction, such as have
spoken Of must be of slow growth, and
about the last thing to develope itself. Secs
sion, so far as it was submitted TO the people
at all in choice of Delegates to the Convention,
was rushed on them time was not allowed for
discussion, nor would it have been permitted had
there been time; q snap Judgment was taken
without regard to merits, and the whole matter
foreclosed by delirious excitement which the
leaders were cunning enough to create; and since
then the public mind has been held up to the mark
by appeals to the prejudice, passion and the false
promise Of results. undertake to say that had
there been permtted-wbat is scarcely ever per-
mitted in South Carolna-a full and fair discussion
before the people, free exercise OF private judg.
ment, decided and firm minority would have de-
,eloped itself. And say further, and with great
confidence, that if there could be such thing
now as q fair discussion Of this Reyolq.
! ton and its results, so far as they have
shown tbern.eeii,es; fair canvas Of the probable
consequences; a free circulation OF newspapers Oh
both aides. and as free and safe vehicle Tor tbe
thoughts and arguments Of those opposed as those
in favor Of the acts and measures OF the leaders
and those in authority, you might safely count on
a reaction, if not an early overthrow OF the
| Rebels. But there 10 10 such state Of things
here Not newspaper is permitted TO DO con-
Quoted but in the interest Of the Reyo-
luton. 1t il not safe for q man to give
utterance 10 an honest dissenting opinion.
No man is permitted 10 be neutral or to with
/ IN nf the
Every man 10 expected to be an active agent, IN
some way, Of its promotion. Thus you VIII see
that such thing rs reaction must be at the
hardest. If ever il does come, IL will be like
the belching volcano. You will not see its small
| vvsi--'-es MS you see reyulsions in popular SEN
tfment in other States, aud the chances are far
| more IN favor OF the roa..-- - ----i~a ~"1
for a time al ioas, than OF marching right on
10 Oh assertion Of the popular Judgment. speak
Of South Carolina only; the case may be differ
ent In other States.
In reality the idea for which South Carolina
seeded has failed ut.erly-that Of the African
slaye-trade Hundreds and Thousands who were
the back bone OF the revolution at the outset
have withdrawn and ceased to take an interest.
Yapeey, who has thus retired from tho field in
Alabama, represents an army OF others elsewhere.
| IL Won could now take from the movement the
feature which appeals to the military sense Of
South Carolina-if you could take away the fan
cied necessity for an exploit Of arms, to the end
that the proves and bravery Of her sons should
| be yindicated, a'mero sentiment which has no
necessary connection with the merits Of the
question originally al issue-if you could rob the
revolution Of these features, il would be already
more than half conquered. Secession ut this
hour retains few Of he original features or propo-
sitions in South Carolina, and only hope that
in its future treatment the philosophical and
practical bearings OF the subject may be well
understood.
Touching the preparations for the attack on
Fort sumter the rebels will in o few days be
able TO announce themselves all ready. The i'm
mense mortars and the sixty flour Founders in
| Cummings Point Battery are now in position and
the work on that fortress is quite complete. Great
| confidence is felt in its strength and capacity,
| and II Is understood that Major Anderson con-
! codes the claim to certain extent The ability
| of the rebels 10 effect breach in the walls Of
| Fort Sumter with this battery 10 not regarded as
| impossible in the fort whose heaviest guns are
pointed sgsinst 1t, Great reliance is placed in
The free and ingenious use Of railroad iron to
render this battery impregnsble. A number Of
mortars have been placed in position at Fort
Morris, one and q quarter miles from Sumter
and short distance below Fort MoultGe, on
ssllivan's Island, two more mortar batteries are