Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1862-02-12
FOR TIE SPIRIT OF FH1 Age
LEISURE EONENTS.
Thoughts a. they Occur.

~ q . y h - II " n n = ~
Thoughts - they Occur.
The myth Of Niobe and Latona is, to
an extent symbolical Of former rslatio MS
existing between the North and South i
and illustrates the pride and ingfatituds
Of the former. The South, noted for the
superiority Of her statesmen, improvements
in Agricultural science, and her success
ful appreciation of the arts to discoveries
and inventions, indulged the fond hope
that increasing years would cause dis
continuance of the unjust policy Of the
North, and the that section would not con-
lGe ignorant of her own interests, in spite
"a experience, the great oracle Of human
wisdom. 1t is known that such desire I
has not been realized. The historian will {
not search in vain for causes that gave orr
gin to the American revolution of the i
present century, if he is guided in his re-
searches by the voice of history from re-
mote ages, announcing as great fuada-
mental truth, that institutions, the exis-
tence of which depends on the voice Of
the people, can not be permanent, unless
independence both in action and thought /
is a prominent characteristic Of that people.
Such is one Of those important truths /
contained in that treasured wisdom which I
history dedicates tc our infant Republic.
If We would have progressive future, we
should remedy those evils, reject those in
fuences, to the existence of which the
present unfortunate events owe their orr
gin. The means through which 30 desira-
BILE an object can be accomplished, consti-
tute an important inquiry for il is said
human nature is the same in all ages
therefore, like causes must produce similar
, results The South has never learned to
think for herself; and no nation which al
lows others to think for it, can ever acquire
, position above mediocrity.
But these n1isfortuncs to which We have
so long been subjected, can only Be avoid
. ed in the future by q native literature
!: Through this medium, We can learn 10
think for ourselves. We want ssch lis>
! AEainFe. not only TO yindicats the integrity
VI Aissofy, PFsScTs~ e-----a.>l .>ll;xian- The
, fame Of our ancestors, and utter, il the
. living voice OF history those words in which
dying tradition 10 yet murmuring the
achievements Of fathers, but more cape
+ cially to reflect, Is in a Mirror, the char
acter and history Of our people, aud suc-
> cessfully destroy the antislavery influence
o Of the North and Europe, which has been
brought to bear on one OF our peculiar
8. institutions. If our institutions are to ba
oyerthrown by this hostile sentiment, let
% as make noble effort TO prevent it; and
if We fail, let it be like that Of the heather
= god who attempted to conduct the chariot
ef Of the Sum- noble failure" Let not
interposing cloud of fanaticism cover the
"a the truth from the view of future ages.
E With the inspiration of that sublime pray
er which the Father Of Poetry pnts into
= the mouth Of Ajax in the very extremity
1t of Grecian distress, when hostile deitiss
had shifted the fortunes of war; prayer
instinct with the spirit which gives immor
!" taity to the dying hero" let Us exclaim
M The south Ss1P must g:9se fse. w thy WIN OBEY,
id This overthrow can be prevented by dis
10 seminating correct views among the peo,-
f pie. A native literature alone can dis
a. possess the demon OF fanaticism by it,
"swset conpulsion." Its varied forms o.
ed poem, drama, novel, history and essay, vii
ir- enter every cottage in the land, and dis
,s- perse the decisions which not only inves
the subject of domestic slavery, but othe
an questions, an incorrect view of which vii
as be detrimental to our institutions.
nj If foreigners are allowed to vote in th
Southern Confederacy, the necessity Of
no native literature will be increased bscau.
tht that class of people, with few exception
IN. have incorrect views Of our institution
.re and if not corrected, must prove iniurio,
. Ito our own interests. These errors vi
nv not be removed By the literature either ,
90. the North or Europe, but rather confrmet
BY giving proper encouragement to Soutl
an ern authors and journals, the danger .
md ltending the admission Of foreigners Won
to a great extent BE- removed becans
inn finding that their efforts were appreciate
ell lthey would ere long have Literature wo
ape lthy of our government, and viee versa.
But the sentiment Of our OWE peop
en-. lmerits consideration, for in the absence
en- a southern literature, they are liable
for lleorn from hostile sources erroneous OPT
hut lions. Therefore the desire on The part
ced some to abolish the Free Schools shou
lbs dncoan.enanced, because the procse
nv Of the School Fusd would not eqnip q
for keep in the field for military operatio
...t more than one husdred men; bat o. .,
t.pyiisd, S~cs lik % aSsut S~~ skn~sr