Weekly standard. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1858-1865, 1864-11-02
SPEECH OF HON. w. W. BOYCE
Speech Of Hon. W. W. BoYcE, delivered q,

Speech Of Hon. W. W. BoYcR, delivered at
the recent Neeting In Columbia, South
Carolina.
l thank yon for affording me the priv.
ilege of defending myself on this occasion.
That permission has not taken me by sur
prise, for knew that there dwelt in the
hearts OF South Carolinians magnanimity
and generous emotions, and that it would
be impossible within the limits of this
State TO assemble so large an audience and
then refuse man, who was put on trial
for his political life, an opportunity Of
speaking in his own behalf
1t is impracticable, my fellow-citizens,
to discuss a question so grave as this, and
involving, as it does, so many and compli-
cate relations, under the present circum-
stances. I shall, therefore, take occasion
hereafter, in some more convenient mode,
to fully set forth my ideas on this subject.
What l shall say to you now will be but
brief vindication of my position, for | rec.
ognize the right of my constituents to ex-
press their opinion as to my course. am
your political servant, you are the sover7
eigus l would add, also, that 1 have no
doubt that those by whom this movement
was commenced, are actuated by a sense
of public duty in the course they have ia
ken; but in my judgment, they have too
hastily hurried to their conclusions. | do
not think they have read my letter with
due care.
Fellow-citizens, before this great contest
commenced, l, as your representative,
surveyed the scene, and endeavored then
to determine what policy was proper in
view OF the great revolution evidently ap-
preaching. was greatly impressed with
the idea that it was our interest to divide
the North-that, being a weaker power, it
was prudence on our part so to direct our
public course as to induce discussions and
division in the North, and create a party
there which should sympathize with us
Before secession took place, therefore, I
adopted policy which surprised many. I
observed that the ground on which the
Republican party was advancing, referred
wholly to the extension Of slavery in the
territories, and believing that to be bar
rem issue, l declared my sentiments.
stated that nature herself, with her vas,
mountains and broad plains, interposed ar
obstacle to the extension of slavery in til.
Northwest, and thus the question was one
about which we, practically, need hav,
given ourselves no concern. While wa
Condemned for this view, you did not hol,
a public meeting trr the purpose, but i,
one of the papers of Columbia differen
policy was announced, and six highly re
spectable gentlemen were nominated a
representatives from my district. I sal
that cur policy at that time was moders
ton; but one of the gentlemen preser
wrote in his journal a humorous article
in which be declared that our 1F Pe7e shs W:
and was not so full Of the illusions OF
sanguine temperament as some men IL i tn tn
South. / appreciated the ipower OF th
North, and t did not wish to force you. IL
you. I WANTED to take all the chances
t will not now define what was tnat P 20
icy Of moderation but the idea i involve We
was to give to the Northwest new strengt,,
40 " that. should war take place, we s@""'