Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1867-04-24
CHARACTER OF THE PEOPLE.

CHARACTER OF THE PEOPLE.
This is part. Of on. subject which ap-
proach with great difIidence. To judge of tbs
general character OF people. requires moi
only an intimate knowledge Of them and their
history, but an impartial and totally unbiased
mind, rigidly determined to applaud what is
sood, aud freely to condemn what is bad
The knowedgc of the people of South Caro-
lima and of their history, believe [ possess
but I.must candidly confess that 81: Sc
much inclined in their favor, and have enter
tsined for many years such an exalted opin-
ion of their character aud worth, that mis-
trust myself, and would very much rather
have had another DO this portion of my work.
Indeed, would rather have an enemy OF
Soush Carolins portray them, if he was true
man and just.
As law-abiaing and orderly community
South Carolina can have DO superior and to
her the report OF Hon NJ. Peters, the great
agriculturalist of New York on the condition
OF the South, peculiarly applies, that " here
the enforcement of laws is as rigid IS it has
ever been, and property and persons Qnite as
safe; and that in none of the otner States oi
the Union-not excepting apy-are the peo'
pie better protected, or the laws more impair
italy enforced"
As liberal and enlightened community,
South Carolina can fully. compare with old
Virginia, the home Of Washington and Jeffcr.
son. The European emigrants that look t.
the American continent for home for their
children, should never forget that there was a
time, not many years ago, when in the North
and West the spirit of fanaticism was ram.
pant against them, burning their churches
and schools, and endeavoring with all its
might TO exclude them for q long term Of
twenty-one years from every political right
and privilege, and that it was democratic
South Carolina that was one OF the strong
pillars of their protection, and that never
ceased for a moment to proclaim in the coun
cils of the nation, that this is country ot
equal rights, and refuge for the distressed
and oppressed Of 81! peoples.
On the Savannah .here is monument for
the Polish hero, Pulaski on the Santee there
is monument for the German hero, Dekab
and never is the crest day of Cardinals glory,
the anniversary Of Moaltrie, commemorated
without grateful allusion 10 the Irish hero,
Jasper.
As religious community, South Carolina
can proudly refer to her hundreds Of Churches.
that point their spires to heaven from her hills
and dales everywhere. And not in pharasai-
cal selfrighteousness, but with the truly
Christian liberality that knows no difference
whatever in sect or creed, but appreciates the
good is eli.
rs prosperous and progressive comnuni.
ty, South Carolina, although having every
element Of wealth within reach of her grasp,
is just now in less happy position than
might be desired. This must be candidly
confessed. But at the game time, the causes
thereof msy be- IS candidIy indicated, and
the sure and effective remedy suggested.
Heretofore, the State relied for her prosperity
exclusively upou the rick results Of her asri'
cultural pursuits. Her system of African
slavery enabled her opulent planters to do
without every other branch CT Industry, but
That of culiiyasing tae soil. Aud even ID. that,
their whole attention Swss gwen to the -aisiag