Year: 1860

q profound sensation here.


------------4~as<-----
THE CONVENTION.


To the Editor ofMe Charleston Mercury:


That the Convention of the people of
South Carolina, called to assemble on the
18th December, will sever the connection
eff this State with the present Federal Uni
on, is ga foregone conclusion" Of the
one hundred and seventy delegates to be
elected, it is probable that not one will
stand uncommitted on the question Of Se-
cession. The secession of South Carolina
in the shortest time practicable after the
meeting of the Convention, is a point set
tied. Such was the understanding of the
members of the Legislature in voting the
Convention, and such, unquestionably, is
the will of the people.


In this matter, the Convention meets
practically, not to deliberate, but to act
1t will but register an edict which the
real, actual people will have pronounced
already through the ballot box. If this
we're the only business of the Convention,
seat in that body would be merely an
honorary distinction. But the Convention
must do much more than this 1t must
adapt our State Government to the new or
der of things. South Carolina must be
prepared, for time at least, to sustain her.
se'f as separate nationality. Some change
in the Constitution of the State is necessa-
ry for this purpose. How much of change,
and what shall be the change, are delicate
questions. 1t is not improbable that the
same Convention may be called on to con-
slider, if not to determine, what shall be
the relation of South Carolina to other sc.
cediug States. Here would arise very
many questions, as grave as any which
could occupy the the minds of statesmen.


To destroy is simple process; to con-
struct is far more difficult.


Again : who can foresee what offers Of
Cancellation and compromise may not be
made, from the North-what expostula.
tions, persuasions, and proffers for media
tion may not pour in upon us from some Of
our slaveholding sister States?


A Convention, too, according to the pop
ular theory, is unlimited in its powers, and
may fancy to exercise those powers in re-
gard to matters not dreamed of by the &C.
tual, real people who choose the delegates.
The men who constitute the Convention
should understand as we'll what NOT to do,
as what TO DO.


It is manifest, then, that seat in this
Convention is not a mere honorary distinc-
ton, or "reward of merit" to be conferred
upon every favorite of the hour, according
to the voters personal preference.


The first requisites for this-as for eve
ry other post of high responsibility-are
the brave heart and honest purpose But
We want more than these We want know
ledge, experience, the suggestive mind,
and sound judgment. We want wisdom
and craftsmanship.


A body of one hundred and seventy men
cannot be expected to consist altogether of
Wise men aud statesmen, but each election
district should endeavor to send her best


Let me add, that it is desirable not only
that the delegates selected should be in.
trinsically the best, but they should be such
as have the confidence, if possible, not only
of their own constituency, but of the peo-
pie of the State at large. And confidence,
let me say, is not always the same thing
with popularity-"far from being one,
they have oft,times no connection" In
selecting pilot for ship in storm, a.
bout to pass among breakers, no man ever
thinks of mere personal liking Our ship
of State is already tempest-tossed, and
what breakers may be ahead none can fore
see. She needs more than one pilot, and
requires to be manned by those who can
uork


Another consideration, subordinate to
those mentioned, but still of grave impor-
tance, is this: the men selected for the
Convention should, some of them at least,
present names associated beyond our own
borders, either with the present position or
the past history of South Carolina; and
the combination should be such as, at
glance, to show that past differences are
forgotten, and that the Secession Party of
1860 is, literally and emphatically, the
STATE itself.


If the people will but reflect upon the
responsibilities of the Convention about to
be assembled, have no fears as to the re-
suits. ONE OF THE PEOPLE,


FROM WASHINGTON.