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i people by letting: them speak their own
^ontrasielled views in the choice of their
ablest and best men, to determine upon all
these mntters, involving their peace?
I think the proposition of my honoral.de
friend had a considerable smack of unfair
ness, nob to »*y cheat. Ifo wished to have
no convention, but for tho Legislature to
submit their vote to the people, submission
to abolition rule or resistance ? Now who
in Georgia, would vote “ submission to aboli
tion rule T” (Laughter.)
la putting such a question to the people
to vote on, a fair way of getting an expres
sion of the populur will on these questions ?
I think not. Now who in Georgia is going
to submit to ubolition rule ?
Mr. Toombs. The convention will.
Mr. Stephens. No, my friend, Georgia will
never do it. Tho convention will never
secede from the Georgia platform. Under
that there can bo no abolition rule in the
General Government. I am not afraid to
trust the people in convention upon this and
all questions. Resides, the Legislature were
not elected for such a purpose. They came
here to do their duty as Legislators. They
have sworn to support the Constitution of the
United States. They did not come here to
disrupt this Government. I am, therefore,
for submitting all these questions to a con
vention of the people. Submit the question
to (K« ftooplc, whether they would nuhmit to
abolition ru'e or resist, and then let tho I leg
islature act. upon that vote ? Such a course
would be an insult to the people. They
would have to eat their platform, ignore
their past history, blot out their records, and
take steps backwards, if they should do this.
I have never eat my record or words, and
never will.
Rut how will.it be under this arrangement
if they should vote to resist, und the Legis
lature should reassemble with this vote as
their instructions ? Can any man toll what
sort of resistance will he meant? One man
would say secede ; another pass retaliatory
measures, these are mesures of resistance
against wrong—legitimate and right—and
there would be as many different ideas as
there are members on this floor. Resistance
don't mean secession—that in no proper
neiiBC of the term is resistiyieer "Relieving
that the tiu/ca_£i*qvMTC'action, I am for pre
Bont [ inyc>fm question fairly to tho people, for
•Calling together an ustrammoled convention,
and presenting all the questions to them
whether they will go out of the Union, or
what course of resistance in the Union they
may think best, and then let tho Legislature
act, when the people in their mujesty are
heard, and I tell you now, whatever that
convention does, I hope and trust onr people
will abide by. I advise thecalling of a con
vention witli tho earnest desire to preserve
the peace und harmony of the State. I should
dislike above all things to see violent meas
ures adopted or a disposition to take the
aword in hand, by individuals without the
authority of law.
My honorable friend said last night, “ I
ask you to give mo the sword, for if you do
not give it to me, as God lives, I will take it
myself.”
Mr. Toombs. I will. (Applause on the
other side.)
Mr. Stephens. I have no doubt, that my
honorable friend feels ns he says. It is only
his excessive ardor that makes him use such
an expression ; but this will pass off with
the excitement of tho hour. When the
poimlo. ln-thnii.- niujoutjr shall, gpealt, I have
/in doubt lie will how to their will whatever
it may be, upon tlio “ sober second thought.”
(Applause.)
Should Georgia determine to go out of the
Union, I speak for one, though my views
might not agree with them, whatever the
result may be, I shall how to the will of her
people. Their cause is my cause, and their
destiny is my destiny ; and I trust this will
bo the ultimate courso of all. The greatest
curse that can befall a free people, is civil
war.
Rut as I said, let us call a Convention of
the people. Let all these matters be sub
mitted to it, and when the will of a majority
of the people lias been expressed, the whole
State will present one unanimous voice in
favor of whatever may be demanded, for I
believe in tho power of tho peopo to govern
themselves, when wisdom prevails and pas
sion is silent. Look at what has already
been ilorn* by them for their advancement in
all that wmahles man. There is nothing like
it in the history of tho world. Look abroad
from one extent of the country to the other,
contcmpluto our greatness, we are now
among the first nations of the earth. Shall
it be said then that our institutions, founded
upon the principles of self-government, are a
failure ?
Thus far it is a noble example of imitation.
The gentleman, Mr. Cobb, the other night
said it had proven a failure in what? In
growth. Look at our expanse in national
power. Look at onr population and increase
in all that makes a people great. A failure,
why we are tho admiration of the civilized
world, and present the brightest hopes of
mankind.
Some of our public men have, in their as
pirations ; that is true, and from that comes
a great part of our troubles. (Prolonged
Applause.)
No, there is no failure of this government
yet. Wo have made great advancement
tinder the Constitution, and I cannot but
hope that, we shall advance higher still. Let
us he true to our trust.
•Now,when this Convention assembles, if it
shall bo'called, as I hope it may, 1 would
say, in my judgement, without dictation, for
I am conferring with you freely and frankly,
and it is thus that I give my views, it should
t^ko into consideration all those questions
which distract the public mind; should view
all the grounds of secession so fur as the
election of Mr. Lincoln is concerned, and 1
have no doubt that tlioy would say that the
Constitutional election of no man is a suffi-
cient cause to break up the Union, hut that
the State should wait until he at least does
gotne unconstitutional act.
Mr. Toombs : Commit some overt act.
Mr. Stephens : No, I did not sny that.—
Tim word overt is a sort of technical term
connected with treason, which lias come to
us from the mother country, and it means an
open act of rebellion. I do not see how Mr.
Lincoln oan do tliiB unless ho should levy
war upon us. I do not, therefore, use the
overt. 1 do not intend to wait for that. But
I use the word unconstitutional act, which
our people understand much better, and
which expresses just what I mean. Rut as
long as he conforms to the Constitution he
should be left to exercise the duties of his
office. m ,
In giving this advice I am but sustaining
the Constitution of my country, and I do not
thereby become a Lincoln Aid man either,
(Applause,) but a Constiutional Aid man.—
Rut this matter the Convention can deter
mine.
A* to the other matter, I think we have a
right to pass retaliatory measures, provided
they be in accordance with the Constitution
of the United States and f think they can be
rlt w idhl he
to do this now i
tion, in my j|
it to he Info
•pi isnls on lEngl
means offei in
of the questio
n tile case of
leommend W'pri
lb Franco and r g')t
her to prom Sc to make Indemnification, and
it was only mi her refusal to pay the money
which she had promised that lie roeommeneu
reprisals. It was after u negotiation Imd
failed.
I do think therefore that it would he best
before going to extreme measures with con
federate States to make the presentation of
.onr demands, to appeal to their "reason and
judgement to give us onr rights. Then if
reason should not triumph it will he time
enough to commit reprisals and we should
bo justified in the eyes of a civilized world.
At least lot the States know what your
grievances are, und if they refuse, as I said,
to give us our rights under the Constitution
of our country, 1 should he willing ns a last
resort to sever the ties of this Union. (Ap
plause.) My own opinion is, tlmt if this
course he pursued, and they are informed of
the conscqnonces of refusal, those will
recede, but if they should not, then let the
tJ7wi1Ti.il
“ Liberty anil
ftu and forever, one anil
Inseparable.”
I,A GRANGE, GA.:
frlilsy Morning, November30, 1800.
,Mr- JoskI’ii IV.M.itKit 18 Agent for thin pnper in
Charleston, S. C., and is authorized to make con
tracts for Advertising, receive money and give re
ceipts.
The Dark Crisis is upon ns!
This country is in danger ! A volcano is
about to burst forth and submerge our whole
land with desolation and ruin ! The smol
dering fires of revolution and nuaioliy arc
about to blaze forth ami consume the grandest
government and the most, powerful nation
consequences lie with them, and let tho re-! on the face of the earth ! Great God !
sponsihility of tho consequences rest upon
them. Another thing 1 would have tlmt
Convention to do. Reaffirm the Georgia
Platform with an additional plank in it. Let
that plunk he the fulfillment of the obligation
as the part, of those States to repeal those
obnoxious laws on a condition of onr remain
ing ill the Union, Give them time to con
sider it, and l would ask all Stutrs South to
do the same thing.
I am for exhausting all that, patriotism de
mand s be lore taking the last. I would invite
therefore South Carolina to a conference. I
would ask the same of nil tho other Southern
Stales, so that if the evil has got beyond our
control, which God in his mercy grant limy
not he the case, let us not be divided among
ourselves, (cheers.) Rut if possible secure
the united
whither are we tending ? Are there no
strong arms to arrest our onward and rapid
progress to ruin ? The maddening current
of fanaticism, and the crazy spirit of revolu
tion, seems to he leading the minds of men
in captivity. Is there a man who looks upon
the political horizon with indifference ? If
there is his must he the imlificrcnco of a
maniac, influenced by the fiendish temper of
a devil. Is there a monster aiming us who
looks upon tho prostration of credit, the
paralysing of trade, tho stopping of matin,
laetures, and tho allliction of the vaiious
mechanical and industrial pursuits of tho
country, with iudilfcruncc? Have the sins
States and ST tV.o Ihoe'llnhe civUized ! of thia ,mtio " "vei takou us ? Are wo about i
world we may justify our action, and with i i"wt rotiibulivo justice tor our national j
the wrong all on the other side we can appeal j sins ? Are we to devour each other with the I
to the God of battles to aid us in our cause. | sword ?
(Loud Applause.) lit lotus not do anything | . , , . ,!
in which ally portion of our people may 11,18 country must ho saved from nun and |
eharge-us with rash or hasty action. It is desolation. If this government fails the
certainly a matter of great importance to great principles of Constitutional liberty j
tear this Government asunder. A on were must go down with it and self-government, I
not sent hero lor that purpose. I would . -o , . , , „„
wish the whole South to be united, il this is . 8
to be done ; and I believe if wo pursue the j 11,1 *•" stop to discuss the causes which
policy which I have indicated, this can he i have brought so much trouble to a once
affected. . j peaceful, happy ami glorious country. The |
In this way our sister Southern States can c ,j 8 j a is „ p , m \ UhI;iv wu ttro Cll || ut | npim t „
doubt that tho Mates of New folk and , ,, * . ,
Pennsylvania and Ohio, ami tlm other Wes- j naul ° 1,11 si'liliafions and come to
tem States will compel their Legislatures to gctlier—to do what.? To annihilate the
be induced to act with us; and I have but little j Federal Compact? Not if it can possi-
recede from their hostile attitude if the others | |,l y i„. avoided consistently with the rights
donut, lli'en with these wo would go on , , .... .... .. .
without New England if she chose to stay 1 aml l,o,,or0 * 80utl0 " 6 ol 11,11 Unl,,n “ U "
this he done ? Snell is the question naturally
asked by every true patriot. There is some
hope that it may if madnexx is not permitted
out.
A voice in tho assembly. Wo will kick
them out.
Mr. htqiliens. I would not kick them out. I ,.„| () i| 10 hour and reason is left to combat
Rut il they chose to stay out they might. I! ..... • . .......
think moreover that these Northern States ; om "' 11 "" t 18 N 10 Mt - ,t 18
being principally engaged pi nVniiul'acHires j tfoing—glimmering out of sight,
would find that they had as iinvcli interest in | We do not condemn tho spirit which fires
the Union under the Constitution as we, and c ,. . , • ,.
.. . the Southern heart ill resenting the wrongs
that they would return to their Constitution-i ° "
sought to be heaped upon us by a fanatical
North ; but we ilo condemn imprudence and
indecent haste. We condemn that impru
dence which would wildly precipitate us nut
of the Union without making the last effort
to maintain onr rights ami honor in it. We
believe there is yet remedy within tho gov
ernment for all our grievances ami that it
only requires wisdom ami firmness to have
the remedy properly applied to be successful
ami salutary. We consent to a dissolution
they
al duty—this would bo my hope. II they
should not, ami if tho Middle States, and
Western States do not join us, we should at
least have an undivided South. 1 am, as
you clearly perceive, for maintaining the
the Union as it is if possible. I will exhaust
every means thus to maintain it with an
equality in if. My principles ary these :
First, flic maintenance of the honor, the
rights, the equality, tlm security, and the
glory of my native State in the Union ; but
if those cannot be maintained in the Union,
then I am for maintenance at all hazards,
out nf it. Nest to tho honor and glory of j of this Union only ax a last resort—notasthe
Georgia, the land ol my birth, I hold the | ..nly remedy at our disposal for the griov-.
honor und glory of our common country. In! , ■ , , ..
t, . V i . aliens ol which we complain. Iii our humble
Savannah 1 was made to say by tho lie- . . ...
porters, who very often make me say things ! opinion we, to-day, have the power ol per
petuating this government honorably to the
South, and that we will act the part of traitors
if we do not exercise that power. A Con
vention of Southern States can lay down an
ultimatum as a basis of action which will
/lore tho Northern States to acknowledge |
our rights. Wo are glad to perceive the |
disposition manifested by the Governors and j
leading men of the Southern States to have ;
a Southern Conference, or Convention, for the
puryosc of consultation. Such is the course
of wjsdom mid discretion. It is worse than
madnUxs for any State to precipitate herself
which I never did, that I was first, for the
glory of the whole country, and not for that
of Georgia. I said the exact reverse of this.
I am proud of her history, of her present
stand. I am proud even of her motto, which
I would have duly respected at the present
time by all her sons — Wisdom, Justice and
Moderation, I would have her rights and
that of the Southern States maintained now
upon these principles. Her position now is
just what it was in 1850, with respect to the
other Southern States. Her platform then
has been adopted by most, if not all the
other Southern States. Now I would add
hut one additional plank to that platform,
which I have stilted, and one which time has
shown to be necessary.
out of tlio Union without consulting the
If all this fails, wo shall at least have the j other States when all are so equally inter
satisfaction of knowing that wo have done j cstod. The adoption of such a policy is due
to the Girder States which arc.most exposed,
our duty and all that patriotism could re
quire.
Mr. Stephens continued lor some time on
other matters, which are omitted, and then
took iiis seat amidst great applause.
Wliirli is the Negro I’arty.
There is much said as to who is most to
blaiiio for all this eternal cry of nigger, and
this everlasting agitation of that question.
No well informed man doubts for one moment
that UEMOCRAY lias done all this mischief ;
and while they have done it all with a view
to retain power and plunder, it lias been tlm
meuns of depriving them of liotli.
Who first gave the negroes tlio right to
vote in Ohio ?—the DEMOCRATS ! and from
that day to this, the Abolition vote has in
creased.
Who first gave the negroes tlio right to
vote ’il Now York ?—the DEMOCRATS ! and
ever since the cause of abolitionism Inis
gamed strength
Who gave the negroes the right to vote in
Massachusetts ? — tho DEMOCRATS! and
this they done tlio first und only time they
ever hail a majority in the Legislature !'
Who repealed the Missouri Compromise
Line, und thus violated the Compromise of
1850 ?—the DEMOCRATS ! and from that
sad hour to the present day, the country has
been going to ruin !
Now, which is the Nigger Party ? Who
is responsible for all this agitation ? Can
any of that defunct party answer, who are
calling for a Slave Code to protect their
negroes, uud threatening to go out of the
Union in default ? The DEMOCRATS have
dono all this mischief 1—Jlrowdow’x Winy.
To our Putrona.
All who are indebted to the Reporter for subscrip
tions the current year are requested to come forward
and settle, os we are compelled to hate money.—
Those indebted for job work or adeertuing are also
requested to coino forward and respond to the above
“patriotic'' call. We shall be compelled to have
every cent owing to us by Christmas, in order to meet
the demauds held against us; and we appeal to every
man indebted to us one eent_ to come up to our res
cue.
We make this appeal ehort, confidently believing
tbat our patrons will not disregard it by throwing
down the paper and forgetting it. Shall our confi
dence be misplaced in u single Individual 1
It is stated that crowds of disaffected
“ saints ” are on their way from Salt Lake
to Pan Diego, California,
and consequently stiller mure from Northern
aggression than we do. If war is to he the
result of the present crisis Maryland, Vir
ginia, North Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee,
and Missouri will have the brunt of it to
hear; amt therefore wu consider that it
would he dishonorable nut to ask for a con
sultation or conference with those States.—
If wo are forced to go out of tho Union in
order to maintain onr honor and self-respect
would it not lie better that we should go as
a united people? Would it not he better to
have nine-tenths of tho people in favor of a
movement than a have majority ? We answer
these questions in tho affirmative, and ex
press onr belief tlmt nothing short of co-op
erative action will be sustained by tlio'peo
ple of Georgia. We believe further that the
people will never consent to a dissolution of
the Union until every ConxtUulional remedy
for all onr grievances are brought into re
quisition. Let us exhaust these means und
if we fail to secure our Constitutional rights,
the South will then hi: united as one man,
ready to defend themxclres out of the Union!
Such reasoning scorns to lie correct.
Agr eat deal is said about what our fore
fathers done in the revolution. It should bo
remembered that they did not begin by dis
rupting their connection with the mother
country. In tho language of tho people of
Greene county, “ they did not begin by dis
solving the Union ; they adopted a declara
tion of rights ; they issued addresses to tho
United Culouics, those of Canada, and of
Great Rritain ; they petitioned the King;
they adopted resolutions to import no goods
from Great Rritain and Ireland, and to export
none to those countries ; they prepared arms;
they still delayed ; they knew that in reform
ing abuses, the last step is dissolving the
Government; they were firm but patient.”
We liopo the South will unite in the pursu
ance of the samo course as imliuatcd above,
and if such a course fails of success we will
try dissolution as the last resort without
stopping to calculate the consequences.
the IxntBPPWTRri®([ing this "ratten govern
ment,” ns they I'fJttod it. -These very same
men have gone to work, endeavoring to
excite and inllaiuiT tho popular mind, and
getting them oomJnitted to disunion in tho
frenzy of the liokr, The people of South
Carolina were, iwLloubt, glad of tho result
of the election, hufauso they thought that
the other SoutherufStutea would he thereby
incited to follow inlior lead. Rut wo would
respectfully tell tlieli that Georgia will never
consent to be led lij a people so wild and
imprudent. In our opinion tho people ot this
State will decide o demand her rights in
the Union instead o cowardly leaving it and
surrendering them fo tho Reguhlioans.
The policy of tl i South will he, in our
opinion, to have a. Southern convention and
lay down an ultimatum demanding their fill
Constitutional tigliK, and make a refusal on
the part of the Njrth to comply with that
ultimatum the gimluils of dissolving the
Union, and endeavor quietly to separate by
equally dividing t'ju interests of the com
mon property of tlioiChufederacy. We hope
they will make uvjfy honorable effort con
sistent with their fights and honor to pre
serve this Union Upon an ultimatum, some
thing like the following :
I. Tho repeal of all laws on their statute
books nullying, directly or indirectly, the
Fugitive Slave Law.
'j. That all fugitive slaves who go to the
free States shall'he delivered up when they
are proven to bo such.
8. That negro snllVagc in Federal elec
tions slinll tie pro!iiliited.
4. That tho^Torritories shall bo open to
the settlement of people of all the States
with such property as they enjoyed in their
respective States.
5. That the people of the Territores shall
be left to decide in the formation of their
Constitution, whether they will or will not
tolerate slavery, without intervention on the
part of Congress mi the people of any sec
tion.
(1. That the question of slavery shall not
he agitated in Congress.
These seem to us to he only reasonable
demands—Constitutional and right ; und if
the South cannot be secured to such an
extent, it will be evidence to the minds of
all men that we can no longer live under the
same government with our Northern confed
erates.
We hope that there is yet wisdom and
patriotism enough in the land to preserve
this government with the rights of the peo
ple of every section of the Union unimpaired.
Fur one, we are in favor of exhausting all
the means of defence in the government
before resorting to a dissolution of this Con-
fed racy. If these fail, the South will he
united In a man, mid will, therefore, set up
a Southern Confederacy. No other course
will ever unite the Southern people.
— /-w..e •- — —
Secession tlic t'oiviirifs llesm-t.
If this Union is to he dissolved, mid we
trust it may never be, we do not wish it to
bo done after the maimer of the " precipi
tators " who espouse the doctrines and
teachings of Mr. Yancey. If we find it im
possible lo remain in tlio Union honorably to
ourselves und consistently with our rights,
wo desire to make a business transaction,
like men knowing their rights, and sny to
the government that wu have rights in the
common property of the Union and feel our
proportionate liability for tho debts incurred
by the government for its maintenance up to
date ; and as honest men we desire to settle
up our matters in a business-like maimer and
retire from the firm—or from the. Confed
eracy.
Rut wd despise the idea of precipitating
ourselves out of the government without
carrying with ns onr rights and fulfilling our
obligations to tHiTcreditors of the great
Union of States. After the debts of the
Union have been assessed and there is any
tiling left for nx of Georgia wk want it ! If
we cannot agree with the government lot
us not, like cowards, give up all our rights.
Let us face that government and demand
our rights like freemen, ns we arc ; but never
resort to secession us advocated liy the
" precipitators.” Let us make a business
transaction of it, settle our matters honor
ably and quietly; and, in a" dignified and
gentlemanly manner, retire.
If wo find mi dimmy or a robber in our
house shall we xeeixle and leave it entirely at
his control ? No 1 but like a man, wo would
contend against him, from room to room,
until every article of furniture was demol
ished. lie should lint take possession of
onr propurty. Wu •would sacrifice life Jird.
State Convention.
The people should remember that they are
called upon to elect Delegates to tlio State
Convention on the first Wednesday in Janii-
ury, and that it is now time that wc should
be looking around for discreet and ivise men
to resprosent us in that Convention—men
whose patriotism and intelligence would
insure correct uml wise counsels to prevail
in that Convention. Wo would respectfully
suggest the following names for tho consid
eration of the people of Troup—any three of
whom wc would cotdiully support if nomi-
atod by the people of our county : R. H.
Bioham, R. H. Hint., Dr. Beasley, Dr. More
land, Dr. Wimbisii, Col. J. M. Ream., Dr.
IIarhinuton, I)r. lliu, Thomas Leslie, A. E.
Cox, Col. Burks, Dr. Ridley, and others
we might mention, •
Wo ought to liavo an early ../Hooting, and
let us have unity of action,
t&T Those who are in favor of making an
effort to maintain our rights and honor and
preserve this Union, must make up their
minds to he called submisxionisls—which we
can construe to mean nothing moro nor less
than that they are not sound upon the slavery
question.
A man is obliged to keep his word when
nobody .will take it.
isli to-day tin
[the lion. Alex
istressiug cri
r whole conn
speech that
and wo hope
ivill fail to d
the sentiments of true sGAesmausliip are ex
pressed in j|»uguago strong; and cumprchcu
sivc whilf; the whole is pervaded by the
spirit oil patriotism mid devotion to our I
country—as well for tho whole country as
to the South.
Let onr readers read and inwardly and
solemnly digest the great and everlasting
truths expressed by Mr. S. These times
demands tlmt the people should look at the
issues which are now involving us in so
much trouble with deliberation, calmness
ami moderation. In such n spirit Mr.
Stephens reviews the pending issues, and
appeals to the people in words of respect
and wisdom to avoid rashness and precipita
tion.
The Dank Hill.
In eosoquenco of the little space we have
at our command wc are unable to publish tho
bill, but will give tlio substance of it. It
lias passed both brandies of tlio Legislature;
but il is thought, that Gov. Brown will veto
it, in which event there is no doubt that it
will bo passed over the veto. Itn provisions
are : f
1. Repeals so much of the act of 1857 ns
forbids the hanks of this State IVom sending
their notes out of the State for the purpose
of discounting drafts.
“2. Repeals so miioli of said act as prevents
tlio banks from selling any but sight cheeks.
3. Suspends the operation of acts indict
ing pains and forel’eitures on the banks and
their officers, by reason of non-payment of
species for their notes.
4 Prohibits the levying of any li fa in
favor of the suspended hanks during such
suspension, and of any li fa against the hanks
during the time their debtors are thus pro
vided that the defendant in either case shall
give security as is now required lor the stay
of execution.
5. No plaintiff in li fa shall have the same
levied upon the property of any inhabitant
of this State, except upon affidavit that tne
defendant is about to remove bis property
beyond the limits of this State, or any comity
thereof.
Fur the Kuportor.
The South—ller ll■•le|»ell(le■l<.■e, iae.
The South, if they only know it, have the
rest of the civilized world completely in
their power. The production of the South [
(sugar and cotton) England mid the North
cannot well dispense with. These sections
of the civilized world liavo quintupled their
wealth alone from the productive industry of
tlie South. Their numerous factories mid, to j
a considerable exjeiit, their thousands of
miles of railways and canals owe their
existence to the sole productions of the South.
Thriving towns and densely populated cities
owe their present position and euinmcroiul
importance to the same prolific source. Cut
oil' from these countries a supply of cotton
with which to keep in motion the millions of
cotton-spindles ol England and the North,
mid you elfeeliiallv deprive them of their
{chief moans of subsistence. - A vile pesli-'
lenuo sweeping over the land and carrying
oil’ one-third the population of England and
the North, would not prove more disastrous
to their well-being and happiness than the
cessation of tlio cotton culture. It is the
meat mid drink of a large proportion of the
population of Great Britain and the Northern
United States. Their wealth grows directly
or indirectly out of the cotton tralio. They
could not, without cotton, maintain, for u half
dozen years, a comfortable existence.
With these facts constantly before their
eyes in it not astonishing beyound measure
that they Cease not their attacks upon our
Institution, the very existence of which, for
tho last half century, has been their main
source of wealth and power? The wealth
of the South consist in cotton hags and
negroes ; that of the North ami England in
bricks and mortar. Billions of property of
the lust description, were it not for the exis
tence of slavery, would depreciate four-fifths
in value—thousands of operatives in those
establishments would have to seek subsis
tence in some other employment and tho
rich nabobs of England and the North look
to some other source for profitable invest
ment.
Tho constant advancement of society in
ninny of its departments is indebted in no
small degree to the much abused Institution
of slavery. Riot it out of existence and you
cripple tlie commerce of the world. It. would
injuriously efi'ect other departments of labor
than that employed in immediate manu
facture of the cotton fabric. The mechanic
who furnishes the machinery necessary for
its conversion into cloth, the ship-builder
who supplies vessels to transport the raw
material as well as tlio manufactured article
to the various markets of tho world, the coal
merchant who furnishes fuel for propelling
these steamers, the iron milling interest, in
dispensable to the maiiitaiiiance of railroads
and steam vessels, would receive the severest
shock upon the abolition of slavery in the
cotton States. Nor would this be oue-lialf
tlio bad effects growing out of emancipation.
What would Kentucky, Missouri and other
States do ? Where would they find a market
for their hemp ? Between five and ten mil
lions of dollars are annually paid by the
cotton planters to those Slates for bugging
and rope. And again I ask where would
the Western States find a market for their
horses, males, hogs and surplus grain?—
These productions, bringing every year an
enormous capital to tho producers, would
cease on the happening of the forgoing con
tingency. Tho above facts teach us how
necessary to the well-being and happiness of
society is the Institution of slavery. The
peace of these States, tlio perpetuity of the
liberties and immunities purchased for us by
tlio blood and treasure of our ancestors, and
the prosperity of no small part of civilized
humanity, loudly call for a cessation of war
fare on the subject,
That fanaticism which would thus cripple
commerce, destroy numerous, important avo
cations, unhinge society in many respects
und precipitate ihiR Confederacy into a civil
idly of which
annals of this
111 ion of high
[every lover of
limy of all siie-
istroiis resells
place, if Die
'f fanatics, home a/lH abroad, are
m^|nphs|ioA The attempts of these fanatics
Nortri’hrTnTmibit slavery in the Territories, j
are the preside to the attempt at emancipa
tion of the same in the States, whenever a
suitable opportunity shall occur. Let the
South eedo her right to the occupancy of the
common Territory, with her slave property,
and the North will be emboldened to com
mence an exterminating war upon the Insti. i
tution in the States. Fanaticism knows no
bounds. What is the object of tlio North
in attempts to circumscribe slavery within
its present limits, if it be not for tho purpose
of its ultimate overthrow in the States? If
they are opposed to slavery in the Territories
they arc opposed to it in the Slates. If they
are willing to do us injustice — to take away
our constitutional rights in the one case,
why not in tho other? Slavery to them in
the one is not less objectionable in the other.
Wo have no assurances then tlmt agitation
will ever cease so long as the Institution
exists. Wlmt thou must we, whose interests
are so intimately connected with slavery,
do? Why, (Mie/of two things. Give up our
rights in tlio premises—submit to bo con
trolled by the North or separate from them
and set up a government for ourselves. The
time for compromise—for an equitable ad- ^
jiistmeiit in my opinion is past—the tiling'is 1
beyond our control. Tlio die is cast, the J
Rubicon of hope crossed, and Oicsar invading j
our rightful provinces. These are the only 1
alternatives now left us. The sooner we
make a choice und net in reference thereto the j
better for us and our interests in all coining |
time. Delay now can work no good, but!
must tend to work to our injury. Our one- ■
mies are gaining strength by the accession
of free States while wc arc gaining nothing
in that direction. Another slave Stale will
never he added to this Ooiil'ederaey. Our
rights in the Territories are denied by the |
North, mid candidates for the Presidency I
and Vice Presidency have been elected upon
a declaration of principles denying our !
rights to the occupancy of the common Ter- J
ritories of tlio United States. And whilst ;
the election of these men has been in strict
conformity to tile provisions of the constitu
tion, the avowed object of that, election is
to subvert rights which the South maintains j
she bolds under that instrument. Nay, not ;
only is this the opinion of the Son'.!i, tint the ^
Supreme Court of the United States, the
legal interpreter of the constitution and the
laws enacted niukjj' it, has also decided in
our favor Men elected on principles coming'
in contrast with the. Supreme law of the
liiiul and ignoring the rights of nearly one-
liulf of these colifederiitcd States ought not
to expect these Slates lamely to submit.—
Submission, under the eircumslanees, would
ho degradation—an acknowledgement, on
our part, of inequality and inferiority.
Whilst I, ns an individual, maintain that j
the South would he jii-dili ible in adopting j
measures of redress, others, whose opinions i
inti tin them to respect, think such moiisiires
for such a cause would be uiij.ustili,ible, tin- 1
politic and inexpedient. If the mere elec, j
tion of a sectional candidate tm sectional
issues, was all the grievances- committed j
against us, I would say so too. Rut Ibis is, |
by far, the least ollcnst? of which they are |
guilty.
The North has violated the solemn com- \
pact iiilercd into between the Stales at the i
adoption of the constitution This instrii- !
meat makes it obligatory upon any State
into which a fugitive from labor shall lice, !
to give tip such fugitive on tho deiuaiid of j
the owner. Instead of complying with this j
solemn requisition, they have by enactment |
of law rendered if impossible for a South- [
rriior to reclaim such fugitive. Thus they
have made null and void a provision of the
constitution, and to-day they stand a set of
perjured, treasonable outlaws. No man
living South (hires enter some uf the North
ern States and attempt a reclamation of his
slave. Should lie do so he would he heavily
lined and for months inenreorated in u State
prison.
What more do wo want? What more
oan they do ? Will they any longer respect
our rights? It we are to judge by the past |
wlmt tie y will do in the fill lire, what hope j
remains for us in the future? Nothing, sir, |
but a repetition of wrongs und violated
rights ? Our tamo submission to usurpations j
upon our rights will embolden them to still i
further aggressions. Does any mini sup-1
pose forbearalico on our part will soften
their hearts, cause them lo relent and induce
them to do us justice by the repeal of those
obnoxious, unconstitutional laws? Nay,
verily ! We shall have to resort to some
thing more efficient—bring them to terms j
by an argument more potent. Touch their i
pocket nerve at every sensitive point.— |
Withdraw all commercial intercourse and I
traffic, and my word for it, a half dozen years
would scarcely elapse ere even-bunded justice
would bo amply meted out to us. Our traffic
has enriched the North until they have, in
their pridu and insolence, forgotten tho
source whence it came. Let us touch them
at once and forever that they are in onr
hands for weal or wo, as we may determine
—that in tho future they shall he rich or
poor at our option. Wo have only to will
it and have that will carried into execution
to have all our wrongs redressed and our
rights umlcr the constitution, not only ac
knowledged, but defended and maintained.
Bat in order to ('fleet this non-intercourse
and cessation of traffic, it will be necessary
for tlio Legislatures of the Southern States
to pass laws laying a heavy tax upon all
articles manufactured in the North.
Rut some may say in attempting to bring
the North t.o measures by impoverishing
them, will wo not correspondingly impovorsh
ourselves? 1 think not. The import trade of
the country hitherto chiefly confined to North
ern cities will seek mi outlet through South
ern ports, und thence be distributed through
the Southern States, It is this largo import
v/itli Southern patronage
up Northern cities. The
nth in the event of non-in-
bo brought direct from
il other foreign countries
ts and become a source of
jjs of augmenting Southern
inevitably divert the im
port trade necessary for our consumption
iiito Southern channels and build up South
ern cities. nstead of impoverishing us it
would be the must cflectual means of in
creasing our wealth and prosperity. I have
been often surprised and not a little cha
grined that the South did not long since adopt
measures to bring about as much of direct
trade as would supply all Southern demand.
This I think cun he effected only by a non-
intercourse policy and direct taxation of all
articles manufactured in tho Northern States.
There is no artieje manufactured North
that wo cannot do without. Twenty-five
per cent, lax on all articles nini!" r u(.'tiired
there will enable the British manufacturer to
undersell them in all the Southorn markets,
and consequently drive the North cniiifly
cut of our markets. And before they will
sillier themselves long deprived of the vast
profits arising' from commercial intercourse
with the South, they will tender to us unso
licited on our part all the rights we claim
under the great Magna C'lmrta of our free
dom. A. 0. RAMSAY.
Medina ut lloguusville.
Hooansvili.e, Troup Uo., (
November ‘24, 1800. |
According to a previous call, a large num
ber of the citizens of Hognusvillc and sur.
rounding country, met in the Depot, when
on motion of Dr. Win. A. Speer, Hon. Thomas
E. Stokes was called to the ('hair, and R. F
Foster requested to act as Secretary.
On motion of James MeOaiiley, Esq., the
following gentlemen were appointed by the
Chair to report business for tlio mooting, viz ;
\\ in. A. Speer, Daniel Norwood, Cyrus
Jenkins, Sr., Cyrus Jenkins, Jr., Jus. Mc
Cauley, A. I. Soroggin, Win. Denny, Joel
I,often, Wesley Spearman, Cephas Johnson,
Jos. Natliis, mill James Norris.
The Committee retired und on returning,
reported the following preamble and resolu-
t ions :
Tlio election of Lincoln uml Hamlin to the
I’lesideney and Vice IVosidi'iicy of the United
States has precipitated on the South a crisis
to lie deeply deplored. Tho party that has
elected these men is sectional, fanatical, und
treasonable. It is in open rev >bilion against
the Government, bus nullified the Fugitive
Slave Law, bids defiance to tlio Constitution,
excites insurrections among slaves, encour
ages invasions into our States, and proclaims
eternal war on our institutions, our honor
and our iiidepuiideuce. Tlio only idea that
unites mid holds it together, is hostility to
slavery, and to bring about its extermination.
The result of submission to the administra
tion of this party will be in ellcct to tie our
bands und finally to ubolitionize our State.
Therefore,
llexiilreil, That the election of Lincoln und
tlanil'ii is equivalent to treason itself usurp
ing the government uml that the South
should not tin I oug'it not submit to their ad
ministration.
Ilexolreil, That we are not wumiliteil by
experience or bislo y in temporizing with
this party, expeoiiog its Imi itiejsm tp.ubatu.
I'liCVcfiire, \v
adequate rei
Itexolred.
ing this Cm
oreign and i
resume her
A-sUrtees'I ion us (he only
netly of existing evils.
I a it we b dievo tho States J’onu-
ili del'aey urn eo-equal and suv-
* such, Cenrgla may rightfully
if.legated powers and nssuine
the position ol an iml ‘pendent State among
the nation of the earlli whenever hot' people
in C invention decide it necessary.
Ilexnleed, Thai tlm appropriation of a mil
lion of dollars by tlm Logialutiirc to place
Georgia in a defensive condition, meets our
unqualified appropriation.
It' xnlued, That we will resist to death with
onr lives, our property and money, any at
tempt on tlm part of tlm Uonera'l Govern
ment to coerce u seceding State into silli-
mission to an Abolition administration.
Itexolred, flint those true mill brave men
at the North wlm have battled hard and long
for our rights, the consti'iitimi and the
equality of the States, merit our grutitudo
and praise. Rut us there was not enough
of righteous men in Sodom uud Gomorrah
to save those cities from the vengeance of
God and the lire of Heaven, it became neces
sary for Lot mid his family to retire. Our
Northern friends can benefit by their ex
ample.
ItexOlced, That wo approve of the call for
a Convention ot the people of Georgia, by
the Legislature.
Itexolred, That the President transmit
these proceedings to our Senator and Rep
resentatives, requesting them to present
them to the Legislature at their ourliiwt eon-
vonielieo.
Itexolred, That these proceedings bo pub
lished in tho La Grange Reporter and other
papers.
On motion tho preamble ami resolutions
wero adopted unanimously
J. A. Speer, G. A. Wiggins and lion,
Thomas E. Stokes being culled on, each ad
dressed the meeting at considerable length
sustaining the resolutions, urging the ne
cessity of prompt and decided notion and tho
great danger of delay. Their speeches werq
received with great applause.
THOMAS E. STOKES, Chra’n.
R. F. Foster, Soc’y.
COMMUNICATED.
Correction.
Mr Editor: In your last issue an err
occurs in reporting the preamble adopted
the meeting of tho poople of Troup, held
La Grange on tho 17th of November instai
Your Report says tho expression used wus
“ Equality in the Union and Independencec
of it is tlm only true ground for Soutliu
men to occupy.”
The expression used in tho preamble,
adopted by tho meeting, is as follows :
‘‘Equality in the Union, or Indcpcndun
out ol it, is the only true ground ror Sou
urn men to occupy,”
I make this correction beemiso it maker
very material difference in tho idea (
pressed, and remain yours, &c. t
Chairman' ov the Committee.
COMMC.NIUAMD.
" Old Men fo# Counselors, Youno Men f
War.”—Afr. Editor : 1 respectfully sugge
the names below as eminently fitted to re
resent our county in the approaching Sta
Ci*iventiuii:
JAMES CULBERSON,
WILEY 1*. BURKS,
W.M. 1*. BEASLEY.
tin doth BtoJf,