The Camden Weekly Journal

Georgia and her Platform.

The late proceedings of the Democratic party in Georgia are full of hope for the South. We were amongst those who thought, that her Convention of '50 fell short in its measures of the just expectations of other States, or the interests of the South. She had always been very true in carrying out her determinations, and when she adopted the Virginia resolutions, declaring that she would "resist the Wilmot proviso, or any kindred measures, at every hazard, and to the last extremity," and the jugglery of the admission of California, with a sham Constitution, by which the Wilmot proviso was practically enforced in California, took place, we looked for a redemption of her threats in some practical mode of resistance and redress. She, however, with the rest of the South, submitted to the insult and the aggression; but in submitting, her people laid down before her sister States, and the world, in their high sovereign capacity, clearly and forcibly, the limit of her future endurance.

That limit is about to be transcended. The weakness and folly of supposing that the Anti-Slavery fanaticism of the North would be quieted by submission to any of its aggressions, is now becoming as apparent in practice as it was flagrant from past experience. The people of Georgia, we rejoice to see, appear to be fully alive to their solemn responsibilities and grave determinations. That there will be a submission party in Georgia, to all aggressions by the North, is a matter of course. No cause, however righteous and holy, ever united all of its people against a government in which they participated.

There are various sorts of submissionists—submissionists by nature—submissionists by prejudice—and submissionists from interest; but a union among the brave and free portion of her population, will hardly fail to bring the State to a practical vindication of her rights, under the long continued galling and endless encroachments of the North. By position, population and extent, she ought to be the leader of the South in vindicating the rights of the South. Let her lead, and others will follow. This is the natural course of things—the Constitutional course—the true method of obtaining Southern co-operation. Let her not be guilty of the folly of looking out of herself, to obtain a previous support from other States, which, whilst it will rob her of the honor of a self-dependent vindication of her right, can add nothing to her strength in a conflict with the General Government. There never was the least ground for fearing any intervention of the General Government, in any conflict; under the control of the North, it has provoked with the Southern States. A State, acting for the protection of sectional interests, must have the support of the section she represents. If she stands fast in her resolution, she must conquer. All that a previous understanding with other States can obtain is a greater facility in future political organizations, which may be necessary consequences to her action. If Georgia thinks this expedient, let her first, fulfill her own determinations with respect to her own rights and then call on the other Southern States to meet her in council, to provide for the future. South Carolina will promptly respond to such a call; and, although she may be incapable of leading, will rejoice to follow, and, with no reluctant hand, will place the crown of victory on the brow of her greater and more worthy sister State.—Charleston Mercury.