Constitutional Whig

From the Charleston Mercury.

[For the Mercury.]

Mr. Editor--The position you have taken upon the proposed nomination of Gen. Jackson for the next Presidential term, has given great satisfaction to the friends of State Rights in South Carolina. We have heretofore acted with a generous zeal--it is now time for us to act with a sober discretion. The Southern States have sixty-six votes. Let us suspend our decision until the last moment, and with a firm devotedness to principle, refuse to give these votes to any Tariff candidate. Who doubts the result? Our weight must be felt--our influence will be acknowledged. We owe it to ourselves thus to act.

During the last canvass, the Representatives at Columbia declared that the Constitution was in jeopardy, and when it was proposed to throw the State upon its sovereignty, the Legislature refused, until another National Administration should be afforded an opportunity of redressing our grievances. The redress has not yet come; and as we have given our confidence in advance, so let us wait with patience, rather than commit ourselves by a hasty re-nomination. Scarcely is the President warm in his chair of state, when forth steps Tariff Pennsylvania and proposes him for the next Presidential term. Shall we, who prefer principles to men, thus readily give in our adhesion; or shall we not rather, with the constancy of determined patriots, stand aloof from strifes and contests about men, and battle only for principle.

South Carolina has a deep-devoted affection for the Hero of New-Orleans; but she cannot--she will not consent to be entangled by any leagues or covenants with Jackson States. She will not consent to be chained down by any pledge to re-elect him, or elect any other candidate. She will move onwards with a firm step, an erect countenance, and an eye kindled up by the fires of Liberty. On the Constitution of 1787 her gaze is fixed, and she will not turn to look at any man however elevated. This early re-nomination of Gen. Jackson by Pennsylvania is a master stroke of policy. She evidently sees, that South Carolina is rousing herself like a strong man after sleep, and shaking 'her invincible locks'--looking with calm and holy awe at the dark advance of Federal powers but yet, with intrepid confidence in her own determined energies. Mr. Editor, you have spoken out. -- It is time, Sir, that all who value independence should do so likewise. The State is nearly unanimous upon the course to be pursued. The question ought to be answered by every individual--Are you for unqualified submission, or determined resistance; in other words, will you submit to see the Constitution you have sworn to preserve, palpably violated: or will you redeem the pledge you have given, to support and defend it--"so help you God."