Keowee Courier

From the Virginia Index, 14th inst.

Mr. Ashmore's Vote for Mr. McClernand.

In the final election for Speaker Mr. Ashmore, of South Carolina, made an appeal to the Democrats of all sections to rally to the flag of their candidate, Mr. McClernand of Illinois. For this act Mr. Ashmore is arraigned by the Charleston Mercury, as disloyal to South Carolina—Mr. McClernand being, according to the Mercury's assertion, no better than a Black Republican.

We have heard of Southern extremists but very rarely have we met with individuals to whom we considered the term applicable,—We certainly cannot admit the justness of its application to the man who goes as far as he who goes farthest in support of Southern rights or to the one that declares in favor of resistance to the aggressions of the North.—In common with the Virginia State rights Democracy generally, we say, "the perpetuity of the Union upon the principles of the Constitution, but a speedy dissolution of the Union if its affairs are to be administered upon the principles of Seward-Republicanism." We cannot, therefore, with reason or justice, be set down as extremists. We may be properly designated conservatives, because we are for preserving inviolate the original bond of the Union. We know of but few Southern extremists, in the literal acceptation of the term. We might mention a dozen, of whom the editor of the Charleston Mercury is one.

The Southern journalist who would not support John A. McClernand in preference to a Black Republican nominee, must be an extremist in a sense which we do not regard as particularly chivalric or patriotic. We know no personal acquaintance with the Hon. J. P. B. O. S., but our recollection is distinct that when he was in Congress, some years since, he was recognized by Southern State rights men as one of the truest men of his any other section: voting with the South on the tariff, internal improvement petitions, and all other anti. measures. He has just now run through the House of Representatives, after argument of several years. He has taken his position in the present Congress with the friends of the South, and against her foes, having voted with the representatives of South Carolina, Alabama, Virginia, and the other slave States against Sherman and Pomeroy. He promptly came to the support of Smith, a conservative Whig of the South, when he thought he could make his vote, and influence against the abolition nominee of the North. In his discussions on the floor, he has opposed and denounced the Black Republican party to the extent of involving himself in personal difficulties with some of its leaders. And yet, the Charleston Mercury would consign a gallant South Carolina representative to the shades for supporting Mr. McClernand against the nominee of the Abolition party. A friend once remarked that the Charleston Mercury's errors must be imputed to "an undiscriminating, and misdirected zeal in behalf of Southern rights." We certainly think that in the present instance the "firing" of the Mercury leans not to "virtue's side." There is neither virtue nor patriotism, "rhyme nor reason," in making war upon well tested friends.