April 6, 1861; The New York Herald
Our Charleston Correspondence.
CHARLESTON, S.C., March 27, 1861.
Can the Confederate States Govern Themselves, &c.
In former communications the question was propounded, ‘Can the Southern States maintain their independence?’ Examination into the defences of this harbor, among the most important of the confederacy, has established the fact, in the minds of well-informed and unprejudiced men, that, as far as this section of the Confederate States is concerned, it can defend itself, and, if need be, lend aid to other sections. Fort Sumter evacuated, and the material of war which will be of no immediate use here may be conveyed to other points that may be weak, without detriment to the protection of Charleston. The government at Montgomery has undoubtedly taken the precautions necessary to protect other points on the seaboard as it has to protect this, but probably not to the same extent; for here has been the battle ground of the thus far bloodless revolution.
A question now arises of nearly equal importance to the first, namely: ‘Can the Confederate States govern themselves?’ And in no place can a better solution to the question be given than at a point where a Convention of the representatives of the people of South Carolina meets, and that is, the city of Charleston, at this particular time. Two days have elapsed since the Convention assembled. Many expected a violent and relentless opposition to the new constitution, and perhaps its indignant rejection by the Convention. Some of the provisions of the instrument were of a character repugnant to the views and wishes of many of the people of the State; and hence serious apprehensions were entertained among the well wishers of the new confederacy that the opposition would be overwhelming. The fears of a few were dissipated on the first day’s proceedings. On the second, notwithstanding a lively debate, it became apparent that at heart a large majority–10 to 1 at least–were in favor of adopting the new constitution, without dotting an i or crossing a t, and to that conclusion have the most influential members of the Convention arrived tonight. It appears then, that South Carolina is content to surrender some of her most cherished sentiments, to moderate her views, to govern her spirited temperament; and if South Carolina is able to govern her temper, no doubt the remainder of the Confederate States can, with the aid of the ‘Gamecock State,’ successfully govern themselves. The only apprehensions have been about South Carolina, and if she is contented the victory is secure.
Gov. Pickens has been all day engaged in preparing a message, which is to be presented to the Convention tomorrow. It will embrace all information necessary to be transmitted to the body in his capacity as Governor of the State, and include the reports of the different departments, State, War, Treasury, &c., which have been in existence since she adopted the ordinance of secession.
Travellers complain a good deal about the interruption and detention they are subjected to in consequence of the establishment of internal revenue guards. But all these things are consequent upon the construction of a new government, and when matters become settled and a reciprocity treaty is made between the United States and the Confederate States these annoyances will be obviated.
Large orders have been sent abroad for the trans-shipment of goods to Southern ports which have hitherto been sent to New York. The difference in the two tariffs offers great inducements to merchants to ship goods for Charleston, and if bound northward, can pass the borders, without interruption, for Uncle Sam has not thought it necessary even yet to establish inland revenue guards on the boundary lines between the two Territories. The old gentleman must wake up or he will ere long find that he has not only lost some of his best men in his army and navy, but his revenue, coastwise and inland, will be lost to his exchequer forever.
In corroboration of my statement in yesterday’s letter that President Davis had made requisitions on the several Confederate States for a certain complement of Troops, it has been publicly stated a requisition on Gov. Perry, of Florida, has been made for 500 men. Information in relation to other matters in this connection is not yet in train for general diffusion.
The constitution adopted by the Convention of Georgia is to be submitted to a vote of the people of the State on the first Tuesday in July next.