Page:Nullification Controversy in South Carolina.djvu/368

Rh come the bill defining treason, with its "pains and penalties," the destruction of the appeal court and anything else that might "enter the heads of the most reckless despots that ever ruled a kingdom, republic, or state." It was proposed by the Union leaders that the people hold meetings throughout the state and sign a solenm protest against the test oath. Their numbers, when shown to the legislature, might have its influence. It was suggested that papers should be drawn up for this purpose in every beat company in the state, and that every man who "valued his liberty and the freedom of thinking for himself" should sign such a remonstrance. In this way only could the strength of the anti-test oath party be made known, for the representation in the coming legislature, it was said, would not be a fair expression of the voice of the people on the subject; for example, in Pendleton district there were said to be 1,400 voters opposed to the test oath, yet that district would send her whole representation, seven representatives and one senator, in favor of the oath; in York district there had been a difference of but twenty-six or twenty-eight votes between the two parties at the last election, yet the entire