Richmond enquirer. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1815-1867, 1832-12-18
Hon. DENNis L. RYAN.
SOUTH CAROLINA.
COPE R.NOR'S MESSAGE.

SOOIH CAROLINA.
COPE R.NORS .lfESS.4GE
To the Senate and
House cf Representatives.
FELLOW CGrIzENs;-As my term Of office ms liked
by the Constitution expires Monday next, the lOll
ins beg leave apprisc you of this fact that my sue
cessor may be elected with as little delay may be
patible with your convenience. a
La making this last OF the communications which |
have had the honor OF transmitting 10 yonr respective
houses, cannot be nsensihe to joint responsibility
our country for the measures we have and
adopted, aud 10 the direction have given 10 public sem
Iimen III regard TO the profoundly interesting
sy with the Government Of this Union in which we are
involved Feeble a. feel myself TO be. should indeed
he overwhelmed 10y the weight of this responsibility il
could not take refuge in the consong conviction that we
are right and ia the preEnIble strength Of our position
That our motives should be msrcprcsened au, our
Jecs misconccved ought not TO be subject surprise
or establishments when reflect hat the veto of South
Carolina counter to- and will check Of the most
powerful interests in the comcdetacy Ii is not from such
quarters alone tina, expect disparagement and re-
6uke The first effect OF all great measures OF resistance
is TO produce temporary shock among those whose
dtc aud whose fortunes identical But this effect is
TRANSIENT tyclIs 10 the unang conviction of the JUS
tce OF that which makes resistance necessary No
efforts however systematic, OF disciplined cOrps OF
politicians who look TO the General Gnvernntcut AS
the fountain OF honor and wealth. long prevent
the great OF tho people of the southern States from
recognizing the validity OF the principles involved in
remedy, the obvious policy OF its application the seni-
mcnis OF public honor which have compelled its
lorcemcn When they reflect that cause their cause
that the very head and front of offending. is the attempt
TO stay the torrent OF corrupon hring this government
back TO the fundamental principles OF Justice rights la
one word when II i seen and felt that all
ing for is taxation and homes expcu
and the sole end OF all our eOristo give perancncy
the Free Institutions of country, and enduring
prosperity to lis best interests, who doubt that tic
end with sympa,hics the generous and resolution
the most heroic, they will bc found by side
Is due, however, to the obligations and the past facr
nal associations OF this Union, that should extend be-
yond these considerations the sphere both of sypa
thcs and hopes. However strong the measures OF self
protection which enlarged policy may compel to
adopt, we ought to look steadily aud anxiousy peace
iui nnaI adjustment OF the
Ugh arbitration of this whole NATTER by all the States in
Convention. desire now in closing nv labors TO mi
hs snhJccs before you promptly and emphcically.
when we Consider the importance OF lhe interests AT
stake and The nnnb-. and magnitude ct the QUE sons in
vowed 10 the issue, aud the SsSity of IL understand
ing on all points it cannot be doubted hat would ex
ceedngy difficult il not imrrac icabe bring the con-
toversY to hnal and satisfactory close short again
converting That body 10 whose authority indebted
'or the Constitution Under this convic ion, would ear
nesly recommend you 10 apply specially aud specifically
in the manner prescribed by the ution, gene-
raj convention OF the States, the certain prompt
and eiiecual II not the only acicable mode termn
ting the conflict and OF resior harmony and confidence
10 the country.
Ii the other States Of the confsderacy be actuacd by
the same feelings which govern if their desire main
tam e Constitution, to preserve The Union aud TO trans
init TO poseiy the blessings of Liberty be strong as
ours, this most august of all assemblies provided by the
Constitution 10 meet ibis and similar emergencies, as
great moral substitute for Revolution force may be con-
vcned in few months when The present every other
constitutional question cndongerng the peace and harmo
my OF the unon may be satisfactorily adjusted.
This saluafy mode oil arbitration reference is proof
OF the profound wisdom of the great who formed
Constitution. Blu, it will be in vain that their wisdom
vsed remedy adrirabe-a substitute infinitely SUI
perior to the old and irrational mode of terminating such
as may be too high 10 be adjusted by the
more force Of reason through the ordinary tribunals il
their descendants should be blind perceive its et
cacy or too neny bent the schemes of avarice and
ambitions TO recognize its Justice.
Alter making this appeal yoa will have done your last
act OF duty to the Union and may then, with consc
ence devoid of reproach leave the consequences TO Him
who knows best what destiny alo TO nations and to
men.
However earnestly make Gi,is recommendation, do
est degree relaxation OF those of security
which vcntured, with great Difference bring your
view at the opening Of the present session.
National right and Justice more assured of
even peaceful security, than when they under the
protecting Hgs Of elevated spirit prepared ready
and willing to die in sustaining them. Remember, tho
not TO he furnished.
Insulated arc, standing alone in this mighty con-
troversy, he assured the spirit of people will not fail
you. During my term of office, have visited every
district in the State and with anxious aud throbbing
bosom, have surveyed its public sentiments speak
advScdly when say That large majority OF people
would rather have every house the fair surface
territory RACED To the ground, and every blade Of grass
burnt, Than surrender to the dcspoisn and Injustice of
that system OF Government against which have uma-
terahly taken stand.
But, gentlemen, have done. With profound and fer
vent gratitude Tor the kindness and confidence with
which you have honorcd me- surrender my trust into
your hands. might under other circumstances tell you
OF the qualification with which approach the long broken
retirement and consultations OF my home, but feel
that tins desired enjoyment not for me, for any of
yet: That however humble the sphere of public Gu-
ties, the land that gave us birth and the country that
blesses poor may he services, has claim
on us, even unto life and death
ith the of my high consideration aud cs-
JAMES HAMILTON, JR.
Columbia Dec s. 1892.
CAMDEN, Dec. s