Constitutional Whig. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1824-1832, 1832-12-18
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TIE GOVERNOR OF SOUTH CAROLlNAS
MESSAGE.
4

To the Senate, and House of Representatives..
Fellow CIrlzENs-As my term OF Office, as fix
cd by the Constitution, expires on Monday next the
10th inst. beg leave to apprsc you OF tins iact'
that my successor may be elected with as niue de-
lay as may be compatible with your convenience.
In making this last of the communications which
i have had the honor OF transmitting To your re-
spectyc houses, cannot be inschsiDe 10 our JOINT
responsibility 10 our country for the measures we
have recommended aud adopted and to the direct
ION we have given to public sentiment in regard
TO the profoundly interesting controversy with the
Government of this Union in which we are invol
we'd. Feeble as L feel myself TO be, should in
deed be overwhelmed by the weight of this rcspon
sibty if l could not take refuge in the consoling
conviction that VIC are right, and IN the imprcgna
bic strength OF position.
THAT our motives should be misrepresented and
pur objects IN sconceived, ought not To be SUBJECT
ofsurptis. or establishment when we reflect that
the veto of South Carolina runs counter to, and
will check some of the most powerful interests IN
the coniedcracy. 1t is not from such quarters
alone that we must expect disParagemeht and
rubukc. Tho first effect of all great measures OF
resistance is to produce temporary shock even
among those whose fate and whose fortunes are
identical. But this effect transient. 1t yields
to the uufang conviction of tic justice OF that
cause which makes resistance necessary. No efforts,
however systematic, of u disciplined corps OF po
ii,icans VINO look to the General Government as the
fountain Of honor and wealth, can long prevent the
great mass of the people OF the southern States
from recognizing the validity of the principles in.
volvcd in our remedy, tho obvious policy OF
its application, or the sentiments otpublic honor
which have compelled us to its enforcement. When
they reflect that cause is their cause, that the
very head and front flour offending, is the attempt
20 stay the torrent of corruption, to BRING the 60
varnmcnt back to the fundamental principles otrst
ice and right; i'll one word when II is seen ana eit
that all we contcnding for is constitutional tax
alton nd honest expenditures, and the sole end OF
all efforts Is to give pernanency to the rec In
s'tutions OF our Country, and an enduring prospe-
rty TO its best interests, who doubt that in the
nd viii q.
solution the most heroic, they will be found by our
side.
IL is due, however, TO the obligations and the
past traternal associations of this Union that we
should extend beyond These considerations the
sphere both of our sympathies and hopes llowo-
Yer strong the measures of seltprotcction which
our enlarged policy may compel us to adopt, we
ought to look steadily and anXiousy TO 4 peaceful
and final adjustment of the controversy in ISSUE Ill
high arbitration of this whole matter, by all the
States in Convention. | desire now i'll closing my
IIbors, to put this subject before you prominently
and cmphatically.
When consider the importance of the inter
csts at stake, and the number and magnitude OF
the questions involved in the issue, and the
cessity of "a full understanding on all points, it
cannot be doubted that 1t ould be exceedingly
difficult, if not impractcabe, to bring the
troversy to final and satisfactory close short of
again converting that body TO whoss authority
are indebted for the constitution. Uadcr this con-
viction, would earnestly recommend yo'l to ap
ply specially and specifically in the manner pre-.
ecrlbed by the Constitution, Tor q General Con
yention of the States the most certain, prompt,
and cilcctual if not the only practicable mode of
terminating the conflict, and OF restoring harmony
and confidence TO the country.
If tho other States of the coniedcracy be actua-
ted by the same feelings which govern MS, if their
desire TO maintain the Constitution, 10 preserve the
Union, and transmit to rosterity tho blessings of
Liberty, be as strong ours, this most august of
all assemblies pro, dcd by the Constitution to meet
this X similar emergencies as great moral Substi-
tulo for Revolution or force may be convened in
few months, when the present and every other con-
slituilonal question cnddngerlng the peace and har
mony OF the Union, may be satisfactorily adjusted.
This salutary mode of arbitration reference
is a proof OF the profound wisdom of the great
man wte formed our constitution. But 1T will bo
~ vaIn that their " lsdoIn deNise Il remedy SO ad
ihraOlc--a substitute infinitely superior to the
old and irrational mode oil terminating such con-
troycrscs may DO too high to be add ustcd by
the force OF reason, through the ordinary
Dunais il their descendants should be too blInde
to perceived its efficacy, or too intenly bent the
schames of ayaIice and ambition, recognize its
Esticc.
After making this appeal, you will have done
your last act of duty TO the Union, and may then,
with conscience devoid of reproach, leave the
consequences to Him who knows pest what dcsi-
NY to allot to nations and to mon.
However, earnestly make this recommendation
do not, however, understand me suggesting in
the smallest degree, relaxation of those measures
Of security which vcntured, with great Difference,
10 bring To your view at the opening of the present
scssion.
National Right and Justice never more as
sured of peaceful security, than when
they rest under the protecting .Egs of an ceva-
ted spirit, prepared, ready and willing to die i'll
sustaining them. Remember TIE honor of
South Carolina is in your hands, and that this is
not 10 be furnished.
Insulated as are, standing alone in this NIGH /!
ty controversy, be assured the spirit of people
Will not fail you. During my term Of Office, | |
have Visited every District in the State, and with |
an anxious and thTobbing bosom, have surveyed |
It's public sentiment, and | speak advisedly when
say that large majority of people would |
rather have every house the fair surface of our
territory rased to the ground, and every blade OF
grass burnt, than surrender TO the despUtisn and
injustice OF that system of Government AGAINST
which We have unallcrably taken our stand
But, Gentlemen, have done With profound g. .
forvent gratitude for the kindness and confidence
with which you have honorcd me, [ surrender
my tust into your hands. l might under other
circumstances tell you of the qualification with |
which L 9pProaclr tho long broken retirement aud /
consultations Of my own home, but feel that this /
desired enjoyment is not for any of us yet: that
however humble the sphere of our public duties
the land that gave birth and the country that
biessGs us, even poor may be services, has
a Claim on unto life and death.
with the assurances Of my high consideration
and esteem, bid you friendly farewell.
JAMES HAMILTON, Jr.
CoLum6ia, Dec.6, 1882,
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