The Camden journal. [volume] (Camden, S.C.) 1836-1851, 1840-12-16

And while the 'legftlmate actio" vi INC
Federal Government on this impoi tant|
subject is strictly and judiciously limited
to the influence Of its own fiscal operations,
in completing the work Of reformation SO
happily commenced, the solemn duty de-
wolves on this, as well as every other
member of the Confederacy, 10 contem-
plate measures, necessary, not only Tor!
the protection and stability of their own
Institutions, but for the greater security
of the citizen, against all the disastrous
consequences Of licentious and profi-
gate abuse, Of chartered privileges and
monopolies.
A Jealous exercise Of all powers and
preroga,ives which legitimately apper-
tain to any department Of State Govern
ment, may always be regarded as the con-
comitant of patriotic zeal IN the puoi'c
officer. trust, therefore, that IN my
case, this branch of our State Govern
ment. has been committed to hands, nel-
ther negligent nor relaxed. l am surel
should disappoint your reasonable ana
just expectations, if evinced any leeole-
ness Of grasp, or of PURPOSE, in retaining
or exercising the authority which You
have entrusted to me, 10 the full extent
of its constitutional vigor and efficiency.
Nor shall any oficious interference OF
Executive clemency or discretion on my
part, interrupt wise and efficient adml-
nislration of justice. If there be any de-
fects in our system of jurisprudence-lt
there be errors in the law. or in the mode
of administering them-let the conse-
quence devolvc on those departments
which are Justly responsible. My duty
shall be, TO evoid an indiscreet interpos'-
ton of the authority with which you have
invested me. viola,iGe either Of the inten.
ton of the Legislature, the rights of the
community, or the province of the judi
ciary.
In the capacity assigned me, as COM
mander-in- chief of the Military forces OF
the State, am far from being insensble
to the high trust confdcd, the important
interests i. is designed TO protect, or 10
the gallant and spirited materiel of which
it is composed. No people can be highly
and chivalrously patriotic, without pro-
per infusion of military ardour; and when
The heart of the citizen ceases with The
same desire 10 defend the Liberties Of his
country, as acluated his ancestors tp
achieve them, he is no longer watchtul or
yigilant Of his rights, and becomes list
less and Indifferent spectetor Of tyranny
and oppression. As the influence of mu-
sic and the fuc arts, was said to have re-
claimed some of the nations of antiquity,
from lapsed condition of ignorance and
barbarism, perhaps in our times, the cul.
liyation and improvement of martial
pride and military ardour, may be regard
ed as equally wise and eflicacious, to pre-
vent negligent and slothfuI patriotism;
If war were 10 be totally exterminated
from the practice Of nations-if The dis
cords and differences of Governments
were to be forercr adjusted or excluded,
by the arts of egotiation-and II the ell
fects Of this perpetual state Of peace was
to enervale and impair that lofty patriot
ism and elevated feeling which can only
appertain 10 a martial peoplc--it would be
doubtful how far its consequences would
operate injuriously, or bcneficisntl y on
our destinies. But when, combined with
these considerations of crpcdency, are
added the strong reasons of necessity in
cidcnt to a situation Of danger TO our
State and the domestic institulions-oi
rivalry and of ambition from our sister
Slates-and aggression and cncroachment
from the Federal Govcrnment-the IN
ducemeEts on our part, to a well orsanlz-
ed Militia, are irresistible and conclusive.
With these views, l need not rei,erale
the zeal and satisfaction with which shall
engage in the performance of this branch
of my duties. 1t is neither just nor true,
to suppose that militia, formidable ps II
has proven in all our experience of war,
and irregular and insubordinate only in
periods of profound peace, cannot be
brought to that state of dnty, discipline,
and Improvement, which il owes by al
legiance and by interest, 10 the State
and to itself. Enumcrating in its ranks
some Of The most intelligent and eftl-
cient officers, that ever directed the va
lour of any body of men, it is sufficient
recommendation Of the system, and in
ducement enough to preserve it, that II
has been productive of such signal exam
plies of military science and accomplish
mcnts. The comparative perfection 10
which it has attained, under the ausPicles
of nv predecessors, justities nc in enter