The southern press. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1850-1852, 1851-11-29
Message Of Governor Means.


We received the message of Gov. MEANS, OF
South Carolina, by last nights mail, II is a
model message-brief, business.like, and to the
point Though touching on every point con-
nected with State interests, and making most
valuable practical suggestions, the entire mes
sage occupies but two columns Of the news
papers. This merit is the greater in Governor
MEANS, as he yields the pen of the ready
writer, and is most fluent when he chooses to
exert that faculty
The closing portion of the message is devoted
to the subject of federal relations. 1t is charac-
terised by the eloquence which the earnest
though suppressed utterance of deep feeling
never fails to impart. Here are his words:
On the subj ect of our federal relations, l have
but little TO say. You are fully aware of our
wrongs, and know that the federal government,
which was instituted for our protection and
welfare as we'll as that Of the other States, has
directed all its energies to the destruction of
that institution upon which our very vitality de-
pends You know that we have been deprived
of every inch of territory which was won, in
part, by our blood and treasure; that we have
been robbed by tyrannical and unjust govern
ment of the very graves of our gallant country
men who sacrificed their lives that the star
spanged banner" might float in triumph on the
bloody fields over which it waved You know
that our equality in the Union has been denied
by the very act which excludes us from the ter.
rtory. You know that the tide of Northern
fanatiOsm must sweep over us, depriving us of
our property, and desoIating our homes, unless
it is stayed by the bold efforts of freemcn, wor.
thy TO be free. The noble attitude of resist
ance which supposed the State was about to
assume, and which have directed all my ener-
gies to place her in, seems to have been DELAYED
or abandoned by the popular voice as indicated
by the result of the late elections. 1 cannot
believe that this result has been founded in
willingness tamely TO submit to our wrongs, but
In difference of opinion rs 10 the best mode of
redressiDg them. | know of no other mod 10
recommend than that which have heretofore
30 earnestly advocated, viz: That, as our equal.
ity is not acknowledged in the Union, I'VE
should assert our independence out off it," This
course | think our pride, honor, and safety
alike demand. Others, whose opinions are en-
titled to respect, think differently--and it seems
the popular voice has sustained them in their
opinions
II remains now for those who have defeated
the proposed mode of action, and who have
proclaimed their unalterable purpose not to sub
init to our wrongs and degradation TO point out
a better course. j, myself have none to sug.
gest Whatever is the action of the State
through her constituted authorities, it is nv
duty to obey. But solemnly call upon you, as
the representatives Of the people, and as guar.
dams of their rights to remember that since Won
resolved upon resistance and ordered the State
to be armed for defence. no single wrong of
which you then complained has been redressed
no indemnity has been offered for the past. no
security for the future That, under the Wanted
Fugitive slave law II has cost, in some instances,
the owner four times the value of the slave TO
recover him, and in others his life. But, above
all, call upon you to remember that the sol.
diers OF the federal government are now sta-
toned on your coast, either TO overswe or to
eoerce you. That the guns of Castle Pinckney.
and even of Fort Moultrie, (Which your fathers
80 gallantly defended and which ere ceded TO
the general government for your protection, are
now frowning upon Charleston. Surely this
monstrous insult, added 10 our injuries, will
rouse the pride and patriotism of our people
The dangers which threaten our country call
upon us to bury the party feelings which have
90 unfortunately divided and distracted us, and
to unite all our energies against the common
enemy of our institutions. The taunts, the in.
suits, the abuse that 10 heapet upon our State,
should cause every true son of Carolina TO cling
to her with an allegiance still more unfaltering
Gentlemen, the honor and safety Of our beloved
State are in your keeping. May God direct You
In your deliberations.
JAMES H. MEANS.