The southern press., 1851-12-03
Message of Governor Means.

We received the message OF Gov. MEANS, OF
South Carolina, by last nights mail. 1t is
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
tothe subject of federal relations. 1t is charac-
teised by the eloquence which the earnest
though suppressed utterauce of deep feeling
never fails to impart. Here are his words:
On the subject of our federal relations, 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 well rs that of the other States, has
directed all its energies to the destruction Of
that institution upon which our very vitality de-
ponds. 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 tyranrical and unjust govern
ment of the very graves of our gallant country.
men who sacrificed their lives that the star.
spangled banner" might float j.. triumph on the
bloody fields over which it waved. You know
that our equality in the Unonohas been denied,
by the very act which excludes US from the ter
ritory. You know that the tide Of Northern
fanaticsm must sweep over Us, depriviug US OF
our property, and desolatng our homes, unless,
il is STAYED by the bold efforts of freemcn, wor-
tby to be free The noble attitude Of resist
ance which supposed the State was about to
assume, and which have directed all my encr.
pies 10 place her in. seems 10 have be- delay ed
or abandoned by the popular voice as Indicated
by the result Of the late elections. ] cannot
believe that this result has been founded in a
willingness tamely to submit TO our wrongs but
in a difference of opinion as to the best mode OF
redressing them. know Of no other mod 20
recommend than that which have heretofore
so earnestly advocated, viz: That, as our equal.
ity is not acknowledged in the Union, I'VE
should assert our independence out it," This
course | think our pride, honors AMI safety
alike demand. Others, whose opinions are en-
titled to respect, think dIlf.rently-and it secGs
the popular voice has sustained them in their
opinions.
Il remains now for those who have defeated
the proposed mode Of action, and who have
proclaimed their unaterable purpose not TO sub
nit to our wrongs and degradation, TO point out
a better course. ], myself, have none 10 sug-
pest. Whatever is the action of the State
through her constituted authorities, it il my
duty 10 obey. But solemnly call upon you, as
the representatives Of the people, and ~ guar.
dams of their rights 10 remember that sitcc YOU
resolved upon resistance, and ordered the State
10 be armed for defence, no single wrcng Of
which YOU then complained has been redressed f.;
no indemnity has been offered for the past, ~"
security for the future That, under The Wanted
Fucitive slave law il has cost. in some instances,
the owner four times the value of the slave to
recover him, and in others his life. Bat. above
ali call upon you to remember that the sol.
ders Of the federal government are now sta.
toned en- your coast either to overawe or to
coerce you. That the guns Of Castle Pinckney,
and even Of Fort Moutrie, (Which your fathers
40 calamity defended,) and which "cre coded 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
40 unfortunately divided and distracted US, and
TO unite all our energies against the common
enemy of our institutions. Tue taunts, the in.
suits, the abuse that is hcapet upon our State,
should cause every true son Of Carolina to cling
10 her with an allegiance still more untlltcflng.
Gentlemen, the honor and safety of our bclovei
State are in your keeping May God direct you
in your deliberations. ....-
"A