The New York herald., 1851-12-02

MESSAGE OF Gov. MEANS OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
The annual message of Gev. John H. Means, of
South Carolina, to the Legislature of that State,
is an able document. II is not lengthy. but in .
concise form communicates the Governors views
on the State finances, the Military Academy, the
literary and benevolent institutions of the State,
and other TOPICS and closes with the following alu-
sion to the great question Of secession -
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
well as that Of the other States, has directed all
its energies to the destruction Of that Institution
upon which oar very vitality depends. Yod know
that we have been deprived Of every iSch of that
territory which was won, inpart, by our blood and
treasure that we have been robbed by tyrannica
and unjust government of the very graves of our
gallant countrymen who sacrificed their lives that
:he as stAr spansed banner might ao.t in triumph
know that our equality in the Union has been de-
MED, by the very act which excludes US from this
territory. You know that the tide of Northern
fanaticism must sweep over us, dsprivins US OF
it is stayed BY the bold efforts Of freemen, worthy
to be free. The noble attitude OF resistance
which | supposed the State was about to As
sumo, and which | have directed all my snsr-
gies to place her in, seems to have been de-
layed or abandoned BY the popular voice, ~
indicated by the result of the late elections. /
cannot believe that this result has been founded
in willingness tamely to submit to our wrongs,
but in difference Of opinion rs to the best mode
Of rcdressing them. / know of no other mode
to recommend than that which 1 have here
tofsre so earnestly advocated, viz That as our
equality Is not acknowledged in the Union,
I'VE should assert our Independence out Of It,"
This course think our pride, honor, our safety,
alike demand. Others, whose opinions are enti.
tied to respect, think differently and it seems the
popular voice has sustained them In their opinions
IL remains now for those who have defeated the
proposed mode Of action, and whs have pro-
claimed their unaterable purpose not to submit to
our wrongs and degradation, to point out better
course. mysefhave none TO suggest. Whatever
is the action Of the State through her constituted
authorities, it is my duty to obey. But solemnly
call upon you, the representatives Of the people,
and as guardians Of their rights to remember that
since you resolved upon resistance, and ordered the
State TO be armed for defence no single wrong, Of
which you then complained, has been redressed; !;
rity for the future. That, under the vaunted Fu.
gitive Slave law, IL has cost, in ssme instances,
the owner four times the value OF the slave to re-
cover him, and in others, his life. But, above all,
call upon you to to remember that the soldiers of
the federal government are now stationed on your
coast, either to overawe or to coerce you That the
guns Of Castle Pinckney, and even Of Fort Moul-
trie, (Which your fathers so gallantly defended,)
and which were ceded to the general government
for your protection, are low frowning upon Charles
ton. Surely this mons.rous insult, added to our
injuries, will rouse the pride and patriotism Of
people. The dangers which threAten our coun
try call upon us to bury the party feelings which
have so unfortunately divided and distracted US,
and to unite all our energies against the com mon
enemy of our institutions The taunts, the insults
the abuse that is heaped upon State should
cause every true son of Carolina to cling TO her
with an allegiance still more unfalterng Gentle
men, the honor and safety Of our beloved State are
In your keeping. May God direct you in your de