The Sumter banner. [volume] (Sumterville, S.C.) 1846-1855, 1852-12-21

ously the duties which will soon de-
volvc upon me, to retain YOU con.
lidcncc, and that of the people whom
you represent;
| deem zjssPropcr-u upptM ppt the threshold
OF Office tn state in brief and gcncr-
al terms, the views which will here
after govern my official conduct.
Our constitution conlidrs but q
limited portion of the active power of
government to its chief executive of.
ticcr. Besides the general supcrntcn-
dcncc demanded of him. the supcrvis-
ion of the institutions tcducation, and
the command and inspection of mill
tia, his most responsible duty is the
discreet exercise of his interrosition, in
tcmpering any undue .rigor, in the en-
torcemcnt of the penal law.
1t is scarcely necessary to advert to
tho Importance ola proper attention to
those Institutions which the State has
established for tho improvement of
education. shall regard it as one of
most pleasing functions, to do my
part in the discharge Of this, our com
mon duty. And if can contribute,
in any degree, is raise the standard, or
extend the benefits Of these wise cs-
adjustments, shall regard myself as
richly rewarded for the most anxi-
Gus efforts.
a proper attention to the organiza-
ton Of the Militia is also an imdispcn-
sable part of my public duty; and if
We cannot expect to render our citi-
zcn-soldicry equal to those trained in
the severe school of military life, We
may yet do most important service in
keeping up such Il System, as will at
once remind our countrymcn that they
may one day have to take their place in
the field: and will keep us acquainted
with the rcson ccs OF the State.
The Constitution rcyni'cs OF me to
take care that the laws be executed in
mercy; and to this end clothes ne with
the power of fpardnn and repricvc. III
my view, this by no means permits
me to indulge my own feelings in the
general administration fjusticc. The
cxpedicncy Of an, law is exclusively
Il question for the Legislature. The
correctness Of the conviction must
rest with the tribunals OF the coun-
try. In undertaking, therefore, to
arrest tho course of the law, the re-
sponsiOIlitv Of intcrposing remains en-
tircly With myself. 1t is only in
those rare instances, in which, consist
emily with The efficiency Of the scncr-
al law, and without impairing its
S s,nction, pardon may be extended,
that this power ought, as conceive. to
be exercised; and to these will st.ict-
ly comiinc myself.
For two years, gentlemen, the
authority is delegated to us, to admin
Istcr the affairs of this commonwealth.
1t isanoblc trust, and one which is
attended with the gravcst responsible
ties. Possessing my sell. neither The
rare gilt Of great abilities, nor IL
large political experience, | Shall re.
ly with confidence upon that prudence.
wisdom, and patriotism, Which have
always characterized your respect
i've bodies. We live III IL period Of
5shfassEy, free from cabal and faction
dt nome; and are blessed with insti-
tutionS honorcd for their antiquity.
and made sacred by the approval Of
generations of wise and good men. En-
ccpt those gradual qualifications Of
law, which time and change of circum-
stances always render necessary your
action, by every dictate of wisdom.
should be ola character purely con-
scrvativc.
Happily for us, we live under
constitution, in which, every local in
tcrcst is pleaded and harmunizcd bv
Il Judiclous adjustment; and whilst it
allows to every citizen the largest lib
cry compatible with order, and gives
all due effect to popular conviction; it
also affords an adequate representation
to the refinement, intelligence, and
property of the country. If to these
advantages, You add Il higher standard
OF popular cducation, so as to extend
proper encouragement to those libcr.
al pursuits, which elevate the national
character; and to apply science to
Agricultural n and the useful Arts, and
as il consequence, diversity the indus
try OF the country; and ultimately take
measures for the increase Of your com
nIcrce, by opening TO your II ark
cts those great valleys Of the west,
which at no distant day, are destined
by their trade, TO make whole con
tincnts rich; you will then vc undcr Il
government which you may proudly
compare, either in character, prospcri-
ty or stability, with any which is
mentioned in the history Of republic
an Institutions.
AIN about to take the oath pre-
scribcd by law, to preserve, protect,
and defend, the constitution of this
State, and Of The United States. | |
shall cndeavor faithfully to discharge
my obligations to both; not less for
the respect and vcncralion in which
| hold them, than that the future hap |
pincss and prosperity Of the coun-
try depend upon their maintenance and
inviolabiIity. We yet have high du-