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

ously the duties which will soon de-
volvc upon me, to retain your con-,
lidcncc, and that of the people whom
you represent;
deem sjeProperuPfpn,th he threshold
OF office, III State in brief and gencr-
al terms, the views which will here
after govern my official conduct.
Our constitution contides but a
limited portion Of the active power of
government to its chief executive of.
ticer. Besides tho general supcriutcil-
dcncc demanded Of him. the supcrvis-
ion of the institutions ofcducation, and
the command and inspection of mill
tia, his most responsible duty is the
discreet exercise Of his intcrposition, in
tempering any undue .rigor, in the en-
torccncnt of the penal law.
1t is scarcely necessary to advert to
the importance of proper attention to
those institutions which the State has
established for the 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-
tion Of the Militia is also an indispcn-
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 system, rs 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 rcsoul ccs of the State.
The Constitution rcquic cs of me to
take care that the laws be executed in
mercy; and to this end clothes Inc with
the power Of pardon and rcpricvc. In
my view, this by no means permits
me to indulge my own feelings in the
general administration Of Justice. The
cxpedicncy Of any law is exclusively
a question for the Legislature. The
correctness Of the conviction must
rest with the tribunals OF the coun-
try. In undertaking, therefore, to
arrest the course Of the law, the re-.
sponsibility of intcrposing remains en-
tircly with myself. 1t is only in
those rare instances, i'll which, consist
emily with the efficiency Of the gcner-
III law, and without impairing its
S Suction, q pardon may be extended,
that this power ought, as conceive, to
be exercised; and to these will stlirt-
ly conline myself.
For two years, gentlemen, the
authority is delegated to us, to admin
istcr the affairs Of this commonwealth.
1t is Il noble trust, and one which is
attended with the gravcst responsible
ties. Possessing my Nscli, neither the
rare gift of great abilities, nor II
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 in il period Of
sTEEE2SSiassry, free from cabal aud faction
1T nome; and are blessed with insti-
tutionS honorcd for their antiquity,
and made sacred by the approval of
generations of wise and good men. I:N-
ccpt those gradual qualifications Of
law, which time and change ufcircnm-
stanc, always render necessary your
action, by every dictate ui' wisdom.
should be Ola character purely con
scrvativc.
Happily for us, We live under Il
constitution, ill whcl! every local in
tcrcst is blended and armunizcd bv
a Judicious adjustment; and whilst it
allows to every citizen the largest lib
cr;y compatible with order, and gives
all due effect To popular convictions; it
also affords an adequate representation
10 the refinement, intelligence, and
property of the country. II to these
advantages, you add Il higher standard
OF popular education, so as to extend
proper encouragement to those Iibcr-
al pursuits, Which elevate the national
character; and to apply science to
Agricultural 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
mcrce, by opening to your 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 We under
government which you may proudly
compare, either in character, prospcri-
ty or stability, with any which is
mentioned in the history Of republic
al Institutions.
| am 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 dis schargc
my obligations to both; not less for
the respect and vcncration in which
| hold them, than that the future hap
Pincss and prosperity Of the coun-
fry depend upon their maintenance and
inviolability. We yet have high du-