Keowee courier. [volume] (Pickens Court House, S.C.) 1849-current, 1858-12-18

en- theatre OF war, tne Oceau, Cialincu MY
full share as legatcc of the glorious inhcr-
itancc and would have been proud to say,
at home or abroad, | ann an American cit
izen.
SO of the late war with Mexico, in which
our own gallant Regiment, rallyng around
that Palmetto banner, which has been
brought homo to us soilcd, and torn and
blood d-stancd, but not dishonorcd contrib
utcd SO largely to the final triumph of our
arms in conqucring peace with the Rcpub-
lie of Mexico. But if we are required to
share only in the tolls and sufierings, with
out rcnping any of the advantages or shm-
ing in any of the glory, and be treated as
outside barborians, not worthy even of
Christian name, we must sever the conncc-
ton peacefully, if we may-forcibly, five
must. This is all deem it necessary to
say on this occasion in regard to our fcdc-
raj relations
The most important power conferred up+
on the Exc, We, is, in the language of
the Constitnh to grant reprievcs and
pardons," and IL may be as well now to IN
dicatc the course | shall pursue in the cx-
crcisc of this power No petition fora par
don will be considered unless il is accom-
presiding Judge; andIin examining all the
circumstances, they must he of such char
actor as to satisfy my mind, that the ends
of justice will be better carried out by Ex-
ecutive intcrposition, than by the verdict
of the jury. Ut is true, that the Consttu-
ton directs that the Executive shall take
care that the laws be faithfully executed in
mercy, but he cshould remember that in be-
ing mcrciiul to one, he may be cruel to ma
ny. The severity of a law, or its dispro-
portion to the crime, isnota valid argument
in favor of Executive clemcncy 1t is the
province of the Legislature to make laws,
and to alter and amend them when they are
cruel or defective, and upon them rests the
responsibility ofba laws, and the court,
jury nor executive have any discrctiouin
the matter. TO adopt any other principle
would destroy all land marks and the iurics
of the country would be virtually our law
| makers, to have their laws in turn set aside
by the Governor. Without dctaiuing YOU
any longer with details, it is sufficient to
say that all the varied interests of the Stute
shall receive my undivided attention On
all matters of high public Importance, L
shall fortifymy opinion and action by the
HIlNlCc vi OluCl NlSCT IlcU, Hnu SndlI
cndcavor to remedy by diligence, industry
and zeal, my defect of judgment ability
and experience And in conclusion, allow
me to express my ardent desire, that in our
generous rivalry, during the present session
| of the Legislature, no private Friendships
have been disturbed; 40 alienation of
friends has taken place but that like
band ofbrothers, we shall all unite in adj
vancing the interest promoting the welfare,
and defending the honor of our beloved
South Carolina.
His Excellcncy was frequently intcrrnp-
ted with exhibitions of applause.
The ceremony having ended, the House
considered the propricty of making an APP
priation of SO, 600 to aid in erecting mon
umcnt, in Philadelphia square, Pcnnsylva-
mia, to the memory of the signers of the
"Dcclarntion of Independence !" which, af-
tor long discussion, was not ugrccd to-
The bills to change the system of public
instruction in this State, and the Blue
Ridge Railroad was debated at length
During the evening session, the slave
trade resolutions of Mr.. Spratt were discuss :
cd by himself and Mr. O'Connor, md then
laid on the table, by Il vote of G3 yeas, to
AZ nays.
80 =