Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1859-12-08
GOV. GIsT,s MESSAGE.


GOV. GIsT'S MESSAGE.
We published, in last weeks issue, the wise and
spirited Message Of Gov. GIsT; but the crowded
state of our columns forbade any comment. We
heartily endorse its general tone and spirit, while
we recommend it for its brevity, fullness and
clearness.
After speaking of the health and other blessings
which we have enjoyed as State, he says there
are certain cardinal principles which should be
adhered to in the administration of the govern
ment. One is to collect no more taxes than are
necessary for our welfare. On this head he al.
ludes to the scarcity of grain in the upper Dis
tricts-says it is partly caused by the numerous
distilleries, converting the staff Of life into
slow but sure poison" and recommends such q
tax, to be laid on than, as will amount to the
"prohibition of their USE"
Dstieries are decided evil; and we will hail
the day, as auspicious Of brighter era, when
every man who dogg,dly adheres to liquor making
and vending in spite of the wishes Of the people
against it, shall be compelled, by law and public
opinion to lash his still to his back and take his
| departure.
We admire the course, which Gov. GIsT has
taken in regard to pardon or commutation of pun
ishment in criminal cases. 1t Is true that he has
the power to grant pardons; but the rash and in
discriminate exercise of this power, would ami
hilate the great principle of trial by jury, and
make the life Of our citizens dependent on the will
of one man. Murderers should not be suffered to
wash our land in blood with impunity. When
twelve disinterested men decide, according to ev-
idence and on oath, that decision ought not to be
annulled by the wishes Of few friends and ia
vorites When mercy becomes so lcentious, mer-
cy, herself, is criminal.
The substitution recommended, of small tax
per capita, in lieu Of days. work 'ou the public
roads, is capital idea. Besides the advantages
mentioned, there is another every man takes
pride in his own business and the laborers, placed
exclusively at this work, will consequently do it
well.'
TIE recommendation to compel every owner Of
plantation of negroes, to keep white man with
them, the year round, elicits our full concurrence
In these insurrectionsry times we should leave no
point of attack exposed to the 'rrepressible con-
fict'
We would rejoice, with the Governor, to see
fair and full trial made for the civilization Of the
Catawba Indians. We have striking evidence
of their peaceabeness, in the fact that there has
been "no instance of a criminal prosecution a.
gainst one of them" 1t may besaid, "this is the
slumber of the dead" well, let the power that
killed make alive again-or try to do SO. Let no
stinted policy deny them mite for purposes as
high as heaven. Whether the experiment fails or
succeeds, it will add another page to the history
of civilization.
The South Carolina College sis deservedly pop
uar throughout the State" Judge LoNasTREET
makes noble President. We wish him many
more years of usefulness, and increasing laurels.
His Excellency position on Federal Relations"
is clear and decisive. He recommends conser-
vative, unfinching, determined defence Of our
rights and institutions. HIS doctrines are those
of States Rights Co-operationist. We must
keep clear of party shambles-must not choose
between two evils, but demand and have our
rights-must not commit ourselves "to any Presi-
deutial aspirant"- in case Black Republi-
can should be elected in 1860, must be prepared
to follow any lead in RESISTANCE" In thus seek
ing our own rights, we must respect the rights Of
others. "We should not initiate the example Of
the North in setting up "a "higher law" but re-
tain the proud position we have always occupied,
and it will give self satisfaction, an approving con-
science, and moral power to achieve victory"
Our position is anomalous. The South should
band together in one solid phalanx, for the resto
ration of peace and equality in the Union, or for
self. security out of it. United we may stand, 60
Gibrater against the surging waves" of Abolition
ism. Our destiny is in our own hands. Relying
on the protection of heaven and the virtue Of our
cause, let US unite in defence of the one great
right which is, and is to be, violated-the peacea-
BILE possession of our slaves.