The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1860-12-13
Gov. W. H. Gis..

This thorough exponent Of strict State Rights
doctrine, being about to retire from the service oil
South Carolina rs her Governor, has addressed
few parting words to The General Assembly. His
duties in the past few months have been arduous
and many, and were it constitutional, We should
fee entirely willing that the rcins of government
might be held by linn longer yet. lie hasm eve
ry responsibility with manly courage, wisdom and
prudence We hope his successor, whoever he
may be, will not lower the proud standard of our
noble State, nor make a less useful and honorcd
Chief Magistrate.
The following is the last Message of Gov Gisr,
scrt in to the Legislature on Friday last and for
which we would ask pcrusal
Gcquemen Of Senate and House Of Representatives,:
Allow me in this my last Official communication.
a rarting word. South Carolina, after many long
years Of earnest but rruitless efforts to arrest the
progress Of frna,icisni, and stay the hand Of ag-
grossion upon her rights by the Northern States of
the Confedcracy-after vain remonstrances and
solemn assurance that free people could never
submit to inequality AMI degradation has at last
determined, with unparalleled unanimity, 10 sever
the bend that binds her to those States, AMI part
company with those that treat her citizens us aliens
AMI enemies. rather than friends and brethren.
The comparatively small star which represents her
on the national banner, and which has hitherto IL
lumincd the path of the traveller i'll the search Of
constitutional liberty must hcncclorlh quit its APP
pointed place, and must shine only n banner
consecraicd to equality, justice and Southern
Rights To permit it TO remain longer in its pres
ent association. would only dim its lusrc, and ulti-
maely quench its light.
We were told by our great statesman, that the
cords of the Union were Swapping one by one, and
now, the last is broken. Could he have lived to
witness our regeneration he would feel hmsel
amply rewarded for all his tolls and sacrifices and
would say, like Simeon of old, Lord now lcttesi
thou thy servant depart in peace"
A few more days, and the act of secession will
be consummated by solemn ordinance of Il Con-
vention of the people, and the glad tdings will go
forth with lightning speed to every Southern
State to rejoice the hearts and cheer the dropping
sririts of millions anxiously awaiting the sequel
for a general delivcrance. We have progressed
thus far with firm and even trcad-with calmncss.
ard deliberation, but with constancy of purpose
not to be shaken by danger or suffering.
single pause the least vacillation, and all
will be lost However anxious we may be for CO.
opcration, or however certain we may be of obtain
ing it. let us first move ourselves, the best
of affecting that object; and having closed the
door from which we have passed out of the Union,
SC that no insidious devices of the enemy, false
promises of pretended friends can avail to open
it then, and not then, may we with safety seek
cooperation, and unite with other States who have
resumed their sovereignty and are prepared to
form more perfect Union, ana share with us
common destiny.
Every sentinel should remain at his post, and
not relax fibre until the great work is completed,
tile great battle fought, and glorious victory
achieved. Tile delay of the Convention, for sin
gle week, to pass the ordinance Of secession, will
have a blighting and chilling influence upon'tire
action OF other Southern States and the opponents
OF the movement everywhere will be encouraged to
make another effort to rally their scattered and
forces, to defeat our action and stay /
orr onward march. Fabius conquered by delay,
and there arc thosc Of his school, though with !