The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1860-11-16

the fourth Monday in November instant
7 have considered it my duty, under the
authority conferred upon me, to convene
the Legislature ON extraordinary occa.
sions, to convene you, that you may, on
tomorrow, appoint the number of Electors
of President and Vice President to which
this State is entitled.
Under ordinary circumstances your du-
ty could be soon discharged by the elec-
!, ton of Electors representing the choice
of the people of the State; but in view of
the threatening aspect Of affairs and the
strong probability of the election to the
Presidency of sectional candidate, by a
party committed to the support of meas
ures which, if carried OUT, will inevitably
destroy our equality in the Union, and ul-
timately reduce the Southern States to
mere provinces of consolidated dcspo-
tism, to be governed by fixed majority
in Congress hostile to our institutions, and
fatally bent upon our ruin, I would re-
spectfully suggest that that tire Legislature
Tremafn in session, and take such action as
will prepare the State for any emergency
that may arise.
That an exposition Of the will of the
people may be obtained on question in
volving such momcntous consequences, l
would earnestly recommend that, in the
event of Abraham Lincoln's election to
| the Presidency. q Convention of the pco-
,ple of this State be Immediately called, to
consider and determine for themselves the
mode and measures of redress. My own
opinions of what the Convention should
do arc of little moment !; bat believing
that the time has arrived, when every
one however humble he may be, should
express his opinions. in unmistakable Ian
guae.e, am constrained to say that the
only alternative left, in my judgment, is
the secession of South Carolina from the
Federal Union. The indications from
many of the Southern States justify the
conclusion that the secession of South
Carolina will be Immediately followed, if
not adopted simultaneously by them, and
ultimately by the entire South. The long
desired cooperation of the other States
having similar institutions, for which so
many of our citizens have been waiting
seems to be near at hand, and if we are
true to ourselves will soon be realized.
The State has, with great unanimity, de-
clared that she has right, peaccably, to
sccedc, and no power on earth can right
fully prevent it.
IF in the exercise Of arbitrary power,
and forgctful of the lessons of history,
the Government of the United States
should attempt coercion, it will become
our solemn duty to meet force by force;
and whatever may be the decision of the
Convention, representing the sovereignty
of the State, and amenable to nc earthly
tribunal, it shall, during the remainder of
INV administration, be carried out to the
letter. regardless of any hazards that may
surround its execution. I,would also re-
spectfuly recommend 8 thorough rcor-
ganization of the Militia, so as to place
the whole military force Of the State in
nosition to be used at the shortest notice
and with the greatest efficiency. Every
man In the State between the ages Of
eighteen and forty-fve, should be we'll
armed with the most efficient weapons OF
modern warfare, and all the available
means of the State used for that purpose
In addition to this general preparation,
I would also recommend that the services
of ten thousand volunteers be immediate
ly accepted; that they be organized and
drilled by officers chosen by themselves,
and bein readiness to be called onupon the
shortest notice. With this preparation
for defence, and with all the hallowed
memories of past achievements, with our
love of liberty and hatred of tyranny,
and with the knowledge that we ere COLI
tending for the safety Of our homes and
frcsides, we can confidently appeal to the
Disposer of all human events and safely
trust our cause in His keeping.
WA1. HgGIST
Mr. Darlington moved that theaAlessage
be printed, and made the special order for
Tuesday at halfpast twelve clocll,swhch
was carried. {
Mr. Moses moved the appointment of a
committee of one from each Congression-
al District, in conjunction with a similar
committee from the House. to nominate