Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1865-08-29
SPEECH OF GOV. Il. #. PERRY.

The Governor Of South Carolina having paid
visit to Washington, addressed the citizens Of
Greenvie, S. c., on the lst day of August, Civ
ing account of his interviews with the Presi-
dent and the several members of his Cabinet
The following is an extract from his address on
that occasion
II told the President the people of South Caro-
lima accepted the terms of his proclamation, and
were disposed to return to their allegiance to the
Union That from having been the ostrebellious
State in the South, was satisfied So nth Carolina
would, henceforth, be one of the most loyal of the
Southern States. That she would reform her
Constitution and abolish slavery, give the election
of Governor and Presidential elections to the peo
Pile, and equaiZe the representation of the State.
gave it as my opinion that the disunion feeling
of the South had originated in the parishes
The President expressed himself gratiied at the
course South Caroina was likely to pursue, and
instead of manifesting any bitter or revengeful
spirit, he evinced great kindness, soicitude and
magnanimi.y. The whole delegation was deeply
impressed with the courtesy, dignity and ability
of his Excelency. His political views as express
ed were those of patriot and statesman He
wished to see the country once more quiet, peace
able, happy and prosperous. In regard to the
relative powers of the State and the Federal Gov
ernmeut. his opinions were identical with my own
so long expressed in South Carolina He was
idation Of powers in Congress as he was to the
secession of the States. | must be left to the
Legis lature of each State to decide who shall be
allowed to vote in the State Any attempt on the
part Of Congress to control the elective franchise
of State would be unwarranable usurpation-
He expressed an ardent wish to see the Consti-
tuition of South Carolina popuarized by abolishing
the parish representation end equalizing the po-
Ii ical power of the upper and lower country,
giving the election of ofGovernor to the people, and
also the election of electors of President and Vice
President.
On leaving the President, he requested me to
call and see Mr.. Seward, S ecretary of State, and
give him the same information | had given His
Excelency in reference to the public feelings and
sentiment of South Carolina. This did in com
pany with the South Carolina delegation. We
found Mr.. Seward kind and cordial, and gratified
at the information we gave him with regard to
the politics of South Carolina Before visiting
Mr.. Seward, had been to call ON the Attorney
General, Mr. Speed. He expressed himself sur
prised and mortified at my speech, made to you
the Sd of July. But soon discovered that he
had only glanced over the speech, and did not
comprehend the tone and temper of my remarks.
told Mr. Seward what the Attorney General had
said. He replied, read your speech this morn
ing attentively, and considering the standpoint
from which you make it, think it very good
one. When was Governor of New York, said
Mr. Seward, used to make speeches which were
very severely criticised in Charleston and sa id
to myself what the devil have the people of
Charleston to do with my speech made in New
York did not speak to them or for them, but
to the people of New York. And suppose Mr..
Perry, you intenied your speech for South Caro-
lima and not for Washington