The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1865-12-21
The True Spirit.

y
Wo.e,ltraet the concluding portion of
Lieut. Governor Porter's address to tho
Legislature, as breathing the noblcst feel
ing and purest patriotism in reference to
our present condition
sslThe past is fixed beyond recall. We
cannot alter it, but we may learn from its
teachings, if VIC arc wiso to improve the
occasion. It with tho present and iu-
turc that we have to deal. 1t docs not
pertain to my Office to suggest measures
for your consideration, but | may be per-
mitted to say word or'two in relation
to tho spirit and temper in which we
should deal with our present exigoncies.
We should. of course, realize our new sit
nation in it's full extent, and also realize
that.what may be right and proper in re-
letion to one condition Of things may not
NECESSARILY be either right or proper in re-
lation to another and a different condition
ofsthings. The great obstacles we have
to encounter are in our pride and preju-
dicos-in feelings and opinions that are
traditional with us, and have grown to
bc q part of our second nature. The
question of honor or dishonor in any par
ticular case must be resolved by each in
diyidual for himself 1t depends upon
the mind, the intent, the purpose 1t do
pends much, too, upon the relative situa-
tion ofpartios There may be moro dis
honor in requiring and enforcing condl-
ton than in accepting and submitting to
il. Between victor and vanquished he IS
most magnanimous who rises to the high
est levels Of tho occasion, and best satls-
fios the requirements of honor, solf-rcs-
pcct, truthfulness and generosity. But
certainly he who acts well his part in adj
verse circumstances must command res
pect, and need not feel humiliation. Es-
pccially now in practical mattors, should
wo guard against an obstinate adherence
tc theory without sufficient regard to
new facts and conditions. For example,
wo have rcnounced slavo labor and ac-
cepted free labor. Let us not condemn
the hitter in advanco-let us not pre-
Judge its failure. This is the way to in
sure failure. Let us giyo it fair play
and deal with it liko mcn who arc dcter-
mined that it shall succeed. This il the
way TO insure success. Our own interest
and tho intorest-of those whose lot is cast
with us, the happiness and prosperity of
our State depend upon our graphing
with this great industrial problom in good
faith and with a brave, choorful, confident
and determined spirit. The work OF re-
creation is in our hands, end if wo shall
succeed in building mp anew our waste
places and in laying tho euro foundations
of largo and 'oEduring prosperity, the
blessings of those who como after US will
rest upon our names.
"Our pooplo have pledged anew tholr
faith to the Government Of tho United
Statos. This issa matter Of honor and
thoy will well and truly redeem their
faith. Those who doubt them do not
know them. They havo boen brave in
the war and will bo true in peaco. To
affect enthusiasm now would bo u hollow
moclory, the bascst of hypocricies. 1t
cannot bo expected of them. They have
their griefs and their memories.
s'Theso arc sacred and are entitled to
respect and cannot be taken from them,
but they will not suffer them to como in
conflict with their duties All they ask
in roturn is truth and faith common
surato with their own. And so may be
laid tho foundations Of confidence that
will be firm and enduring, and will ripen
in time into that good will, esteem and
harmony that can alone mako Govorn-
ment blessing, and people contented
and happy"