Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1868-09-09
BY TEE GOVERNOR. JOSIAH s1HLEY
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA,
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,

,;fs i,,e CoLuNDIl., Aug 81, 1865.
TNFORMATIONh having been communicated to
this Department, of proceedings calculated to
disturb The tranquility Of tho State, desm it my
duty to earnestly appeal to my fellow-citi-ens to
refrain. from, and discountenanne, all demonstra-
tions.whereby the public peace my be endan-
gered.
It is alleged that armed organ izations exist,
which are regularly oficered and drilled, and
pretend to act by authority. There is not only
no authority far armed or military organizations
in South Carolina but they are in direct violation
of the laws 6f the sUuited States. They must
therefore be ut once disbanded. e: :-Z
have also heen informed of the surreptitious
introduction into the State of firearms and am
munitionof the most improved description, which,
it is reported orc to be used for partisan purposes
Although not so openly in conflict with the laws,
this is equally dangerous and threatening to the
public peace.
Deadly Weapons in the hands Of inconsiderate
persons, infiamed by political excitement. may
lead to the most deplorable results, and all good
citizens who can foresee efrightful consequences
of collision, should earnestly and promptly
throw the whole weight of their moral influence
against policy, which would place lie and prop
erty at the mercy OF q mop. ,
The right of every political party to assemble
and deliberate for the commonsg2o Is undenia-
BILE, aad any interruption of .snch proceeding, or
molestation of individuals in :;endance, is utter
ly unjustifable. ~, -,
In6ammatory and theatening language mt pub
lie meetings, and in tho newspapers, shonid7oe
avoided and dscountenancsd, becau.oit unneces-
.sarily aggravates the excitement incident to the
present political canvass - -
The right of every voter to advocate such po-
litical principles, and support such candidates,
as commend thslnse,ves to his judgment, must be
securedto him without restraint, or intimidation.
It is the disting gushing feature. of Republican
Government that it rs based upon the consent OF
the governed. It's policy is controlled by the vii!
of the majority as legitimately expressed through
the ballot box. To thwart or subvert that will,
to Interfere with this sacred rghtsOf opinion, the
basis of all free institutions, by threat or violence,
is 20 substitute force for law. Tie power which
cxats one party day tav give 10 its antagonist
the control tomorrow, and the end will be anar-
chy, ruin and despotism.
AS the, Chief Magistrate of tho State, it is ,ny
duty tor execute the law, preserve the peace,
and ensure domestic tranquility. 1t is my deter
nina,ion to exert pll the influence possess. and
all tue authority cunfe1ed on me by the Consti
tution, for that purpose. I therefore. earnestly
and respectfully appeal toall 'goud citizens, ard
especially TO those whose position and character
ouablo them to exercise snlu;ary influence upon
public opinion, 10 aid mo In my efforts to main
tlin the supremacy of the laws, and preserve the
peace and dignity Of the Commonwealth. al
ROBERT X. SCOTT,
saa.sy 2SEat5 { Sss7