The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1868-12-09
GOVERNOR SCOTS MESSAGE.

GOVERNOR SCOTS MESSAGE.
We present our readers to-day with an extra,
containing the message of His Excellency GOV.
Scorr, addressed 10 the Legislature in session.
From common rumor, in advance Of the delivery
of this document, we were led to believe that 1t
would be marked with breviiy and written in
comn,cnJable taste, and substantially expressed
this opinion last week. We ea-e grevously disap-
pointed as the message is neither brief or in good
taste True, the varied subjects are briefly dis
cussed, and the reader is not weared with any
lengthy dissertations upon finance, taxation, or
aurht else But re are nevertheless disappont-
ed, for more than one-fourth of the space occupied
is taken up with declarations and political opin-
ions bicscd by partisan prejudice and evidently
proceeding from an acrimonious temper. This is
matter of sincere regret, and ought to be deprc-
Gated by prudent men of all parties. Indeed, We
are persuaded that Gov. ScorT will become con-
yinccd that lie ba. made false step in his admin
islration by opening up old wounds, and rchashing
charges already retracied by himself in the most
humiliaiing manner. 1t cannot be that this very
humiliation, added to the taunts of the extreme
Radicals. has caused him 10 deal in resentful Ian
guasc towards the ''intelligencc and respeeta-
bity" of the State. The election being over,
and the most influential members Of the Demo
cratic party having rendered their support to his
government, ''relying upon the peaceful exercise
of their rights at the ballot box to remedy what
ever they may deem Objectionable" the occasion
might have been happily improved in securing the
most thorough and united effort towards profound
peace. uncxampled industry, and lasting prosper
iy. The highest patriotism demanded this, and
nothing more. But when Gov. ScoTr undertakes
to rebuke the whole people upon the subject of
past differenccs;' when he arraigns some of the
most promiaen, and respectable citizens for acts
of questionable propriety," such as squandering
the money and assailing the credit of the State, as
he does in reference 10 the operations Of the Bank
Of the State; when he assails tie morals Of the
public press without a single exception, and in
grave official document discusses what he is pleas
cd TO term scoyert threat of assassination" We
can only deplore the judgment and pity the folly
exhibited by the chief executive officer of this
once honored commonwealth.
With these remarks upon the general character
of the message, We might forego any further COM
ment. But there are one or tuo points made by
the Governor worthy Of additional notice. which
will be done briefly.
The concluding paragraph is devoted to "secret
organizations" and they are righlfuIly deprecated
and denounced. lie has unwittlngly, we suspect,
touched the very marrow of our 'past differences,
when it is declared that Organization begets
counter organizations" The political party Of
which Gov. SCOTT is now the recognized head be-
gan it's career in this State by organizing the
newly cnfranchiscd citizens, as class, into "sc
cret organizations. Isths fact forgotten: Have
the outragcs committed by "loyal leagues passed
forever into oblivion? Has the murder of an c1-
ccllent young man, in an adjoining District, by an
organized body of Leaguers, never been brought
10 his attention ? Or when. on the eve of the
Presidential election, Gov. SCOTT pardoned these
murdercrs ont of the Pcnitentiary, did he grant
Tie narIons because the penalties were "iniicted
under former criminal codo?" Does the preifM
code differ from its predecessor in the distinction
now made favorable 10 colored man These are
queries entirely pertinent TO the Governors de-
nunciation of ..secret political cliques." Further
than this, we have never known that any other
..secret organization" had an existence within our
borders; but, for the sake of argument, admitting
that the oftrcpeaied declarations respecting the
Kl Klux arc literally true, is not this counter
organizalion?" The Radical party stands con-
,lemned before. the world by their own chosen
ruler, although the confession is not Intentionally
made.
Another feature of the Governors message is
far more pleasing and satisfactory. We refer to
the comments upon the recent elections, and cspc
cially to the conciliatory language employed in re-
commenting liberal policy concerning the re-
mova of political disabilities. His position in
this regard will meet hearty endorsement at the
hands of the Democratic party. The wisdom and
experience of the State hns been ostracised from
public employment, and it should be the aim and
object of every good citizen 10 unloosc the cords
and break the ieters now restraining the best
qualified citizens from guiding tho future destiny
of this people. The fourteenth amendment,
which disquaifes many from holding office, is de-
clnrcd by counsel for the government to be, not
penalty, but a preeautiOn against unworthy per-