The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1868-09-16
By TIE GOVERNOR.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT, |
Columbia, August 81, 1868. !

's$S.5rs ss:s EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,
- Ge5sMBIA, August 81; 1868.
INFORMATION. having been communicated to
this Department, of proceedings calculated TO dis
turb the tranquility OF the State, deem it my
duty to;earnestly appeal to my fellow-citizens to
rsfrain from, aud disconntenauce all demonstra-
tons whereby the public peace mag be endanger-
1t is alleged that ARMED organizations exists;
w;ich are regularly ofhcered and drilled, and pre-
Z iend to- act by authority. There is no. only no
authority for armed or military organizations in
South Carolina, they are in direct violation of
the laws:of the United States. They must>there-
!. fore be at once disbandcd
have also been informed ofStke surreptitious
:. introduction into the State of firearms and am
munition of tile most improved description which,
tits reported, are TO be used for partisan purposes
Although not,so openly in conflict with che laws
,hisis equally dangerous and thre99ssening to the
public peace.
Deadly weapons in the hands of inconsiderate
persons, intlanted by political excitement, may
lead to the-1nost deplorable results, and all good
ciiEens who Gun fOresec the frghtful consequences
of a collision, should earnestly and promptly
: throw the whole weight of their moral influence
against policy which would place life and prop
crty at the mercy of mob.
The right of every political party to assemble
and deliberate for the common good is undeniable
anu any interruption OF Sucn proceeding, OF mo-
lestationo of individuals in attendance, is utterly
sunjesifable.
Infammatory and threatening language at pub
lie meetings, and in the newspapers, should be
avoided and discountenanced, because it unneces-
. sarily aggravates the excitement incident to the
present political canvass.
The right of every voter to advocate such po-
1iticnl principles, and support such candidates, as
commend themselves to his judgment, must be &C.
cured TO him without restraint, or intimidation
It is the distinguishing feature of Republican
Government that it is based upon the consent Of
the governed. Its policy is controlled by the will
of the majority as legitimatcly expressed through
che ballot box. To thwart or subyert tliat WILL to
interfere with this sacred right of opinion, the ba
sis of oil free institutions by threat or violence,
is to substitute force for law. The power which
exats one party to-day may give to its antagonist
the control morrow, and the end will be anarchy
ruin and despotisn.
se@As the Chief Magistrate of the State it is my
duty to- execute the law, preserve the public peace
and ensure domestic tranquility. 1t is my deter
'n,ination to exert all the influence possess, and
nll the authority conferred me by the Constitu-
tion. for that purpose. therefore earnestly and
respectfully appeal to all good citizens, and espe-
caIy to those whose position and character enable
them to exercise salufary influence Upon public
opfnion;sto hid me in my efforts to maintain the
supremacy ef the laws, and preserve the peace
and dignity Of the Commonwcalth
I - .sso-9..s'.. ROBERT K. SCOTT,
Governor.
Sep4 o. 1868 12