The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1871-02-18
Governor Scott and the Union Murders.

The special message of, Governor Scott in
relation to the Union murders is .as conser-
vative as his previous message upon the
troubles in the up-country. Herepeats that
no further legisation.is needed, for the sup
preston of outrages and the protection OF
the people, in addition to that suggested in
former messages, which looked onlyto a
strengthening of the judicial arm OF the
government. But be is, justly severe in bis
denuncialion ofsmurder and assassination,
and declares that sit is Of thesutmost i'm
ssportarce that measures should be taken
% not only to deter the turbulent from COM
ss' hitting crime, but to punish, with the
aseverestj penalties ofthe law those guilty
ofsuch, outrages upon civilization as have
.ssrecently characterized portion OF our
.sstatey incited either by spirit Of revenge,
oor for the purpose Of putting out Of the
g way those who might become dangerous
witnesses when confronted with those sus-
'pected of participation in previous mur-
9. ders.n These indignant words, are justi-
fed by what are. believed to be the facts,
and they express the settledS opinions of the
great mass Of the people. We trust to time,
to our own exertions, and, above all, to the
Just God OF our fathers, for a redemption
from the myriad evils Of misgovernment, and
Of social and political disorder. We must
keep our hearts pure and our hands clean,
or we cannot hope to save our people. Mis-
fortunes enough we have had, but a greater
than all remains behind, il this State is to
attempt to redress its wrongs by the foul
crimes Of disguised .desperadoes - There
might be something Of heroism in astand-
UP fight iisthe broad light of day, with the
old battle-fag waving overhead. But there
Is nothing but sin and shame 10 acts like
those which have been committed in one
unfortunate county. They. are unwise,
they are inexpedlent. they are dangerous.
they ave utterly acrong in the sight of God
and man. s.:
Governor Scott, in his. message, pointed
out to the Legislature !" the paramount i'm
"portance of electing an efficient presid-
inc Judge in the place OF Judge Vernon.
These are his words
II would earnestly appeal to the Legislature
that In their choice all partisan prejudices or
personal preferences shond be laid aside, and
q man selected for that highly responsible po
sitiOn whose character Is a guarantee for his
faithful and fearless discharge of his duty. A
and honorable Judge will always
sink the partisan in the patriot when sitting in
Judgment on the lives and reputation of his
and the character and welfare
of the State"
In relation to the call made for United
States troops, Governor Scott says that he
hns no doubt that sufficient garrison will
be promptly sent to the leading points in the
section OF country, This will
put an end to all trouble. With Federal
soldiers stationed in the up-country, the
conservative classes will have a rallying
point, and there will not be whisper OF
riot. To send the negro militia to union, is
to send them to bloody graves. To send
United States troops, Is to insure quietness
and peace.
We are glad that Governor Scott stands
firm ia his determination to uphold the civil
law, and 10 use only United States troops
where military force is necessary. In this
course he will be sustained by the people of
the whole State. :.