The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1875-09-16
SOUTH CAROLINA'S CENTENNIAL.
The Address of the Palmetto Guard In
yiting Cooperation in the Centcnni-
al Celebration of the Battle of Fort
Moultrie, June 2Sth, 1776.

The coming anniversary of the 2Sth
June, 1776, will complete century since
that day when, in the harbor of Charles
ton, battle was fought which the histo-
rian of the United States has described
as ''the bright morning star and harbin-
ger of american independence" "It
was Tin his language) an announcement
to the other colonies of the existence of
South Carolina as self directing repub-
liza message of brotherhood and
union"
The Palmetto Guard, maintaining the
principles bequeathed to them by the
fathers of the Revolution of 1776, revert
ing Will. pride to the history of their
corps, and cherishing with fond recol-
lection the memory of their comrades
who, in obedience to the call Of their
State, laid down their lives willing sac
rifcc in the cause they believed to be
right, still feel that they can unite, with
all true-hearted Americans, in commcm-
Grating the first victory gained in the
struggle for independence. They there
fore propose, on the 2Sth June, 1876, to
celebrate the one hundredth anniversary
of that battle, so memorable in the an
nails of the State of South Carolina, so
potent in the influence it had upon the
thirteen colonies then preparing for the
struggle destined to take from Great Brl-
tain control of them and their fortunes,
and to create government, resting upon
the consent of the governed, of free, soy
ercign and independent States.
Worthy Of remembrance by the people
of this State as is that battle, and urgent
ly appealing as do the members OF the
Palmetto Guard to the people of this
State to unite with them in the celebra-
ton of the return of the day on which it
was fought, they do not intend to confinc
that celebration to the people of this
State only.
To regard it only as an incident of
State history, is to take away its large
proportions as an event of national inn
portancc, and to do justice to the gallant
men who on that day made themselves
worthy of place in the history Of the
whole country, Of which our State Is a
part.
1t is therefore proposed that the cele-
bration on the 2Sth June, 1876, of the
battle of Fort Moultric on the 2Sth June,
1776, shall be, as was the battle itself, a
message of brotherhood and union. To
all, whether of the North or South, the
East or West, who cherish with feelings
of pride and satisfaction the recollection
of that and of every contest which
marked the progress of the thirteen col,
onies to their political independence, and
the guaranty given in their final success
for "life liberty, and the pursuit of hap
piness," there shall be in this torthcom-
ing celebration hearty and generous
welcome. And if, as is wished for, there
shall be, after the lapse of century
whatever of differences have existed
during that time, renewal of the spirit
which animated those who accomplished
for us the great results of the American
Revolution-and that renewal be cXhib'
tied on the spot where the men Of oul
State offered themselves sacrifices for the
principles they assertcd-if all who now
enjoy the blessings secured by the mer
of that Revolution shall transmit then
to those who shall survive and succeed
them; then will Time have added IN
crease of fame and honor to those whose
constancy and courage checked an inva
sion supposed to be irresistible.
TO recall the battle of Fort A1oultrie
is to recall the memories of the mcr
whose names will live in all time in hon
orable connection with it. Like the bat
tie which they fought, they belong tc
history. They were Of this State, but il
fighting for their State they fought alst
for principle, which they claimed no
for themselves and their State only, bu
for all who with them were willing t.
defend and do battle for life, liberty ant
honor
"Our laws and religion" said JOIN
Rutlcdge, "and the liberties of Amcrlc;
shall be maintained and defended to the
utmost of my power" "On my part,
he said, "a most solemn oath has beer
taken for the faithful discharge Of my
duty"
His duty then, is our duty now. The
oath he sworc We must keep. Our laws
our religion, and the liberties of Amcrl
ca do at this day devolve Il duty upon IL
for their protection, as sacred as was the
duty in his day, when that distinguished
man declared that the government whlcl
could secure these great ends was ono o
which "the consent of the people is tll(
origin, and their happiness the end"
In that century SO near to It's close
during which our government has cxcr
ciscd its powers, there have been divis
ions and differences and at Il rccen
period these assumed the large proper
tions of that civil war which convulsct
every part of our country.
All will hope that such 4 contest vii
never again arise; and when rcmcm
bercd the lofty devotion OF either sid'
to the convictions of duty, the unsur
passed gallantry and hcroism with whicl
each rallied around and upborc the ban
ncr that symboIizcd that faith, shall eve
be recalled as the proud heritage of ;
common country.
The civilized world was amazed at thu
vast resources which that contest cXhib
tied, and which showed that they wh'
then fought each other, when in Il com
mon cause they would fight together
would be confident against "thc world II
arms"
a wise people, who live under ON
government, and i'll all matters OF n;l
tional interest find their welfare III tin