Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1878-07-18

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the great principle proclaimed in the
declaration of American Indepen-
dence,. that a., governments derive:
their just powers from the consent Of
the governed" and that it is the
people to alter or abolish them, and
institute new : governments. F." He
consequently urged his Union friends.
to stand by the State and volunteer
in her defense. H.sson, William H.
Perry, and all his young friends did
so, and remained in the Confederate
! army until they were killed, or until
the surrender OF Generals Johnston
and Lee.
After the close Of the war, he was
appointed Provisional d5ovrrn0-by-
President Johnson, without any So
licitation or knowledge on his u
his friends. About the time Of hit
appointment, he made very strong
Southern speech at public meeting
in Greenville, which was very severe.
ly criticised at the North, and was
the subject ola cabinet meeting. 1t
was thought strange for Provisional
Governor to express such sentiments.
The conduct of Governor Perry as
Provisional Governor reflects the
highest credit OH his character as
man and statesman. 1t is monu,
ment Of the magnanimity Of his ma
tpre and unselAsh patriotism. There
waa no effort at mere personal ends
He seemed inspired only by the noble
ambition OF restoring to ruined
commonwealth order, prosperity and
contentment. He sought to build no
party for himself, to punish no old
| political enemies nor TO reward any
partisans. He restored to office all
who were in Office atthe close OF the
war, without inquiring what their
politics had been,
Ever since 1890, Governor Perry
has enjoyed the undivided confidence
Of the entire body of the honest, In
telligent citizens of South Carolina.
His reputation has been co.extensive
with the country. He has for nearly
half a century distinguished himself
for his active participation in all the
important measures that have been
agltated in South Carolina, on one side
or tha.other. lie was the real leader
Of thegnion party in the State for
nearly thirty years, although he did
not himself lay claim to the position,
notwithstanding that party included
: such men as Judge Huger, Judge
oNeall, Legare, Poinsett, Judge
David Johnson, Pettigrew, and other
conspicuous and able men. He made
, more speeches, wrote mose for the
newspapers, compiled more statistics
and information, and with the masses
) of that party had more popularity
and influence, than any Of them
These old contests are terminated in
South Carolina, Governor Perry is
the only survivor amongst the lead
ers of his old party, and will take
= rank in history as the most efficient
} of his compeera. as Mr.. Calhoun has
undoubtedly taken the first place
among the hosts of ahle men Of his
) own school Of politics.
; Having declined to be d candidate
for Governor, the Legislature elected
him, almost unanimously, United
States Senator for six years. But
, like all:Southern Senator's, Governor
Perry was not allowed to take his
seat in the. Senate Of the United
States. '--'.=,.-
When the second reconstruction of
, the States was ordered, Governor
Perry opposed it in asseies Of articles,
which were published / throughout
/ the Southern States. he thoughtit
better to remain pRaep:a a military
!. goyerBmelt than be governed. Ib5g!,
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