Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1843-12-13
THE GOVERNORS MESSAGE.

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THE GOVERNORS MESSAGE. :. :.
We published this document last week, but
had not then, either time or space for comment.
There is us might be expected. diversity of
opinion. with regard TO the Recommendations
of The Message, but we believe that all, so far
os we can learn, admit that its style is feticious
and neat and that the general ability Of It's ar
guments, fully sns,ains the high reputation,
which Governor Hammond has heretofore en-
joyed as writer.
So far as regards the Governors scheme for
cancelling the State debt, we cordially approve
of his recommendation for the establishment of
a Sinking Fund disconnected with the Bank
of the State, believing as we do, that the profits
arising from this Fund, placed in The handsof
competent and responsible Commissioners,
would far exceed the interest itnow yields the
State az Bank capital. As to the reduction of
the present capital ofthe Bunk, we agree with
the Charleston Courier, III the opinion, that
the whole subject should be thoroughly discuss
sed and ailted with view to wise and delibe.
rate action at future period" For while wo
cannot really perceive any strong objections to
The Governors views on this point which ap-
pear to us clear and consistent, yetwe regard
this subject as one of too great importance TO
be acted upon hastily, and we hope it will be
carefully Investigated by every member Of the
Legislature.
The Governor seems to think that our pre-
sent Free School system has proved a failure,
aud here il is our misfortune to differ from him.
We are aware that it is great expense to The
State, but believe it might be so renode.ed as
to lessen the expense, without detracting from
the merits aud advantages ofthe system. We
know of many families in our District, which
have been greatly benefited by this Free School
Fund in its present shape, but, which under
tile system proposed by the Governor, could
not have received the first rudiments of an En-.
gish education. Itappeurs to us That the chill
drsn OF such parents as are too poor to pay
thei. Doa,d away from home, are TO BE- entirely
excIuded from any participation in the benefits
TO be derived from the Governors system.
Under The present arrangement education is
brought within the reach ofall Parents in
;Iigcnt cilcuu stances, can now send their chil.
tlren to School. and at the same time, tram
tneD up under their own instructions, with
bnla ltiiiing exprnse, in comparison with that
of sending them "way from home, which many
could not DO, even if they were SD disposed.
we cannot perceive, how children in such
circumstances are to receive any education
under the Iiigh School systeni except per-
haps suci, rs reside in the immediate vicinity
of an Academy. We like High Schools, but
we do not like Them too higk. or III other words,
we are an advocate of some system whereby
the poor. as well as the rich. may share in the
blessings of All education We are truly glad,
however, that Governor Hammond has brought
this subject before the Legislature, and hope
il may receive that serinuS attention, which its
great Importance demands from that body.
In relation TO other leading topics Of the Mes
sage we have but little to say. From the man.
ner in which they are severally introduced,
and brought to the notice of the Legislature,
we have ample proof that the Governor intends
the Executive Department shall suffer no de.
trimert, while ne is at the head ofit His re-
marks upon the Tariff, and the Annexationof
Texas. ure judiciously and clearly expressed,
and cannot but meet with hearty response
from every friend Of the State and the South.
The graspins ambition of Great Britain is held
up in its proper light, and the course to be-
pursued by our Government is plainly marked
out The Message is indeed one Of more tlan
ordinary interest, and should be read yevery
one, as it contains many suggestions, worthy
of the deliberate consideration of every citizen
of the State.