The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1853-01-05
Governor Manning.

NVNSku0I manning.
The Hon. J. L. Manning was duly in
stalled on Monday, the 18th instant, when
the following Inaugural Address was de-
lived by him: y
0entteme's of tie Senate and
House Of Representatives,:
To be elevated under usual circumstan-
ces to the first Office of the State, would
have gratified my utmost ambition: but
when thus bestowed upon me by those
who represent every shade Of political
opinion within its limits, the gift Is inves-
ted with additional causes for pride and
qualification. shall, therefore, regard it
a. q part Of my duty, to represent and
cultivate these harmonious sentiments {:
and trust that by uniting with IL desire
TO discharge uprightly and zealously the
duties which will soon devolve upon me,
20 retain your confidence, and that of the
people whom You represent.
deem it proper upon the threshold Of
ofise, TO state in brief and general terms,
the views which will hereafter govern my
official conduct.
Our constitution confides but a limited
portion Of the active power Of government
70 its chief executive office. Besides the
general superintendence demanded of him,
the supervision of the institutions of educa-
ton, and the command and inspection of
militia, his most responsible duty is the
discreet exercise ofhis interposition, in tenn
pering any undue rigor, in the enforce
ment Of the penal law.
1t is scarcely necessary to advert TO the
importance Of proper attention to those
institutions which the State has establish
ed for the improvement Of education. I
shall regard it as one Of my most pleasing
functions, to do my part in the discharge
OF this, our common duty. And II I can
contribute, in any degree, to raise the
standard, or extend the benefits of these
wise establishment, I shall regard my
self as richly rewarded for the most anxi-
Gus efforts.
A proper attention to the organization
OF the Militia Is also an indispensable part
Of my public duty; snd II we cannot ex-
pect to render our citizen-soldiery equal
TO those trained in the severe school of
military life, we may yet do most impor-
tant service in keeping up such system,
as will at once remind our countrymen
that they may one day have to take their
place in the field, and will keep acquainted
with the resources of the State.
The Constitution requires of me to take
care that the laws be executed in mercy
and to this end clothes me with the power
cfpardon and reprieve. In my view, this
by no means permits mo to indulge my
own feelings in the general administration
ofjustice. The expediency Of any law is
exclusively o question for the Legislature.
The correctness of the conviction must
rest with the tribunals Of the country. In
undertaking, therefore, to arrest the course
Of the law, the responsibility ofinterposing
remains entirely with myself It Is only
In those rare instances, in which, consis-
seEtsy with the efficiency of the general
Las, and without irnpairing its sanction,
pardon may be extended, that this power
ought, as conceive, 10 be exercised and
70 these will I strictly confine myself.
For two years, gentlemen, the authority
d delegated to Us, TO administer the affairs
ofthis commonwealth. 1t is noble trust,
and one which is attended with the gray
est responsibilities. Possessing myself.
neither the rare gift Of great abilities, nor
. large political experience, / shall rely
with confidence upon that prudence, wis
dom, and patriotism, which have always
chRzacterized your respective bodies. We
live R1period Of our history, free from
nab' |etion at home; ard are blessed
with tihns honored for their antiqui-
~, andnlzde Sacred BY the approval Of
geuerasions Of wise and good men. Ex-
eept those gradual notifications Of law,
which time snd change Of cifcensstances
niesfs reader necessary, your ection, by
every dictate Of wisdom, should BE- Of al
'haracsOr purely conservative.