The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1855-12-05

from delay were numerous and grave
1t would have kept the Cohege for two
full sessions in a condition altogether unfit
| for the accommodation Of students; APP
/ plicants wodld have been Diet 'rred from
entering, or if they had been disposed to
come, could notbave been received. The
students now in attendance would have
been crowded together for year longer,
exposed 10 the temptations 10 the idleness
and dissipation, which such state of
things naturally engenders. The College
at the time Of the fire was in a condition
Of growing prosperity, and if il had been
| allowed to receive shock, which would
have been the case had no interest been
manifested in its rcparetion, the conse-
quences might have been permanently
disastrous. The Board was so sensible
of these evils, that it resolved to rebuild
at once, and to pledge, as far as it was
competent to do so, the faith of the Leg
isIature. The case seemed too plain to
admit Of doubt. The Legislature could
not suffer the College to lie in ruins. Be-
sides, there was some apparent claim up-
on the State. BY an Act Of 1919, the
Controller General was required annual,
ly to insu. c the College Buildings against
fire. With the exception of two or three
Years, this Act was regularly executed un.
til ls4l, when the Legislature declined
making the usual appropriation, on the
ground, it was understood, that the State
ought to be its own insurer. AS then the
Legislature had assumed, in some sort,
the responsibility Of ap insurer, it was
hoped that this would be an additional
inducement for repairing the losses occa-
stoned by an accidental fire. Confidently
anticipating the friendly interposition of
the State, the Board appointed COM
mlttce to make a contract upon the faith
of an appropriation from the present leg
iSlature. But the committee foup it i'm.
possible TO execute their trust. No me-
chanic would undertake the work. With
the deliberate opinion of such body as
the Board of Trustees before me, did
not scruple to regard this as an emergen-
cy in which the public interest demanded
whatever appropriation, could be made
from the Contingent fund, without prcju-
dice to the customary drafts upon it,
The assistance which was able to rem
der, enabled the committee to make
contract upon very favorable terms, and
the work has been completed Within a
shorter period than was thought possible.
The College appears in renovated beauty
and the tide Of its prosperity has had no
ebb.
The entire cost Of the new building is
S22, 10000. OF this sum have advan,-
ed ont Of the contingent fund $4,000
An appropriation Of s7,so2 will he ncces-
sary to fulfil the obligation Of the Board
with the contractor Mr.. Cownover. |.
have paid for ordinary drafts on the con
tingent fund 81 l,02O,54. There are Ger.
tain rewards offered for the apprehension
of fugitives from justice, by myself and
predecessors, which may hereafter consti.
tute claim on this fund.
The Military Academies are most sue
ccssiulIy conducted and continue steadily
to grow in public estimation. Though
out OF few years standing, their fruits
are already felt in every district of the
State, and under your fostering care, the
harvest in time will be rich and album
dant. They will be found to be stronger
safeguards Than forts and fortifications.--
The: INDECENT young man who finds him
self thus generously trained by his State
for the duties Of life, can never forget that
he has State to live for-he will always
feel that she has claim upon lin, and
in the hour Of her trial, will regard no
sacrifice too dear in defence Of her institu-
tons. Wise policy dictates that their
capacity for good should be enlarged to
the extent Of our means. Too much
PRAISE cannot be awarded to Gen. James
Jones, Chairman Of the Board of Visitors
for the unselfsh devotion with which he
watches over and guards their interests.
He has jast reason to be proud Of the
success which has crowned his efforts,
and the State may congratulate herself
that the experiment WAS intrusted TO the
guidance Of one so highly qualified for
the task. rs.
With but few exceptions, have re-
viewed the regiments Of the first and fifth
military divisions Of the State, and the
regiments Of Charleston and Laurens Dis-
tricts / was gratifed with the military
spirit erinced,, and the knowledge Of tac-
tics which has been generally acquired.
The Adjutant and Inspector General
found always at his post, and IL affords