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

oe oorhc, Than that we should begin the
hazardous work of constitutional reform
All OF the old States Of the ConfeJeracv
except our own, have at 1irercus times
made fundamental changes in their Con.
Solntions. These changes may have srrv-
cd Tor the moment to captivatc the popu-
lace but have not been able TO discoy.
er that those for whose especial benefit
they were introduced have been distin-
guished by higher elevation Of .senti.
men', or been rewarded with greater pros.
per'ty than our own people, who still cling
with confidence to their old forms, and
gather hope for the future from the en-
couraging reeollections OF the past. Con-
t"ue, then, by your example and policy,
to each your constituents not to lean on
government, but to rely on their own en-
erSes to work out their destiny. A peo-
pie thus trained will be more Jealous of
their rights, and when assalcl will stand
up more manfuliy in their defence. than
II their minds are bewilderel and their
time wasted in fruitless efforts to better
their condition by periodical changes in
their organic law. The prociivties Of the
age are. to my mind, ominous of ANYTHING
but good t. The cause of true progress.-
In certain sections Of the country doctrines
have been avowed and scenes enacted
which in the better days OF the Republic
would have consigned their authors TO
lasting infamy and execraton. The ad.
vocates of a "higher law" sit in high pla-
ces; tanrticism rules triumphant in the
Iaud of Hancock and Otis and moLs and
noss are so common that the misguided
masses are fast acquiring taste for blood.
In view Of the hideous phases hich Ras-
caIlsmEhas elsewhere assumed, and the
bitter fruits Of his triumphs, Conservatism
may confidently appeal to the patriotism
OF the re!ormcrs Of milder latitude to
postpone their labors TO more auspicious
period. There is wisdom aud safety in
the injunction Of Holy Writ: prove all
things hold fast that which is good"
commend to you the preservation Of our
Constitution in all its integrity. 1t has
served US, and we owe it to ourselves TO
transmit it intact to to our prosperity.
First in order, and highest in impor-
tance, | invite your especial attention 10
the financial condition of the State. The
right to tax your constltuents-the most
responsible ard delicate of all your trusts
cannot be wisely exercised without con-
s'antIy keeping in view the amount of our
Obligations, and properly estimating the
resources with which they are to be met.
How far it may be prudent TO increase our
Indebtedness, and in so doing create, at
no '.istand day, u necessity for increased
taxation, II will be for you to determine.
Our people are patriotic, and am salts
fed woull make as heavy sacrifices as
any people 10 preserve inviolate the pub
lie faith; but it must he borne in mind
that they cultivate exhausted lands, and
they will form an exception to the rest of
their countrymen, if, with the prospect of
onermous taxation before them, they donot
to more favored regions, where
II they have high taxes to pay, they will
have ri,,h harvests on which the contribu-
ton would be levied.
The South Carolina College is in
more fourishing condition than it has
ever been since lis establishment. lis ad-
is able and faithful, and am
assured that the spirit Of study has never
been more general, nor the bearing of the
students more manly. 1t is objected by
sor to the institution thati advantages
are confined to a particular class, and cal
culations have been made to show at
what cost to the State these advantages
have been enjoyed. respectfully submit
thHI HS UCIieHtS dEc UOL 10 DC eStlfldtcu
by the standard Of dollars and cents. IL
its founders had made It question Of n
rithmetic, il would never have been estab
Used. And if it is to be judged by that
standard, then perhaps it may be said to
have failed. But if the spread OF knowl-
edge and thirst for its acquisition if the
development and expansion of intellect
il pure morality, manly sentiment, refined
taste, and elevated thought-if these are
riches to people, then has the Institu-
ton been mine Of wealth TO tie State
thus fully justifying the liberation poll
cy which has always sustained it.
1t is greatly TO be regretted that Pres-
ident Thornwelrs determination to with
draw from its government remains uu-
changed. Iregard Ills retirement pub
lie lose. He has discharged the arduous
trust with unequailed ability and success,
and in thus officially noticing bis Resigns
ton, ! feel that pay but merited trib-