Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1868-07-15
Inauguration of Gov. Scott.

rescutatiycs, to witness tho Inauguration of Gene
raj r. X. Scott, Governor elect. After the men,
bers had been seated they were called to order By
the Speaker, who, with the President Of the Sem
ate, occupied positions on the stage. On their
right and left sat large number ofpersons, who
had been invited to do SO, and among whom were
Coils. Willard and Hoge, Hon. +. A Sawyer,
Chaplain French, Col. T. j. Robertson, few
Northern ladies, and some colored men. Gem
Scott entered few moments afterwards, accom-
pnnied by Ex-Governor Orr, A. 6. Mackey, late
President of the State Constitutional Convention.
and Mr.. ]. A. Nsge, the Chairman Of the Com
mttce of Arrangements for the occasion. After
Gen. Scott had been introduced to the Speaker, q
prayer was offered by Rev. E. g. Adams, (colored)
After which, Gen. Scott was presented to the Gen.
eral Assembly, and said:
GENTLEMEN OF THE GESAnAL ASSEMBLY: The
circumstances under which we meet makes it Pc
cuiarly fitting that We should recognize tho hand
of Divine Providence, not only in the great and
painful changes Of the past but especially in the
important events which have resulted in the meet
ing of this General Assembly.
On entering upon the duties of my Office, it is
right tnat J. SuOulu 5lutet III BouoTdl tefuSJ tnc
principles which will control mo in administering
the affairs of the State. It would be afectation
not to recognize the peculiar circumstances under
which have been elected Governor, and which
must necessarily have great influence in shaping
my course. Let me say then, that have no
| doubt as to the validity of all the proceedings
| which have been had undor the reconstruction
Acts of Congress, and that assume this office,
| after having been elected by largo majority of
| the votes Of the voting population Of the State,
with the full determination TO cxercire all the
powers belonging to the position-with the pur-
pose always Of promoting the best interests of the
| whole people. But while believe that in my
election the will of the majority of the people Of
South Carolina has found fuller expression than
ever before in her history, am, at tho same time,
aware that an influential minority of her people
view the acts which have resulted in the adoption
| of the Constitution under which are assembled,
| and my election to the Office Of Governor, as in
violation of their constitutional rights, and that
they more or less earnestly and honestly look for
| ward to the time when these and all other acts
lone under the authority Of the United States
Government, since the close of the war, shall be
declared null and void. It is never wise in any
community for the minority to treat with indiffer-
ence or unnecessary rigor the opinions and wishes
of the minority. In community like this, where
| society is being completely revolutionized, and
where, as the result of that revolution, soreness
and bitterness of feeling necessarily exist among
all classes, but especially among the former ruling
class, it is of the very first Importance that VIC,
who represent the majority of tho people, shall
exercise great moderation and forbearance In all
/ that VIC do, 20. that we may disappoint both the
| hopes and fears of those who have prophesicd
concerning US different result
For my own part, while I shall, within the
scope of my powers firmly and consistently carry
out the principles of freedom laid down In the
! Constitution, and jealousy seek to maintain the
rights of the poorest and the humblest citizen of
the State hope to bo able to do this duty in such
| manner that largo numbers Of those who now
stand aloof foreseeing only evil to the State, will,
US time rolls on realize thotthe extension of equal
rights to those hitherto deprived Of them, instead
! of ipjuring the State, produces contentment ard
peace, conditions precedent to tho growth of an
intelligent, strong and prosperous people. Had l
not supposed that something could be done in this
direction, never would have dared to accept this
trust at the hands of the people.
| There is class of citizens who will probably,
! for many years, be unable to contentedly adapt
themselves to the new order of things; but con-
fdently believe that this class is very small, and
that, as time passes, it will become still smaller
and less influential With tie great majority,
however, wise laws, justly administered, will have
the effect of reconcilsng them to tie new Govern
ment; and have NO doubt that, in q very short
time, we may, upon the great essential principles
| of social order nud political freedom, be happy
and united people.
| Upon you gentlemen of the General Assembly,
will fall large share Of tho responsibility which
rests upon US all for the security of tho future.
| You will pardon me, therefore, if urge upon you
the exercise OF great care, purity and moderation
| in all that you do. Tho Constitution adopted by
| the people of the State, must be your guide.
| Whatever imperative duties it devolves upon you,
| must be performed without qualification but
generally the Constitution is confined to the state.
ment of certain fundamental principles, which
are left for you and the people to apply, rs time
and circumstances may demand And so long as
no mans right or liberty is imperilcd by delay, it
is wise in matters of Legislation :" to make haste
| slowly"
| The wisdom and moderation that characterized
| the Convention, which framed our Constitution,
argues favorably as to the future legislation Of
the State. I pray you to remember in all your
action as Legislative body, that you are to care
for the wants of the whole people, without regard
to class or condition-whc nothing should be
done in o spirit of revenge; so NC should be
equally careful to avoid anything which might
be construed into sergiity, or concession to up-
worthy demands.
| It is, however, upon the people ut large, thai,
the heaviest responsibility (for the future) must
rest. Constitutions and laws amount to nothing,
unless they are sustained by virtuous and intel
| ligent people. A community composed of people
who, on the one side factious, fuult finding and
suspicious, and on the other credulous aud indif
ferent. cannot expect to enjoy either peace or
| prosperity.
The Congress of the United States has done all
it can DO for US by legislation. 1t has enabled u
| TO form and adopt Constitution, which secures
10 all mon equal tights and to organize Gov
| ernmeut under that Constitution, We must do the
rest ourselves. By wisdom, forbearance one with
another, sobricty, industry and education, we may
build up State worthy Of the great nation Of
which we now form an indissouable part, and
fruitful of all blessings to ourselves and postery
From this place. venture to ask the people Of
South Carolina, of all classes and conditions, 10
devote themselves earnestly to the promotion Of
good will and harmony. So fur as is possible and
consistent with duty, let US forget the past; and
looking only to the present and the future, strive
with checrfulness and honesty of purpose, to
make ourselves worthy recipients of the blessings
| which are sure to flow from free Government.
At tho conclusion of his speech, Gen. Scott
announced that he was ready to take the oath Of
ofTi.e, which was then administered to him by
DR.. Mackey. The oath is that prescribed by the
State Constitution.
DR.. Mackcy then advanced to the front of the
stage and proclaimed that, by virtue of the au.
thorty invested in him by the Constitution Of
South Carolina, he declared General Robert
Kingston Scott Governor of South Carolina. He
concluded with the invocation, "aod bless the
State of South carolina"-whereupou the Assem-
bly,, with some exceptions not necessary to speci.
fy, arose to their feet, and having repeated the
refrain, waved hats and handkerchiefs, and cheer
cd most Justify. The scene, under the circum-
stances was, to soy the most Of it, painfully sug-
gestive, and, as We left the hall, with moissened
eyes and doubling hearts, VIC whispered the ear