The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1869-11-24

for tho equal benefit Of nll-for those of
the colored race rs we'll as for those of
the white-and that to oil they are
equally and impartially administered, an
era of peace will dawn upon MS and
wholly displace the distemper of feeling
which here and there develops itself in
scenes of disturbance and violence. In
this connection, we cannot too highly
commend and honor. the administration
of our State affairs by our worthy Exeou-
tive, Governor Robert K. Scott. The
position was cast upon him in time of
| peril, when all things seemed to bctoken
continued evil and to initiate against
his possible success. He came amongst
us comparatively unknown, and yet
| sufficiently known to enable as to per-
ceive and appreciate his worth of chhrac-
ter, and his sterling qualities Of head and
heart. Our political experiment was then
untried. + Onr financial condition was one
of nothing else than embarrassment; we
were wholly without resources, and our
credit abroad was naught. Under these
circumstances of discouragcment, we
called upon him to assume the chief exc
cutive position in onr public affairs. And
in that position, daily brought in contact
with the discontented and dissatisfied,
who seemed to yield an unwilling obedi-
| ence to law and authority-at times COM
PEELED to enforce the acquisitions of the
law. with seeming rigor, and ut oil times
denied the support of those whose for
mer positions in tho State should have
prompted them to aid her in the time of
trouble, he has proved himself to be the
man for the occasion.
Ono year ago, tho Treasury of the
State was empty. No taxes had been
collected, or even assessed. The pay
ment of salaries, the cost of maintaining
the State Penitentiary, large contingent
accounts, and claims long past due, were
pressing; added to these, was session
of the Legislature, which proved to be o
lengthy and costly one. Under ordinary
circumstances, to meet these payments
would have been no easy undertaking,
but under the extraordinary circum-
stances which then surrounded us, it was
indeed herculean task. But the effort
was made, and the task was performed;
all obstacles were ultimately overcome,
aud every obligation WINS promptly met
you ali know how successfully. The Finan-
cial Board, consisting of his Excelency
the Governor, the Treasurer of State,
and the Attorney General, under author
lty conferred by you, appointed fran-
OI"- NS3oho AOh VIC kOthDO AL Luo ClIJ III NtW
York, whose ability and integrity, and
subsequent success, in connection with
the Governor, have proven him to be
"the right man in the right place"
During the past summer the million OF
dollars assessed for State taxes by the
authority of this General Assembly, has
been collected with promptness never
before equalled in this State, out oil
which the interest upon the entire public
debt, amounting to more than five hun.
dred thousand dollars, $500, ,OOO,) moi
one dollar of which had been met since
the 1st OF July, 1867, has been paid, as
also all salaries, contingent accounts, and
claims upon the State, both old and new
q large proportion of which were old.
Thus you can see how we'll the means
which you have placed at the disposal oil
the financial officers of the State have
been used, rejecting upon all the officers
chosen or appointed to execute the va.
rions duties devolving upon them, the
highest credit, both for ability and integ
rity, and stamping as false and libellous
the accusations of fraud and corruption
40 freely made by our opponents. Surely
the people of the State at largo have
ample cause to congratulate themselve.
upon the manner in which have beer
discharged the duties devolving upor
most of the State officers. Among thes,
are the Honorables the Secretary O
State, F. L. Cardozo; the Auditor o
State, Reuben Tomlnson; the Supcrin
tendent of Education, J. X. Jillson; til,
Attorney General. D. Fl. Chamberlain
the Comptroller General, J. L. Neugle
and the State Treasurer, Niles G. Parker
They have filled the high positions t,
which they were elected with marked
ability and fidelity. Courteous in man
per at all times, and to oil men; earnes
and indefatigable in the transaction o
their affairs of Office; pnnctual in tn,
performances Of their promises: exac
and methodical in all their dealings: aud
withal. thorough gentlemen and earnes
Republicans, they have proved them
selves eminently worthy of the places
they fill, and officers of whom, not onl,
the Republican party. but the State, ma,
well be proud. 1t is, gentlemen of tn,
House, not my province. nor would it b,
proper from this chair, to Indicate to yo,
any measures OF legislation or discus
sion. Coming, as you do, immediatel,
from yonr constituents, where YOU hay,
seen the practical workings OF your laws