The Charleston daily news. [volume] (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, 1871-11-29

Cause, when ordered to shoot men marked for
murder. they had, out Of natural pity, "only
tohipped" the intended victims.
Those who, with an air OF indlgna ation, and
with ll-afected concern for constitutional
liberty and ''State sovereignty" demand who
has caused the military Intervention Of the
United States In the affairs of the State, may
be justly referred to the Ku KluX, and their Or
ganizers and aiders and abettors, for their
answer.
In the foregoing remarks, have reluctantly
used political designations, contrary to what
deem q proper custom In message of the
Chief Magistrate of the State, who, in his Of
hcial capacity, should know no party. But
found this unavoidable, in treating OF these
great crimes, that sprang solely from political
causes. Nor can regard men loyal to the
government who set its laws at defiance, and
use every means in their power to destroy its
existence.
The Taxpayers Convention.
In the month of May lasta highly respecta-
BILE body OF citizens, styling themselves "The
Taxpayers Convention" assembled at tne
State capital for the ostensible purpose of ma.
king inquisitiNl into the financial administra-
tion of the State. They were furnished every
facility to prosecute their proposed investlga-
tion, and the books, records and papers OF the
several bureaus in the Executive department
were unreservedly laid open to their inspec-
ton. The result of this investigation, prose-
cuted with great diligence, was that they gave
reluctant confirmation, in the main, TO the
official debt statement which they had prin-
cipally assembled to discredit.
Having been requested by the convention,
through Its committee, to extend the time for
the payment OF the taxes In the cases OF those
to whom 1t was not expedient 10 pay, or who
could not make payment within the prescrib-
ed period. informed them that the tax books
would be opened In November for the receipt
of taxes, but 10 cases where parties are unable
to pay, or could not pay without sacrifice,
would extend the time to March the lst,
without the delinquent penalty attaching.
Pursuant to my promise, have directed the
proper officers to grant an extension In every
such case that may be certified to them BY the
person asking It.
Minority Representation.
The subject Of minority representation engaged
the earnest attention OF the Taxpayers Con-
ventIon, and they presented many cogent rea.
system OF this State. In accordance with my
promise to them, present this important matter
for your grayest consideration.
recognize the principle OF minority represen-
tation as both wise aud Just. 1t secures to the
several party divisions In the State direct and
proportional representation IN It's administration
1t thus Institutes check and balance against that
iDjudcious or oppressive exercise OF power that ts
too apt to ensue where Its undivided possession Is
held by large party maj The advantages
OF the system have been recently exemplded In
practice at elections In England and IN the States
however, citizens divide Into parties upon ques.
tions merely affecting the State or National poll
cies, and they seek only BY. Legitimate means to
There no mans party afiiatiou furnishes any just
presumption against his loyalty to his country,
aud no citizen who Is loyal is for that cause SUBJ
jec ed to the hazards OF murder. exile and the
lash. or the certainty OF public and social pro-
Here, On the contrary, the minority are organ.
lied upon basis which practically calls In ques.
tion tie very principles and the fundamental
law upon which the state and National GovSrn-
ments repoee.
The end sought by the proposed system could
long since have been practically accomplished,
but for the bitter spirit OF Intolerance engendersd
among their followers.
have been at all times ready, as is we'll known,
to cooperate with all moderate men, without re.
gard to party atiiaiions, il securing the election
and well qualified. My own course Ia this regard
has not only been illustrated by the Executive ap.
pointments, but by the personal aid that have
invariably extended to elevate to public position
those native whites who, al hough assed at the
time with the opposition, we're gentlemen OF
character and intelligence, and fair and temper
ate In their political views. In proof OF this In.
stance, with great qualification, Chief Justice
Noses, and Circuit Judges J. L. Orr, Green, Mel.
ton, Graham and Farmer-tne last an ad interim,
Executive appolntment-to whose elevation to
the bench gave my cordial support. These gen.
tIenen were all trusted and hOnored under the
ancient regime, and will compare fsvorably, IN
point Of personal character and capacity, with
any citizen or the State.
/ submit, however, for your deliberate con.
sIderation, whether the men who are now de.
mandIng the establishment by law OF the system
OF minority representation are entitled to this
act OF magnapimity at your hands. It Is for you
to determine whether the line OF policy pursued
by them before and since the adjournment Of the
Taxpayers Convention, tends to commend the
speedy adoption by YOU OF an elective system,
which must largely increase the number OF those
In the General Assembly who are hostile TO our
system Of free government.
Free Common Schools.
The State superintendent Of education states
that he had hoped to be able to submit, In full
and complete form, his third annual report, but
found several Of the annual reports OF the county
school commissioners 80 inexcusably defective,
that he was compelled TO return them for correc.
tion, and, on ;hs account the completion OF his
report has been unayoldably delayed.
The following general statements are pre-
sented
The scholastic population OF the State, as shown
by the census ofsls6s, Is as follows:
Wnlte males. 4u,soo