The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1871-05-09
CoLuMBIA, s. C., May G, 1871.

knowledge the receipt Of your commnni-
cation OF this date, in which. referring
to the convention of tax payers to assem-
bic in this city on the 9th instant, ''to
take into consideration the derangcd
condition OF the finances of the State"
you invite me to express my opinions on
the subject. concur with you most
heartily in the hope that the convention
will be successful in ''devising means for
the redemption of the State from her
financial en,harA Aaeems ants; and nlncing
her in the position she has heretofore
occupied -nnbounded in resources, ex-
nlted in credit and unsullied in reputn.
tion." The Importance of this conven.
tiou is conceded by every thoughtful
man, as it springs from general belief
OH the part of the taxpayers, that there
has been great mal-administration in
the finances of tho State. tending to an
unnecessary and unwarranted increase
of the public debt, and thereby adding
largely to the burthen of taxation. II
this convention assemblies, as believe it
will, with determination to develop the
truth or falsity OF these rumors, unsway-
ed by political craftsmanship, they will ac-
complish much good by pointing out
any evils thnt may exist in this particu.
ihis ohNi ou66SokluR u VIOpCI utlu
corrective, or, if the result of their in-
vestigution justifies it. by relieving those
upon whom the burthen of taxation
falls heaviest, of tho wides- ;;rend distrust
of the financial management of the
State, which has gained currency among
the people. This course on the part of
the convention will lay suro foundation
for all needed reforms, and tend to in .
spire confidence both at home and
abroad. The important subjects Of
finunce and the State debt. and OF assess-
ments and taxation. which will DO con-
sidercd by this convention. engaged my
early attention upon my in ,ngnration in
1868, and in my first message to the
General Assembly. I urged that they
should give to these vital matters their
most careful consideration, and I deem
the following extracts from that inessa &c
not inappropriate now:
''fhe financial condition OF the State
will doubtless engage your early and
most serious attention, and the necessary
ways and means be provided, both for
the support of its government, and to
meet the lawful demands Of it's creditors.
foreign domestic.
'Chnracter is credit, and credit is the
very sinews of the State in peace md
war. The obligation OF the State, there.
fore, to meet all Of it's liabilities, il
founded alike upon correct moral prinoi-
pie md sound public policy. This obi
CATION should be the more sensibly felt.
from the fact that State cannot. like an
individual, become the subicos Ct coer.
Give process to compel it to meet its lust
indebtedness. but the creditor must RELY
solely upon it's honor"
In regard to taxation and assessments.
that message contains the following:
"Fhere is no problem that can engage
the attention Of the legislator more dif.
ticult than the framing Of an equitable
system Of taxation. Even in the most
prosperous communities, the laws that
exnct from the citizen portion OF his
means to support the government that
protects his life and property, are viewed
with extreme senaitiveness. Especially
is this the oase in society such as ours.
whore values OF every kiud have been
suddenly changed by the convulsions of
war;" etc.
In this connection, would now add.
TINT il tho credit OF Commonw wealth is
to be the mere creature of party success.
then. indeed, hos tho public creditor but
slight guarantee for the safety of his
investment Such theory, feel as
sursd, vii. meet with 10 sanction 5y tic
convention.
While it is my sworn duty as Chief
Executive Of the State, to take care that
the Commonwealth suffers no harm,
either by tho enactmcnt of unjust laws
or the mal-a,lministration Of its finances.