The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1872-05-16
Gov. scott,y History of .saly Administration"

Gov. Scotty History of ''hly Administration"
The world-renowned occupant of the Execu-
tive Department Of South Carolina condescen-
ded to address his beloved constituents in
Charleston, while on visit to that city last
week, and the result of his stupendous effort at
speech-making is thus reported by the Charles
ton Daily Republican, the recognized organ of
the Radical party:
Governor Scott was then introduced to the
meeting, and after applause, proceeded to ad-
dress the meeting. He said that for four years
he had not had the pleasure of addressing his
constituents, during which time great events
had occurred that he had deemed 1t his duty
to be present, for the purpose of reviewing, In
manner, the position with which ne had been
entrusted; that the position conferred upon
him had been unsought, but that ne was not In.
sensible to the honor conferred. There had
been grave and serious responsibilities to as
sumo, which he considered should have been
undertaken by one versed in public affairs;
that it was almost an impossibility for any man
to conciliate the different elements, and that he
felt that impossibility and the grave doubts
that he had in accomplishing what he had un-
dertaken. From the moment that his admins
ton had been inaugurated, it had been de-
nounced as illegitimate; that, on assuming the
duties, he had an empty treasury, with not
dollar to meet the current expenses; that the
government had met with no encouragement
and that it was pronounced failure, and would
be overturned that great difficulties had to be
encountered in all the Southern States that
embarrassment surrounded all the affairs of
this State; that during the first two years OF
his administration no taxes were paid, and that
it was necessary to provide means 10 sustain
the government. He said that it was his high
est ambition to uphold the credit of the State,
and believed that it was possible to do so, had
not opposition to his administration been so
unscrupulously urged. The Governor was in
terrupted at this stage of his remarks, but or
der was partially restored by the Chair: The
Governor then said that he was not anxious to
speak. and if any one wanted to do so, they
could proceed. He then announced that he
was no cQndidate for reelection, and would not
arraign any faction and that his endeavor was
To correct sny errors that had been made in his
administration.
The remarks of his Excellency we're again
interrupted, and, from all appearances, con-
certed plan to disturb the proceedings had been
agreed upon. Order was again restored, and
the assembly became quiet
The Governor then asked if he had any
friends there, and was answered yes" He SAID
he could answer to the satisfaction of all, any
questions that might be asked; and he then
proceeded to review the condition OF the State
during the year 1870. He spoke of the Ku
Klux organization throughout the upper por-
ton of South Carolina and the organization OF
the militia; that soon after the militia had
been organized, an attack had been made by
the Ku Klux upon colored men, in the Coun-
tics of Chester and York, and that murder and
whipping had been visited upon some; that
Fairfield County had been visited, and arms
taken; that out of 1000 stand OF arms, the ku
Kiux had taken and destroyed 3,O0O Now,
what was the duty OF the Executive under
these circumstances Did he take the arms
from the city of Charleston2 During this
time their friends were hung up to trees and
shot, The Legislature was in session, and, II
the meeting would listen, he would tell them
the duty Of the Legislature. That body did
not deem it expedient to put the refractory
counties under martial law; and yet it had
heen said that he had not done his duty. Now,
how many in that meeting would have gone up
to meet ex-C Confederate soldiers, who had served
four wears in the WARP Not one! and the men
who were anxious for martial law would not
have gone. What was his duty3 To call for
limited States troops7 The Governor had no
mower to call on the United States, while the
LEGISLATURE was in session. and when he did
cali for them, it was with reluctance. When
the Legislature adjourned, he asked for troops,
and got them in ten days afterTard. His de-
s;rc Vas for peace and the enforcement Of the
law He had conference with the leading
men of the opposition, who were interested IN
GOOD order and peace. He was astonished that
men in the low country remained quiet while
those in the upper country were being whipped.
He was surprised at this quietude.. He did not
approve of retaliation. de hoped that he had
answered the question. The Governor was
again interrupted, and great confusion ensued,
a MIR. Hardy, an ex-memDer OF the Legislature,
5osir;ng him to answer q question, and pro-
ceeded TO make speech in support of his ques-
t;on The Governor said he would answer the
nnestion, but would not allow speech, until
his remarks were concluded. The question of
Mr.. Hardy was repeated, when the Governor
desired to know if such remarks were to be al
lowed in g. Republican meeting, and finally took
his seat, the opposition resorting to all manner
of actions to prevent him from continuing.
Major Delany then rose, and desired that
the meeting should be quiet. That he felt hui
inflated by the proceedings. That they were
in dutv tound to hear the Governor of the
Commonwealth, and they should give him that
respcct which his exalted position entitled him
to- He wanted common decency. That he
was W., opposed to the Governor politically, but
wanted war every respect accorded to him. That
he was q true representative Of the negro race,
and that the race was being disgrsced by these
unheard of proceedings:
At the conclusion OF Major Delany's speech,
the Governor resumed his remarks, and stated
that he would speak to his friends at some flu
tnre time. He knew where the disturbance
came cam from, and but short time would elapse
ore ofiice-holders under the government would
not NJ be allowed to disturb the proceedings of
another meeting. lie was again interrupted
Judge T. J. Mackey then took the stand, and
said that, as Charlestonian and Republican,
he had never known such proceedings before,
in the history Of this State. Tomorrow night,