Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1875-12-02

of 4S9 inmates during the year. Of this number
it further appears that 46 were pardoned by my
predecessor between the lst November ana the
1st December, 1874, and that l6 have been par
doned by me between the lst December 1874, and
the 3lst October 1875 that A have been discharged
by expiration of sentence; by Communication OF
sentence, and II under the regulation allowing
reduction of one-twelfth of the time Of sentence
as a reward for good behavior; that "a have es-
capped; have died; was shot in an alteration
with guard, and was drowned; are designa-
ted as "trustees," who should, prior to May /,
1875, have been dropped from the records az 'es-
caped" making total of l67 discharged during
the year. and leaving 322 in confinement on the
3lst October 1875 of which number 3lS are males
and females. The Governor is pleased to an
nounce great improvement during the past year,
especially in the cost Of maintaining the prison.
ers and does not recommend All increased appro-
praton for the support OF the penitentary for the
present year. In this connection the Governor
says II call attention to the report Of pardons,
reprieves, and combinations granted by me since
December l, 1874, which | herewith transmit,
agreeably to the requirement of Section ii of Ar
ticle III of the Constitution. In discharging this
most onerous and painful duty of my Office,
have endeavored faithfully to redeem the promise
made in my inaugural address. The whole num-
Der of partlons and combinations granted by me
up to November ], 1875 was thrty-six. With
scarcely an exception. all applications for pardon
or communication have been referred by me to the
judge who tried the case, and, as will be seen in
nearly or quite every case, my action has had the
i
State"
JUSTICES OF THE PEACE AND CoNsTABLEs.
again urge that the provisions of sections /,
81 D. % and "a OF Article Nv of the Constitution,
relating to the election Of "a competent number
of fjustices of the peace and constables in each
county, by the qualified electors thereof in such
manner as the General Assembly may direct" be
put into practice. The adoption of new constitu-
tonal provisions will give little confidence in our
good intentions, while important existing consti-
fut;p mol pto oruho md
ly dsregarded Though the General Assembly
has the power they have not the right, to deprive
the electors of the counties of the constitutional
privilege of eecting justices of the peace and con-
stables. If one constitutional requirement can be
dsregarded all be, far, at least, they de-
pend on the positive action of the General Assem-
bly,. The results of the system of trial justices
appointed by the Governor certainly cannot be
considered so favorable as to justify the annull-
ing of an important part of the Constitution. Let
the Constitution be enforced in all its provisions
and a public sentiment will then be cultivated
which will make the Constitution the shield for
all classes of our people from the wrongs or ex-
cesses which the interests Of any political party
may prompt.
MINORITY REPRESENTATION.
am confident from various indications, that
the principle of minority representation is grow
ing in favor among all the people of the State. It
as yet tested, mode of reaching that highest re-
suit of our representative system, the true proper
tiona influence of each class or party into which
our voting population may be divided. The rule
of the majority is not thereby destroyed, while
the voice and influence Of the minority is not
wholly suppressed. In this State its advantages
in our counties and municipalities would be Pc
culiarly great. Our voting population is now, in
conducive to the best results in our public affairs.
Minority representation will mitigate these evils
without changing the basis Of political power.
Practically, though not in name, this principle
|
and cities. Citizens of both parties or races have
voluntarily agreed to share political power in ap-
proximate proportion to their numerical strength,
respectively. The results Of such course have
invariably been satisfactory, far as am in
| formed, and I am sure that the example will be
| repeated more and more widely in the future.
What isthus here and there secured by the vol
untary concert of our citizens, will be secured
firmly and universally by the adoption into the
law of the State Of the principle Of minority rep
resentation in all county and municipal elections.
I cordially and earnestly urge this measure upon
your consideration at the present session.
THE ELECTION OF JUDGES.
At the present session elections of Judges Of the
Courts of Common Pleas and Of the Supreme
Court will take place. It cannot be deemed i'm
proper in me to present to the General Assembly
the paramount Importance of wise discharge OF
this duty. The ancient fame of South Carolina in
this respect should be kept steadily in mind. The
standard of character and attainment once uni
versally observed in this State should never be
lowered. Legal learning, judicial spirit, and
high, unblemished personal character, should
mark every man who shall be elected to sit in the
seats of Harper and Duncan, Of O Neall and Ward
law. If all these qualities are not attainable, let
the one quality ofpersonal integrity never be lost
sight of. That community may well be pitied
which is doomed to submit its great interests to
the decision of one whose judgments will re-
fleet his own passions or interests.
THE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION OF 1876.
Under thishead, the Governor recommendsand
urges that the proper steps shall he taken by the
General Assembly to ensure representation of
the resources and industries of the State at the
centennial celebration to be held in Philadelphia
next year. '
CONCLUSION.
In conclusion, the Governor says: I have now
discharged so far rs have been able the duty
i'm posed upon the Governor by the Constitution,
to ''give to the General Assembly, from time to
time, information of the condition OF the State,
and recommend to their consideration such meas
| ures as he shall judge necessary or expedient."
The measures which deem most essential to the
present welfare ofthe State are: First the prompt
passage of a supply act which shall impose the
lightest possible burden of taxation; second, the
enactment of a law which shall require all dis
bursements of public funds, except the interest
| on the public debt, to be made upon warrants OF
| the comptroller general, issued upon vouchers
approved by that officer and permanently record
ed in his office; third, the keeping of all appro-
priatons within the limits OF the funds actually
ETOVluGO IOT ny hNdllOA louEtLS tAo luiLIC0ioeo
and large reduction Of the scale Of all public ex-
penditures fifth the equitable adjustment Of the
floating Indebtedness Of the State upon plan en-,
bracing the rigid scrutiny, by impartial agencies,
of all claims, and the gradual payment by taxa
ton of the valid claims; sixth, the inf1exible OBJ
servance of exact good faith respecting the public
debt. .-.
The work and spirit which commended to you
year ago, I commend with increased earnestness
to you now-the work Of correcting abuses and
restoring good administration-thes spirit ofinteg-
rty and fidelity toward those whose trusts we
hold. Some gratifying results have been reached
but the future has heavier tasks than those al
ready achieved. I might urge these things upon
my political associates essential to the life ana
success of their political party, for 80 they are;
but choose to urge them upon the common, un,
assailable ground of the public welfare. He Will
be a blind politician who is not also patriot.
The truly wise public man in this State to-day
will labor and pray for the peace and honor or
South Carolina; for the increase of official integ,
rlty for the confirmation to every citizen OF all
civil and political rights; for the establishment OF
government which shall protect all and oppress
none. D, H. CHAMBERLAIN,
Governor.
"THE BOYS IN GREY."-We were wont to
admire the boys who wore the grey, though it
was not for the grey alone, but for the noble,
chivalrous hearts that beat under it. They