The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1876-12-21

parts of the State, together with the eiti-
zens of Columbia, who had closed their
places of business to witness the impos.
ing ceremonies. Carriages containing
ladies were ranged on the outskirts of
the crowd, and the neighboring house
tops and windows revealed the presence
of hundreds of others. It was pretty
and inviting scene, and we'll calculated
to inspire the participants with fresh
courage and hope for the future, when
the women of Carolina sanctioned and
haIlowed the event with their cheering
presence.
A large canvass was suspended in the
rear of the platform, bearing life-size
portraits of Hampton and Simpson.
gracefully decorated with the Stars and
Stripes and the Palmetto flag, and fes-.
tooned with wreaths of evergreen. The
stage was covered with handsome carpet
ing, and in the centre was a large arm
chair for Governor Hampton, while seats
were provided for prominent visitors and
citizens, among them Speaker Wallace,
Hon. T. j. Robertson, Judges Mackcy
and Cooke, Hon. Mr.. Errington, member
of the British Parliament, and others,
The Columbia Brass Band eulivened the
occasion with martial and inspiring mti'
sic. -. -.
When all things were ready. Gen.
Hampton came to the front of the plat
form, and was again greeted with the,
most enthusiastic applause; and in every
direction waving handkerchiefs attested
the admiration of the ladies' for the chosen,
Governor of South Carolina. As. the
cheering subsided,. Gen. Hampton. pro,
ceeded to deliver his ;isaugural address
in clear and distinct tone of voice.
amid the breatl,ess silence OF the audi
ence, which seemed to catch each word
as it fell from his lips with the. most en-
raptured attention: Only once or twice
was the delivery of the address Interrupt
ted with applause, but at its conclusion
the air was rent with the most vociferous
cheers, and strong men wiped away tears
of JOY from their own eyes, which had
been permitted to witness the most nota-
BILE event in the history Of our State.
The hooming cannon from an adjacent
hill proclaimed the glad tidings that the
long. anticipated Inauguration was taking
place, and the echoes reyerberated for
miles. around The scene, already rem
dered so solemn and impressive, was
heightened by the administration of the
oath of Office, durirg which time the
assemblage stnod with uncovered heads.
Judge Mackey, with the constitution in
his hand, advanced to the front, when
Hampton said, 81 am now ready to re:
ceive the oath Of office prescribed by the
Constitution" and Justice Marshall
placed in his hand the Holy Bible. AS
Judge Mackey recitcd the oath OF office.
Gen. Hampton repeated each sentence.
and ut its conclusion kissed the Bible.
The shouts of the joyous populace again
burst forth, and the artillery fired another
salute to the Governor of South Carolina,
while the band broke out with 'AHail to
the Chief" Hon. w. D. Simpson was
then sworn in as Lieutenant Governor,
and was greeted with immense applause,
when the ceremonies of Inauguration
were ended, and the Representatives re.
turned to their Hall. The dispersion of
the crowd did not take place for some
minutes, however, rs each one Was desl.
rous of shaking hands with a genuine
Governor, and the enthusiastic audience
Wed with each other. in extending con-
gratulations to Hampton, who gave both
his hands to the surging mass before him.
The ladies went forward also to extend
their congratulations, and the men were
so enthusiastic that they placed the Gov
ernor in the large armchair, and carried
him on their shoulders up the street into
the Wheeler House. And thus ended
the Inauguration of Wade Hampton,
which is the beginning of new era of
prosperity, and the restoration of honest
government in South Carolina.