The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1877-04-28
SOUTH CAROLINA.
Gov. Hampton's Message.

COLUMBIA, S. c., April 26 The following
are the principal features of Governor Hamp-
tons message to the Assembly at noon to-
day gcon.,. -
Representatives,-It is proper I should, before
entering into discussion of grave questions
which will come before you, give the reasons
that impelled me to call the General Assembly
together at time SO iuauspicious and incon-
venient to its members.
L recognize and appreciate fully the great
personal sacrifices demanded of the members
by the call which brings them here: but the
critical condition OF public affairs, and the well
fare of the State, made it imperative that
should invoke the aid of the legislative bran Oh
OF the government to assist in the great work of
reform before US, and 1 felt confident that the
patriotism of those comprising this branch of
the State government would inspire them to
meet cheerfu'ly all sacrifices required for the
Interests of the State.
Your presence proves that have not heen
disappointed IN this hope, and L cherish add.
tlonal hope that you will forget animosity en-
gendered by political strife, rise superior to the
petty considerations of partisanship, and, de-
voting yourselves with patriotic zeal to the SER
vice of your State, that you will strive earnestly
to restore its lost prosperity, revive its wasted
industries, to reform all abuses in its govern.
ment, and to promote peace, harmony good
will and justice, among all classes and parties
10 the accomplishment of these noble aims
efforts: and N this patriotic work invoke YOUR
aid.
Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Rem
resentatives, not alone as members of the
General Assembly, but as patriots and Caro-
!inians-the anomalous condition of affairs
during the past few months, while it has
entailed the necessity of converting the Gen
eral Assembly has precluded me from LAYING
before this body such full 'and accurate infor-
nation as is desirable for making precise and
definite recommendations on particular me as
ures which will demand your attention.
he calls attention to the necessity of BETTER
ing the credit of the State, as the treasury il
now empty aud credit ruined, urging at the
same time that tax alton be made as light as
possible.
He urges the payment of every cent of the
honest obligations of the State, and suggests
strict scrutiny OF the debt as to the validity
or non validity of claims He suggests that
commission be appointed, to whom shall be
referred the whole question of the fnauci al
condition OF the State to report to the ne t
Assembly.
On the subject of free schools he said: .T
earnestly ask that you will use every effort to
eeta6lish snch system as will place the means
OF education within the reach of all classes
IN the state The present system, as it ha s
peen administered. Is mere mockery, uude r
wnich children have been imperfectly taught
teachers swiniled out of their pay, and the
money OF the people squandered We are
peund by every consideration of true States
manship and good faith to keep such a system
OF free schools as will place within the reach
oI every chiid, the poorest as we'll as ths rich
es', Tue oiack as we'll as the white, the mean,
OF acquiring an honest and honorable educa-
ton.
Hampton does not make any alusion to the
Presidents policy A0