New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1877-04-27
SOUTHERN AFFAIRS.
HAMPTON URGES REFORMS.

HAMPTON URGES REFORMS.
FINANCR-TAxATIOS-FREE SCHOOLS.
COLUMBIA, Sc, April 26.-GOv. Hampton's
message was presented the General Assembly OF South
Carolina at noon to-day The following are the Leading
features:
Gentlemen Of he Senate and House Of Representdres
cussion OF the grave questions which will come before
raj Assembly together a inauspcious and In
convenient to its members recognize ana appreeate
fully the great personal sacrifices demanded OF the ne
beers by the call which brings them here but the critical
condition Of public affairs and the welfare OF the state
legislative OF the Government to assist In the
great work Of reform before u.s. aud et y, 'e
State Government would inspire them to meet cheerly
presence proves that have not been Disappointed IN
this hope; and cherish the additional nope lnat You
rise superior to the party considerations Of craftsmanship
and devote yourselves with patriotic zeal to the service
OF State; that will strive earnestly TO restore
its lost PROSPERITY to revive its wasted industries TO re-
form all abuses its government, ana 10 promote peace
harmony, good will, and Justice among all classes anu
TO the accomplishment of these noble aims pledge
my constant unweared and earnest efforts ana III TINS
patriotic work invoke your aid Gentlemen OF .nS Ser
OF the Gene Assembly but as patriots and Car0nians
Gov. Hampton says that the anomalous condition OF
affairs prevents him from laying before the Legislature
exact detailed information to the affairs OF the state
but shat there several important matters to which NC
desires call First Of all the finances and
made TO put the sound and honorable footing they
once occupied. He says:
alike the honor and credit OF the state, as
question or doubt as to our determination TO meet
honest obligation OF the state fairly and faithfully; bu
IT equally duty to ascertain what are It's honest
liabilities The suspicious which attach to portion OF
the outstanding obligations OF the State and which to
greater less extent affect the value OF ALL render IL I'M
peratyc that these Obligations. whether funded or not
should be strictly serutn1ed with vrw OF sscef'a ,
condition precedent TO the payment 81 interest on any OF
the standing obligations OF the state, whether III the
shape Of bonds otherwise and also TO me further uu
any Of the State Indebtedness into the consolidated
bonds authorized 10 be issued under the act OF 1878 10
reduce the volume Of the public debt
In order to effect this object IN mode satisfactory ana
equitable alike TO the state and to the public ctedor
respectfully suggest the appointments of commission to
consist OF member from each hoseOf the legislature
citizens OF recognized financial ability, To whom tc
whole question OF The financial condition OF the state
and coupeto investigation OF tie funded ana hoitlnS m
Gebtcness OF the State shall be made; aud who also snail
be empowered to require registration before them, or
before such officers rs may be sgnated OF Tue CONSOLE
datiOn bonds 4 the state obligations the Validity OF
which shall thus asccrtancd, aud shall be certified III
form hc commission or tie Legislature may pre-
ceiyable for taxes Tie commission SHOULD also be
charged with the duty of reporting to The General AS
semby az It's next regular session tne precise GicGI
of all obligations OF doubtful validity or clearly ilud
lent with the specific facts or testimony upon wich
As all the records and books. showing the amount Of
consolidated bonds now outstanding with the nature OF
tue securities which they were issued, have been
Withheld by the late officials, am unable to state WIN
has bccn converted into consolidated bonds and what
portion remains be funded But FROM the best sources
OF information heore me, estimate the amount let 10 pe
funded about r3OOO,OOO which. AZ the rate estaD.
shed Tor funding, will require the issue OF OF
consolidated bJns. Under the act Of 1873 these bonus
bear date Jan 1, 1874, and the annual tax provided
by the act for the plymcn OF t interest ON Tue ene
and the amount uneXpended for interest should DC IN Tue
treasury 70 meet the pasdue coupons Oh these ooh' do
have no reason however. believe that there is any
such unexI ended balance available for this purpose, and
If the CONVERSION the debt INTO consolidated DviS
continues provided by the existing act, II WIN DE
necessary to provide by legislation iOr THESE arrears oi
interest rsuEgcst for your consideration the prope'y
OF funding arrears np to the time Of conversion
I'm new bonds, payable at such time ana under such con
ditions your Judgment shall be equitable 10 ine
State ana 10 its creditors
Gov. Hampton then urges earnestly the reductioh oi
State expenses the purpose Of alternating taxation
and ho speaks of the difficulty Of raising money by
taxation at the present time last years crops being eA
hasted and the now years crops not being ADVANCED
enough to enable the farmer TO realize ON them. lie
suggests that therefore be collected only IN III
| stalments this year. He also says that he fears
| many OF the State bank bills have been reis5ued in
defiance Of law instead OF being Cancelled and the sub
ect requires attention. Here Gov Hampton d"ehs Ut
some length upon tho penal charitable and educational
| Institutions OF tic State and says:
| Akin to this subject is that Of tree schools ana
earnestly that you will use every effort to establish
such :, stem will place the means Of education Wituih
the reach OF all classes In the stare Inc prescs y
1t has been administered Is mere mockery, uiier
which the children have been mperecty taught. Inc
|
| nancy of The peope has been squandeIed There nave
been honorable exceptions tins rule bat thry are rare
| have now before me teachers payceruHcnte, 10
which the Board OF School Trustees consisting OF tlec
managers have affixed his crUss-nark ds his sigma
lure As this paper IL sirRlDs lliStfatUno te ue"
system of public education inauSuraed Ill the STATE ~
l., sdrs iteray curiosity well worth lreseryihg, II Is
transmitted Tor n9pectlon "hlle stc aiTsracei u,
condition Of things is allowed 10 exist, We small nope Ia
vain to see The work Of education prosper Ie tc ny
Inc 100 limited at this 10 enable you 10 perfect
system will meet the requirements OF our Whoie
people but legislation can be iah as VIII carry on
bound alike b. every consideration or flr statejlhti
SHIN and OF GOOD faith To keep up III the state such
system OF free schools viii place within TIE rench OF
every cnd, the poorest MS well as the ricnesi' DGh as
wei as white the means OF acquiring an honest ana non
ur,blc cduratiou, aud TO this end SHAH most cOniily
second any efforts the part Of the Legislature sha
look with confident hope your ala III carrying OUT the
reforms ami fulfilling the pledges to when We are SOL
| emmy committed.
Gov Hampton does not make any direct aiu'on 10 'ho
President 5 policy
| A