The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1877-06-28

Interesting Talk with the Governor q
, tho palmetto State Encouraging AS
pect Of Affairs Unity, Harmony ant
Prosperity.
Governor Hampton arrived in New
York on Monday, and until Tuesday
evening spent the interval with personal
friends, it being his desire to avoid pub,
iicity and conferences with the city re.
porters. A representative of the Herald
however, then met him at the Grand
Central Depot, anu both being en- roust
o conversation naturally followed, and
the following is its fair transcript:
heporter-Has yopr presence at tho
North, Governor, any political signii-
canoe?
Governor Hampton-None whatever.
an going to Auburn because Shields,
my old friend, sent me pressing letter
TO meet him there and bring the flag of
the old Palmetto regiment. It is MANY
yenrs aimee VIC met, and il there is any
significance about the occasion It is ia
the fact that the opportunity is present
for still further exhibition of the feel.
ing which have so persistently urged
since the close of the VYar-:o Wit. that
conciliation skall take the place Of ami.
mostly; that the good men of both Sec
tions shall get together and together work
out the common good of the country. If
there is anything that we most require
in this country outside of practical en-
deayor it is cessation of political tur.
moil.
Reporter-And when you return to
New York-what?
| Governor Hamp.on-Rest. A few
day. IF quiet; perhaps by the sea shore !;
possibly some arrangements with bust
ness men-friends Of South Carolina
who know what we have begun to do,
and have expressed der.te to lend a
helping hand but this is subject which
do not care to talk about now.
SOUTH CAROLINA REcUPERATING,
Reporter-Pardon me; how much of
helping hand do you require?
Governor Hampton 1laughingly)-
That's leading question; but, really,
not much. Our people are recuperating
80 rapidly that we shall soon be able to
stand alone. Mere the. .ha:. Bo.:h..
white and colored people arc paying
taxes SO cheerfully and money is coming
into the Treasury - abundantly that /
anticipate only the most gratifying finan-
clai results. l shall not be surprised if
little less than 81 ,O00, ,CGG are paid in this
year. AS an illustration, take the phos-
phate Interest. Heretofore the income
to the State from this source has been
entirely disapproportionate to the vast
property involved but already, under
the reformed management. the State has
derived $5O,0 900 and will probably secure
s5o ss5o,eeeo eeeoo HioTe. again, Inc cost Of col
Letting taxes has been largely reduced,
the mac inery has been simplified and
the methods are more honest.
Reporter-Then you have no fear that
there will be default in the payment of
the interest on yoursbonds
Governor Hampton--Sc far rs I know,
have no hesitation in stating to you
that the bulk of our State debt is now
perfectly legitimate, and the interest
might as we'll be paid in July as in No
vember, but o committee of investigation
having been appointed by the last Legis-
1ature to examine these bonds and satisfy
the public with reference <, the;s exact
status, the holders may b, compelled to
await their report. Give yourself no con-
cern, however, with reference to any
thought of reputation. South Carolina
has her honor at stake and will protect
her honest creditors. Governments nee.
essarily move slowly, and after 80 many
years of plundering it is but natural that
the representatives of our peopl3 under
the new regime should exercise caution.
Reporter-Hsve your State officers in
examining tho books of the preceding
administrations found evidence of much
defaults? s ....-
Governor Hampton-The examination
is not yet complete. While the books
make one showing there is abundant ev-
idence of crime and bribery on the part
of number of officials. One Senator
has already resigned, another high officer
Is charged with having received SIT. 1000
as hrihe end sums ranging from $3.50 to
$1,000 are easily traceable to the parties
paying and receiving. In little while
we shall get at the bottom facts.
SIGNS OF IMPROVEMENT. aa
Reporter Since your inauguration
Governor, do you observe the signs of q
change in the condition Of South Caro-
liuaf N4''}
/ Governor Hampton-Most assured 8
so. IF you had been il South Carolina
a year or two ago you would have found
depression and encouragement on every
hand. Labor was disorganized. The
entire machinery Of agricultural produc-
tion was, so to speak; out Of gear. Ignor-
ant local politicians played on the preju-
dices of the colored people and ;. .rerly
demoralized whole communities. The
Pee: negroes were taxed By uii 5T Inc 5icd
| office-holders right and left, and blindly
i paid what yon might cell bleed money
They Here taught to hate their employ.
ers. They would leave the field, con.
/ tracts, everything, behind them ut the
n beck aud call Of local party ofganiza.
tion. They were taught 70 believe either
that return 20 slavery awaited their op.
= positions 90 party commands, or they were
threatened and whipped into party line
Probably in the whole course of our no.
4 Iitical history there has never been such
4 a COMPACT force ready for any and every
!. work, and such complete obedience tC
autocratic power as that which existed in
} South Carolina. Is was O reign of nu.
dacity and crime. st5s
! Repoyaer-Aud all that is changed?,
Governor Hampton-i was about Il
tell you. From one end Of the State tt
. tile Utner peace reigns where before al
! was turmoil and fear. The planter be
! gins TO feel assurances becatise the labor
or is working better. Notwithstanding
the general commercial depression feel
Ing of confidence has been engendered
J When called for q payment of taxes OF
account for che purpose of supporting
my government before the Legislature as
sembled, / received more money than
coNld use. Coiored people who neve
paid a tax before paid 1t shen. Ther.
J J heye bean EA.saE crimes Of every grade
Our courts are reofganige6 I'd Justice i
|, administered with an eyei Aand. Yol