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

Interesting Talk With the Governor o.
the Palmetto Statc-EncouraginS As
pcct of Afairs-Unity, Harmony and
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,
licity and conferences with the city re.
portcrS. a representative Of the Herald,
however, then met him at the Grand
Central Depot, and both being en- route
a conversation naturally followed, and
the following is its fair transcript:
Rcporter-IIas your presence at the
North, Governor, any political signil-
canoe?
Governor Hampton-Nonc whatever.
am 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. 1t is many
years since we met, and if there is any
significance about the occasion it is in
the fact that the opportunity is present
for Il still further exhibition of the feel
ing which have so pcrsistcntly urged
since the close of the war-to wit, that
conciliation shall 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-
dcavor it is Il cessation of political tur-
moi.
Reportcr-And when you return to
New lork-what?
Governor Hamrton-Rcst. \ few
days of quiet; perhaps by the sea shore;
possibly some arrangements with busi-
ness men-fricnds of South Carolina
who know what We have begun to do,
and have expressed desire to lend
helping hand; but this is subject which
| do not care to talk about now.
SOUTH CAROLINA REcUpERATING.
Reporter-Pardon me; how much of
Il helping hand do you require?
Governor Hampton (laughingly)-
That's leading question; but, really,
not much. Our people are recuperating
so rapidly that we shall soon be able to
stand alone. More than that Both
white and colorcd people arc paying
taxes so checrlully and money is coming
into the Treasury so abundantly that [
anticipate only the must gratifying fnan-
cial results. | shall not be surprised if
little less than 81 100000 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 $4,000 and will probably secure
$50, 900 more. Again, the cost of col
lecting taxes has been largely reduced,
the machinery has been simplified and
the methods arc more honest
Reporter-Then you have no fear that
there will be default in the payment of
the interest on your bonds?
Governor Hampton--So far as | know,
| have no hesitation in stating to you
that the bulk of our State debt is now
perfectly legitimate, and the interest
might as well be paid in July as in No
vcmbcr, but committee of investigation
having been appointed by the last Lcgis-
laturc to examine these bonds and satisfy
the public with reference to their exact
status, the holders may be compelled to
await their report. Give yourself no con-
Germ, however, with reference to any
thought of rcpudiation. South Carolina
has her honor at stake and will protect
her honest creditors. Governments nee
cssarily move slowly, and after so many
years of plundcring it is but natural that
the representatives of our people under
the new regime should exercise caution.
Rcportcr-Have your State officers in
examining the books Of the preceding
administrations found evidence of much
default?
Governor Hampton-Thc examination
is not yet complete. While the books
make one showing there is abundant cv-
idcnce of crime and bribery on the part
of a number of officials. One Senator
has already resigned, another high officer
is charged with having received Sl7 900
as bribc and sums ranging from $3.50 to
200 are easily traceablc to the parties
paying and receiving. In little while
we shall get at the bottom facts.
SIGNS OF IMPROVEMENT.
Rcportcr-Sincc your Inauguration,
Governor, do you observe the signs of a
change in the condition OF South Caro-
lima?
Governor Hampton-Most assurcdly
SO. If YOU had been il South Carolina
Il year or two ago you would have found
depression and liscouragcmcnt OH every
hand. Labor was disorganizcd. The
entire machinery of agricultural produc-
ton WAS, so to speak, out of gear. lgnor-
amt local politicians played on the prcju-
diccs of the colorcd people and utterly
dcmoralizcd whole communities. The
poor negroes were taxed by unprinciplcd
oflice-holdcrs right and left, and blindly
paid what you might call blood money.
They were taught to hate their employ
crs. They would leave the field, con-
tracts, everything, behind them at the
beck and call of local party organiza-
ton. They were taught to believe either
that return to slavery awaited their op-
position to party commands, or they were
threatened and whipped into party line
L lOUuUlN III lIlC NllOlC SOul2I VI OOi pN
litical history there has never been such
a compact force ready for any and every
work, and such a complete obedience to
autocratic power as that which existed in
South Carolina. 1t was reign of au'
dacity and crime.
Rcportcr-And all that is changed?
Governor IIampton-l WAS about tc
tell you. From one end OF the State to
the other peace rcigns where before all
was turmoil and fear. The planter be
gins to feel assurances because the labor
or is working better notwithstanding
the general commercial depression !; feel.
ing of confidence has been cngcndcrcd
When | called for Il payment of taxes on
account for the purpose of supporting
my government before the Legislature as
scmblcd, | received more money than
could use. Colorcd people who never
paid a tax before paid it then. There
have been fewer crimes of every grade