The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1878-10-10

STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA.
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,
COLUMBIA, S. c., Sept. "a. }
HIS Ercezlency Alexander II. Rice:
SIR-Owing to my unavoidable absence
your letter refusing to surrender Hiram X.
Kimpton, a fugitive from justice, arrested in
Massachusetts, for whose delivery upon in
dictment regularly found against him here
FOR crime committed in this State, as
Governor of South Carolina, made demand
upon you as Governor of Massachusetts, in
accordance with the Constitution of the
United States and the act of Congress pursu-
ant thereof, has remained unanswered. re-
greet that the Chief Executive of the great
State OF Massachusetts should have CON-
mtted so fragrant violation Of the supreme
law of the land-a violation irreparable in
its nature, as the State suffering thereby
has no possible redress. Had you confined
yourself to giving simple refusal to sur
render the fugitive I should make no further
comments upon your letter, as the disregard
by the executive authorities of one State
concerns the whole people OF The United
States; but, inasmuch as you have seen ft
to base your action on the ground that, IN
your Judgment, the object in procuring the
indictment against Patterson, Parker and
Kimpton does not appear to be for the pur-
pose Of trying Kimpton for the crime charged
against him, but for different purpose, it
is nv duty, as the Governor of South Caro-
lima, to add that your statement is entirely
unwarranted, and to repel the unworthy
imputativn, as do, with indignant scorn.
I am your obedient servant,
WADE HAMPTON, Governor.
To which Gov. Rice replies as follows:
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS,
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,
BOSTON, Sept 80, ls7S.J
To HIS Eacellency Wade Hampton, Gouern-
orr Columbia, S. C.
SIR Il received on Saturday last an ex-
traordinary official communication addressed
to me over your signature, the contents OF
which had read in the newspapers three
days before. beg to remind your Excel
lency that any attempted rebuke OF Massa-
chusetts by South Carolina for non-obser-
vance of constitutional or statutory obliga-
tions is a refinement Of sarcasm which rem
ders any other defense of the former State
unnecessary. The treatment of the case OF
Hiram Fl. Kimpton by the authorities OF this
Commonw ealth was uninfluenced by any
personal or political considerations. Massa-
chusetts had no quarrel with South Carolina
and no friendship for Kimptons bat was
bound to extend to each their respective
rights under the laws. Every courtesy, Of
fetal and personal, was extended to the
representatives of South Carolina. Unusua.
care was bestowed upon the investigation
and consideration of the case, and its de-
cision was reached upon grounds OF perfect
impartiality. in accordance with law ant
and the facts, and with convictions OF pub
lie duty. In communicating the decision tt
your Excellency my statement that the OBJ
ject Of the requisition did not appear to be
for the purpose OF trying kimpton for the
crime.charged against him, but for diiier
ent purpose, was simple recital of fac
contained in the report of the Attorney
| General "a copy Ct Which was furnished will
my letter to you), and in his opinion an'
| mine clearly established by evidence. You
! Excellency's letter requires no argument II
| reply. 1t is sufficient to say that it contain
statements to mislead the public where. tn
facts are unknown. Its language and un
timely publication are offensive and unjusti
fable, and decline to accept it or permit sl
to be placed upon the files Of che executive
department of this Commonwealth. 1t i
herewith returned.
Your obedient servant,
| AIExANDER RICE. Governor.