The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1878-07-25
THE GOVERNORS MESSAGE.
Gentlemen Of the Senate and House Of Rep

reseatatireS
In discharging the duty OF addressing
the General Assembly, imposed on me
by the constitution, it seems eminently
appropriate that should begin by con-
erltulating it's members upon the auspi-
cious circumstances under which they
reassemble.
The past year has been memorable
one. Twelve months ago we witnessed o
condition of things which threatened the
existence of republican institutions IN.
der our ancient system of constitutional
government. The whole country was
eonvulsed By national political contest,
which assumed such portentous shape
Tint every patriot dreaded, as its fearful
result, civil war. Amid the throes and
Sthe perils of this convulsion, the gov
of which You constitute part
was placed in power by the people of the
State. Encompassed by dangers as novel
as they were startling, we looked IN vain
to history for the light to guide us which
experience alone can give. The repre-
sontatives Of the people, chosen as their
rulers, were called on to fulfill as high
duties and to assume as grave RESPONSE
bllities as have ever been imposed on
men. No human wisdom could have
brought US safely through the danger
that beset US on all sides, and we should
reverently give thanks to Him who alone
has wrought this great deliverance. Our
State is rehabilitated; peace prevails
throughout her borders; the laws are i'm
partially enforced and fully respected;
good will between oil classes is rapidly
obliterating the animosities of the past;
health blesses our people, and the labors
OF our husbandmen have been crowned
with abundant harvests. We surely have
cause for profound gratitude for the
blessings which have been 80 layishly
bestowed on us; but while it becomes us
to acknowledge these gratefully, we
should bear in mind that their continu-
ance depends on the condition of our
proving worthy of them. The first step
in this direction is for us to observe, in
perfect good faith, the pledges made dur
ing the canvass which resulted in our
success. Upon this point, I feel we'll as.
sured that the conservative and thought
full people of the State are thorough
" united, and that their representatives
will be found in full accord with them.
With impartial justice in the administra-
ton of the laws, with the recognition of
the perfect equality of all citizens under
those laws, with the assurance of pro-
lection to all in their rights of person
and property, and with just, liberal and
wholesome legislation, We may look, with
assured confidence, to an era of peace
and prosperity in our State. This con-
summation, SO ardently desired by every
patriot, is to be brought about mainly
by the labors of the General Assembly,
and rely confidently on the wisdom,
the discretion and the patriotism which
will direct and shape the ensuing legis-
-lation. Grnve questions of public pol
10y, upon which will depend, in large
measure, the future destiny of the State,
will demand your attention, and will re-
ceive, l am sure, your most earnest con-
sideration.
First in Importance is the financial
condition of the State, for until this is
satisfactorily settled all hopes of return.
ing prosperity will prove delusive.
The credit of the State must be re-
stored to, and maintained at, its ancient
high character, before we can make good
our promises of reform, or can expect
her to take the proud position she once
held, and to which it should be our
highest duty and our noblest ambition
to restore her. This object can, feel
convinced, be accomplished by this Cen
ernl Assembly without imposing upon
our Impoverished people an onerous
burthen. As commission was appoint
Sa1 H1yt "a I, al 1off of Jfc Iouf
10 consider this subject, it would be pre-
premature, if not indelicate, in me to
make any specific recommendations in
advance Of their report, and venture
now only to express the hope that under
no circumstances will reputation, direct
or indirect, be countenancad. Repudi-
ation would bring inevitable disaster and
would entail indelible disgrace. The
public debt can surely be 80 adjusted
that, while the welfare of the State is
carefully guarded, the rights of creditors
shall not be violated or impaired. The
very fact that State can exercise powers
in questions of this nature against which
no remedy exists. should make its Legis-
lature doubly careful of the interests of
creditors whose sole protection is in the
honor of their debtors. An ardent de-
sire to see the credit of the State main
tanned and her faith untarnished is my
sole reason for presenting these views;
and with the hope that they will meet
the approval of the Legislature and of
the patriotic people of the State, leave
this vital matter to you, who are the
proper custodians of the welfare and the
honor of this commonwealth. In con-
nection with the public debt, I venture
to make suggestion for your considera-
ton. Unless some provision is made to
meet the obligations of the State when
they fall due, we shall be subjected to
great embarrassment, and perhaps loss,
rs the State will be forced to issue NEG
bonds in order to take up the outstand-
-,