The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1878-07-25
TIE GoyEgyOR's MESSAGE.
GenPemen Of he !senate anil House NJ n.

by the constitution, 1t seems cminently
appropriate that should begin by con
graduating it's members upon the auSpi.
vious circumstances under which they
reasonable.
Tho past year llns been IL memorable
one. Twelve months ago we witnessed q
condition of thin. = which threatened tho
existence of republican institutions un-
der our ancient system OF constitutional
government. The whele country WINS
conynlsed by q national political contest,
which assumed such poItentous s1npo
t!lht every patriot drcadeti, as it's fearful
result, civil war. Amid the throes and
tho perils of this cor sulsion, the gov
eEnmept of which v5h constitute part
wns placed III power by tho people of tho
rs they were startling, wo looked in vain
10 history for the light to guide us which
experience nlOEo can give. The repre-.
bcntativcs OF tho people, chosen as their
rulers, wero called on TO fulfill M high
dnties and to assume rs grave response
bilities ~ have ever been imposed on
mrn. No human wisdom could have
brought us safely through the danger
TINT besnt us on all sides. and we should
r"ycrently give thanks to Him who alone
nns wrought this great delivcrnncc. Our
State is rehnbilitnted; peace prevails
throughout her borders; tho laws nre i'm
partially enforced and fully respected; !;
good will between NIL classes is rapidly
obliterating the nnimositics of tho past !;
health blesscs our people, and tho labors
Of our husbnndmen huve been crowned
with abundant harvests. We surely have
cause for profound grntitudo for tho
blessings which have been so lavishly
hrS t.,I ,I,.l1
TO acknowledge these gratefully, we
nnce depends on the condition of our
proving worthy OF them. Tho first step
IN this direction is for us to observe, in
perfect good filth. tho pledges made dur
ing tho canvass which resulted in our
success. Upon this point, feel we'll as
1nreG that tho conservative and thought
ful people of tho State nre thorough
ly united, and thnt their representatives
will be found in full accord with them.
With impartial justice in the ndministra-
ton Of the laws, with the recognition of
the perfect equality of all citizens under
those laws, with the ASSURANCE of pro-
lection to NIL in their rights of person
and property, md with just, liberal and
wholesome legislation, We mny look, with
assured confidence, to nm era of peace
and prosperity in our State. This con-
summation. eo ardently desired by every
patriot. 10 to be brought about mainly
by the labors of the General Assembly,
and rely confidently on the wisdom,
the discretion and tho patriotism which
will direct and shape the ensuing legis-
!ntion. Grave questions Of public pol
ley, uTon whcls will depend, ia II large
measure. the future destiny OF the State
Will demand your attention, and will re-
oeivo, am sure. your most earnest con-
sideration.
First ii Importance is the financial
condition OF the State. for until this is
satisfactorily settled all hopes of return
ing prosperity will prove jeluai-o.
Ihe credit of the State must be re-
stored to, and maintained Mt, 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 |
10 restore her. This object can, feel |
convinced. be accomplished by this Gen.
eral Assembly without imposing upon
our impoverished people IN onerous
sursAen. As oomr 'ssion was appoint
ea by tee Legislature mt its last session |
10 consider this subject, it would be pre-
premature, if not indelicatc, in me to
make any specific recomm endations in |
advance of thoir report, and I venture
now only to express tho hope that under
no circumstances will reputation, direct |
or indirect, BIO countennnced. Hepu5'
alton would bring inevitable disaster and |
would entail indelible disgrace. The |
puoilc debt can surely be 40 adjusted |
that. while tho welfare Of tho State is
carefully guarded, the rights of creditors
shall not bo violated or impaired The
very fact that State can exercise powers
IN questions of this nature against which
no remedy exists. should mako its I.eQis
lntu.o doubly careful of tho interests of
creditors whose sole protection Ia in the
honor OF their debtors. An ardent de.
sire to 500 tho credit of the State main
tanned and her fifth UT .arnished is nv
sole reason for presenting these views;
ana with tho hope that they will meet
the approval OF the Legislature and of
tho patriotio pooplo of tho State. | leave
th!a vita! matter to JoU, who aro tho
proper custodians of tho welfare and tho
honar c! .!is commonwealth In con-
nection with tho public debt, 1 venture
10 mako suggestion for your considera-
non. Unless some provision is made 10
meet the obligations of tho State when
they fall due, we shall be subjected To
great embarrassment, and perhaps loss,
as the State will be forced to issue new
bonds in order to take up tho outstand-
ing ones. This system of borrowing to
pay our debts will hamper our people
and mny impair the credit of our State.
There are grave objections to sinking
fund, tho strongest of which is, that it
may 30 diverted, under emergencies,
IRON Its legitimate purpose. To guard
nt HI.