Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1878-12-05
GOVERNORS MESSAGE.

GOVERNORS MESSAGE.
The message Of acting Governor Simpson,
printed on the first page of this paper, will
commend itself as terse but able State pa.
per. Governor Simpson makes many sug-
gestious for the good of the State, in the wis.
dom of which the people generally will
concur.
On the subject of the public schools, he re-
ports gratifying progress in this most i'm
portant department of the State government;
and his recommendation that some action be
taken which will secure more prompt pay OF
the teachers salaries, should receive the
prompt attention of the Legislature. While
his views in regard to the early opening of
the State University, are doubtless prompted
by the best of motives, and while We would
not underrate the advantages to the educa-
tional interests of the State as result of
again filling the chairs of this time-honored
institution Of learning, yet we doubt the prac-
ticability of entailing upon the people at the
present time the additional expense that would
thus be incurred; while on the other hand,
should it be deemed a measure of economy to
pay the expenses of the University from the
fund now raised by the levy for public free
school purposes, we think it would be unfair
and unjust to the people-the fund being not
more than adequate for the purpose intended,
while, if materially reduced, would, to that
extent, deprive large number of children of
their only means of attending the schools.
The condition of the militia branch of the
public service is discussed at length, and the
difficulties in the way of securing arms and
accoutrements pointed out.
His recommendation of needed repairs to
the Palmetto monument-involving but a
triAing cost-should have the attention Of the
Legislature, as tribute due to the gallant
men whose memory it is intended to perpet.
uate.
On the subject of material development,
Governor Simpson speaks at length, advan'
cling much wholesome counsel. In his hope
that the period is now rapidly approaching
when the people of the State can give less
time and attention to political affairs, and
devote themselves to the material develop
mcnt of the State, he has the sympathy of all
good citizens. As he truly says, "Good gov
ernment has now been accomplished in South
Carolina" and if not permanent, cit can be
made so by the continued observance of those
great and wise principles of justice and equal
protection to all, which has so eminently dis
TIM nguished the present administration, and
which so fully meets the great heart of the
people. Such being the fact, it is time to be-
gin material recuperation in earnest"
In this connection he urges the passage Of
stock law, especially in the larger portion
of the upper country. The wisdom of this
policy will hardly be gainsaid, several of the
counties having already partially or wholly
adopted it and found it to work satisfactorily.
And in regard to passing general law upon
the subject, the Governor gives cogent rea'
sons why it should be done in preference to
submitting the question to vote of the peo.
pie. If the Legislature has power to enact
laws compelling people to fence in their crops,
it surely has power, by the same right, to en-
act statute compelling them to fence in their
stock.
The Governors recommendation in regard
to utilizing convict labor in the development
of our resources, will meet the appreciation Of
the people.
He favors the re-enactment of the lien law,
which expires by its own Limitation on the lst
of next January. Whatever objections may
be urged to the lien law, the Governor gives
reasons why it should be re.enacted; and in
the present Strengthened circumstances of our
people, many of them could not conduct their
farming operations for another year without
the advantages which the lien law would af-
ford them.
Although the message was prepared on
short notice, and Governor Simpson was call
ed to the discharge OF his duties in most
unexpected manner, yet the document gives
evidence of clear, sagacious mind-one
worthy in every respect of the illustrious
Hampton, whose place he will worthily fill.