The Abbeville messenger. (Abbeville, S.C.) 1884-1887, 1884-12-17

look the fact that the task before us j.
one which will call for the exercise o
the wiscst craftsmanship and of tn,
most liberal and progressive policy.
The adjustment Of the relations be
tween the races in South Carolina pre-
scnts problem among the most diff
cult. the most intricate and the mos
delicate ever presented to any people
No earnest, thoughtful man who knows
all the circumstances by which We ar,
surrounded, and who seeks to forecast
the future, OF even to provide for the
cmerscnccs Of the present, can fail tc
realize the grave responsibilities by
which VIC are confronted.
For one hayc un(altering faith in tho
result. The faith is founded upon my
knowledge Of the patriotism Of the pco.
pic of this State, and my confidence in
their earnest purpose to meet all the re,
qulrcmcnts Of their position with firm,
ness, prudence, moderation and Justice
Upon the foundation which we Law
postcrity must build. Let us make
those foundations strong, and wide. and
deep, so that future generations may
erect thereon a supcrstructurc within
whose walls liberty shall always love tc
dwell
| The larger experience in public affairs
with which enter for a second time
upon the duties Of this office but in.
crcascs the sense of the responsibility
assume.
| Believing there is no instrumcntality
in human society so potential in its in.
Hucncc upon mankind for good or evil
as the governmental machinery"
shall discharge my duty with
steadfast purpose to execute the lawful.
ly expressed will Of the people whose
servant nm.
Grateful beyond the power Of words
to express for the confidence rcposcd in
me by the people Of the State, and for
the honors which they nave conferred
upon me, | invoke your hearty cooper
alton, and that Of my fellow-citizens OF
South Carolina, to enable me to meet
the demands Of this high Office and
humbly trust that the Divine favor NAV
so guide and govern all the counscls OF
the State that enduring peace, prospcri-
ty and happiness may be secured to all
our people,
At the close Of the admirable address
hearty burst Of applause broke
through the restraint of Legislative de-
corum and greeted the Governor.
The same ceremony was gone through
in administering the oath Of office to
Lieutcnant-Governor Sheppard, nt the
close Of which Speaker Simons said
"The purposes for which this joint AS
sembly was convened having been ac-
co,nplished, now declare this joint AS
scmbly dissolved"
The Senate returned to its Chamber
the crowd scattered, and the House
once more settled itself to the I.csisla-
tive work before it.
On the return Of the Senators at 100,
a crowd Of persons followed them and
soon filled most of the available space
in the Chamber. 4 number Of ladies
were present.
| After pause Of few moments, SEN
ator 1zlar, as president pro tempore
standing at the presidents desk, address
ed Lieutcnant-GOvcrnor Sheppard in
the following words SIN behalf oil
the Senate Of South Carolina | take
pleasure in congratulating you upon
your election for a second time to this
high Office, and now hand you the CAV.
ell which is the symbol Of the authority
you have so worthily exercised"
Speaking clearly and earnestly, Mr.
Sheppard responded:
THE LIEUTENANr-GovERNoR ADDRRss
Gentleman Of the Senate: In re-
suming the discharge OF the duties i'm
posed by the Constitution upon the Of
flee to which have been reelected by
the people, I hope that it is not impor-
tant that should repeat the assurance
heretofore given that | shall exhaust
every means available to mo to promote
the successful aud satisfactory accom-
plishment Of the work that lies before
you am sure that need not say that
shall continue to rely upon your kind
indulgence and your cordial and vigor-
Gus assistance in the discharge of the
duties that lie before me.
Since last we met the country has
witnessed the severest political cam
paign known to its history since the
election Of Thomas jefferson to the
Presidency Of the United States, result
ing in the selection Of man for the
highest office in the gift of tho people,
distinguished for wisdom, justice and
fidelity to duty. This grand result,
thus consunmated, has placed the Dem