Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1885-12-31
A Worthy Tribute to Gov. Sheppard.

After the executive session of the
Senate on the 23rd December, on
opening the doors, President pro tens.
Izlar took the Chair, and Senator
Smythe, rising in hia place, presented
the following preamble and resolu.
tions:
The Senate Of South Carolina is on
the eve Of adjournment. For two
years we have deliberated together
on such matters as have come before
us, touching the welfare of the State
which We all love. Matters of grave
import have been thus considered, and
measures of every nature have claim.
ed our attention-our views have diff.
fered as our opinions have varied on
the subjects under discussion-and oft
times the discussion has waxed warm,
and the division between those hold
ing opposite sides has been close.
Presiding over all these delibera-
tions with a hand gentle but firm, has
been a presiding officer of whom we
may Justly be proud, clear in his
rulings, prompt in the dispatch of all
business Of the Senate, impartial in
the extreme in all his rulings and un-
excelled in the fair exercise of all the
delicate duties devolving upon him.
To his faithful performance of all
these duties is due to large extent
the harmony which has characterized
all our deliberations, and the regu.
larity and ease with which all our
proceedings have been conducted.
Feeling thus, we would be untrue to
ourselves if We failed to express our
sense Of his ability as Parliaments-
rian and of our obligation to him as
a courteous President. Therefore belt
Resolued, That the Senate of South
Carolina desires to place upon record
their testimony of the ability, courtesy,
impartiality and admirable business
capacity of its presiding officer, the
Honorable John C. Sheppard.
ResOlved, That upon the eve of this
adjournment the Senate desires to
tender to him it's thanks for his cour.
tecus and faithful discharge of all the
duties of President of the Senate, and
to express their best wishes for his fu-
ture welfare and happiness.
Rcsoluea, That copy of this pre-
amble and these resolutions, suitably |
engrossed, be forwarded by the Clerk |
of the Senate to the Honorable John |
G. Sheppard.
The resolutions were seconded by |
Senators Woodward and Earle, with |
appropriate remarks, and were pre-.
sented to President Sheppard by Prefi.
dent pro tenn. Izlar..
PresidentSheppard said in response:
Gentlemen of the Senate: Words
would fail to express the heartfelt ap
probation that I experience of the
expression which you have placed
upon record of my humble service to
you and to the State, whose servants
We are. l am sure that l have en-.
deavored to Dc and to be sll that.in
your kindness you have said of me.
1 am sure that I have earnestly en-
deavored to be impartialin the dis
charge of the duties Of this o6ice. In
the appointment of committees, and
in all the other requirements of my
position, I have endeavored to be
prompt and ready, and can truly
say Of ycu that my efforts have been
uniformly seconded by the prompt
ness with which every member Of
this body has responded to the call Of
duty.
This is attested By the fact that
during session which has been sig.
nalized by the large amount Of bust
ness which has been transacted, on
every day the calendar has been clear.
ed Of every matter upon it, and but
two night sessions have been found
necessary-record unprecedented with
in the memory Of the oldest clerk.
I shall carry 70 my home, gentle
men, the kindest remembrance of the
warm support which you have always
accorded me, and trust you will re
turn to yours with the consciousness
of duty we'll performed, and that you
will find that your private interests
vii. not have suffered during your abb
sence by reason of your devotion to
Jour pub ic duties.