The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1886-07-16
Huau S. TuoMpsoN.-The Hon. Hugh


County is so years of age. He is a grand
son of Chancellor Waddy Thompson, who
for about twenty-five years, was one of the
Court of Equity of South Carolina, and is
a nephew Of Gen. Waddy Thompson, who
for long time was member of Congress
from South Carolina and afterwards minis
ter to Mexico during the Administration
of President Harrison.
MIR. Thompson was graduated at the Mill
tary Academy of the State at the close of
1856. A year after his graduation he was
elected by the board of visitors assistant
professor in tho Arsenal Academy at
Columbia, and rose by regular promotion to
the rank of captain, having filled the pro-
fessurships of French and Bellies Lettres.
During the most Of the war he was stationed
in Charleston, and did duty with the corps
of Cadets in defence of the city, aud at
different points in tho States. The Cadets
under his command regarded him with
great affection and confde nee both as a pro-
fessor and as an officer in the field.
After the war Mr.. Thompson was elected
principal of the Columbia Male Academy,
and taking charge of that institution when
it was in very low condition, he raised it
to the front rank Of classical schools in the
State. In the Democratic Convention of
1876 he was unanimously nominated for
State Superintendent of education, though
not a candidate for Office, and he did not
even know that his name had been thought
of for the position. He was unanimously
renominated in 1878, and again uuani-
mously in 1880, and would certainly have
been renomiuated without opposition for a
fourth term by the State Democratic Con-
vention of 1882. Had he not been nomi-
mated for Governor, he would have been
nominated again as superintendent Of edu-
cation, and could have been elected presi-
dent of tho South Carolina University, at
the meeting of the board of trustees in
August, 1882. When he took charge of
tho public school system of the State it was
in great confusion and heavily in debt.
Under his administration great reforms
were instituted, and the public school sys-
tenn Of South Carolina is now rapidly
reaching a high state of efficiency.
Mr.. Thompson did not seek tic nomi-
nation for governor in 1882; it was we'll
known that he did not desire tho nomina-
ton, and this fact was plainly stated upon
the floor of the Convention by Mr.: E. b.
Murray, of Anderson, but the popular de-
mand for his services could not be resisted.
When Mr., w. J.. Mauldin, of Grecnville
proposed his name, and insisted that there
was no other man in the State who could
carry tho party through to a triumphant
victory, it was like shock from an electric
battery. The scene in the convention was
thrilling in the extreme, and the nomina-
ton was confined with unanimity as fiat
tering to Governor Thompson as it was iu-
dicativc Of the sound judgment of the con-
ventiou. In the campaign of 1882 Gov
ernor Thompson made an exceptionally
brilliant canvass of the State, from tho
blue mountains to the blue sea- gaining
every whero in popular favor, aud was
elected by tremendous majority. His ad-
ministration during the past four years has
been characterized by excellent judgment
The State has continued to prosper in all her
Industrial and material resources the public
credit has been maintained, the laws have
been administered with justice and equity,
the public schools have fourshcd, the
races have lived together in perfect peace
and feeling of personal security and pub
lie safety has prevailed during an admin
istration which will be no able in the his
tory Of tho State for the equal satisfaction
it has afforded to all tie people without re-
gard to party or section.
When tho State Democratic Convention
met iu June, 1884, Governor Thompson
was renominated, together with all his as
sociatcs on the State ticket, without oppo-
sition. lie went into the Governors Office
for tho second time possessing the entire
confidence of the people, and has discharg.
cd the important and cnorous duties of his
high official station with eminent ability and
satisfaction to the people of tho entire
State.
Since his entrance upon public life Gov
crnor Thompson's career has been remark
ably successful At the time of his first
nomination Tor Governor of the State,
which was made without his knowledge and
against his wishes, he had already filed
the Office of the State superintendent of
education for six years and had before him.
- oo.to;nfu r,nou,;not;o, g.. co..,h