The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1889-01-09
A Farmer After Governor Richard
-rf son.

X Don btless the session of the Legislature just
adjourned has been watched with as much in
terest al any that has heretofore convened in
our State. This is mainly attributable to the
fact, that the last campaigne was conducted
upon certain issues OF economy and reform
which we're prominently brought before the
candidates and which influenced more or
less, every Intelligent vote cast ir the eec-
. ton. Conspicuous among those issues, and
one which lowered above all others In impor-
tance, was the establishment Of an Agricul-
tural College, and the acceptance Of the Glenn
y son beQuest. This was the burning question
OF the campaigne. and upon 1t, the views OF
every candidate from the Chief Executive to
.-the representative, were demanded by the
The result Of such Issues in Abbeville Coun-
ty was the election Of an able delegation Of
reformers, and advocates OF an Agricultural
College. that reflected credit upon our Coun-
ty, and their successful labors deserve the
plaudits OF an appreciatiye constituency.
jority OF the Counties OF the State, as evil
denced by the passage Of various economic
measures in the house, and especially the
Overwhelming vote in favor of accepting the
Clemson bequest, and establishinfl said Col
lege. For this measure, both the Governor
and Lieutenant Governor pledged their sup
port during the campaigpe. AS far as the
Lieutenant Governor was concerned, we find
his promises sacredly kept, for when the bill
had passed the house and had entered that
autocratio body, the Senate, and was threat
ened with stranguiation by the, Bourbon
kt
manded that the voice Of the people should be
needed.
How stands the case with Governor Rich
While he poised during the campaigne as
the friend OF the farmer, and as in favor Of
the establishment Of an Agricultural College,
we Will refer particularly to the political
meeting at Hodges, at which the citizens OF
express himself In favor Of the matters at is
sue. With an eloquence and pathos worthy
Of nobler cause, did he boast OF his familiar
pledged his support to the establishment OF
an Agricultural College and the acceptance OF
the Clemson be9gest But, presto hear him
ance Of the bequest is presented tor his sigma
ture, he virtually vetoes 1t in effect. by pock-
citing IT for year, solely on the ground that
ne has the constitutional right. and that the
bill Is Of such Importance as TO need longer
time for consideration. Ah, indeed! Longer
time TO consider matter which has been dis
cussed In three months campaigne upon
every stump in Carolina, from the Mountains
70 the sea.board? Longer time to consider
the propriety ofthe State simply expressing a
willingness TO accept bequest. in accordance
With the decisions OF the court, without as.
litigation, and especially when the greater
part OF the bequest Is the sole proprietor of
the testator, and has no other possible claim
anti Longer time to consider the constitu-
tionality OF keeping inviolate pledges sacred
" made. and Of sustaining the dignity and
honor OF the State Of South Carolina?
While history points the finger of scorn to
Benedict Arnold, who betrayed his country
for f1ltry lucre. to-day we can with equal jus.
tice point the finger Of scorn to the man, who
pIlghted his word, and betrayed the conf
dence OF his countrymen to pander to the
wishes off Bourbon ring" and thus bring
reproach upon the pure escutcheon OF our
State. AS well attempt to dam up the waters
of the Mississippi, as to try to check the tidal
wave Of reform which Is sweeping the State
and which sooner or later will remand to pri-
vate life, those who tamper with the suffrages
and stife the voice Of a free and Intelligent
people, and thus learn them that sacred
promises made before elections should be
kept as inviolate as the constitution itself.
A FARMER.