The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1895-09-20
GOV. EVANS ADDRESS
On the Opening of the Constitutional
Convention.


Convention.
Governor John Gary Evans was
elected president of the convention
and upon taking the chair, addressed
the Convention, saying:
Gentlemen OF the Convention: I thank
you for tho honor conferred upon mo by
tions. Under tho different forms OF goyern-
mont. monarchial, despotic and republican,
you represent hore to-day the sovereign
power OF tho republic. To be called upon,
South Carolina Is indeed an honor Of which
any man can feel proud. shall not review
the past history OF our conventions. That
as, mas already been ably done by our tenn
say that this is the I. rst time in the history Of
your State that her sovereignty has been
represented directly by the people, elected
by tho power OF the ballot fairly and honest
1y used. Your responsibility is indeed great.
They have delegated to you that sovereignty
whlch Is supreme, which can only 10 re-
vcrsed by the same methods hero cmploved.
ieel that should give to you, and you will
measures which in my judgment you should
handle. do this because naturally as YOUR
presiding officer, will be excluded from
having voice in your deliberations. 1 feel
tnae should call your attention TO the exec
utive department. You are to say what
power. you are to delegate to him. That
power should be well guarded; it should be-
restricted. Safeguards should DO thrown
ABOUT him. We do not desire monarchy,
nor do we desire a despotsm. Be careful
and throw every safeguard around this
power. Our present constitution was not
framed by people who had the interest of the
Wnole people OF the State at heart, nor was
1t framed by the intelligence of the State
would here recall to your mind tho prophetic
words OF Governor Orr on the floor OF that
convention that no constitution not con-
structed by the intelligence Of the State
could endure W0 have come here to blot
out that constitution and make constitu-
tlon that Will perpetuate the rule of in
lelllSencc. We are not against any class of
ctiHens. we are hero to sustain the republic.
virtue and patriotism is what sustains any
government
The happiest people are the best educated
people. therefore, you should preserve
your educational institutions and see that
tho masses are given tho benefit OF every
educational advantage.
There Is no way at present for the ex-
ecuuVe TO remove or suspend dishonest or
deiauitinS officials. The constitution should
proVide Tor the removal OF such officials or
at least for their suspension by the governor
TIL their cases can be investigated. Specify
the oiiense and provide the punishment.
AS TO the legislative department it is not
necessary for me to 60 far into that, for see
legislators here. The Legislature has en-
tircly too many elections.
1t Is unwritten law that it must adjourn at
Christmas. The terms should be annual,
rs they now. All the elections should
be put in the hands ofthc people No Legis-
lature can do much with making laws when
the members are so harrasscd by candidates
! for Office. Relieve that body OF this cumber-
some wOrk.
The charter curse is another thing No
special charter should ba granted All cor
porations should be- chartered under one
general law. 1t would save the Legislature
halt Its expense. 1t would bring to the State
numerous corporations.
The safety OF the republic also depends
upon your Judiciary. The danger to this
rep"hlic today, it is said. is due to the trans
Srrseon OF its power by the federal judiciary.
Learn the lesson from il. Place your judiciary
on pinnacle SO high that it will ever re-
main SpotlCSs. Guard it.
Anal here. l"t me say. il would be wise to
have the people elect the Judges. This has
been done hl states that ahead OF rs in
wealth, intelligence and education.
Your county governments AID courts are
farce. Make some provision for establish
inS county courts. sentencing TO chain gang,
etc. Thus yoT give III" best system of coun-
~ government and road service known in
tn world. Guard against too small coun-
.iH..
TIC ciuca:iona, . q, stion in this state ia
OF" o! the mos, serious. because IN schools
"it.t"u' IN Ist hr prepared for government
IN" >thocmaSter iS "A most important per-
S"naS". Tn" higher institutions are rs much
n"''!"d a. the common schools. The latter
h
! not do without either. Don't tear down any,
: h': rather buiid up more oil the higher in
st'"ti bnS. No tax that goes to such inStitu-
Il 'iS = ever unjust or oppressive. The peo.
III" .;"t it haci; manifold.
I'm are to pass qualification Of suffrage,
luG ar" here representing the inteligcnce OF
toe state; YOU must prrpctUatc il. You
lIu~. have an educational qualification. You
. !HV': do your duty. Let not ccnSurc OF for
"..;Ecrs aHI aliens deter you. You stand
l,.rn ~ t." whoiS people. You must rrcog-
j.! no Ia"tiona! differences here. The del
u;I.r- must rise above il. Wemust have the
supremacy Of intelligence over ignorance,
i.n '!-H t. rniNcc words for il means wL:te
-H?rSmary. Wherc Is no injustice 20 the
. h''..k man.
NV. 1noth"r qNnstion-the question Of
corporations. Provisions should br ma, :,
guard the people against the cnc~oa .i,nn,tt
"i corporate wealth. plutorra"v. THIS ~
not dr".a%ogH nut dnmo 'r2cy. Corporations
come mere. OU- laws are in favor ur ,Gcrp.
nVt Wa ow" To our people this s4:,.,:ard
] u" operatives ar' no; Foreigners. rut south
'iFolhlau'. special provisions shunli TO
mai" preventing thn iu'.,!cn O.: mora
lions gA "."iinn-. 81 .g IA gin ."r a. -, in
~.'i@r wr"ii h" valuable - i.r ,..,.:i,, nr
>" "rii% s, ia" lr6f!'. and such = ..ryi.n
"''"" Us more Na."". :Aan .hr salary ;aii
hin. ''''
The question Of corruption in i."ui.;ial,-
ties needs your attention. Tho 5nIv JI.hnn-
est elections .h-t.dy, / venture to say ara in
municipalities. Guarantee the State rif,
and county alike protection