The Lexington dispatch. [volume] (Lexington, South Carolina) 1870-1917, 1899-06-07
W. r. Ellerba's Race Is Run.
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doubt, assuring him Of a second term.
The race betweenIhe Governor and
Mr.. Featherstone was one of the
closest and most exciting ever known
in the history of the State. Before
the legislature had adjourned there
were some sensational incidents to
the administration, and it was at
least a fortnight before the session
came to an end that the Governors
health began to fail him utterly, and
since that time be has been at the
State capitol only once or twice.
Steadily the disease that he had
fought against for some years forged
it's chains about its victim, and his
friends soon gave up hope Of his
recovery.
Governor Ellerbe was married
comparatively early in life, and
leaves a widow, whose devotion to
him in life soothed many a troubled
hour, and an interesting family con-
sisting of several children, all quite
young.
Governor Ellerbe was inaugurated
for his second term January Is, Of
the present year. Ga that occasion
be delivered this inaugural address:
Fellow citizens: Two years ago [
was called by an almost u%nprecedent-
ed majority to the highest Office
within your gift. The reasons for
my overwhelming victory are not far
to seek. w had just passed through
four years of the bitterest partisan
warfare that had ever shaken the
State. l. had arrayed brother
against brother and friend against
friend. 1t had epgendered the bit.
terest feeling between the different
classes of our population. Town and
county we're at war, instead of work
ing tremendously for a common
good. The reform movement brought
many substantial gains to the people;
but, like every other social revolution
it brought with it the concomitant
and iuseparable ills of which l have
spoken. The good remains; the evil
in time disappears. The people,
especially the people of South Caro-
lima, are generous, and in their
hearts the posion of partisan hate
soon dies out, elf-consumed.
Twas thus, after four years
strife, the people now, in mutual,
understanding ranks, marched all
one way, no more opposed against
acquaintance, kindred and allies.
Ignoring party lines, they turned
with characteristic generosity to me;
not because of special worth or fit
ness on my part, for [ had done
nothing to merit such marked
esteem, but because they who knew
me best believed that, as Governor,
I would serve net a faction, but the
whole people, and strive to bring in
an era Of peace and good fellowship.
Thus was I enabled to launch the
Ship of State under iavoring breezes.
knigbtly and generous souls came
forward with pledges of cooperation.
The press, with scarcely an excep-
ton, promised support and prophe-
sled a happy voyage under favorable
skies. With many misgivipgs 1 IN
dertook the task to which I was
called, scarcely daring to trust my
ability to meet the expectations of
the people. Would that it had been
possible!
The scant majority, however, re-
Gently accorded me after a stub
bornly fought fight, is in sharp o N
trast with the overwhelming victory
O. two years ago, and 1 have no ca
son either to complain or whine. My
duty I have performed to the best of
my ability. My mistakes I shall
neither attempt to condone, nor to
shift the burden Of their RESPONSE
bilisies on others. With deep graft.
tude to the friends who have never
wavered in their support, with
malice towards none and good will
towards my fellow citizens, with a
profound appreciation Of the great
honor conferred, 1 enter upon my
second term as Governor Ct this