Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1899-06-07

Gentlemen: I don't think it is nec-
essary to make a speech on this occa-
sion. I realize the Importance of the
position 1 occupy tonight in South Car
olina, and 1 promise you l shall en-
deavor to do my duty faithfully and
impartially. If am not governor of
all South Carolina it will not be my
fault.
"No man can feel sympathy, more
hearty sympathy, than I do tonight for
the blow that has befallen our state,
and that sympathy extends TO my
home. My wife last night, on receiv-
ing the news of Governor Ellerbe's
death, telegraphed to Mrs. Ellerbe ex-
pressing her sincere sorrow at her
great loss.
"God knows, 1 feel sympathy for
Mrs. Ellerbe and her children.
at is my duty under the constitution
to assume this responsibility, and with
Gods help 1 shall try to do it faithful
ly. 1 appreciate the kind words Of
these distinguished gentlemen on my
left, (the supreme court judges.) |
shall seek them always for advice, and
with the attorney general and other
state officers l intend to perform the
duties of my Office as faithfully as
know how.
II regret the occasion which makes
me governor of South Carolina. |
have tried to be as prudent and as
careful as possible.
II have been asked by some people
why I did not come here to Columbia
and assume the duties of governor. |
believe Governor Ellerbe did his duty,
and those around him believe that he
did his duty. ButI believe he wanted
10 be governor of South Carolina when
he died, and I thought his wishes
and desires should be regarded. To-
night assume the duty, and ask
those here to help me. 1 am going to
do my duty as faithfully and efficient
ly as can, and if 1 don't make faith
full and true governor it will not be my
fault"
Remarks were made by different
gentlemen, and before the party broke
up the governor announced that he
would appoint as his private secretary
Mr.. Elbert II. Aull, editor of the New
berry Herald and News.
ADDRESS TO THE PEOPLE.
On Monday night, Governor Nc
Sweeney gave out the following ad-
dress to the people of the state, for
publication in the daily papers of yes
terday morning.
To the People of South Carolina:
In the providence of Almighty God,
his excellency, William H. Ellerbe, late
governor of South Carolina, has pass
ed to his reward. l regret the sad
event which makes it necessary for me
to assume the duties of governor Of
South Carolina. The constitution,
however, is mandatory. l have taken
the oath of Office and assume formal
control of the executive department
today. I have thought it proper to
address word to the people of the
state.
realize fully the responsibility of
the position. / shall endeavor to be
faithful and conscientious in the dis
charge of the duties which shall be
mine.
In the wisdom which devised our
system of government three distinct
were made-the legisla-
tive, the executive, the judicial-to
make the laws, to execute the laws,
to interpret the laws. Under our own
constitution they are to "be forever
separated and distinct from each 9TH
er," and no person exercising the du-
ties of the one shall assume to dis
charge the duties of the other. 1t is
wise provision. My duty mainly is
to see that the laws, as placed on the
statute books by the legislative depart
ment, are enforced. This shall at
tempt to do faithfully and impartially,
and without fear or favor, following
only where duty points.
In doing so, however, l ask and
shall expect the hearty cooperation of
every officer in South Carolina, wheth-
er he holds a state Office, a county OIL
flee, or an Office under municipality.
Not only so; but I ask the hearty sup
port and encouragement of every citi-
zen of South Carolina in the enforce
ment of law and in the promotion aud
and progress of our own
commonwealth, l realize the impoten-
cy of any officer, however faithful he
may be, who does not have this sup
port.
We are on the eve of great indus
trial advance-in manufacture, educa-
cation, commerce, and agriculture
and | stand ready to contribute my
part as citizen and officer to the TO-
terests of my people. have no polil-
ical punishments to intiict and no po-
litical rewards to pay. 1t shall be my
aim and steadfast purpose to give the
state strictly business administration,
and to be the governor of all the peo-
pie. To this end seek their sympathy,
their counsel, and their prayers, pray
ing myself that peace and happiness
and prosperity may come to every
home in South Carolina.
Your respectfully,
NIB. McSwEENEY,
Governor of South Carolina.
AT THE CHURCHES.