The Lexington dispatch. [volume] (Lexington, South Carolina) 1870-1917, 1899-01-25
Governor Ellerbe's inaugural
Address.

Aodress.
Fellow Citizens: Two years ago
WAS called by an almost unprecedent
ed majority to the highest office
within your gift. The reasons fol
my overwhelming victory are not fal
to seek. We had just passed through
four years of the bitterest partisan
warfare that had ever shaken the
State. It had arrayed brothe,
against brother and friend Against
friend. 1t had engendered the bit
terest feelings between the different
classes Of our population. Town and
country were at war, instead Of work
ing harmonious!y for 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
inseparable ills of which 1 have
spoken The good remains; the evil
in time disappears. The people, es-
pecially the people Of South C1rolina,
are generous and in their hearts the
partisan hate soon die out, self con-
sumed.
Twas thus, after four years
| strife, the people now, in mutual,
well-besceeching 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 1 bad done moth
ing to merit such marked esteem,
but because they who knew me best
believed that as governor, I would
serve not 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 favoring breezes. Knight
ly and generous souls came forward
with pledges of co operation. The
press, with scarcely an exception,
promised support and propbesied
happy voyage under favorable skies.
With many misgivings [ undertook
the task to which was called, scarce
ly 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 stubborn
ly fought fight, is in sharp contrast
with the overwhelming victory Of two
years ago, and yet I have no reason
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 responsible
ties on others. With deep gratitude
to the friends who have never wav-
cred in their support, with malice to-
wards none and good will towards
my fellow citizens, with profound
appreciation of the great honor con-
ferred, I enter upon my second term
as governor Of this historic common
wealth. To the citizens, let me re-
peat, whose votes were cast for me I
can never express my gratitude, but,
while deeply grateful to my friends,
I shall endeavor never to forget my
duty to the whole people and to
treat with fairness and consideration
even the bitterest politicel enemies.
81 repeat what was said two years
aro T assnme this office miriam
meled by single promise inconsis-
tent with the welfare of the people.
To discharge my duties faithfully
and we'll, to win the approval and to
merit the confidence of all patriotic
citizens shall be my highest ambi-
ton. 10 my former inaugural was
outlined a policy, which in the main
1 shall still endeavor TO pursue. In
conclusion, my countrymen, I bespeak
for myself, during the two coming
years. if my life be spared, the ut
most stretcn OF your generosity anu
charity.
"All good citizens are struggling,
though over different roads, for the
! same goal, the highest welfare of our
! beloved State. Let us with each
other not to engender wrath and bit
terness of speech, but to allay pas
sion and prejudice, and to enkindle
in the hearts of the rising generation
a deeper love for our grand old State.
With confidence in the integrity OF
our people, with faith in God, who
favors and protects the righteous, I
shall take up the burdens Of this
high trust with fresh hope and strong