The Manning times. [volume] (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, 1899-06-07
TAKES TIE OATH.
Lieut.. Gov. McSWeeneT is Sworn in

Lieut.. Gov. McsweeneT is Sworn in
as Governor.
Hon. Miles B. McSweeney, who first
saw the light of day on April IS, 1858,
now occupies the exalted position Of
governor Of South Carolina. Itwas ex-
actly 10 minutes past II Saturday
night in the parlors of Wright's hotel
when the chief justice, standing on one
side of a tete-a-tete chair, with Mr.. Nc
Sweeney on the other, their hands
grasping small Bible, administered
the oath of Office. The ceremony was
informal, though there was some 80 OF
more gentlemen, consisting Of the State
officials, who had made the trip to Sci
lers, and a number Of friends Of the
governor present in the parlor at the
time.
Just at II o'closk Gov. McSweeney,
escorted by Secretary Of State Cooper,
and the other state officers, Senator
Applet and others drove up to the no.
tel. The party followed by those who
had awaited the governors arrival as
cended to the parlors of the hotel.
At l1:05 the chief justice Of the su,
preme court, followed by Associate
Justices Gary and Pope, entered the
north parlor, going to the right where
they took up their position the chief in
advance. Gov. McSweeney, on the arm
of Attorney General Bellinger, followed
by the other members of the official
household came from the south parlor.
At 11:O9 Gen. Bellinger, il a few
graceful words, introduced Mr.. Nc
Sweeney to the chief justice, announe-
ing that he was ready to take the oath
of Office as governor Of South Carolina
in accordance with the provisions OF
the constitution. The chief justice ex-
tended his right arm, Bible being IN
his hand, and Mr.. McSweeney grasped
the volume. The regulation oath was
then read by Justice McIver and the
governor pressed the Bible to his lips:
This done the chef justice asked
where's the tablet" and looked about
for one upon which the oath could be
signed. Finally the signatures were
affixed upon small brass table which
was part Of one Of the large wall mir
rors. The blank was an ordinary one
used for oaths of notaries.
As soon as Gov. McSweeney had at
fixed his signature with Justice Pope s
fountain pen, the chief justice congrat'
ulated the governor warmly and was
followed by the associate justices.
THE GOVERNORS FIRST SPEECH.
Gov. McSweeney then turning to the
gentlemen present spoke briefly as fol
lows:
Gentlemen-I don't think it is neces.
sary to make speech on this occasion.
Irealize the Importance of the position
I occupy tonight in South Carolina and !
promise you l shall endeavor to do my
duty faithfully and impartially. II
am not governor Of South Carolina II
will not be my fault.
No man can feel more sympathy
more honest sympathy than do to-
night for the blow that has befaller
our State; that sympathy extended tc
MY home. My wife last night on re
ceiving the news Of Gov. Ellerbe'
death telegraphed to Mrs. Ellerbe ex
pressing her sorrow at her great loss
God knows l feel sympathy for Mrs
Ellerbe and her children. 1t is my duty
under the constitution to assume thi:
responsibility, and with Gods help
shall try to do it faithfully. I appreci
ate the kind words Of these distinguish
ed gentlemen on my left (the supreme
court justices). l shall seek them al
ways for advice, and with the attorney
general and other State officers l intenc
to perform the duties of my Office a:
faithfully as know how. deeply re
gret the occasion which makes me gov
ernor Of South Carolina.
l have tried to be as prudent anc
careful as possible. l have been asked
by some why l did not come here to Co
lumbia and assume the duties Of gov
erner. l believe Gov. Ellerbe did hi
duty and those around him believe tina
he did his duty, but I believed that h
wanted to be governor Of South Caro-
lima when he died and l thought hi
wishes and desires should be regarded
Tonight I assume the duty and | asl
those here to help me. | am going t.
do my duty as faithfully and as efhci
entity as can, and if l don't make
faithful, true governor it won't be m.
fault.
The audience warmly applauded tn
governor when he concluded.
Attorney General Bellinger at one
stepped up to the governor and graspe
his hand and said that he wished t
assure him of the full sympathy an
support Of the members of the cficia
family, stating that they would Away
be found upholding his hands.
Mr.. Cooper then stepped forward an
made similar declaration, warml
congratulating the governor.
Superintendent of Education McMa
| han was the next to congratulate tn