The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1900-01-10
~ ia,sa,, of the General Assembly

Gentlemen of the General Assembly;
During the past year the heavy hand OF
affection was laid upon the chief e1ecu-
sSstiye of the State and the people were
called to mourn the death of their Gov
q ernor.s After a long illness Governor
William H. Ellerbe died at his home IN
7. Marion County on June 2, 1899. Young
s in years, full of honors, and commanding
thchrespect of his countrymen ne was
gathered to his fathers. Holding the po-
sition of Lieutenant Governor, to when
had been elected, and obeying the Con-
sSttution, I took the oath OF ofhce as
Hor on the sd day of june 1899
npediately thereafter began the
g. of the duties pertaining thereto.
ou last met there has been very
material progress in the State IN
Every branch of industry. Ihe
ld man has garnered the products OF
[elds with the assurance of good re-
j Turns for his labor. Manufacturing en-
;, terprises have gone forward with almost
miraculous rapidity and are furnishing
lucrative employment for many OF our
people. There has been great activity IN
tbe building of railroads, the great de-
ye1opers ofa country. Peace, happiness
and prosperity prevail in every portion OF
I the State fractional bitterness and strife
are things of the past and the people are
united for the upbuilding, progress and
development of the entire State. Death
has not thinned your ranks aud you come
together to deliberate and make laws for
the people,under most auspicious clrcum-
stances. Itrust that i'll all your dellbera-
tions You may be guided by single
..purpose-the welfare and happiness OF
the people whom you have the honor to
represent. However you may differ as
:. differ you will, your combined wisdom
and high patriotism, am SIRE, Will re-
suit in the passage of such laws as will
rebound to the good of all the people. In
the accomplishment of this purpose 1
8 stand ready and anxious to aid you and
cooperate with you in so far as my power
and abilityinay 60.
- EVIDENCES OF PROGRESS.
In otton;nanufacturing South Caroll-
ma leads all of the Southern States and
stands second only to Massachusetts, in
the number of spindles and second to
ksnone in equipment. If the progress OF
the pant year augurs anything for the
future we shall soon lead all others i'll
this important industry and instead OF
] furnishing any of of our staple crop for
export to other places for manufacture we
will be large importers of cotton from
other States to supply the local demand.
During the past year eleven new mills
have been organized and are in process OF
construction, representing total capital
of $3,275,ooo. Sixteen old mills have
been enlarged, representing an increase
of their capital stock of S2,429,ooo. This
not only means large addition to the
wealth of the State and all increase OF the
taxable property, but it means wealth put
into active service and employment for
many of our people.
In railroad building, as have already
stated, there has been very decided &C
tivity. 237 miles have been completed
$ and in actual process Of construction.
This represents an outlay of least $4,000
mile, or nearly s6,ooo,ooo, and when
completed and returned for taxation,
even at valuation of $40, 900 mile will
add 81, $40, 900 to the taxable property Of
the State.
In cotton seed oil mills, the lumber
business, and other branches of industry
there has been very marked activity. For
the exact figures in all of these new en-
terprises beg to direct your attention to
the full and exhaustive report Of the Sec
retary of State. A study of these figures.
and a realization of the material progress
upon which the State has entered should
be cause of sincere congratulation to every
true Carolinian and should move YOU as
representatives of the people to do all that
you can to foster and encourage this prog
ress and these institutions and industries
which mean so much for our State. l
have thought proper thus briefly to direct
Your attention to these substantial evil
dences of progress and growth as an en-
couragement and ar incentive to our peo-
pie to the accomplishment of even greater
things which lie easily within our grasp
if we will but put forth our hands and lay
hold of the advantages and opportunities
that thickly surround us on every side:
FINANCES. a.
: I take pleasure also i'll congratulating
gou on the condition Of the finances of
the State The State Treasuter has been
able,to meet all of the obligations of the
State promptly and also the interest Oh
the neblic debt without the necessity Of