The Newberry herald and news. (Newberry, S.C.) 1884-1903, 1900-01-09
Gentlemen Of the General Assembly,:

Ncnllcillcn Oh lllc bcllelal Assembly.
During the past year the heavy hand Of
aliction was laid upon the chief cXccu-
tive of the State and the people were
called to mourn the death Of their Gov
crnor. After long illness Governor
William II. l>llcrbc died at his home in
Marion County OH June 2, 1899. Young
in years, full Of lonors, and commanding
the respect Of his countryincn lie was
gathered to his fathers. Holding the po-
sition of Lieutenant Governor, TO which
had been elected. and obeying the Con-
stitution, l took the oath OF Office as
Governor OH the sd day Of june, 1899,
and Immediately thereafter began the
discharge Of the duties pertaining thereto,
Since YOU last met there has been very
marked material progress i'll the State i'll
almost every branch Of industry. The
husbandman has garncrcd the products OF
his fields with the assurance OF good re-
turns for his labor. Manufacturing en-
terprises have gone forward with almost
miraculous rupidity and arc furnishing
lucrative employment for many OF our
people There has been great activity III
the building Of railroads, the great de
velopcrs Of a country. Peace, happiness
and prosperity prevail i'll every portion OF
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 and you come
together TO deliberate and make laws lor
the people under most auspicious clrcuT-
stances. l trust that III all your dclibcra-
tions you may be guided by single
purposc-th the welfare and happiness OF
the people whom you have the honor to
represent. However you may dIiter, as
differ you will, your combined WISDOM
and high patriotism, all sure, Will re-
suit i'll the passage of such laws as will
rebound to the good Of all the people. III
the accomplishment Of this purpose L
stand ready and anxious TO aid you and
cooperate with you III SO far as my power
and ability may so.
EVIDENCES OF PROGRESS.
In cotton manufacturing South Caroli-
ma leads all Of the Southern States and
stands second only to Massachusetts III
the number Of spindlcs and second to
none i'll equipment. If the progress OF
the past year augurs anything for the
future we sha,, soon lead all others III
this important industry and instead OF
furnishing any of Of our staple crop for
tn ct al "a,
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 S3,275,ooo. Sixteen old mills have
been enlarged, representing All increase
of their capital stock Of S2,429,ooo. This
not only means large addition to the
wealth Of the State aid all Increase OF the
taxable property, but it means wealth put
into active service and employment for
many Of our people.
III railroad building, as I have already
stated, there has been very decided ac-
tivity. 237 miles have been completed
and i'll actual process Of construction.
This represents all outlay Of least $4,000
mile, or nearly $6,ooo,oo and When
completed and returned for taxation,
even at a valuation Of SO, 600 a 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 cn-
terprises I beg to direct your attention to
the full and exhaustive report Of the Sec
retary of State. A study Of these figures
and realization of the material progress
upon which the State has entered should
be cause Of sincere congratulation 10 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.
have thought proper thus briefly to direct
your attention to these substantial evil |
dences of progress and growth as All cn-
couragement and All incentive to our pco-
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 OH every side.
.Ss. . FINANCES.
take pleasure also in congratulatinp |
you OH the condition Of the finances of !
the State. The State Treasurer has been
able to meet all of tl,e'obligations of the
State promptly and elso the interest on
the pubic debt without the necessity of