Year: 1865

der soon restored to society. -


The total destruction oflarge tracts ofcoun-
try by an invading army, and the exhaustion
of the entire State consequent upon long
war, incapacitates the people from paying: ting
usual amount of taxes and it behoovesa all
departments of the Government to practice
and enforce a rigid economy: The annual
appropriations heretofore made will undergo
the closest scrutiny, and whenever a reduc-
tion can DE made, or the appropriation eatlre-
" dispensed with, it will be done. Alt4su-
pernumerary Offices abolished, and the sale!
ries of those continued reduced whenever it
can be done without detriment to the public
service, so that the expenditures for the sup
port of the Government will be reduced, to
the most frugal standard: The Executive
Department will cordially coi6perats with
you in all measures to reduce the expenses OF
the State to the lowest standard comPaa6is
with its efficient administration. .1"s


Invoking the blessing of Almighty God, on
our united efforts to ameliorate the condition
of our desolatcd and afflicted country; and
appealing to Him for wisdom, moderation. and
fortitude in the discharge Of our grave and ar
duous labor, am prepared to take the oath TO
support the Constitution of this State and the
United States, and enter upon the duties. of
Chief Magistrate Of South Carolina. %
INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF LIEUTENANT-GovERNEE


WILLIAM D. PORTER. .e2


Gentlemen ofhe Senate ind House Of Repre-


sentatices: -


To the good people of the State, through
you as their chosen Representatives, retarn
my sincere thanks for the honor conferred on
me. During term ofpublic service, running
through period Of twenty-five years, it has
not been my lot before to make any appeal;to
the whole people of the State, or to receive
any previous proof of their trust and conf
dence. Regarding this election as a token of
their favor and appreciation, l receive it with
thankfulness and shall always cherish it with
pride. .>.


The amended Constitutin of the State proS
vides that the Lietutenant-G Governor shall act
as President of the Senate. 1t will now be-
come my duty to preside over the delibera'
tions of that body. Happily the duties OF the
chair are not strange to me, and my recollec-
ton of the kindness and courtesy Of Senator'S
in former days, makes me feel that | shall
still be among my friends, who will extend;to
me all the indulgence and support that may
be needed. ~. -.yi


A great change has come over US within
the last year. The evidences of it are every
where about US in prostration, wreck and
ruin. All, all is changed, save our mutual
friendships, and the deep unwavering love re
feel for our State, the common mother for us
all. The former have sustained us in all our
trials and of the latter nothing but death
can deprive us-not war, nor peace, nor Pros<
perity, nor adversely, nor the chances of timei
nor the turning tide of fortune: Like
true children, in the hour Of distress we cling
closer to the bosom that has nourished u.s.
1t is our refuge and our strength. ~. "a


The past is fixed beyond recall. Te can.
not alter it, but we may learn from its teach
ings, if we are wise to improve the occasion,
1t is with the present and future that We
have to deal. 1t does not pertain to my office
to suggest measures 70. your consideration;
but may be permitted to say word or two
in relation to the spirit and temper in which
we should deal with our present exigencies.
We should, of course, realize our new situa-
tion on it's full extent, and also realize that
what may be right and proper in relation to
one condition of things may not necessarily
be either right or proper in relation to aH65
ther and different condition of things The



our pride and preiudices-in feelings and
opinions that are traditional with US; and
have grown to be part of our second nature:
The question Of honor or dishonor in any par
ticular case must be resolved by each iRdiVid-
ual for himself. Itdepends upon the mind;
the intent, the purpose. 1t depends mdeh3
too, upon the relative situation Of parties.
There may be more dishonor, in requiring and
enforcing condition than in accepting and
submitting to it. Between victor and van
quished he is most tnagnaniaeus who rises
to the highest levels of the occasion; and best
satisfies the requirements Of honor, -self-res-
pect, truthfulness and generosity. But. GER
tainly he who acts we'll his part in. adverse
circumstances must command respect, and
need not feel humiliation, Especially now in
practical matters, should we guard againstiaR
obstinate adherence to theory without .-slfi-
cieftL regard to new facts and conditions Fer
example; We have renounced slave labor ard
accepted free labor. Let Us not condemn :the
latter in advance-let US not PREJUDICE its fall
ure. This is the way to insure failure Let
us give it fair play and deal with it like men
who are determined that it shall, Succeed:
This is the way to insure success: Our OWN
interest and the interest of those whose lot
is cast with US; the happiness and prosperi::
ty of our State depend upon our graphing
with this great industrial problem in good
faith and with a brave, cheerful, confident
and determined spirit The work of recreG-
tion is in our hands; and if we shall succeed
in building up anew our waste places and in
laying the sure foundations of a large and en-
during prosperity, the blessings Of those who
come after US will rest upon our names.


Our people have pledged anew their faith
to the Government of the United States: This
IS q matter of honor and they will we'll and
truiy redeem their faith. Those who doubt
them do not know them. They have been
brave in war and will be true in peace To
affect enthusiasm now would be a hollow
mockery, the basest of hypocricies: It cannot
be expected of them. They have their griels
and their memories.


These are sacred and are entitled to res
rect and cannot be taken from them, but
they will not suffer them to come in conflict
with their duties All they ask in return is
a truth and faith commensurate with their
own. And so may be laid the foundations of
a. confidence that will be firm and enduring,
and will ripen in time into that good will, es-
TEEN and harmony that can alone make a
Government a blessing, and people conteR.