University of South Carolina Libraries
f attendance was: White, 59,357; colored, 69,892; not classified, 7,109: total, 136,358. Teachers employed: White, 2,523; colored, 1,622; total, 4,2<>0. The average length of the public school term throughout the State was 3.4 months. UNIVERSITY OK SOUTH CAROLINA. The condition of the University, re-established at Columbia, in 18S7, by the General Assembly, Is such as to aflord Just cause for rejoicing to every friend of higher education ^ lu the Slate. Its reorganization has been rapIdly perfected. Evidences of activity and m progress abound in all its departments, its corps of instructors includes men of distin' guished reputation and attainments. The M proportion of students to teachers Is already Fas large as In many of the great universities of the country. Notwithstanding the sharp advances made in the rcquirementsfor admission, the attendance of students for the prestf ent session promises to be fully as large as it i was last year. The courses of study have been multiplied I and extended until they now cover advanced Instruction in all the more important brandies Of knowledge. In some of the departments a student wishing to devote himself exclusively to a single subject can find work enough provided to occupy him continuously for several years. The development ot the institution lias been especially rapid In the direction ot science. Laboratories are provided in chemistry, agricultural chemistry, physics, biology, mineraiogy, bacteriology, veterinary Science and pharmacy. In the mechanical ' department the shops for wood work, iron work and machine work are all under the charge of skilled and eftlcient Instructors. The effects of this development are already discernible in the large number of students pursuing scientific courses of study. As coin pared with last year, the proportion of scientific to literary students has Increased nearly 33 per cent. The laboratories and shoos are filled with earnest workers, and the scientific school promises soon to become the leading feature of the University. In tho present industrial awakening of our people when factories and other enterprises are springing up oti every side, this movement of students Is not to be regretted. There is urgent demand lor men of special aptitude aud knowledge to lead in the work ol developing our material resources, and In no other way can It be better supplied than by our own sons ..rained in our own schools. It is of interest, in this connection, to note that of the 12$ young men graduated In tht academic departments, since the reorganization of 43 are already encaged in scientific or industrial pursuits?17ot them are ana lytical chemists or civil or mechanical engi neers, Of the remaining 85.19 are in chargt of tlourisbiug 6cbools. The religious and physical well-beim of th? students has been as fully provided for its tht intellectual. The chaplain is uutiiing in min lstering to theirspiritual wants. The Young , Men's Christian Association of the University IWt has a iurge membership, embracing the best material In the institution. The White Crot-f Society is steadily gathering influence and wp numbers. The spirit ami deportment of th< students are admirable. The citizens of tO' lumbia bear cordial testimony to the excellence ol their conduct. Careful attention i.> paid to the hygienic condition of the grounds and buildintis. The Infirmary is thoroughly equipped and well officered. These tacts, submitted for your information are indicative of the splendid promise of the University. Beyond our borders it is already recognized ns one of !he foremost Institution? of higher education in the South. Its gradu ates lake high rank in the professional schools of the country. Properly sustained Its advancing reputation will soon attract prl vate munificence to Its aid. Its alumni hav< led the way by the recent establishment o: two scholarships, each yielding an Income oi SloO per annum. Believing that it can be made a jsreat seat o: learning, at once the pride an<*- ornament o tne state and the most import, i tacior in n> social and material advancement, I heartilj cominetid ihe University to your fosieriuj care and generous support. SOUTH CAROLINA MILITARY ACADEMY. I have again to bring to your attention and commend to your fostering care this noble in stltutlon, which, increasing In efficleucy, use fulness and popularity year by yeaT, has be come one of the most Important members o the State University. For Information as to its condition and pro gress. I refer you to the report of the chair man of the board of visitors, and to that o the superintendant, herewith transmitted. The academic session of 1888 89 opened or the tirst day of October with a greatly inureas ed attendance, and was marked by the propit ions circumstance of ttie return of the cntin number of cadets present at the close of th< scholastic year, with the exception of a few wno were nonoratiiy uiscnargeu. xms evi dont. appreciation of the peculiar advantage) of the system of instruction aud disciplini pursued In this institution shonld be surii cient proof cf the wisdom of Its establish ment, as well as ample jusiflcation for its con tinued liberal support. The attendance this year has reached th< unusual number of l'J-vof whom 68 are Oenetl claries and $ > pay cadets; and of the lattei the gratifying lact is noted that IS are froir ^ the adjoining State of Florida, Georgia auc North Carolina. The Legislature, at Its last session, out o the amount received from the Federal Gov ernment in settlement for rent and damag* due the .State, for use and occupation of tb< Citadel building from lStio to appropriat ed the sum of $37,2W for rebuilding the wes1 wing, destroyed during its occupamy by Fed eral troops, and for the necessary repairs t( the main building, and for the equipment o the Academy in accordance with the direc Hon of the board of visitors. This appropria tlon nMB cfinHltionwi ntmn Its unnlh'iit.inn tlrs1 to rebuilding and repairs. ' Of tne remaining$;>0,000of the 377,250 recov ered. $15,000 was placed In the State treasurj to be applied to the general purposes of thf State Government, and the balance of S5,00< wus ordered to be held to meet any claiuif which may be approved for the expenses o the collection of the same. The amount oi 857,200 thus appropriated t< the much needed repairs and necessary equip meiuof the institution has been so Judicious ly and economic-nil) expended that the build' ing has been thoroughly renovated, Itsaccoriv modatlons largely increased, and it has bceu provided with the latest modern Improve meats devised to ensure physical comfort and the best hygienic conditions. There remains a balance, after these expenditures, to tho credit of tiie hoard or 59,614 5: that cau be devoted to tne purpose of equipment; but there should be deducted from ihithe amount requireu to complete and furnish the section rooms ot the department of chem lstry and physics. This will so diminish ttie sum as to reuder totally insufflelent what is already inadequate for the providing the absolutely necessary apparatus for scientific instruction, or for the purchase of a modobt but Well Relented lihr/irv. EB The necessity of the latter of these essenBfl tlaU to a llrst-class institution, where ttie Wt highest culture is aimed at, is so apparent B9? that its importance need not he commented SB on; and it should not he said that ttie State PB allowed this favored cchool. now ranking SJj among the foremost of its kind In the United H States, to be crippled In its usefulness for the BK want of the limited sunt required for lis acffiS qulsition. Books, suleniifle and literary, are H Indispensable to t?>th teachers and scholars. SB ami it be only wisdom to make some small W annual provision for procuring the latest puhlications, especially those treating of the sul>KjC Jects and branches taught in the Institution. There is a Tuna whicn can, wllli great proBj^^-?riety and Justice, be applied to this purpose, DBkikI which will so far towards supplying these U^VlndisDehsable wants: aud in calling attention to It I cannot do so more forcibly than by using the words of the report: Bg 'Reierrlng to the Act, it will be seen that HI fifteen thousand dollars of the fund recovered from the Federal Government for rent and BQ damage to the academic buildings was cover99 ed into the Slate Government. Of this fifteen IN thousand, ten tliousand dollars was th* sum advanced by the State for the temporary re ptirs to the buildings absolutely necessary |fiN when the Citadel was recovered from the KedflOt erul Government, and before the tent claim was adjusted. Ttie remaining tlve thousand H2 dollars was the appropriation for the imtinteM nance of the school for the few months of t he first fiscal year that it was reopened. No reason appears why the sum appropriated for maintenance during this year should he charged upon the rent and damage fund that would not apply to every subs -quen t annua' appropriation for maintenance. It is asked that tlii.s special sum 01' rive thousand dollars be now placed in the hands of the board for the purposes indicated. This being done, the amount recovered irom the Federal Government, at no cost to the State, will have reached and accomplished the only purpose for which it could have been Justly claimed, and can be properly applied; the restoration of the status quo prior to Its occupation." I cordially recommend the appropriation of this fund as asked for by the board, as well as the usual appropriation of fc.'O.OOO ior the "free education and maintenance" of sixty-eight beneficiary cadets as provided for by law. WIKTHBOP TRAINING SCHOOL FOR TEACHERS This professional institution, in which Soutli Carolina is preparing her noble women ? ? for the great work of properly developing th rnlDds and hearts of her children in the schools of the State, has completed a most successful year. At the Inst closing exercises it was my privilege to present diplomas to thirty-four young ladies, representing nil parti of the State, the first graduates under the Scholarship Act parsed by the (Jenera 1 Assembly. The#*# graduates. well equipped for their high vocation and inspired with the true professional spirit, are now occupying Important positions as teachers, and, while thus helped to self-support, are illustrating the best methods of Instruction and elevating the tone and standard of th? common schools, riie grateful appreciation of south Carolina's provision for her girls in this institution is shown bo the fact that mere were over one hundred applicants for the Stat" scholarships at the competitive examinations held in the dliferent counties last summer by the State Kup'.'rintendent of education. The school gives one scholarship of free tuition to j each county in addition to the State scholar I During the lust year the general scope of the school lias been materially enlarged. both 'in faculty and accommodation*, and it is the 'policy of the board of trustee* to continue t his development as occasion may require and permit. An alumnre association of the graduates of the school has been organized with fifty-six members. Thb Peabody hoard, on account of the good work of the institution, and on account of the co-operation of the Legislature In this much ! needed teachcr-training work, has increased ! lis annual appropriation to the school. j The high estimation In which the W intlirop School is held hy this eminent board, which ! has done so much for Southern education through the distribution to Southern schools of tlielproceeds of 1'eabody's benefaction ol over$2,000,000, is indicated by the annual report of the distinguished president, in which he says: "The school Is among the best fruits : of the labors of this board, and we cannot but : feel a special Interest and pride In its success." The Winthrop School is accomplishing much for the young womanhood and the schools of the Slate, and is destined to accomplish still more In the future, and I trust will prove but the first steps towards the ample provision hereafter to be made by the State for the higher education of her women. It well deserved yourcontluued support. , For detailed Information concerning the : school you are referred to the report, which , will unlimittOfl In vnu hv the hoard Of trU8 tees. CLAFIN C0T.T.EGE. This Institution devoted to the collegiate , and practical education of the colored youth ' of both sexes, continues its important work, , and, with enlarging Held and greater facili; ties, its usefulness is constantly Increasing. ; The excellent management of this College is ^ worthy of the highest commendation; it is I conducted with the most rigid economy, and remarkable results are attained at coinpara; tlvely very small expense. [ I recommend that the appropriation of five , thousand dollars for the benefit of this lusti' tutloi.. be continued. [ INSTITUTION FOR THE DEAF AND DUMIJ AND i THE BLIND. This institution appeals more strongly to , the highest emotions and sympathies or our i nature than any other of the numerous pub: lie charities that mark the civilization ot an ; enlightened and Christian people. The liberality of the State can never be I more worthily bestowed than in advancing, , by the most liberal support, the education . and restoratiou to the world and society of > this class of her unfortunate children, who, f without external aid, must hopelessly remain I j in utter mental and moral darkness. Deprived by the accidents of birth of almost r! every avenue to the acquisition of knowledge, r It Is pitiful to behold their comDiete ignorj aiice of the world thut surrounds them, teem ing wiih the good and beautiful things that r I constitute the charm of life, but which to ' them are forever sealed blessings. To bring light out of this olack darkness, to evolve, by careful and laborious training, moral responsibility where none existed before; to confer all the powers and excellences of true manI hood and womanhood, where the ordinary . means of cultivation are partially or almost . wholly absent, is the noble work of this noble . Institution, and most nobly, under its able f and faithful direction, does it fulfil) its high Christian mission. I was fortunate enough to be present at the commencement exercises of till? school durf Ing the past summer, and. though aware of the astonishing results obtained by the rei cent improved methods of instruction for the . defective class of children, did not before real. ize, to its full extent, the magnificent work ? being accomplished. It was one of the most j marvellous aud Interesting exhibitions I have ever witnessed, as cat) be well underut.vrwl it-lion thr.mrrh t hft tmrfnrma rw.pu fho 5 various classes and grades of pupils, from the j recent matriculate to the graduate, was de. inonstrated the possibility of elevating a hu. mail being endowed with average mental . capacity, hut without ideas or tbe means of their acquisition, to the level of the iutellec3 lual, the rational, and the cultivated. The . larce attendance and enthusiasm of theaudir ences attending these exhibitions evidences , the warm appreciation and interest of those i most familiar with the work of the institution. f The buildings are iu excellent condition . and the grounds neatly laid out and beauti, fully kept, and an air of cheerful happiness ; and of comfort, and refinement pervades tbe I entire institution. I It is conducted with most ris:ld economy? . the per capita eost per annum being SUVi, tiie , lowest among twenty-four other similar f schools in tlio United States, with which a . carefully estimated comparison has been . made. t Some increase in the annual appropriation made to this school is aslted for by the board . of commissioners in consequence of tho Inr creased number of pupils enrolled for the j present year and for the completion of some % ^reatlv needed repairs and improvements, for . the detailed statement of which I respectfully f refer you to the report of its accomplished and able superintendent. . I trust that the amount asked for will be ' promptly granted by your honorable bodies, * and that this charity, among the highest and | most beneficent in the .State, thus assured of your generous support and encouragement, will goon prosperously In Its Uod-llke mission of making the blind to see and the deaf I to hear. I)E1*AGTME2?T OF AGRICULTURE. ! The annual report of the department of ag, rlculture will be laid before vou by the bonrd and commissioner, it contains u full review of toe operations of the department for the , past year, and is commended to the careful ! consideration of your honorable bogles. The Inspection of commercial fertilizers sold in the State appears, from the department rej port, to be carefully and properly conducted, j so as to afford the largest measure of protecI tlon to consumers and guarantee them against I the sale of fr 'udulent or worthless guanos. The value and importance of a rigid Inspection of fertilizers is realized when it Is stated that the consumption in .South Carolina last 1 year exceeded 1:!2,'>U0 tons, costing the farmers not less than two million dollars. The phos| pliato Interest of the State has had that careI fill supervision by the department that so Important an industry demands. within twenty years phosphate mining has grown trom an experiment to such proportions that it now I vi..i<iuun iiioninoof about oni-tlfth of all the revenue necessary for the support of the State Government. Every dollar due the State for the curreut year has been promptly paid; the consumption of Carolina rock In the United States his been greatly Increased during the past yenr, and the industry Is on a safe, solid j and substantial basis. The phosphate litigation has t>eon ended in a manner entirely satisfactory to the State. The efforts of the department to prevent the spread of contagious diseases among the live stock of the Slate are valued and appreciated by farmers and stock breeders, and this branch of the work Is becoming more Important as each year tiie stock interest becomes greater. Fho state we*the' service, operated by the deparlment and the United States signal service, is of much benefit to both our commercial and | i agricultural interests. The col I vol ion and j compilation of climatic data, so loin; neglect! ed, is now being effectively done, and Is more valuable as the records become more perfect {and complete The commissioner has enI deavored to have the fl-h laws properly ob-1 I served, and calls attention to the defects In ! those laws that prevent their enforcement and j ! observance. ; Thesfa'istlcal Information furnished in the! i reports of the commissioner gives t.heestnnat- j : ed area and yield of the principal crops, and shows a gradual but steady Increase in the value of our agricultural productions. The special agent sent by the department of agriculture to the Paris Exposition prepared and printed an attractive pamphlet setting forth our resources and advantages, and much good Is expected to grow out of his well-directed labor and efforts toward Inducing foreign capital and Immigration to seek the inviting field of South Carolina. He has ably and satisfactorily discharged the delicate and onerous duties devolved upon him. The museum of the department Is now well filled with the natural and manufactured products of South Carolina, handsomely and attractively displayed, and furnishes au object lesson worthy of the careful study of our people, and Is of great advantage to strangers desiring to become Informed of the wealth of our fields, fruits and mine.*, or our industrial progress. The work of this department Is especially commendable in the immense correspondence conducted ami In the treat number (17'.',0(10) of useful publication* distributed, giving Information. statistical and general, upon every variety of subject calculated to encourage immigration and capital and to foster and adI vance the agricultural interests of the .State. I Its management, has been able, faithful and laborious. THE EXPERIMENT STATION'S. The work of the experiment stations has been greatly systematized and developed | within the last, j oar. At the three farms numerous well-arranged series of experiments | are now under way. bearing upon such questions as the value of fertilizers, new varieties of our staple crops, new plants, methods of culture, rotations, feeding of farin stock, etc. I The careful duplication of these tests calls for more than 1,'Jitf) pints. | At the laboratories in Columbia investigations are in progress rolatii.g to the physical I properties of soils, the diseases of farm anljmalsand plants, noxious and beneficial inj sects, the life-history of the cotton plant. Including the study of its root development, I growth, composition, fertilization, varieties, etc. Several bulletins have been published, and an annual report of :!00 paces, glvlntr the results of the work f'-r the pa?t year. Many of the most important investigations are as yet incomplete. Definite results cannot be expected for some years to come. In scientific work time is an element of great Importance. To insure thoroughness anil accuracy it must, be subjected to numerous and repented checks ana vermcauons. mis is everywnere recognized In the older communities. Speedy determinations of important questions are neither looked for nor desired. The amount ot work undertaken by our stations compares most favorably with that of the stations in other States, and promises in due lime to civ* abundant returns tending to the development of our agricultural interests PENITENTIARY. I take pleasure in commending toyourcnrefill perusal the reports of the board ot directors and the superintendent of the South Carolina Penitentiary. There are now in confinement S81 persons? o!) white and *25 colored. Of this number ISO are employed in shoe and hosiery contracts inside the prison; 265 are at work on the Col utnbia Canal, and there has been a daily average of 285 employed on the aurlcuitural contracts during the year. The remainder comprise the sick and convalescent and such as are util ized in variousoftlcesabout the prison. The condition of the institution, thouuh entirely satisfactory to its direction at the commencement of the fiscal ye?r, has steadily improved under many disadvantageous circumstances, and Is now. in my Judgment, most creditable to the energy, wisdom and fidelity of its management. The year was commenced with an indebtedness of SH,lti2.m, and the necessary disbursements amounted to S73,2iW iW. makimr ? total of SH7.4fi0.yi. The earnlntts or ! the year have amounted to $8K,56j.S{ in cash, ! leaving a balance after the payment of out! standing clalmH of 91,104.52. besides tills cash balance there must be placed to i he credit of the Institution $Sl,770.OS In good assets, together with a quantity of corn, oats, wheal and other farm products, which at but a moderate estimate should be valued at about klo.OOt". The operations of the year Just past, and considered apart from those of any other year, show cash earnings of over $15,000 more than the necessary expenditures fur the support of the prison. It Is surely a source of gratification that so satisfactory an exhibit has been the outcome of a year marked by unprnpitious seasons for the sucees.?Jul conduct of Its agricultural contracts. This very favorable condition has Induced the board of directors to endeavor to .return to the State treasury a portion,at least, of the S'io.UW) advanced some three years ago for the maintenance of the institution, and they expect wHhi the next ninety days to replace S15,000 or more of that amount. The board again ask your honorable bodies that they be allowed to purchase, solely front the earnings of the institution, such plantation, or tract of land, as may be adequate in size,convenient In location and otherwise adapted to the needs of the institution ; and Icunuottoo heartily recommend the adop tion ol t(iis wise and prudential measure to your favorable consideration. The success of ih? Inrmlnii ntiprsuions undertaken heri-tn. fore on shares with the owners of the land has conclusively demonstrated the wisdom of such a course, which presents itself at this time with additional force from the fuel thut till of the agricultural contracts expire on the :ilst of December. 1890, with the exception only of lhat with Mr. seegers on his Green Hill place, wlire about sixty hands are em ployed, and which has two years yet to run. The management have given this matter the mo:?t caretul consideration for some years pnst, and it presents itself with greater force each recurring year. There are always a large uumber ol'convicts on hand who cannot be leased out for hard labor on account of sex or physical disability, but who could be made serviceable and profitable on a farm lu dolnsr such wholesome work as might be adapted to their strength and heulth. There is, besides, this further reason: the experience ol the Institution has not unfrequently demonstrated the fact that there are times when the demand for convict labor slacks or fails almost altogether, anil Its profitable employment becomes a matter of the gremest difficulty. With a plantation of sufficient size, however, the State need not fear these temporary lulls in the demand for labor, as the farm could very readily be made to produce, to a very targe extent, all that was absolutely needed for the support of the instltu* tion, with such additional money crops as would realize a handsome and sale cash reve nuc. I trust you will give to thin matter the grave and careful consideration its Importance demands. It Is contemplated by the management to build during the coming year a new hospital, which In the opinion of the physician is greatly needed, and ul?o to put In an electric fight plant, if these essential aud most desirable improvements can he accomplished out of the earnings of the institution. The board recommends that the amount heretofore appropriated from the earnings of the prison tor their per diem and mileage be iucreased to at least s2,0iK), as In their Judgment the present appropriation Is uot suillclent. They state tLiiil although the appropriation for the past year has not been entirely exhausted, they fuel that they have not been aole to discharge their duty to the full measure of their lespoiisibtlity 011 account ot the meagreness of the amount set aside lor ti.ei r use. The board also recommend an Increase In the pay of the physician to the Penitentiary, I it recommendation ill which I heartily con cur. There is, not, I am sine, a reputable! physician 111' the public service anywhere who perforins anything like the labor lie performs l'or the compensation lie receives.! His invaluable services to the institution, and lis uuiortunale, though criminal, inmates, richly entitle him to this consideration. LUNATIC ASYLUM. The annual report of the Lunatic Asylum presents a mo?t satisfactory exhibit of the transactions and operations of thut Institution for the year just ended. It shows that t he numberofpntients Increased during the fiscal year from OSO to 722; that there were at one time 732, and that the population would have been now much larger had not the plan of releasing: on probation been carried to the utmost limit of prudence. Tins plan, suggested by the crowded condition of the wards, seems to have worked well, and has efleeted considerable saving of expense to the counties. Compared with last year, 53 more were admitted, 11 more wore dlsc'iargcd S3-more under treatment, and 23 more discharged as The report of the superintendent contains statistics which show the remarkable Increase iu t lie number of colored patients which lias taken place during the last eleven years. In November, lt>78 there were 101. and In November, I8SU, :!13 an increase of over 201) per cent, while for the white population the increase was slightly over 7"i p-.-r cent. Should this ratio of Increase continue?and there is no reason to suppose that it will not? we shall have at the end ol the next eleven years'J;!!) colored I and .V20 white patients, making a totul ofj 1.759. These are truly starting figures and! must bring promleuily before the people of the State a grave problem that will boon he pressing for solution : that of permanent provision for the constantly growing numbers of our colored Insane. The necessity of a separate Asylum for this class of our population Is, I think, conceded by all, and the only question is shall It be an annex of the present Institution, or shall it be entirely distinct? My own convictions are decidedly In favor of the latter proposition, chiefly for the reason, entirely conclusive to my mind, that such a course is In the line of the policy so wisely and persistently pursued by tne State In all matters affecting race relations. Our laws relating to miscegenation, the provision made by legislative enactment for separate schools and colleges,and the action of our vari I ousreliglousdenomlnatlonB.all evidence the i feeling and spirit of our people upon this subject, and their solemn conviction that the wel- ; fare, advancement and true Interest of both races are best subserved and promoted by preserving intact and unchanged, a? far as prao- : tlcable, the peculiar characteristics and dls- t tlnclions of each. This race separation, i wherever and whenever it lias been possible to practice it, has invariably been productive of peace and harmony instead of antagonism, because in perfect accord with the innate sentiment and sympathies of both races; and, surely. It cannot fail In this case to be one of lhe most etlective remedial means in the treatment of. this nnlonunate class of patients by the removal of one 01 the principal sources of Irritation and discontent. This Is no new subject for legislative consideration; for three years ago, when the neces>ity, for increased accommodations In the Asylum, owing to the croweed condition of all Its departments was brought to the attention of , (lie General Assembly, a joint committee of both houses was appointed to confer during ! the recess with the regents as to "the best | policy for the future provision for the colored | tn<Mne," j While a majority of the regents were opposi ed to a separate organization, yet this cotn| mittee, after conference with them and a earel ml Investigation of the methods of other suites, declared In their report that the chief nnd only advantage^ one larije central lnstilull on is economy of administration: but that tlie advocates of an entirely separate Asylum urged in reply that the expense, Instead of being increased. would In reality be i diminished, on account of the cheapue?s of land of desirable quality and location to be obtained in other portions of the State, which could be utilized for ihe support ol the institution by the profitable as well ns wholesome employment of the laborof the Inmates: that I the same board of regents would answer for both, the only additional officers necessary | helng perhaps a superintendent., steward und treasurer, whose salaries would be more than compensated for hy the cheapness of management; and that the most recent experience and the hlghestauthoritles are opposed lothe creation of large and overthrown asylums, especially when confined within narrow areas, i regarding abundant space and limited number as essential to successful treatment. This report was followed hy the Introduction by the committee of a Joint resolution "providing for the appointment of a commission to Inquire into and to report upon suitable localities for the establishment of an asylum for the colored insane, and also to caH for donations of land for this purpose." i Unfortunately, this resolution, comiug up | only the day preceding adjournment, was defeated without, debate or consideration.and no action whatever on this important question was taken by the last General Assembly. ! This grave question, pressing, as it surely does, for immediate attention, has again been < brought forward in the report of the superln- | j ICIIUeill, Ul IIIB rt#JIUIII, l" "IIIVIJ 1 1TWI..V. .. j spedfully ask your careful consideration, as Prmcl^ely presenting the whole subject, and as j cntninlnif the views of nn able, zealous and skillful officer, whose warmest sympathies | and best efforts are enlisted In the discharge |ot the arduous duties of hl? responsible ofI fire. We have In support of these arguments II he example of our sister Southern Slates of Virginia and North Carolina. The former i has thought It necessary, In providing for this ! helpless and wholly dependent class, toestabll?h four asylums, three for whites and one for the colored Insane, and the latter three, two for white and one for colored patients. Whatever may be your conclusion In this matter, whether It be for the maintenance of one huge Institution, Including under one organization every class of these unfortunate citizens of the State, situated within the very Imlts almost of your rapidly growlne and extending capital, or whether It be for the establishment of nn entirely separate and dlstlnqt | Institution for the colored Insane. I am confl- , dent It will be dictated by the highest regard j for the Interest of the State, as well as by the ( 1 loftiest. Impulses of philanthropy and true j charity. 1 wouiu uiko chii )uur HLieuuii'ii iu ujc 0145- , irestlon of the superintendent for the estab-, , llshraent of a training school for feeble-minded children now In the Asylum, and to bis statement of the remarkable success that has ; been achieved In the education of the defective classes. The expense Involved Is Inconsiderable, and would he fully Justified by the Importance and humanity of the object sought to be accomplished. The institution has been most economically conducted at a dally average per capita cost of V]/, cents, comparing favorably in this respect with similar institutions throughout the country. Estimates for the present year are also submitted in the report, which though somewhat i ncreased over thote of last year, are rendered ] necessary by the enlarged population. I recommend that the appropriations required to ] meet them be made. RAILROAD COMMISSION. In consequence of the amendments to the general railroad law made at the last session of the General Assembly, the railroad commission have had their time very fully occupied during the past year In carrying out tbe provisions of the same. Freight tariffs have been generally revised I throughone the Stale, and are now on an apparently satisfactory basis, both as regards ' ! the public and the railrbads. < ! Th? railroad Interestsiin the State show a ' in rut? and healthy Increase in oulldlncrof new 1 ; lines, as well as in an enlarged volume of bus- ] j IllfSS. lour pun I en I ii r iibit-nuuu in i-mn-u ui me roported Improved physical condition of most 1 of the roads In the State?a feature In their i management very carefully looked after by : th? commission. i The special legislation of last session in re- 1 ewrd to the connection of tracks at Spartan- J l>ure hy the Port Royal and Western Carolina and Richmond and Danville mil roads lias 1 had the effect desired, although the connec- : t Ion was not made within the time prescribed. | This matter has been argued before the Supreme Court, but no decision has yet been rendered. During the past spring a conference of all ' the railroad commissions in the United I States was held in Washington, D. C.f under i lie auspices of the Inter-State commission. i and it is proposed to hold such conferences hereafter annually. i These meetings must naturally he product- I iveof no inconsiderable benefits to both the I public and the railroad corporations; and as I ?ome additional expense, not contemplated I by the original Act, must be Incurred by the commission In their attendance on the same, f I would suggest the propriety of Increasing i the contingent land of the the commission to > such an extent us will enable them to be pres- t ent at these conferences whenever they may be held. " .Some changes and amendments to the existing law.suggestlons doubtless of the Washington Conference, are recommended by the commission, which should, I think, receive ' us careful and early consideration as Is con- 1 sistent with the transaction of other lmpor- 1 tant business of the session. The hurmonlz ' iug, as far as practicable, the various statutes ? of the d lift rent States of the Union upon this ( grave and dlllicult subject of railroad super- 1 vision will accomplish much towards Its 1 speedy and satisfactory solutIon, to which Is ' now so earnestly directed iho thoughts and 1 best efforts ol both our public aud business t ni-'ii. < It Is a matter of general information that 1 In response to an urgent public demand sev- { emlof the railroads entering Columbia provided separate but equal accommodations for 1 passengers of the two races during the recent 1 State Fuir, and that the experiment proved a notably successful, causing no friction or { complaint, but conducing Instead, in an eml- ' nent degree, to the pleasure and comfort of ? the excursionists. There is no reason why this temporary regulation should not be made ' permanent, to the joiut advantage of the rail roads and the traveling public. Tim t nrerml vuira of misKPiliiei'S of both t races In the same railroad coaches or coin- a partmentsis frequently attended by unpleas- ? ant Incidents, which could be prevented by 1 the provision of separate accommodations, and to this, the accommodations being made a equal in character, there could be no objec- 1 Hon by thoughtful persons of either race. I consider it ray duty to present these con- S sldcratlons to the General Assembly for such F action as may be deemed advisable and prop- a er, und to nrge that.as a preliminary step to c the settlement of a pressing question. Chap- r terCIX of the General statutes ho closely 11 andcarcfuily amended, In order that com- 8 nion carriers may be relieved of the disablll- r l ies under which I hey have been placed by 1 t(ios<t who no lunger represent the stale, and S that a reform which is demanded by public 8 sentiment may not be further impeded. MILITIA. d The Report of the Adjutant and Inspector j1 General, herewith submitted for your consid- J oration, shows a slight falling off in the num J ber of men in the force, attributable, In part, d to more rigid Inspections. There appears to P be no lack of enthusiasm on the part of our citizens, as Is manifested by the constant applications to reorganize old commands, and those In active service are yearly increasing in efficiency. Amendment to the law regulating the distribution of the annual appropriation for the support of the various companies is recommended with a view of securing more regular attendance at a given number of drills during tho year, and paying them in propor tlon to the average attendance, Instead of taking the annual inspection, an at present, as the basis on which the money In paid. Special attention 1b directed to the provision of Section 32B, Revised Statutes, which authorizes tlie payment of S1.50 per day to each man when called into service by the Executive, but for which payment the Legislature, so far, has never appropriated a dollar. It would seem but simple lustice that faith should be kept with men who voluntarily give much time, labor and money to perfecting themselves in military duties, and who! are every year called upon to preserve the' peace, and possibly the lives of useful citizens. lean bear willing testimony to the! alacrit3* and zeal with which all such calls! have hitherto been cheerfully responded to! by these patriotic volunteerrs, and, up to the i preseut, without having received a ceut for; their valuable services. Three such calls were made during the year Just closed, and I would call your attentton to the Heport and earnestly urge that provision be made for paying the men the trifling sum prescribed by law. It is true the amount is very small, compared with the value of the services reudered, but the mr:n naturally expect some recognition, no matter how small, for Hie inconvenience, if not danger, they incur in protecting the officers of the law aud tliue contributing to the peace and welfare ot the whole .State. It was impracticable to hold an encampment this year, there being no appropriation for the purpose. The men were neither able nor willing to bear the whole burden of expense, In uddltion to losing their time. Nearly every state In the Union transports, subsists and pays officers and men tor their time in camp, in which alone the real duties of a soldier can be thoroughly learned. In our sister State, North Carolina, annual encampments are held, the troops nelng transported free. At the last an officer from the regular army was present, and both officers and men received much valuable Instruction. These encampments are strongly endorsed by every officer and by the Adutaut General of the United Stales Army a* being necessary to pertect the militia, so that it could be made readily available to assist the small standiug army in case of a common danger. It appears that there Is little chance ot the Confederate rolls ever being completed, some fifty being still missing, no one having beeu found able or willing to undertake this very difficult but patriotic duty. I would suggest the consideration of some means of publishing In permanent form those already secured with great tjouble. To the various other matters contained In this Keport I call your attention,and earnestly hope you will be able to adopt such measures as will eventually render. our volunteer force, composed of the besL elements in the State, one of the most efficient In the Union. In connection with this subject I would also earnestly bring to your attention the propriety of collecting lor preservation the battered battle flags of the companies, battalions and reglmentsoi the State. These ensigns represent the honor and val i?r ui uur peupie, unu 1110 rsuue snouia ume l care that they are reverently presesved an honored memorials of the gallant and selfsacrificing devotion of her sons. Lei her request the veterans ot the Confedarate Army und Navy to send their baitlescarred flags to the Adjutaut and Inspector CJeneral's Department to t>e carefully preserved In the Capitol in appropriate cases, where they will bear their silent testimony to the heroism with which the sons of Carolina vindicated her liouor, and the sell-sacrifice with which they laid dow n their lives in her aelence. I recommend a small appropriation to jarry out this suggestion and secure the safely aud preservation of the flags. PENSIONS Under the act of Assembly of 1883, fifty thousand dollars were appropriated for the purpose of paying a pension to the disabled Confederate soldiers and sailors aud the widows of deceased soldiers The Act of the same session of the General Assembly recognized the Pension Board and created two County Boards and a State Board, and required the list of pensioners to be revised by these Boards. Under these Boafds the following persons have been placed upon the Pension Roll: Soldiers 515 Widows 1,434 Total 1,949 Disapproved? Soldiers ?..243 Widows ?4 Total 327 Total passed upon 2,276 This Is seventy-six less than were approved last j?ar. The ttfty thousand dollars has been disbursed as follow.": May, 18">9, paid pensions 820,700 00 June, 889. paid pensions 2.895 00 Juiie and July, paid pensions 11,088 00 September, paid pensions 10,921 8U Board County Examiners..., 2,2<ti 40 Clerical services lor 1S88-89 1,700 00 849,000 20 This leaves a balance In the/Treasury ou this account of ?399.30. Some dltllculty has been experienced by the Comptroller General In the disbursement uf this fund. The Act requires the Comptroller General to mail his warrants to each pensioner for the amounts due each month. This It was round Impracticable to carry out because of the failure of the General Assembly to appropriate sufficient funds to pay the postage on the same. The number of pensioners is 1,949. and If a warrant were to be issued to.each pensioner each mouth and mailed as directed the postage alone would amount to $3S.9il per month. The Comptroller General not having sufficient amount of postaze to meet this requirement of the Act mailed the claims to the L'lerks of Court in the several Counties, who have taken great pleasure Id distributing the warrants. I would therefore suggest that the Act be so amended thut in the future the amount due In each County could be paid in two installments to the Clerks for distribution?on the 1st of April and July of each year. These Clerks, as I am informed, have been so kind in assisting the Comptroller General In the distribution or these warrants that 1 reel confident that they would not consider Lhe duty of disbursing these funds a burden, but a pleasure. This benefaction Is accomplishing so much omikin Kjipifso lust, that I warmly jnre again the appropriation ol the usual liuount for this purpose, to wit: fifty thousind dollars. HIE SOUTH CAROLINA AGRICULTURAL AND MKCHAXICAL SOCIETY. The Twenty-first Annual Fair of the Agrl:ultural and Mechanical Society was closed i few days ago. The people from every secJon of the Stute thronged to the Capital on ,hat occasion to witness the exposition of South Carolina's industry, progress and levelopment, and the most sanguine could lot have been disappointed, for this Fair is idinitted to have been the most successful in ,he life of the Society. The displays were nagniilcent; the live stock department has ;rown to hu?e proportions, and the exhibits >f stock being now annually made lu Columbia are probably unsurpassed by any Southirn .State. It is said by those well Informed that the ive stock awarded oremiums at the fairs of k few years ago could scarcely compete with luccess in the recent exhibitions. This fact lemonslrates continued improvement in llgh breeding, which Is being so greatly stlmi luted by the Agricultural and Mechanical Society. This organization is doing untold lenetit to the Slate, by giving an impetus io ivery Industry, Inviting competition, and mabllng the furiners, graziers and manufacturers to gather together by the thousands, at ,11 appoiuted time, note the achievements of ach other, and their respective methods, and , mbibe advanced and modern Idea*. In consideration of the great work being I accomplished by this Society, and to the ena hat it may be enabled to do still more for he agricultural and mechanical interests ofl loutti Caroliua, I recommend that the approbation now being made by the Stale, for Its j Id and assistance be Increased to an extent j ommensurato with its usofullness. This; econimendatlon is made In view of the linnense magnitude to which these fairs have! rown iu comparison with the moderate dij (tensions of llie first ett'orts of the Agricnl-1 ural and Mechanical Society upon its reor-l anl/.utlon soon after the war,?and the con. j equent growing necessity for increased ac- , oinmodatlons and facilities for exhibitions if every class, and In every department ol inus try. No appropriation that is made by your lonorable bodies, being devoted, as this Is, to he advancement of the most important lnerest in the State, is or could bo more pro- j uctlve of substantial benefit to the whole ieople. STATE IIOCSE. The various appropriations for the completion of the State House * have amounted to 8281,600 00 Expended to October 31st, 18S8 8229,284 39 Since expended to October 81,1889 50,820 88 Unexpended appropriation 1.494 63 SSI,600 00 \ * ' \ ' ' "! '? ' For the details of the expenditure* for the past fiscal year and for estimates for the work proposed to be done In lb90, I respectfully refer you to the Report of tbe Architect to tbe State House Commission. Economy and the proper preservation of the building alike demand tbat tbe work should be continued as speedily as possible to entire completion, especially that of the two grand stairways and remaining Committee rooms. By finishing the Interior at once, which will require a smaller approprlotlon than has been made in soffle years for carrying on the work, there would result a large saving of expenditures for temporary constructions tbat have only to be takeu down agnlu <>n recommencing the regular permanent completion of the building. It is equally Important for consldetations of health and comfort that the work should be carried to the entire completion of the Interior as expeditiously as possible, and thus render this splendid State building, as soon as practicable, fully available for the public purposes for which it is Intended. Comfortable and convenient accommodations cannot be provided for the satisfactory transaction of the business of the Ueheral Assembly In Its present unfinished and nnsightly condition. There is every possible reason that the promptest measures should be taken for the speedy, successful aod economical prosecution of the work. The fl reproofing of all the Committee rooms, offices of the Secretary of State and Supreme Court Library, the last named offices being immediately over the boilers used In heating the building, has been completed in the most substantial and satisfactory manner, with the best aud latest modes of fire protection known In the art of construction. The mutt ter of removing the conl bins from their present position to compartments under the ollices adjacent to the boiler rooms Is also mentioned in the Report of the Architect. The fresh air which supplies the heating ducts Is taken from the corrlder In which these bins are now situated, and much of the dust cuused by the handllne of the coal is carried immediately into the House and Senate chambers, to be lnhuled luto the luogs of their occupants. All the unpleasant consequences resulting from the present pernicious arrangement will be wholly obviated by the removal and proper location of the bins. , For these reasons, presenting themselves as they do most forcibly to my mind, I earnestly recommend that ample appropriation be made for the speedy completion of the entire interior of the building, careful and detailed estimutes for which have been submitted by the Architect. The greatly improved comdltlon of ?he State House grounds cannot fall to strike the most casugl observer, and has been effected u u1111 ^ nic paob j cai uy iuo kagio nuu uid iudefatl-able exertions of the Secretary of State, who has utilized to roost excellent parpose the force of convicts placed at his disposal by your honorable Bodies at the last session. This most deslrabla Improvement was accomplished by these convicts only at suth times as they could not be employed In such work In the building as they were competent aud able to perform. Their emplpyment in this work is in the line of economy and should be continued. Much credit Is due this officer for the time and attention he has given to the accomplishment of a transformation so necessary and agreeable. COJICLCSIOI*. It becomes my duty before closinf this communication to officially announe to your honorable bodies the sudden and rouqh lamented death during the past Summer of the Hou. I. S. Bamberg, late State Treasurer. I will not enter here upon any eulogy of thisgteatly beloved and esteemed citizen, for his eminent virtues are too widely and universally recognized to need the words of passing praise. Bexuttful in the simplicity of his character, srrand In the faithful performance of evey duty, able ,ln the administration of the, htgb functions that bad been entrusted to him and with blessed Christian charily temper iiigtimt oncciciuii^ OTCIJ nvi, vuwugub ouu deed of his useful life, his memory rests safely and endurlngly^in the hearts of his loving friends and tsrateful countymen. ? I appointed to fill the vacancy thus created the Hou. E. R. Mclver, of Darlington ; but as under the law this appointment only holds until the next ensuing seslon of the General Assembly, it now beoomes necessary that yoa shall elect a permanent successor to this important office. May the guidance of Infinite wisdom direct ' your deliberations to the lotting honor, wellarp and happiness of the people of our beloved State. J. P. RICHARDSON, Governor. How i9 the following extract from At Home and Abroad to be undeFstood? During the late war, there came a time when the resources of the Christian Commission had given out. George H. Stuart, the President, tele graphed to various cities for help; tor instance, to Boston, "May we draw on you for $10,000?" The response came back promptly, "You may draw on ua* for ?60,000." In a city of the West, Mr. Stuart was trying to raise $20,000 for the same purpose. In the midst of a great congregation, a well-known gentlemen rose and said, "I have agreed to give $1,000, but now I wish to withdraw it." Evrry one was astonished, for he was a man of known ability and liberality. After a moment's pause he said : "If Mrs. General H.," whose husband has just been killed in battle, "can give her husband to save the country, I cannot afford to p-ivp less than 35.000." O " ' ? T - I Oh, shall not the Christian zeal for the welfare of the heathen equal the patriotic zeal of our citizens in the most trying times??At Home and Abroad. 1. What was the mission or object of that "Christian Commission?" Was it to teach men that Christianity condemned war, or that it endorsed and advocated war? 2. Did that "well known gentlemau" give $5,000 to aid the Christianity that condemns war or the Christianity that approves war? 3. By what arithmetic did that "gentleman" square out the value of "General H's" life at $5,000? 4. Does a patriotism which gives human lives for a country find its equivalent in a few dollars given "for the welfare of the brethren ?" What say the heathen At Home and Abroad ? Just as you are pleased at finding faults you are displeased at finding perfection. The world is never dark when it is seen in tfie light of God's countenance. Recommend to your childrcn virtue. ? i'D13 atone call liiu&t; iuew uuypy?u.\iu gold. In an angry moment a man may do what a lifetime of repeytance can . not undo. lie who would accomplish a definite religious object must be definite in his efforts for its accomplishment. Thou uost not honor God by giving him anything, but by rendering thyself worthy to receive from him. Base all your actions upon a principle of right, preserve integrity of character, and in doing this never rcckon on the cost. It is the province of faith to believe what is not open to the sight, and to trust just as implicitly as though it saw with open vision.