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QfziMJ sam'l. w. melton, fpropi:ctc?' An Independent Journal: For the Promotion ol the Political, Social, Agricutural and Commercial Interests of the South. jlewis m. geist, putiiiher. VO]L' 1- ' YOEKYILLE, S. C., THURSDAY, IXKVJ^nnill (S, ISoo. ~~ NoTaB. GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE. Kxfxttive Department, Nov. 27, lb">5 (' .(tf swu. (if lh ' S' iKtte <hnl Jfnuxr of Jkrjn'cschtafii'cs: You biivo resumed the discharge of youi constitutional duties under the most encoura ging circumstances. The pecuniary pressun which, at the beginning of the year, h ire s< heavily upon all classes of society, has happib pn-scl 6fif without its anticipated disasters.? ('uinmerce continues to prosper and widen he domain; Agriculture rejoices over full harvests and Labor of every description feels the stim wlas of remunerating prices. The year ha. been one of unexampled health, and our poo ].! _ , in quiet and security, have Miccesslulh iievotc-d thorn solve:: to their various vocations Jlvprcsenting a Commonwealth thus blessed you will unite with me in offering to the (?iv cr of all dood the homage of grateful hearts and devoutly supplicating a continuance o IIU favors. In the discharge of the duty imposed on mi by the Constitution, 1 shall recommend to you consideration various measures which I thin! important to the public weal. Your intelli gencc will enable you to select, and your pa t riot ism will prompt you to adopt, such o them as will advance the interests and pro mote the general prosperity of our conuuoi constituents. The public good, especially committed to your keeping, conuut, in my judgment, be more certainly attained than by a steady adherence to the long-settled policy of the State. Xew enactments, and modilica tiuns of existing laws, arc sometimes rcijuiret t.? suit the varying circumstances of ourcoudi tion; but legislation which seeks to l>re;:l down the forms and usages to which a peoph have long been accustomed, should not bo re sorted to except under the exacting pressure o necessity. The people of .South Carolina hav< groat reason to rest content with their Con-ii tution as it stands. It is far better that its im material defects should be borne, than that w< should begin the hazardous work of eonstitu tional reform. All cf the old States of tin Confederacy, except our own, have r.t differ cut times made fundamental changes in theii Constitutions. These changes may have ser ved for the moment to eantivatc ti:e nonulace 1 11 but 1 have nut beea able to discover that thos? for whoso especial benefit tlicy were introdu cod have been distinguished by a higher ele vatioti of sentiment, or been rewarded wicl creator prosperity than our own people, wh ?t;!I cling wi.h confidence to their old forms, and gather hope for the future from the encouraging recollections of the past. Continue, then, by your example and policy, to teach Volir Constituents not to lean on government. but to rely tn their own energies to work out their destiuy. Apcoplethus trained will be more jealous of th- ir rights, and when assailed will stand up more manfully in their defence, than if their minds ale bewildered and their time wasted in fruitless efforts to better their condition by periodical changes in their organic law. The proclivities of the acre are, to my mind, ominous of an\ thing but good to the cause of true progress. In certain sections of the eouutry doctrine? have been avowed aud scenes enacted which, in the better days of the Republic, would havt consigned their authors to lasting infamy anJ execration. The advocates of a "higher law' sit in high places; fanaticism rules triumphanl in the land of Hancock and Otis; aud mob: and riots are so common that the masses art fast acquiring a taste for blood, lu view o! the hideous phases which Radicalism has else where assumed, and the bitter fruits of its tr? uuiphs, Conservatism may confidently appeal to the patriotism of the reformers of a mildei latitude to postpone their labors to a more auspicious period. There is wisdom and safer* iu the injunction of Holy Writ: "Prove al things; hold last to that which is good." I com uioud to you the preservation ot our lousiuu tion in all its integrity. It has served us, and we owe it t:> ourselves to transmit it intact tc our posterity. First in order, and highest iu importance, 1 invite y >ur especial attention to the linaneial condition of the State. The right to tax youi constituents?the most responsible and delicate of all your trusts?cannot be wisely exercised without constantly keeping in view the amount of our obligations, and properly estimating the resources with which tliey arc to be met. I low far it may be prttdeut to iucrcasc our indebtedness, and in so doing create, at no distant day, a necessity for increased tuxatiou, it will be fur you to determine. Our people arc patriot ic, and I am satisfied would make as heavy sac ritices as any people to preserve inviolate tin public faith; but it must be borne in mini that they cultivate exhausted lands, and thej will form au exceptiou to the rest of theii countrymen, if, with the prospect of oncrou; taxation before them, they do not emigrate t( more favored regions, where, if they have higl taxes to pay, they will have rich harvests ot which the contribution would be levied. The following statement exhibits the publii debt of the State, as it appears on the books o the Loan Odiee, on the oOtli day of Scptem i 1 o - .t . uer, icwo i O ? P 2 ? 1 00 30 CC -70 X X ^1 CL 1 ? ? ;: X X j8 8 3C Lv 1c ic ic- w ... ^ S x o g w f . i: 2 dc = r1 jP -? - P - - C 5 ? c ',4 O C1 "J lv O 4* J5 ^ 17 J in o ? ^ -" ?J "H = s * Q O *^1 ' ? 0? r? i o o *i u; ^ fc r ii o o a. - ?* ? " "* HW C-, C-< ex. p x ?. 2 2 -I 3 in = 3 3 ^ in c :? C ? < < : 3 ? So si 5 s r : C< 3 c:'< ^ _ 2 l' ^ 2 -* ** a: x jr4 &? x x X- p : li ? *- p.* g P ? M Qtl 00 ? <* j ; : gl ! ? I I "0> Ci C' OS Qd i?? 6? 5" o ? c. o o o o & C| S'~ ; ? W??0 , ? >; lu ooceo "X -' ??L?, n ? ? ac o r: io ^ g. **! ! o ooxcco^oo g'c! ? o O * ^ ? 05 w S" ' _1 o O 30 M Q5 M yO !___J To the above sum of $2,287,106.23 must k added i?S!.0.(> ,0, the amount of Otitic subso l ip- I tion yet to he called for to the I>lue Ilitljro ! lvai!r.ad Company. This will jrive us, in ! principal, 8o,0b7,1b0.2o, and an auuual inter- ; i est of 817-,47G-01. If to this is added the > j sum of $1,0?)0,00'\ the amount of bonds of j - ; said Company to be endorsed by the State, ! - hearing seven per cent, interest, the entire 1 ? ! debt of the State may be set down at 84,087,- ; ?" 1 V.i.lrd, with an annual interest of 8242,470.- j - ; ".i. When this sum is increased, as it most : i' probably will hb, l?y another million for the I ; completion of (he State Capitol, the whole debt - will be 8 .">.0*7,1.30.lib, with an annual interest - j of $Jl 1*470.01. tlia rrvncc re, fito r?f tl?A 1 * ?*?! ilm l*i^t < ! year were only 827-1.f)'_J it i-- apparent ll:at uiilv s.s there are largely i:ieie;-s? ;i ibr the fu? : ture. a la rye forth 11 ?>i* this i uteri t mast f:!l - on the State Treasury, a in! 1 o met by an in i crease of our annual taxes. I u v i. *.v of this cxf i hibit. ! think it mint he ;u!milted ti. t we . j have made sufficient pr.og;vin the way of c : getting into debt to justify at least a temporar i ry pause. You will certainly not official the * i tax-paying portion of your constituent: by de dining to c'.nlark in any no w projects ivtg.iir- > - j ing new loans to any considerable amount. 1 j In enumerating the items of the public <h ht. - j I have omitted -8l.t .">!,dl'O.bO, the amount of 1 I surplus fund ilepositi d by act of Congress, i >' j cause I have no apprehension that the Stale f i will ever be called, upon to pay it. The j uhr lie debt, so far as it respects the p: vment of ) the interest, is ?li\ir.!e?I into three eias.-t : I. That, the interest of which is chanrfabl.i j upon the Bank Thi- con>i. r? of tlm and <5 - per cents, of Is).*. i 2. That portion of the debt the inter. -t i t" - which is chargeable on lite sinking fund. I: - eor.si.-ts of the ) per cents of 17? 1. and the "> p-.r cents of l>ds. redeemable in 1 i). The new debt, the interest on which - payable out of the current funds of the Troasn rv. viz, the bonds issued to provide for the erection of the in w State t'aj.it-1 The:.. ui.r isjiit'l is s^.eMsn'; nite;est ?! ..' The bonds is ii. d r > providt' f r li.p payment of the - State .Hi' -erij.fi,,!i to to-- Tin.' D.ailnad i' Company. Deads to the amount of Sl'i '? - i.ave rdn ady b en i.-.-ued. the interest on whieli : will be-Mltd-'nti. There must 1 durii.jr the t ensuing year a further i.-sue of b .mb pro vide the means for oarryiim on both these works. ' i lie resell fees oi tie Mate to meet the J.ub> lie debt consist of .-took i.: her various railroads. . and the Mirpius asset.- of the lhnk. Tin? nominal value of these .-fecks is >'1.: their present v lue in market is *771. 1Mb The -urplits n:ean- of the State in the Dank. i over its liabilities, is ?.">.!oji'.i!4. On reference to the Uepmt of the Couiptr.Ilor-Heiicntl. it appears that the payments f?r the year ls"i were > ! "? 1 an 1 the receipts at the Treasury were S14". i IJ.f'd. i My predeee-.-.r called your attention to the claim of Mr. Anthony 11 yde tV.r coin missions as a trout of the State for claims on account of i losses in the Florida war; but on reference to ' your journals I tind that no action was had on the subject. Shortly after y..ur adjournment. > Mr. Hide ur-cd on ine the payment of l:is , claim. I'pou examining the pajiers in my de! partuient, 1 found that the late Governor Sea[ brook had appointed Mr. Hyde airent of the State, with a stipulation on the face of the l power of attorney that Mr. Hyde was to res ccive as his compensation five per cent, on all i sums collected. Out of the SI,Ms) to the en dr : a flia <r..fA .it tbr> I nie-d Stuti '; Treason. - I have paid him his compensation at the rate of live per cent., and a .small charge for copyl iug, in all S97S.I~>. Mr. Hyde thinks he is | r entitled to live per cent, more for his .services. - How much equity there is in his claim you will r be enabled to determine by an examination of 1 the papers and correspondence which are here with transmitted. The balance, after deduct ing brokerage, amounting to together 1 with S17,7S(>.05 previously received. I have i deposited with the Treasurer of the I'pper - 1'i vision. A Report from the Commissioners of the 1 New State Capitol will be found among the documents accompanying this Message. In j accordance with your instructions they have I eh. nged the site of the building, and modilied ; their planssoas to remedy the defects in their ! ' former structure. The walls for the foundation have risen above the surface of the grouud and as more than one hundred and forty labor, ers are employed on the work, its further pru; gross will be rapid and gratifying. It appears , to mc, though pretending to no skill in such - , matters, that the new masonry is very much, i ' superior to the old. The large regular haml | mered stoue, arranged in horizontal layers of t equal thickness, gives it a solid and substantial i* appearance, which forbids any fear of a cafes- 1 > trophe such as befel the former structure. The ) bouds of the State issued for this building have i all been disposed of, and of their proceeds on- ' i ! 1\* enough remains on hand to meet the wants J ~ : of the prcscut year. Although the finances i ; of the State demand the strictest economy and j f the most careful husbandry of our, resources ! - as the Capitol has been begun by your authori- j ty, and is much needed by the State, 1 would | suggest liberal appropriations for its progress ; and completion. There is no propriety in pro- : trading the work for six or eight years, when ; it may be finished in three or four. The Ion I | ger the time of building this structure, the : ! greater will be the expense to the State, so that . ! true economy will recommend its speedy completion. The South Carolina College is iu a more j flourishing condition than it has ever been j since its establishment. Its administration is j able and faithful, and I am assured that the j j spirit of study has never been more general, ! nor the bearing of the students more manly. [ It is objected by some to the institution that | j its advantages are confined ton particular class, j 1 and calculations have been made to show at j what cost to the State these advantages have I been enjoyed. I respectfully submit that its benefits are not to be estimated by the standard I of dollars and cents. If its fouuders had made i it a question of arithmetic, it would never have been established. Aud if it is to be judged I by that standard, then perhaps it may be said ! I to have failed. 13ut if the spread of knowl) odj^e and a -tliir.st lor i;.-; iicijuisitinn?ii' the i development, ami expansion el' intellect?if pure morality, manly siioi.t, refined t ?>lo, 1 mill elevated thought?it' these are iiehes to i people, then has the Institution been a mine I of wealth to the State?thus i'uilv iu.?ti:'vin?r' ? " ' . ' j the liberal policy v. hieh has always sustained , it. ! It is greatly to be regretted that 1 resident "j Thoruwell's determination to withdraw from i its government remains unchanged. 1 regard j hU retirement a public loss, lie has dischar- j god the arduous trust with unequalled ability : ami success. ami in thus officially noticing his I resignation. I feel that I pay but a morito'lj tribute to uncommon worth and rare ondo?f-*j meitt. </:: the of Januavv. ill:st J <i*ti?ui oi'the ; (\?!!cge building. known:.s the Last \\ i:ig:.ml t'entiv lhi:!d;ng ot I'utlodue (' >!! go was totally destroyed by lire, The .W est Wing was | saved, hut in such a dainagul condition as to . n ndor it.- continued occupancy extremely uniomivift.ihie, it tiot posinvi ly dangerous, 'l he ineonvi itieiteies to which the Colli gc was .ubjected h\ this disaster were so great, and tlm deutaud for the reconstruction of the buildings ; so urgent, that special meeting ot the ! <<nid of Tru.-t'. s was called, ia the hope that some scheme might hengj;- stcd. by which the i *:ii !ings < ! ;ihl 1 e ; placed with />;i \v:ii!! r a specji-.l ;ipj .a.priation IVi.-m the Legislature.? he'ovils to be apprehended iV?<ni d* lay were l: tli.K*. .! I !i I i. i? I: ' I''. i (' l!v _:o ibr two In!! s- >.-ii.:.s in a c . irI?-j?altogether unl'.t !* r tho ae -en:;..? <!::Ii.?!i .idents: av-jdirahts would haw b < v. u Irons nitert;tinin\r. or ii' they had Ik - ii bisj.<d to eonse, ( ;:Id Ji'.f have n iveeiwd.? The Mudi-ni- n?w i:i a!r<-i.d.i!... \\\ u'e! iia\e lava cr vvdcd v a \? ar h-niTer. o 1 t.? the It iuj :atii,:.~ to i 11. .. s ai d <!i-bj?:;tio!l. which such a state < !' t!:iu_s ::atu: liy engenders. lite ( i .bye at the t'lUi! til i. e lire w;;s in a condition of ;.'r. winy j { rity. and it' it had been allowed to ;'cv. ive :i s'o.ev. \v11i?*ll Would have been the e..-e !.: ?J |; i;. e-t b - n u: miles;. ] jj jp lvjarmb n. the e?.n-. iitlvliees U;i;.:'.t littVi'bee;: p fn.anofu'v tro.1--. i ii?? Hoard was i ??i t:; eviis. tliat it resolved to re at < nee. and to pl-dee. as far a> it was .:i.?. t: :.r to >! > mi. the faith of the Heyi-l inn . '!'!.? ea > >, :?? -*i too j lain ( ? :t<!:ui: ofil>u'>r. The I.c-Md.-.imv .- .aid 't >11 fi?*r t!i ? <' Ya _ lie in rui:;-.? Hesidos, I!?i"i't* V"::.-' !.. ? a; ?j. at r latin . i. ti 10 Stair, in ais art . 1 !!'. :;.r ; tr 1lor (Ii n. ral w:' rn.uii'.1 anna !!v tin* I "!.ra * !'ill?uiOtis aia. . i..' . ^l i.ii i .r pti?>n <?!' tw<> i.r thi*> ? x> > -. xh > Art was |V'_V!!ai'iV I'V'rllJ- <i 'iJit:! I'M I, '.vhell i..?: iii:.' i>!a:uiv <! f * I i ih'il i li i Mir l u onl :i t.t r? ; :ia ri->n. : ?!.' tin itml. it w.i- u:. i? ?* : -I. il.. ; tlir State i ut:!it f>> I it* < -vn in-ai.-r. A- tm-n tlit: Li-iiisl itui'i' 1it:<i a.suiued, ia s. i-a . mr. t!.. responsibility of an in.-uiir. it wa* h.>j? i ilia* this w>'ii!?l hr an additional inducement for r?'pairiii-_r the Ioss< > occasioned l.y :us arch!, ntal tiro. t Tiilideiitly anticipating tin !Vi> r;<l!\ interposition ut the Slate. the ii> . rd : * a- itit- 1 r?! a committee t make a e>>af:':irt aj.i.a liar faith o. an :ij?pr>?j'riaIi?>n tV-nnthe j ? > .-? ;?t l.< i>l .tare. lint the <*?.i?:mitt?c found it imj >ible to execute their tru-t. .Vi meehtni" w.iitlil undertake tiio xv -ik With the ? crate oninmn ut s'ueli a la> Iv as the Hoard ? ! i " , , 1 1 '.'list:vs before me. 1 dt<i 11**t -1 riijtle Id regard this as an etiscr :e:iev ia which 11.- j.ul !! into it-'t demanded whatever appropriation ? < ithi be made from the contintrei.t fund, without prejudice to thecustomary draftsupon ii. The assistance which [ was able to vernier, enabled the < 'uinmiuee to make a contract upon very favorable terms, and the work lias been completed within a shorter period than was thought possible. The College appears in renovated beauty, and the tide of its prosperity has had | no ebb. The cutire cost of the new building is 822.Hi2. Of this sum L have advanced out of the contingent fund 81.">,U<.'0. An appropriation of 87.8V12 will be necessary to fulfil the obli- . iratiou of tiie Hoard with the contractor, Mr. f 'ownover. I have paid for ordinary drafts on the coulintrent fund. 81 ,('-U.di. There are j eertnin rewards offered for the aUDrchonston of f"u*ritive.s from justice, by myself and produces sors, which may hereafter constitute a claim on this fund. The .Military Academies are most successfully conducted and continue steadily to grow j in public estimation. Though but a few years' I standing, their fruits are already felt in every district of the State, and under your fostering care, the harvest in time will be rich and a- ,; buudant. They will be found to bo stronger | safeguards than forts and fortifications. The j indigent young man who finds himself thus , generously trained b}* bis State for the duties j of life, can never forget that he has a State to ' live for?he will always feel that she has a j claim upon him, and in the hour of her trial, j will regard no sacrifice too dear in defence of; her institutions. Wise policy dictates that their capacity for good should be enlarged to ! the extent of our means. Too much praise j cannot be awarded to (Ion. James Jones, ; CMviirnif.il of tin? ltnir.l nf Visitors. for tllO I V v. V..W ? ----7 ---- I uusclfish devotion with which he watches over and guards their interests, lie has just rea- j son to be proud of the success which lias ' crowned his efforts, and the State may congrat- I ulatc herself that the experiment was intrust- ! ed to the guidance of one so highly qualified for the task. With but a few exceptions, I have reviewed the regiments of the first and fifth military divisions of the State, and the regiments of Charleston & Laurens districts. 1 was gratified with the militaryspiritcvinccd, and thcknowledge of tactics which has been generally acquired. The Adjutant and Inspector General I found always at his post, and it affords me much pleasure to testify to his zeal and efficiency in the discharge of his duty. Jt is not necessary that I should urge upon you the importance of keeping up our present militia , system. Our peculiar condition, and the dan- j gersto which we are exposed both from within aud without, should preclude the thought of abandoning it. It is not desirable, nor is it practicable, to make regular soldiers of our citizens, but it is important to teach them at least the rudiments of thatscienee upon which ever}* people must re!y 'or seetuiiy .-isl deiormo. The muster field, like t!ie tnlito! hash, lessons. I t ineuleatcs the duly ?>!' oVJiuiuu too viitue of courapro, and flic m aliment of p.itrioti-'iu?and wit!=' i;f i .? . :? < ': mints, the standard of character ctsi u?'Vt r i.>. Tlit? Free Sv sy^eta v::i! , ivo at yi-ur hands that eonider..?ion wlii- !j I; in ; n-' moo demand'. results have ? Tar > hurt A of its object, that it may he pror< !! :<;?? ] a ! ::!ure. its do.bet.- have bei n !*;::pr iVIt. ami y. t nothing has Icon done except n dnu' ! tin sum of mcnay to he wasted u:o! i- a had >y.-t'. m. It riMjuires thorough an ! entire ivformation. it is unfortunate thai :!; end whieli wascviileiitly contemplated ]., !!.? ::et of is] 1 !> . been abandoned. rind iw':;; was !i I'.'mI to iiitroduao vrr;i<iua!!y a u*r:.i >y.-tei:i oi' J.it?I1 liilii !>Owll I'-TVrr; i (i) 11:. c. t ' i\\v#lu>M#e oil::c::(ion of pimped. [n ir.y j 11 went wo .-luiuM ivtum to (!.< policy oi' Is! 1 si nil sork ?<> iis.iu'iitriiio a sr.: which. i : itultiiuatiMiCV* ! >!< .-ilii !-.i:;;r tin' js:o:. ufoJa.-ati.rti within ii:v lvarli ov /V family ill t!iO Slat,'. .\ vi.onsn lasiiiiot l > i:ia!'ii*i 'I at uisor. !r is 'h-viso a Ic.ititiful am! r,.nM.plan. a>J'i of spi dilation. i; < ( r.i-1 not > . *" I- 1 . j into oM'iWtioli?piii'ily ln'Oii fll' * ..'it oi I:;* atts. |?"ii'l:V Is'iilil l;! 'M 1. I . . j Ii* sirs oi iii.tPi.-iioii. a:: 1 . .-j c;-ial!y f: .. 'I'.-iinji ihil ,i\.t , . (;'t:' in IJ '?.* ! t ll!;:. U :!ioi;!<; h : i: * <! rJ'Io t nl >1 or ailiiio.' a i.-'jiHlar a .oi' i i'l'.ai.. i., : ii'l oi' iWnij-Uiio; in t/n.-i. . !? ;?> -oi i -.h' ' . V.i " i o ?? !ti.:v* ? v i . > i< -i.'M.I. a/.- nil.:ii!-. d o i<i- . .t .* ; a r,-io , I 1 ail,! until 'hat i.- :.. ? ;.) !' . \f i; tli'iiy is _;Mnl ''J :;m- |.r f . . hois. ! :: - t i n.o tit ! in o -i: i;'i t's ?:; ! knoW-ciLo ..... ! . ai:! s*!a? Mip. j>!y ?t? a;i - i'.sc I!: '' : t? j.-i;. uki i .? to i.1i; a I;i ;!i * *]* .?>1 in -tv. I :i: t!i M..! *. in v. !:i -li I*; ;.'! i ! j t-I }i?r ii?< m;:\? r iiv a;. . ;r- ia v?! i t ? Mtain i-r < ! i . u' ::: ? ? . :.?:<! j.r lake -1: .u!<i : ? !!> _? :.J : ..f 1 !: "Sal*'. .1 I .-I li-V .i: i: li.- '. t ; I:i,; . :: ' J 1 *:if r t i' ii.'iioii.? r,,l , \ 1 I ; i : :: :i a :* i . !> . : ; !. 1-li? i' -r! ii ? v. y j I?.a iau?l u'liil i!.:i? I.:' ! : .uciici: a;v li! i'.: . \v?>uM i- r.-a! i : ul j ?? /! i n !' i : *;i-ir !:? rrr . a. ia.i.* anr.- t i t|. . - ? ? ?.;i ::!i i i!i h:=i " ? Jt:1; csviwiaSiy >\. :\v, i -.vliat liM!'iin*i in tinv. ??i<-v:itf: 11?1 f ihur.al:! i*i 'i !:? hi J;.? ! .!?! oiu*ti croat : ! 1 * tin* ial'-rioi'. : ?.?? fun.i-Ii f 1:? m- an> i i'; : vi !i. _ i!:?:.i \v i I a.-lit !>. ! i i ac ." I :?.'. h>i\v< v? r. ?!. 'i ?! ?? l-ai'-i ia a : *:i 1 >y -t? :u. M.al !i ul-i ?: -lit*.:i ii' * r. i ; { ?' r.pj. ri.ti. .1 t 1 i*?* iti-ltto nt, :!; prh.dp! !.?.*!? :.t | .* r :t:?;t:? > tin 11' . '. 11I. :i 1 i tin1 .<: 11 < 1 <ii I vrrliiulv !<. i"!' !. !" < 1 . ' ii i't j. ! 1 j.-.l nim-hai. n (.;!; j ] :j: 11. 'Mi ll: r 1.: !.' wli . f , 1 i;I \ *?: "ii_\ ur- :!Iy ii.-tr: '.it d . ; ti: S ate; ii is i!i! j "Mr ] > i!. .' '! whom i; i.1 ?n 1* du;y \r j" !i v r 1 : '! L-I!i< :1 ! i c pr-'p :?ni *0 irf j^ if ti.-' Si.it-' u.. . .* i> rai.-?. a *Mii'I to ( !ii'.'iiti* i!i?' jo r. r.H be pent wiiojv it t.- urnst iii'"?tril. ! ji'ti'i" the proi*r.t method, m- mmr mou y i :.ii- in t ne section for tii'.' ciucaiimi hi it0 i?r ;ix liUiiu;'v.i| children. taaa in another r ten or a dozen. !u a matrcr of .'iicli vital i.nj ortar.ee to tin4 State.district ami parish !i-. -s.-.iiould be disregarded. V\ bother we lr.e 'iirli. mountains or on tin* sea-board, in the mif.-t of light or >urrounded by ignorance, wo re a!! equally interested in the noble work, and into whatever benighted part of the State the rays of knowledge can be made to pencil to, we should feel as citizens of the same Stale, enjoying one renown. and linked to one d>sii:iy. that the partial blessing is the neutral good. Lf the rich do pay largely to the suppnt of government, they enjoy large protection, and thoy will consult true policy by emit abating liberally to the cause of education, where suffrage is universal, and govermont rests directly on the public will. Superficial knowledge is better than no knowledge, for, after aii, the trutlis that regulate the relations uf life are plain, and lie near the surface. An igi.orant people may passively enjoy liberty but thoy cannot feel its inspiration, and will, bring no sacrifice to its UlLill. I will not on such an occasion enlarge on the necessity and importance of public instruction. All civilized governments recognized the duty, and labor to mat its requirements. The subject addresses itself with peculiar force ton slavcholdir.g community. The world owes its civilization to slavery. It exists with us in its most desirable and enduring form.? "It is the corner stone of our republican edifice," ?.nd its strongest defence will be found in the education of those entrusted with its preservation. It is, however, impossiido that the present system, or any other, can Lc made to work well without a responsible heal. There must be unity and energy. Allow me to urge upon you, as has often been dime the necessity of appointing a Superintendent of Public Instruction. Select a man suitable for the work.? Pay him liberally. Cheap officers usually render cheap service. Make it his first duty to visit every neighborhood in the State, and ascertain where school arc needed?where schoolhouse may be conveniently located-where, owing to sparsencss of population, they cannot? where those who aic able to educate- wil[ unite with the State inthe establishment of A eademies. In a word, do as has been done elsewhere?have a survey of the held of ignorance, and with the map before you, decide on your system. Make at least this effort, and if it results in nothing if in consequence of insurmountable diificultiesin our condition noimprovement can be madeon the present system, mid the poor of the land are hopelessly doomed to ignorance poverty, and crime, you will at least feel conscious of having done your duty, and the pubic anxiety on the subject will be quieted. The Luuatic Asylum is well managed, and ' :=n v jVi'-'ornis it< nils-ion <;i" tiiCfi-y ::iui i IV?i rela-vcil l!.o r.i\i-.?sify (.!' Mty spcrial svroin rc!at In it, ; < iMiiiitiiltt'cv wove appolatuil at y.nir hist siv-.-iifti Jo 0N:ii..i:?c its c tttiiliur. ai:<! lvpt ft : oil it. necessities. .Mum* a comparison of its , , results wish other institutions, ami a enrefill i:?sj>oclI;of its interior ion. 1 omnot w:t!:!?:?!<! the expression of m y belief that it is an institution <'l?!or?> Mined i..-t than sinning." Xu'i less humane hi it.- object, than the care and treatment of lunatics, is I Sic instruction of the deaf, dumb, and blind. 1 he Stale recognises her obligation to provide for this unfortunate class of her citizens, and has always v netd' -!y ro; .-nth d to the appeals wLch have , l.-ecii 11.ado in (!; !. behalf. !'.? * many years a | sum was annully appropriated fort bo maintenance and education < !' her poor mutes hi northern lu.uhutions. Parents generally were a-j verse to sending their children abroad, and i'< w availed themselves of the opportunity thus . afforded. In ! til. Mr. X, P. Walker was induced hy Various < idem!;. us to establish a school for their 'duration at t 'odar Springs, within i'.r own State. The motive that prompt, < ! the .! v/.i.s : r ' 1,y in 1 he highest Hi- !. c(,n iiU niiir (lit? tliilieiilii ';< !::? ! t<; t nnt; r. has )ji vii rfiun, i.nt !.' ' ::r limited :>!)<I wholly inade iti..*t*: i nn-ei ii." iir :e:!Mi,.r demands ut tin* in.-ti:?iri. .i. i r : ::11 ml to yell tin' prnprii:l \ ? !* .r.tli.'! i i > ? : tin1e"m.:;i>. i'mer- < ;' I lie ?1< at'. ?1111:.. Mi 1 1. ii. !. I i j iis't'lm: c tin1 ostablish::: ! :? } o . . n it jic'i .".duitional v :.v- ;.h-:n ami *.i?ias v. ill make it < fli-in r :!: ? : . (' inmate- who are liko!y t i (.MMijiV -amo, t > 1?ti>?? it to .nr. \i ?* i-r tiii'' i.tJn-i* arrateja-na nf ui.a-h tlit;v : ! ?! tin- 1 i-.-t. r tin- njij-.rt a?. ! odstea:i ii nl" thi' inuiai.--. In liit - way th .hate may liradnally and i i-r'ii" ::i.-;il!y ! i'.i! 1 ua an t-stalili.-h.ua--lit >1' law '.v i. 1'i.Mai t i i!. Want.-: ->{ 11; . . objects ut lu-r apathy. .I..; ! .-f' tin" -aiue s i. i also ii corn-. i. i that tin- -am.- ru.nmi^-ioner.s l a authorial ! j : vi !'- i'i r tin- tvn-ptiuii aial education it' i'!! :i -. t iiti! r.-fitt year-. no elfi.rl lias li. i:i ma it: tii i 1 ii -. thi.- nru.-t miserable ami pitaldo i-!;!.--: .?i* human suifcivrs. because their r iniitioti ha* alwny- been regarded as utterly In Vi.ml i!ii* r. :u:!? ??t* liUii;an benevolence.? Mi,.!?:u philanthropy. \\* ii !? lia< achieved .'ii. li Wi?11?? r1 triumphs in tin1 ease of the mute. !;:e at la i ii:<jthe misery of the i or. lit ;!* ?.*i!' 1. loathed i 1 i t. It lias been deim trail ?l ly actual ivsu!t>hat the idiot has miii:" laic;:] .mil i.i' int'dlf-f." and is capable, i:..J. -i* path culture, i I being rendered iMinyarati'-vly useful. comfortable and happy. ' < ?r" tin' ill plumbic i i.iiiiitinn of these union un.ite ? ;*<-..: t;i-i. >. it w ulil scarcely be an exaggeration t ' iv that they are little better eared ; r. than tl.e bon.-ts which perish." What j..v will if nut impart to parents, whose homes are :il"r:.** ?I with the presence of tin; idiot j e!.ii I. t i learn that a place has hcen provided t" wlii ii In- mi'.!;' l-e removed, and as light is *_; -t'luaiiy let i:i api.n Li;- dark sottl. what i.le.-.'irm will tiiey not invoke on the State that ti.vi-' mercifully dispenses its charity. An invrehange of opinion wirli sev ral of eir ' it-l ies and lied lawyers, has induced me, il.i.;:.:!i not a member of the legal ' " siou. f.i bring to your consideration the mri. t v of making a system:.!ie revi:iou of tile 'lata of the State. I rdy with great e- ati'lenee on tlie judgment of iho.se who have oi:.do the law the study of their lives, ( and f trust I shall not be regarded as traveling beyond tl.e sphere of my duty In urging upon ' you a mailer that so deeply concerns every member < f the coiuuionwetilth. I wiil not | t go int i a statement of the many considerations which to my mind render such a work ! desirable, and L might ad 1 neees-arv, in the opinion both of the Bench and of the Bar of the t'tate. Hilling the short session of our Legislature ' and in the ordinary course of our legislative : proceedings, it is vain to aspect that any thorough amendment of the law upon even a few subjects, can be effected. If the subject shall , appear to your honorable bodies worthy of at- ; tent lull, I beg leave to recommend, that (.0111uiissioncrs of dilligenee and ability .shall be : ! charged with the duty of reporting to the leg-; i islaturc for its consideration the general pro vis- ; ions for a revised code of statute law, and some or all the parts c-f stub a code. A mere , compilation of statute law as it exists would , necessarily be insufficient and unworthy of great effort; but if comnii.^iouer.s entrusted , with the necessary powers, should be required to report the nature and reasons of all the changes they might suggest, they would be a1 hie to devise a general scheme to which all : ; the parts could be conformed ; and their rci mcmbrnucc of the legislative sanction, which i must precede the validity of their suggestions, 1 1 would restrain sufficiently any disposition on ! their [art to extravagant innovation. 1 I concur in the recommendation of my pre- ; | dcccssor as to the propriety of repealing our I usury laws. These laws originated in ignor- ' < I nnr?<?ntul ori'iiidiop and. like all crovfiriiiiient res- \ trictious on trade, are inconsistent with the < enlightened policy of the age. They check ' honest industry, and evaded, as they constant-'? I ly are, afford inadequate protecthn to those t ; for whom they were enacted. Unprincipled 1 1 men occasionally set up the plea to avoid their i obligations, but the unfortunate ur unwary, , t rarely have the fortitude to lace the public dis- ! 1 approbation with which such efforts are most:1 i generally visited. Restriction on the use of , f ! money often deprives industrious men of the ] means of extricating themselves from cnibar-: I rassment, and precipitates the ruin which ' i timely aid might have arrested. It hastens, ! i j never keeps off the levy of the sheriff, when 1 j hoarded capital, true to its instincts, reaps pro- j1 1 fits which legalized usuryi would never exact, i ! The trade in money would be as free as the i trade in any other commodity. The metal i | dug out of the earth does not lose its original ] ; character by the stamp of government. To i the miner it is as much the product of his la- ; bor, as the cotton is to the plauter. There is i as good reason for government to undertake to fix the value of the one as of the other. Both 1 are exchangeable commodities, and their price i should be left to be regulated by the law i f' u ply and demand. JJy virtue of charters, ai associated capital is permitted to realize eight, w ten. and even a larger per ceutage. Why ti should individual capital be restricted, under w a penalty, to seven per cent'! If it be a rjues- d. iinn of murals# it is difficult to comprehend w the code which in the one case stigmatizes the ir individual who socks ten per cent for the use d? of ids capital, a.s an usurer, and in the othei p: attempts to dignity the same practice by call- it: imr it dealing in exchanges. Competition in se money, as in everything else, must operate ri beneficially to the public at large. These laws if have been abolished in the country from which C we borrowed them, and I think the examph ai worthy of imitation. vi I recommend an alteration of our enclosure :li laws, as a measure demanded l>y our interest \v and necessities as an agricultural people.? if, When timber was abundant, and but little of di our soil brought into cultivation, these law* re mav have been nrohcr. but the total change -b J ---- - - 11' wliich h:ts taken place in our condition, brings re along with it a necessity for a corresponding la change of our policy. Tlic system should now <_rr he reversed, and instead of compelling the at cultivator of the soil to fence in his crop, the cy owner should he required to em-love his stock. 11 Tillage is our gnat interest, and should no In longer he subjected to a tax so onerous and uu- th necessary. It is vastly cheaper to fence our ui -toek than our crops. The time and timber hi annually consumed in building and repairing \v< fence.*, t which fairly estimated would amount th to tin enormous sum,) i- so much capital liter- di ally sunk, with no return whatever. The pro- th duets of the soil will mature as well without its as with friK-is, and the law should protect m them from the depredations of the stock of the country. Wo arc not a stock raising people, m and if wo w< re, our present, method is the th w- r-r possible plan that could be pursued to bj aecoinplisli the object. A change of our poli- ec ey is desirable, considered simply in reference ar to its cffrcts upon stock. Their value would av ' -i i ' : i. i.i,/ 'j!' Ul'l'llllV rllli.lAtgOU. lOi iUIUIi.ll*. 11IV U liuuiuu j u< beings. thrive in'proportion to the care bestow- tli o>l upon them. I hazard little in saying that In in live years msdei the better treatment they if WotiM reeeive, the entire stock of the State cc would bring more money in market than they 111 would at this moment, while in the meantime ty their value as a means of enriching our iin- e? povorished lands would be increased to an ex- at tirtit almost inconceivable. On the other hand, ec it is difficult to estimate the advantages that I tli would result from the proposed change. A ! <top would be put to the annual custom of: tc burning our forests for pasturage?a practice | e< dangerous in itself and injurious to both soil j tc and timber. Liability to accidents on our rail j vi ro:i(i.; would !." Ics-ciied, and our courts would w be rid of the petry, and, I fear, demoralizing ol 'litigation growing of the killing of stock by si those roads. The land now taken up by fen- tc cos,?and it is rich, and embraces thousands it of acres over the State, would be at once n brought into cultivation. The time now was- d I 'd in the construction and repair of fences c< would be devoted to the improvement of our w farms. The timber that is left ill our forests ui would beeonic money to our people. Such a to law would infringe upon uo man's right, nor tr deprive him of a single privilege to which p< he is properly entitled. If would impart new to life to agriculture, give a now direction to it.1- al eifurts, and add largely to the aggregate la wealth of the State. I know that there arc th portions of the State that do not, and perhaps to may never Ice I the necessity for this change W of our policy, but is it wise or just that the at great permanent interest of the State should er be sacrificed in mere deference to the mistaken a and erroneous notions of our people oh the hs subject of stock raising and its supposed priv- tit eleges i hi An application will be made to you for aid, tit by the State Agricultural Society. The Leg- in islaturc has wisely contributed to the medical W association and the mechanics' institute. The ga basis of the organization of this society affords wi reasonable ground to hope that it will be per- wl inanent; and L am sure you cannot hesitate to tii give substantial encouragement to an interest tin which is the great source of our wealth, and a i which, without murmuring, pays two-thirds of tii annual taxes. I recommend that the sum of iive thousand dollars be annually contributed >St to this society so loug a3 it continues ru exist, re The administration of our laws in relation M to our colored population by our courts of mag- er istrates and free holders, as these courts are at fir present constituted, calls loudly for reform.? J tc Their descisioms arc rarely in conformity with in justice or humanity. L have felt constrained, w< in a majority of the cases brought to my no- nit nlilw.M fA niAoiTtf flin Uiinf An/in ni? Cut if O _ ! fit llUJi uitiiut iu uii;uiijf iuu vi At a- . v.? side altogether. I recommend, in all cases in-1 in vnlving life, that the trial of slaves and free | th persons of color be held at the court house of j th the district in which the offence is committed A ?that the cleric, ordinary and sheriff of the bl [district constitute a court to try such cases, al md that while thus employed they be allowed cu the usual per diem. These officers enjoy the is onfidenoe of the community, and would be th free from neighborhood prejudice, which too tri fften stands in the way of impartial justice.? th f ho dcscisions of such a tribunal would give te satisfaction to the public, and afford ample pro- it :cetion to the master. It would be a court al- st< cvays at hand, and would possess the requisite lei intelligence and humanity, qualities indispcn- w! able iu those armed with the power to pans upon the life and death of a human being, m ivhatevcr be his condition or complexion.? bl Should you deem it proper to associate free hr holders, then it. might be the duty of these of- tr Seers to name six, from whom the defendant ve liould have the right to select three. I'na- th niniity should be required in the verdict.? ca However you may regard these suggestions, I pr bring the matter to your notice, under the pf strong conviction that reform is necessary. an The legislation of the State in relation to ar colored seamen has long been a matter of com- rei plaint and remonstrance on the part of foreign ry nations. So strong, indeed, has been the op- ch position to our laws on the subject, that at one foi time formal proceedings were instituted by the th British Government to test their validity.? be That attempt to coerce the Stato into a relaxa- dc tion of a policy deemed to be unauthorized and G< n necessarily stringent, was soon found to bo i ill-advised movement, and the proceedings ere abandoned as formally as they werciustiited. The right of the State to enforce, ithiu her limits, such police laws as she may . cm essential to the public safety, is a right liich South Carolina will never submit tothc bitramont of any tribunal on earth. She >i's not hold this right by virtue of written irchmcnts, and she recognises 110 restraint in < exercise but such as is imposed by her own use of justice aud propriety. So long as this ght was questioned, and any disposition man.1 to interfere with its exercise, South arolina resolutely maintained her ground ; id both the principle and the law stand fully julicated in the public estimation. Now that i.. ivi free from the embarrassment hich the proceedings referred to threwaround , and our rii?ht to pass the law is no longer sputed, I trust that the public mind is prepad to consider the (juestion calmly and dispasjnately. It is not necessary that I should cur to the circumstances out of which this w originated, nor remind you of the very eat change which has taken place both in our lility and facility to meet the very emergenagainst which the law was intended to guard, owever much it may have been demanded r prudence, or justilied by necessity, 1 do not ink that our safety requires a law of such lrolcntingand indiscriminate severity, and I ive no idea that our cherished institution juld be endangered by its modification. If e object of the law is to prevent the iutrolction of an incendiary clement among us, en it would not be difficult to show that in i practical operation it furnishes an easy cans for its creation and development. As the law now stands, colored seamen who ay visit our ports, either in the pursuit of eir lawful vocations, or be driven into them r stress of weather, are seized by the sheriff, nvcyed as telon.s tiirougn tnc puouc streets, nl finally incarcerated in the common jail, to rait the departure of their vessel, whether it : immediate or deferred. While in prison icy arc brought into contact with our own rose population, [t would be strange indeed men thus summarily deprived of liberty and imfort. without the pretence of a fault comitted, did not inveigh against a state of sociowhich thus degiadcs them, and endeavor to mite the refractory spirits among whom they e thrown. Viewed in this light, the law rrtainly fails of its end. The remedy is worse lan the disease it seeks to cure. I recommend that the law be so modified as i permit colored seamen, the subjects of for'(/a notion*, to remain on board their vessels, > be allowed to land whenever the duties of the essel may reijuire it, upon their receiving a ritten permit to that effect from the Mayor f the port; and that while on land they be lbjected to the ordinary restrictions applied ) the native colored population. Such a medication would relieve the law of all its harshess, without compromising our right or cnan<rorin<e mir (domestic ouiet. Should our ?r n I I- - - - - - mfideuce, which concedes thus much to those ho seek to cultivate friendly relations with bo abused, and IbenTodified law be found i work badly, it will always be under the conol of the Legislature, and can by as easily re;aled as passed. Slavery has fiureer assaults guard against than any likely to arise from lowing a lew colored cooks and stewards to nd on our sli^res ; and wo weaken rather an strengthen the institution by attempting hedge it around with any such feeble props. 'hile white abolitionists arc permitted to come ^ id go among us with impunity, we may tolate the occasional or accidental presence of few free negroes from f -eign countries who ive neither the intelligence nor the disposi)n to harm or disturb us. The efforts which uaticism has made to overthrow the instituni, have thus far served but to strengthen it the confidence and affections of our people, hile we continue to discharge our true oblitions to our slaves, their loyalty and fidelity ill remain unshaken. The colored hireling lio may visit us will see much in their condi)n to envy. He may reajize the important nth that liberty, shorn of all its rights, is but miserable boon compared with their substanil comforts and happy existence. I herewith transmit resolutions from the ;ates of Rhode Island and Connecticut. I ccived certain resolutions from the .State of assachusctts, which I returned to the Govnor of that State. Had Massachusetts conicd herself to resolutions expressive of her clings and purposes in relation to slavery, ipertinent as I may have regarded tlicm, I mild have received them with indifference, id transmitted them without comment; but I tisider the acts of her late Legislature as an suit and an outracc upon every member of < ...! I . J-L. x- 1 1 c vjuiiiuuuiuuj, wiiu uiia 11 rigut iu ucuianu e enforcement of th Fugitive Slave Act.? State whose Legislature deliberately, unushingly impiously, violates her coustitutiouobligations, and whose people resist the excition of law, even to the shedding of blood, not entitled to comityTrom us; and I feci at I would have betrayed the dignity of my list had I hesitated to affix on such conduct e seal of my official condemnation. The inrchange of civilities with a people who feel to be uo dishonor to prevent the recovery of Dion property, will hardly reclaim the faith?s, and is incompatible with the respect hicli honesty owes to itself. The agitation in relation to slavery eontinis to increase, and is rapidly tending to its oody termination. Measures which it was >ped by some would give quiet to the couny, and dignity to its deliberations, have acrid but to redouble the efforts and augment c power of abolition. Civil war is a direful lauiity, but its scourges are to be endured in efcrence to degradation and ruin. The peot of South Carolina are alive to the issue, d are mindful of their obligations. They e calm because they are prepared and aelfliant. They have not forgotten their histo, and they will not fail to vindicate its teaings. The right "to provide new guards r their future security" hrs been sealed by e blood of their ancestors, and it will never i surrendered. Come what may, "they will i their duty and leave the consequenoes to od." J. H. APAMa