Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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EXPLANATION. .. KaJrOwiug to tbo amount of space Wo give to Gov. Eviiuh Message to tho General Assembly, we omit tbo regular instalment of tbo New Constitution this issue, but it will appear rognlnrly hereafter until completed. ? El). THE MESSAGE or governor joeti m ewo to The General Assembly ol the Stale. P UK'I ANT KKCO^IMI'.NDATIONS lie Present*- His Virus on ttie Various Snl?lerts uiiO Tells Then Their Dutj # -. f . . . ///.. .i... , , The past year luu boeu v momentous one i 11 the history of South Carolina Much linn been done to tlio glory utul icnown of the State and much hue Iteeu done that might well have been left undone. For the first Liiuc since I8h8 your deliberations will be governed by uu organic law framed by our own people Under the act passed by your honorable body calling and providing for a Constitutional Convention, delegates wero duly elected by the people, and the Convention assembled on tin Kith day of September, and adjourned on the 4th day of December A IV I8t>5. having framed the present Coustitutiou. whicl went into olivet .lauuary 1 T deem it unnecessary to give yon more than a eursory review of the el forts made by a few white men and the negroes to defeat the holding of this Conventfon, and hut lot the sake t' Jhistory I should not do so at all. After the primary elections for State and County officers last summer uu action was brought by Matthew C. Duller, ex-United States Senatoi against W. T. C. Dates and W. 11. Kllerhc State Treasurer and Comptrollei-Ceuerul respectively to enjoin tin pay- ! urent of the salaries due to the Supervisors of Registration of the State up oil the ground that om election laws were unconstitutional, null and void. The result vuh a vietojy tor the State, but the decision not coming in tnuo to suit the plaintiffs a new tack was takeu and a ease made against theSupervisoi ef Richland County A ready tool waf found id United htutcs Cirouit Judge tiotl', n iiopiiblicuu from West Virginia, and one, to use bin own words, who fcltthut "duty mingled with ineliiuition compelled him to declare our registration laws unconstitutional, uud to enjoin tho officers from executing them. Whilo this crisis confronted uh 1 felt impelled to issue an address t< the people of tho State pri paring them tor tho issues that might confront us, at.it I had u Jean: of their ability U meet then In this address ) gav? pen portrait! of the dinlgesai.il then cu-couspirntois uud it is hii\e< essary to portray tLi n here. Fortunately v.i in n uublei. n a| jienl to tho United States Circuit Court of Appeals in time b revers* Judge <h>tl and condnet uiu election for dch gates under tin: registration lawe no" of ioM-e. 'u this eoiuu otiou .1 desire t< express my high appieeiation of tho ability displayed by the Attorin j'-tien ral and his assistant and tho valuable si rvices ol Messrs. McCrad) l'arnwell and Mower. Then geutleman voluti turily i tiered their services to thoStati in overthrowing the tyranny of Judge Ciofl but ! wan unwilling to accept them gratia, and upon tho request of theAttoruey-tVimrnll relained Messie Mct'rady and Mowei t< assist u the management of tin eases. 1 trust that your honorable lmdy will grant them such reiuuneratioi at y tuny lh;nt just anil erjiiitahh d.n spite of all cllorn ; dch ni it :,;.r < oiiri utioii linn met and adjourned ami given o a good Constitu on, and wi tan well atlord to let bygones in t>\goiii r Led i'iiJ w;tL *.I ? prese: t ai w? li!:i] l." el i i " l.rti I I n< most n.portal:; Artie. . n. laundii.g y? : atteirn i < that < ! tin ' Fight el SuiVrngi Tine matter Hiuuid be } ivi'i tin: lugl.l i I wa< aUit Jet .t In the 1 iu t h.w uni ted i y yo.i iieiiOtnl'.i bod; ! hero aro man; icasoUv f tiii- : tin pi oph u i ai.-ie..' to lit! " 1.11" and ".In-: 1 he J J gilt ti registi l v ti in I.ad and n i nd t is i f '. ital .u.pi tarn that n '. .. legist ratio:. i ! ? ! t : 'In i!d i as I i li :( 'h? i:? xt gfi'O!nl t'f'ti?j!. Ti i j? n'lireiniMit' of tin ii ?.: ' ]?>iih up( jh 1L< S.ult Iv t yt i.: .t. tin Co;n?t;, < tie in i.i. r II.< ju jiif. proi ilu't it n luci. 11.? < lo ti : t i\ r.to vi it 11/".: it.mi'l:'- in . 'I.i j>:iv m i h.S UlOlltiiH III t I Mil'. til I; ( ;it;\ jio'.! ti.r 11n ii d o i.ii ! j > til .i M i 1 ere ot 11.(- ' in? in.! in. 1 h !. ,11.? l.r ff.II i Lt'tU to ?. t. i:'t ' Is ' ! j c : iii. i ' in '-'ill!I I !! i /. t:..' * i ; * . i 11 i ... i .. \ i. 11 j . *i ?!.:oHitm of i cry olei t- . ci.'i .. ti >. ii i JliC !.* I lll'li 1.1 11 I i I ' \ ' I ' i I .1 ti ' I.. ! |-M .i. A II.uli j . t.r I.' fijiju;... III. v S| t. I t. , : ,I juii' . t '! :. ii-, i: . i i n ii. . it! iir i : 11 ' .: : i ; t ii ! I.i ! In::. Tin ,l-< iii'i- i .t : ..i ?7aiiuiiry. IS1'-1. Vfti I 1.::.< < i < : $i>ii .lujiyii^ !u! ii'iM- . 1 i t:.i Min ii . *' i i.l?!i ; i- ; I CA I "J read and write any Section of the Constitution submitted to him by the registration officer, or can Bhow that he owus uud has pnid nil taxes collectable during the previous year ou property in tho Stato assessed at three hundred ($300> dollars or more. The payment of all taxes including poll tax. is a prerequisite to voting. It will readily appear to you that different legislation is required for the period up to 1898, from that thereafter. I would suggest, however, to your honorable body that all the provisions 1 of the Constitution and your legislation in reference thereto be comprised in on* statute, as it is exceedingly desirable that it should be thoroughly circulated atuong the citizens of the State. Designing demagogues are already at work filling the ears and heads of confiding constituents with false impressions concerning the provisions of the Constitution. and there is no suicr pinn xo sex n: naugm s.icu j falsehoods tbnu by allowing the ] co- j pie to woe nud read for themselves. It if your duty to provide for at it-- j muiup to each duly registered e lector a j certificate of registration, r.Eu for the j renewal thereof, when lost, mutiluted j <>r destroyed. I rhi satisfied you car. do no better than to adopt the cid torn, of registration certiticir.e and tie* provisions of the statute law now < f forct regulating the same. expunging such provisions as conflict wutli the new < 'onstitution, wilich will readily presi nt themselves to you. This, however. is r. matter for your < w* good judgment and wisdom. Alv person denied registration shall Law the right of appeal to tho < 'ourt tf Oomtn iu Pleas or any Judge there f. ni.d thence 1i the Supreme Court. It :s made youi duty to provide ly law for such appeal uud for the o? rreetion o: illegal and frauduleut registration, voting and all other crimes against tht tleetion laws. i would suggest that as little red tape as possible be p aci d around this right of appeal, and that you. shall amply provide against defeating it by technicalities. There should be also as little expense attached to tne right as possible. Under the j revisionsgoverning this right oi appeal to the Supreme Court now existing :u civil catce, J fear very fe*w ornate oi denied registration would ever roach this atago if th< unnie were madeaipllcable. The Israeli complaining in truth -ates I mutd necessarily be o! the } o< rer and I Ichk intelligent classes, but *his :h a 1 sacred right under i nr formo: govern- i meut. aud they art entitled to evt ry j test allowed under the Constitution. I consistent with tin rule-. f intelligence. ; without unnecessary hurdt?Lip or ex i pense. The severest punishment shou.d | be prescribed by your honorable 1>< dy j for frauds n registration or voting.' There was- a time when the ends would Keen. t? justify the means :c this purtioular, but tho necessity no longer exists, and the day in past -"hen auythiug bnt the will oi the intelligent majority freely and honestly expressed at the ballot box r.n govern in S _ th ( 'arelina. \ rta. i. pt rs-oLs convicted t: crime. ' the insane etc . are dieti*.:al.m-il trim regiHtering or votiup. 1 would rcKpei tfullv recommend that you provide for a lint f all rimiuals in each County. :? bt hied :u the oil u t f the ' Supervist r t ! liegistrntion and a.so j with tho Clerk of tho Court, in r < 1 . r 1 that they 11 ay bo forever l?ur:< d < f :Lt privilege of registering t r v. ting. J tin uenmbcntupoL y<'i :> preterit ?. the iLftiit.er of hold ng elections ami j ? ! ascertaining the rot-nits :L< n.tu. i hen .t1 no neeesssiiy ft r any hange i t.t this time it. our .aw ,n :n> p?.r- 1 ticuia: On: peojut art aiiun-tomid , t< th? ? ight hox law. am. there t i n ; l? tu just i r vttlit. tb ictu l. :o ?L? manner t! bta.uing the results -f j elections . We haw 1 <eel served! with notie? mat thin .crtieh n our; 'oi Htitution woiiltl ? t tcstt il o? tore tlx ' 1*1 it. Sit a I Sll, f? li I I . ' ?'* f. ' .1 . * " "? " while J Lave 110 1 t'iirt- as b the r? s .It, I uuii am ! hy convinced it- custitu- j ti< nuiity stil: sin ?lt: another 'toC . conic ah Lg whose ' iml."nnt: ns made 1 it his lui-y t< set aside our re-gist ra- ' lion the ilny In fore election, n s v.ch I no emergency cur eight be x laivj would be some protection. I. there fore, would lespcrtfully r<. minted' that yt . It avt this statute as stands, ] ami -i; future when cur status :s j thoroughly settled, s.,ch action nr. be j taken as may in deemed txp?diii,t. ; The polling pre- r..b i fthoVtatt nr..si , I e changed so as tr make i very in- ; i r| i rated t< wi. j. separate i t iling precinct. Tin* .s i.e essi.ry < r the bill w.ug teaser.. Scut it n I - : \rti< ,e i 1 ! j r< 1 idee thai eieciorstn u.;?n.-.*ii-ai > j electi< ns shall pi sses.? the .alit'.i a titm anil ics'.ije t t ti.e dispua::! f; cations i.i r*..: ] restr.? to. Ti.e pr j ,i . t: i i. t ! i. irtit'.iutc i f r? gist ration : i iroin thi rt gistration iers e: ti.t i r.'.iiiv w an i it-cii : at a i r? ciuct j v. httfai i . ' ft nttd 'v < | lis declared a ondition prerequisite t< j , i..s i bta.: r.gai?"t:i t.ti o! register. I ' . t.i r. i : is ..a it a. .i ct :.s. ttc. i l.? :t f.n :i.i>!.v t r; ( vv.U ?. totvi s | 1 i;t Stikt lLl.1 lit ::r ! . < ' / ' >, 1 i - V '.it ' . . r'f.w'. i; J.Tt 11.1 t * ! -S ".Li'M i ll , Jt-tsShlV : i.av? fr .vi ti "i i ; . i. a , i :? *. i. ii fit 11,? i .? .or'- thi-n .1. L "< i ti . I- li. . I-ii J ?1< !o?*. Y< . i i< ui* i : * ' i 'i * t lit . i",n.l. .-i- < :* l u.\ t i i '1j< ii i* ?<' i.? i *. c ft i ' : ti. i." '( * . : ?!! . i ..mi a* :? " '!. li.i.' | r f.:r i.i . ' . ton i.' : ri. t. . !.: :: . : "<<? (!. j.< *. i . < -.V i '! ; 11:11 ? 1 *i.? v.1 : 1 * ' 1 'i-ri ti.t . ii*. . 1 i< 1 -:u< < . ' :i.1 - . 1 ii 1 1 : < 1. ; i < < t.s r..I A. - i,l\ . I /. .1 ?i ' i.i: li.i iifjt - iiii.iic , :itm 11 if:r J' < * rr: !'< :. < * 111.. ?J ? :?.? ! ?!!< l.lllll ( j A rynt lihi.J .in] tint;:* < . t t:.*? ti < j 1 i.r* j Hate ) industry, etc., bare appeared here be- i fore in the reports of the officers hnv- I ing these matters in chargo. The Governor makes recommendations in i these departments ill accordance with 1 the requests of these officers. After reviewiug the vaHont reports ' tin Governor says: From the foregoing it will be seeL that we commence the fiscal year without a dollar of indebtedness. Jt will be necessary for your honorable body to provide sufficient revenues to run the government for fourteen mouths instead of twelve as heretofore. This ' results from the change in the close of the fiscal year from the 31st of October to the 31st of December under the new Constitution. Two-twelfths of the ordinary expenses of the State government will have to be added, therefore, 1 to your levy for the next liscal year in order to make up the deficit at unco and remain on a cash basis Under tho provisions of the new Constitution 1 every dollar ol' outside revenue heretofore going into the Stab. Treasury to meet the ordinary expenses of the gi vernment exeept in phosphate roy- j ultv, which is now hardly sufficient to j pay tin* fixed charge of $75,000 to the : sinking fund, has been diverted to the Kchoo1 fund. The dim enwiry profits, 1 the direct tax fund, escheated estates > and nil giftsto the State where the pur- | i pose is not designated g? te this equalizing school fund. We are entirely dependent upon a direct tax to raise , funds to meet the ordinary expenses* of the government. I am satisfied howtvtr, we. will be able to meet all demands with the same levy as for tin past year, witbthi exceptioc. however, , of the two months additional. Had ( the funds of last year been left appli- | cable to the ordinary expenses the levy for the next year would not have ^ exceeded three mills. The total tax- ' able property of the Stute lor the past fiscal year is 8109,-148.941. Tim will be greatly increased another year by the large number of mnnulactories u> w in process of erection, and it is to be hoped by a more uniform system of assessment, necessary to be devised by ' your honorable body as required by 1 the Constitution. Your preseut levy will be upon the assessment ot 189-4-5 ' for State purposes, but this .r not true 1 as to county and schools. The funds [ arising from taxes o? 1894-7 for county and school purposes wert expended on contracts made against them before they were evoti collected. This oondi- 1 ti ./U is unfortunate for the creditors: of the eo .titles, who are school teachers and contractors, who arc compelh 1 to dis "ouut their claims a: exorbitant rates. To meet the difficulties arising fr- ii. such a condition. I would resin ct fully suggest that r. 11 coi.trr.ctF due or to b? come due, after expending the rt venues- of the year 1 M'-i-fl. from any lawful cause prior to January 3, for county or fccla el purposes be declared pat: *Dl|t>btedness and the County authorities be allowed to issue bonds to liquidate the same. The bonds could be mnde payable. say in ten years, with provisions for the retirement of a given number each year. The Counties of the State would thus be placed ui or.n .;abL basis and teachers relieved < f great hardship. Much complaint has teen made by the t omptroller-Ccneral against the present system of assessing the prop? rty of corporations othtr than railroad. I think :he complaint well rounded, as. justice and eouity demand unife rmitv in this particular. We have in one County the stock of a bank that pays ten pt r <ut. dividend assessed at seventy-five 'ents ' l the dollar. In an adjt in.ng County n bunk that pays ? igh: ji: ent. dividei ds assessed a: one hundred ami eight on the dollar. 7 would respectfully suggest to yof.r honorable body that the ^tate Hoard o: ilailroi.d Assessor. be given jurisdiction (ve; all banking and manufacturing c< mpar.es in this respect. W< would then have one central authority, with in :ocr.I ?n?m.......... . * ... .m ..... >.?; . *. '.;])oii it. The same difficulty < xists ns to the methud (if taxing insurance companies. i would respectfully reci tnmend thut iu lie-.: of the present system of taxing no: premiums: received in the various counties. which ie almost impossible to get at. r. fixed per cent, of such gross premiums be reijt.ircil to be paid direct into ti.< State Trent"., rv, and, if necessary, tbt proportion adjusted between the stvtrni Cc .ntiee. ruder the tern.!- of tht mi e enstitr.- j ticn the '?* nerul Asst mulv .s i. :thorizeJ to iu.posj a graduated ta: on in- . coir.es and on protessions ul . 1 usinosn ; o'-e .pations. It is hardly tooM.ry , for me to argue to y< i.< n< r?.l le i body the justice of an iL'omo tax .'t has bees: adv fated .poi. ev< ry st rap and thruu/hout ta-; entire I nion an, thi most equitable system < f taxing ' tht r. L i. |?rc?i>> rtion to ti.o pi or. it - In.j o slide to dov.se ?. system that will secure a just return c t pi rsi ual } rop? rty. It l.s ? beer. the dream ? f !?'g:sl?.tf r; and -tutcmcu f r y? i.;- and ?< an no n? arer i. s lutioi. < : the , I r< bit ii. today than we wtri a < t ntutv I ag? . i i i lit ve at. iuei me' tax wl.I I gnat i* assist solving the ( : i .? i . i ! hi i mm it tin.i. u:! I i c ItLt.ivn ti_ ji;i ?\ i.v :!.i ('Mnt I.-.r.ii in. t. tt.i i: f n - > r\ i : i : i.ivy. A- ivi?..tn in .cnti ? , i !.t.. .ts | iivt: Ki.;/n: ti ' l<i j.r. 'i '!. i. it- ?<: r ;? t t * .1 n: . , *1 < 1 11.: 1. !.(.!;ti;J.i;l?Jt m t < ' Lo 1 ti<i'-ni . .t.1 - itc< ri" r?t rr?j .:ri 11.1 rc j : ti tn t. from ! ; \ 1 M.mil.t tin. 1. tilt r :r: . )> 1 .".utn u. ; nt ! .t i.- 1 it jiti ?>rr tt.i.t :h< y i-ht ..i ! hi-s.r i. ; n ;11 r j.ioix it. t .i- 1 iti.i 1.-. I 11 i :i- lisu n. >t 1; u.vi -tiiij 1. it* .: 1 it it' : 1* 1111 * - . . r:i 1? ;H \ 1 >. n.> " ' 1. . t.'.'i:.. ! i;i .-is. , ; j 1 i.' i r j > 'ft.' -ti 1 ii.j't in ] f : 1 1 . "'tti .! ' < ' ' 1 i ' >. 1 itnl invested in Httito bonilfe. l'iiit ttm ;si* il t - < t < <ri|rm'f M 1 mi:!" t: iw i?"-t'i.? S .to .11 ti :i.t. i-n?* lit-: ilc l-t. t :ij. 1 it not one tvotild 1 uf t< tin- J 1 " > i.t t.o critical n.< n.vvA i.t.il \vt j "'( ri '1 !?-((t t f-' * 1 1 11 l.iIk '.'1 1 nft. inurkvtt. l '.Li t t.iLt Lev I 1 N \ ever, the baDku and investors of the State have purchased them, paying large premiums for them, until new almost the entire issue is owned in Charleston nud other cities of the State. Thib capital can only tie reached by an income tux, and I roepectfully recommend to your honorable body that u graduated tux bo placed upon nil incomes of one thousand dollars and upwards, and that County Auditors be given full authority to hear evidence uud rcecrt to such other meaub as to your honorable body may see in expedient to obtain full and accurate returns. It will be necessary for yoti to provide for the payment of the sal ary c I the various Mehoo! Commissioners and other expenses for collecting and disbursing school funds out of the genera! taxes as the Constitution provides. It will be unnecessary for the expenses of the State Penitentiary and the Dispensary to be paid out of tho general fund, as both institutions are Belf-supporting. 1 would, therefore, recommend that in your appropriations for these institutions you specifically state that such amounts be paid out of their earnings to Vie deposited in the State Treasury for that purpose. Tho Governor recommends the adoption of a section si miliar to that in the constitution of Georgia in relation to tin Sinking JY.nd. i. ltAIi iTAFLl' Avl> IL'XATi INSTITUTIONS-. ' It is always a pleasure to the Exe- I cutivo ti visit the State Hospital for i (lie Itisatie This institution is managed | and conducted in a manner that must j uitish the most hypercritical. While I he amount of the appropriation asked j for is apparently greater than thut for , the preceding year, a study of its de- I tails will show that a reduction has ' licer. made in the r apifa maintenance. lr< m ?123.37 last year to lo: the present year. You will sec from the recommendation of the Board i! Begeuts that an effort was made during the past year to purchase the Wallace property, consisting of I OH acres of land, adjacent to the Hospital. The price agreed upon was 525.00C. which the Regents expected to pay or.t cf the sum appropriated for the maintenance of the instituticm, covering r. period of eight years. J could net concur in such an arrange incnt. for the renBtn that I believed it unwise to establish the precedent whereby the Board of any State institution could in *renso the public debt uf the State tc ! h an umount without express r. .tL? rity from the General Assembly. If the Board can purchase sucL rl amount <f property upon m other a .thoritv than their own, they could to r.n unlimited amount involve j tht S*at? in debt. I deem it advisable to purchase this property at the present tints for the reason thut it will he absolutely necessary to the needs of the institv.tu i: in future, and I am sat- ; istled to wait is r that emergency weald i entau upon the State a considerable : amount of increase in the value of the ] property, which is within the city j limits. I havt such great respect for | the judgment and ability of the Superintendent and Treasurer of the institution as to unhesitatingly endorse their reec mmeudntic ns. The urgent necessity lor a brick building for the confinement (1 the colored insane will. I an. sure. . mprest itself upon your judgment, it is unjust, and. to say the least, inhumane, to confine these unfortunates in ?. tire-trap or place of ti rture as :hi present quarters now seem to be. ike- br.ck havt been manufactured and everything is in readiness fer the; i uilder. During the past year a vr.can y occurred in the oll.ee e 1 Second Assistant Physician, mused be the resignationt f Dr. W. A. Kirby. is a matter < f congratulati" n tc the >!atc and to the institution that J was si iortuuute .n securing the aervicss. <: 1 ?r. Sarah c'ampbell Allen to fill tht >i. ancy. Dr. Allen .s a Soutn art <rl 1 v uirth. and the able inunm xvLi-.-L she i>? rforms the duties i :'.l< j os.tlon ami thtlcxc borne her by tin :on.nit .nn.utes proves the xvieden. of p.a-lnf n xvoir.au physician in chr.rgt o' these '.t.'i rt'.mate patients tf iit r t ?i st.\. j cc inincml to your careful consideration the cure!-illy prepared and instructive r? j.?>r: of the S-j t rintecde n; of this .nstit ition. i >i. a i Avi ivi< Asvj.rsi. Tnis -nstit ..( i. continues to be adn..rr.My cenit'.c*t< and with less com* plaint than any i st;:-;t:t r. urnler our j?o\ eminent. lit rei.nrmiMe record us to tin i < i. tn ( f ti.e students made 1 >t tLn l-st.! n :....y 'm hi 11 ? oi-idered t v :t.< :.i iue-i * ti.tr inf-tit .t ns ti.? Stat* . *Lt rot! r capita it: xccd.ci. ntteniioi.. if'-., be-ill' only '? uif. not a smg.e cus< i f-eri' it .i.ness Li.vi r:#.- o cirrcu d rlt?' the cnt.ro yar. This is attributed in a larp? mint ".re t<- the kind attention ami imthetly car'- &ixcn by thi Mr.tion i 1 the i nstit .tit The S ;perinti i dor.t asks yu.-.r Louorablt body for the foilcuviLg aj i r< j riation: !'< ......?:T f,0(? For n pair' 000 l or ri- .ran < .. 5-7 i tr < : Mi trr.t : ;.n: and iaunilrv n.a- I.li.< .;.i.'( I. ...I. V ft : .< f I. | | I- 00C As to tin last tw< .ten.s, I an. not jirc??r?rc? :? r< ' r. n:< m. tiuir hj?in>jirin*:* t. 11- pi-rit i.o< < : othi i Hljt r. tL? -:?:? M.tl. t!?c*rj lipht J? T: r r ill.!- I it!; ri.'l.lT I. ? C T. ' ore - h- ! :? r t--. ): n filatii .i. 1! f- r.. i.c 1. tildji.p for -. of( rt i". |> j>:!s u.ny Lv r to rtiLttJ:. ft1- it ii?til tin the r.iu; < ;if tlu Stuti i.i. i f'< r.; it in w i :.r . 1 \\ ilu : 1 ,.Kv r< . M. 11.? priii.titi ? ti.? < : ? r :.? usl;t (1 lor. wi.l i i: i.? toil i : i.oL' b( uy tun; i ;lty < : tl.e? il.htlt .t1 i:i;> ? ?. is'., t ? '. >i tuy fl>. y< i.r i i !. tit :-:, i. nJI\- iin|>ro\ i !. J lie(? >> i riior !i i. " 11.1 win i. oi tho various oohYpi . ti.? Mut* I!c < (!;: i Hit' ' b' :!: r? 1.* . .: :* j'rolt. !t ""tti i" 1: ' 1.1!< .*. ?/ , i i.t'i ; si mm : i. J n i.ll-i.J : j . r; .1 the h .*;? tendent of Education shows the public schools of the State to be in as prosperous a condition as the funds devoted to this purpose would warrant. The enrollment for tho year was 103,729 whites, 119,292 colored, aggregating 223,021, a decrease from tho previous yeur of 3,745. Of this number, howover, 3,019 were in the county of Beaufort, which leaves the average attendance in the other counties about tha sarno as it was for the previous year. Tho past four years will be known as tho great educational era of State. There seems to be a general J enthusiasm among the people of all , classes in this great work. There has . been a gradual increase since 1890 iu , the length of the school term, and it is confidently expected that when the new constitutional provisions are put into operation ino scnool term win no increased to at least six months. With this accomplished the educational system of South Carolina will be as complete and efficient ae that of aDy State in tho Union. The total amount ex- ' pcuded during the last lineal year upon the common schools was ?f>l53,743.ti(j, which is as much as any State in tho Unit n in proportion to wealth. The average length of the session is four aud three-tenths mouths, or nearly twice as long as the average length for 1NHH. Eighty-eight special school dis- | tricts have increased the tax levy for | school purposes, and in mobt, if not all of these. th? school term is over | six months. You are respectfully r< furred to the excellent report of the Superintendent of Education for the details in refer- [ ence to this department, which is here- , with transmitted to you. THE MILITIA. The inilita ot' the State is in better I condition than it ever has been since i the war. This is due in a largo mens- j are to the Enlistment Act passed by j your body nt its last session. Under j the order of my predecessor several commands of the State were suspended for reasons fully set forth to your body. I have restored several of these companies to their original status, upon lirst rcouiriuc. however, that no sold ier "who refused to obey the orders of his captain or commanding officer during the Darlington riots should bo allowed to enlist. I had occasion four times during my administration to order out the militia in different parts of the State. They have invariably responded promptly and have performed their duty as becomes well-organized xnilitiuiuet;. I have, in compliance with the law, remunerated th? a. for tlu ir service out <>f the Gov- i ernor's contingent fund. The ueces- j sity for a well organized and equipped militia is apparent to every one, and 1 would respectfully recommendthut the usual appropriation be made for the maintenance of the' same. Your attention is calleel to the suggestion maele by the Adjutant and Inspector-General, which I trust will have your euelorsement. A military convention was bclel in this city ou September 10th last, at which a full attemlnnce of ollicerb w as had. A full report of their pr< ceeeliugs. is published in the report of the Adjutant and Inspector-General, nud I respectfully call your attention : to tLt same. statu iiC'Aiti' or Kr.alru. TLt State Board o: Health presents j an interesting report in reference te. | : the sanitury condition of the common ' : jails and prise ns o: the State. There ' j is no doubt o: tla fact that this mat- i ' tor needs your attention. Jails, as u| I general rule, are fe r the* conlinement j of c--.li r its. amine: "r their punishment. Often tLt e 111 - are actuated by aj desire to make money out of dieting! prisoners, m,i nave little consider*!tie i for tbe .r he alth or comfort. I w( v mme ml tbis report to j i your earnest nsiehration. and ask for th< :e ntin .e-d appr? priation of the ; small nnio .at nshed ioi. I attend* .'. e !. i : the mee tings . i tLt Board in e harm-ton. and person( ally inspected tm uarantine Station : ol James Island. It is admirably ! : c< uppeel. i.ue! I?r. I.ebby, the physi| ciun in charge, is to be congratulated upon the excellent condition in e very particular of the station. ItA ILIlOA I>S.. Toe railroad situation in tin1 State ( i.as be* l changed ana greatly improved by tL< r?-organization of al! roadb in the hands- ci receivers and the ; rtlease lr< n. tin acluai guardianshipof the I'niteb States < rt. Tbe entire mileage <f xhe Mate may be divided ii among thr?e < iporntions, as the minor .ii:?are ?itLer owned or con;! ?. i.y Then.. They are the Southern Railway. tnt Atlantic Coast Line, ami *he Seaboard Air Line. These 1 three may be sain to be rivals for the , control oi the interests in South Car j; !ina. 1 he greatest and most powerful umong tin ra in the Southern Railway This is a !->reigu eor)>onition, and e\aetly v bat it- status is ax to this State r the Cmted S'tatea I have never been ?;bio yet to ubsertuin. Thin much is certain. l.< wevcr: that it is fast becoming a most dangerous monopoly !( : ti.t Southern States. ft owns and ontrc !s t,v< r r.f'f miles of roads, and .s stii: grasping for I'otnpeting rivals Coder tin laws and Colistitutioi i : ( ,r Mi.n : < '? reign corpora ii< i. "hi. do I eis i-ss ?.r own or control ? ti.? r t ads i the State without fir?! i n !.t. corporation in the. State. uii. Mitofu.il that this coinj.i.i.y i.n? i.u A'rn\ status within the Stati i.ml i am ?ii teruiined to ;ee i very n.out.H w.tl is; n.v power t<? previa' . t- f ,rth? ! tdorpiioii of our dtme-'.;. corp? ratioi . My attention has l>< ( ! en t tJ.? r< ettit suit; of tin !' ihya. ami Wi tern Carolina Kail1 "inoai!*" ? nd :! prolmMc ahsorp? ;. the 5" ti.< rn oetopim. Tin :;n t.ie m ? yet arrived when ! can ti.i ? har d : the matter. If, how? v< . fin.I the ro'-.d heing opi rated < r < .1 !. v oiat.on of tin < osif.1i , f.t.i : o' i i 1 Sii.ii. t sin;!' fi i i .n.j . td to .uK: ftrc. i wtuld urge upon . ? jour honorable bodj the appointment of a Commission to examine into thestatus of the Southern system in this State, and, if necessary to release the roads cow under their control within this State, and I would rospectfullyrecommend that the charters of all such roads bo immediately repealed. The investigations of suuh committee should cot bo confined to this corporation alone, but to auy foreign corporation conducting or exercising uncon stitutional powers or business within this State. Several years ago the General Assembly repealed tho charter of the Port ltoyal and Augusta lloilway Company for the reason that the same was owned and operated by foreign corporations agaiust the interests of the people 01 mis state. A'oe cane nas been in tbo State and United States Courts ever since, and I am satisfied that -ulterior motives are keeping it there. I liuvo conferred with the Attorney-General and agreed upon a line of policy which I hope will result in a speedy determination of tbecauBe and tL-fc restoration of this important artery of trado to our own people. The Railroad Commission bus recently made au effort to relieve the people cf the unjust and exorbitant rate charged upon fertilizers by the roads in this State. They have been governed by a sense < f equity and justice to both parties aud have fixed a rate no lower than that in other States which ship less thau South Carolina. I regret to see the old disposition on the part ol the r iil roads breakout afresh and an effort to defy the State authorities by au appeal to their old friend and ally, the United States Court. Judge Siinonton has recently issued an order of injunction restraining the Commissioners from enforcing tbo order. I am satisfied that the position of the Commission will be sustained, and this litigation is purely vexations and intended to prevent the people from obtaining the benefits of the reduction until the fertilizer seuson is over. We will push the cubc with us much zeal iih lieB within our power. I would recommend that you enact tho rute estahliBhcd by the CommiHaion into a statute, prescribing severe penalties and forteiture of charter of the companies failing to establish them. J would suggest to the Commission that in future their reports be condensed. 1 see no need of republishing from year to vtar matter that has already been published in the General Statutes, nor can I see the necessity for publishing the correspondence of tLe Commission in full. I commend to your careful consideration this voluminous document, herewith transmitted to you. Till 1USPENSART. On account of the great demand* made upon me for information and statistics in reference to the Dispensary law. coming not only from our own State, but from all parts of the world, I have concluded to treat this matter in a separate message, whiel^-^ will be duly transmitted to your honorable body in time for your careful consideration. CHICK amafoa commission. Under and by authority of the Act approved December 22d, 18t?4, to selects designs, etc., for the monuments proposed to bo erected on the battlefield of Chicumauga by the Mate to her sc-ldiers who took part in that memorable struinrle. I unnoiuted Gen. C. r. Walker. Col. J. D. McLucos hlJ Ci.l, C. K. Henderson as such commission No appropriation was made to carry out the object of the Act, but these gentle-mi n. with commendable ireai and patriotism, have at their own c>:p< nsi performed the duties required of them. Thi Commission met in Columbia cl November 14th, 1895, for the purpose c4 opening bids, for which they bad previously advertised and invited. Fr< m those submitted they . -t< >. t! a. o: The Muldoon Moutt :<!.! ' "oii.pnny. < Doiusvillc, Ky. It ].ri.pt ^e d by the Commission to erect the monument out of South CaroUnu granite, on Dyer's knoll, a most conspicuous point on the field and the seine of tht gallant ehargo of Cen. Kershaw s Brigade. The Comminsioi^asks fir an appropriation of #10.000 with which to erect the monument and : other expenses connected with the ! Commission. Nearly all of the States | having troops engaged in this momor, aide battle have properly marked the (daces where they l'ought and died, with suitable monuments. South < arulini: can id afford to do less, as her heroes wert most prominent anil darin.' in tni < nlliet. The report of the < Ommiss.i *. will be transmitted for , ? Uu. 'v'UL.r iiU'I li'.iOL. << m i-i i:ha: i: records. Unutr r. rc-bolution of the General--' Assembly. j aj pointed Genernl Hugh i L. Farley to till the position of Histor| inn in role vacant l>y the death of Gen eral Kershaw. The work is progressing with satisfaction to ine and to the j Confede rnt< veterans of the State. General Farley Las recently been 1 elected Historian to the Order of I'nited C'i nfedt rate Vctcrana, and I bespeak for Liu the hearty co-operation of every h< ro who wore the grr.y. This is i?l in pr rtsnt work, and it in ii< c< -ssary that :t he done accurately and caret-illy. I run satisfied that (/es.?rui Farley is fully competent to ei<> l.< ii.. His r< i t rt is herewith uubmitted. . s * : ?*r a I\nta r.xrosmoN. j I [ i. ( < i Ins t the <!otton Stab . J unci I: <1 .striae F\ position whb opetleu | ii. ti" ity c,l Atlanta unci cloned on the 1st i' January, 1890. The lubt s . i. < : ti.< < > i.ernl Assembly tailed tu ( '. i.s.ci' ; ti .> mutter and no upprc# piuitioi ?u.s liimb; f?>r having the id* il .vti.e s !' -' ;re< h of this State*1 pre ;.c r'y it ore .s? etc ?t. Tho exposition \ , v.i.-, y<. 11 h.t i.v. purely a Southern ^ i : oi.se. \ <an adjoining State, and one w.lh v. in in our relations liavo ; he rcloforo been to cordial, I deemed it of tho utmost importance that our felatc tic. -..]d 1 c creditably represented. < ?