established under them. To-day, these are all treated as accomplished facts, by all classes of the community, so far as public utterances have any value, and we have good reason to believe that the number of persons who cherish either the hope or the desire to disturb the existing political relations of the people, is very inconsiderable. Our material progress has kept pace with the political. It is true that the European war, by depressing prices, has made our people feel poorer than they hoped to be, but, nevertheless, there are indications of life and energy all over the State. New branches of industry are being opened up, and all things promise, with peace and good order, prosperity to the people. The same progress, though possibly not so evident to the casual observer, has been made in educational matters. In this direction I would urge increased interest and activity on the part of the people. The Government can do much, but it cannot do all; and without earnest and constant effort on the part of the people, any school system will prove a failure. Fellow-citizens, I do not care to inquire whether this favorable condition of things exists as a consequence of our administration of affairs, or in spite of it. It is enough to know that thus much has been secured, and we will leave it to the future to decide what measure of praise or blame belongs to each and all of us. In the few words appropriate to this occasion I cannot indulge in detail, but confine myself to a general reference to what I believe to be the condition of our State, and to the policy which I hope to enforce in the administration of its affairs in the future. Am I asking too much when I call upon the people of the State, of all classes and parties, to stand by the Government in every right effort? There cannot be prosperity in the State unless there is peace; there cannot be peace unless there is respect for law and for the rights of all, no matter how objectionable to some of our fellow-citizens we may be who make and administer the laws; or how hateful may be those who, from time to time, have had their lives and liberties imperilled. A little forbearance, a little of that good sense which we all claim as our heritage, will save us from the dangers which threaten the peace and prosperity of the State. A beneficent Providence, by unerring signs, is pointing out a pathway to a future of greatness. Let us walk in that path, and forgetting, as we may, all that is bitter in the past, strive earnestly to build up a Commonwealth which, by its freedom, intelligence, and virtue, as well as by its material wealth, shall add lustre to the nation of which it is a part. Hon. F. J. Moses, Chief Justice, then administered the oath. The PRESIDENT pro tem. then introduced Mr. Alonzo J. Ransier, Lieutenant-Governor elect. The Lieutenant-Governor elect addressed the Joint Assembly, and said: Gentlemen of the Joint Assembly: I accept, with some degree of diffidence, the office to which I have been elected by the suffrages of the people of South Carolina. To the members of the body over which, pursuant to the provisions of the Constitution, it is made my duty to preside, whatever I have to say on an occasion like this, I will say to them in the Senate Chamber; and I am now ready to take the oath prescribed by the Constitution of the State. Hon. F. J. Moses, Chief Justice, then administered the oath. The Senate was again called to order at 1:30 P. M., by Hon. C. W. MONTGOMERY, President pro tem. Hon. A. J. Ransier, Lieutenant-Governor elect, and ex officio President of the Senate, was conducted to the Chair by Messrs. Whittemore and Hayne, of the Special Committee of Arrangements. The PRESIDENT, on taking the Chair, addressed the Senate as follows: GENTLEMEN OF THE SENATE: Before entering upon the duties of the Chair, pursuant to the Constitution of the State, it may not be inappropriate for me to say a few words. I assume a position that has its trials and difficulties, to overcome which, even to a limited extent, and achieve anything like success, must largely depend upon the hearty co-operation and support of this body. What the people of South Carolina recognize in me as a fitness for this position, or for that to which I would succeed in a possible contingency, but which I fervently hope may never arise, may be difficult to understand, but it will be my chief study to administer the laws made by you for your own government rigidly, yet impartially, and to deserve your respect, your confidence, and your support. I have yet, gentlemen, to familiarize myself with your Rules, and, therefore, will depend much upon the old members, and upon those most familiar with the Rules, until I shall have had the opportunity of making myself thoroughly acquainted with them. It would, of course, be quite out of place for me to undertake to call your attention to matters of legislation necessary to be passed upon, either in the way of suggesting the necessity of remedying some of the hasty and perhaps seriously questionable legislation of the past, or the adoption of measures deemed necessary ro meet the wants of the present, and so far provide for the future as it may be possible to do. I may be permitted, however, to say that I earnestly hope and trust that your legislation will be shaped in the interests of the entire people, and for the good of our State; that home enterprises may be fostered and encouraged, capital invited, and labor protected; that friendly relations may be cultivated and maintained between the several branches and departments of our State Government, and that neither may shirk any duty imposed upon it by law, or that may be demanded by exigencies that may arise. I repeat, gentlemen, that I shall endeavor to discharge the duties of the Chair acceptably to the body-demanding to be supported when right, and asking to be overruled when wrong. With this assurance on my part, and counting upon your kindly co-operation and support, I enter upon my duties. I await the pleasure of the Senate. Mr. WHITTEMORE, from the Special Committee appointed to wait upon the Governor and inform him that the Senate was ready to receive any communication he might be pleased to make, reported that the Committee had discharged the duty assigned them, and that His Excellency would communicate with the Senate by Message this day. The Senate resumed the consideration of the motion by the Senator from Charleston that the Senate proceed to-morrow, at 12 M., to vote for a Senator to represent the State of South Carolina in the Senate of the United States for the term of six years, commencing March 4, 1871. After debate, participated in by Messrs. Leslie, Arnim, Whittemore, Hayne and Corbin, Mr. SWAILS rose and requested the reading and enforcement of Rule 12 of the Senate The PRESIDENT decided that, in accordance with this Rule, the motion of the Senator from Charleston should be reduced to writing. After further debate, participated in by Messrs. Corbin, Whittemore, Leslie, Swails and Hayne, Mr. SWAILS moved that when the Senate adjourn, it adjourn to meet to-morrow, at 10 A. M. The PRESIDENT ruled that, in accordance with Rule 1 of the Senate, a vote of two-thirds of the Senators present would be requisite to decide the motion of the Senator from Williamsburg in the affirmative. Mr. HAYNE called for the yeas and nays. The yeas and nays were taken, and resulted as follows: Yeas-Messrs. Allen, Arnim, Barber, Cardozo, Corbin, Dickson, Duncan, Foster, Greene, Johnston, Leslie, Swails, Whittemore, Wilson and Wimbush.-15. Nays-Messrs. Bieman, Burroughs, Hayne, Holcombe, Montgomery Nash, Owens, Rose and Smalls.-9. Two-thirds not voting in the affirmative, the motion was not agreed to. Mr. LESLIE moved that the motion of the Senator from Charleston be laid on the table. Mr. SMALLS called for the yeas and nays. The yeas ond nays were taken, and resulted as follows: Yeas-Messrs. Allen, Barber, Bieman, Burroughs, Duncan, Greene, Hayne, Holcombe, Leslie, Montgomery, Nash, Rose, Swails and Wimbush.-14. Nays-Messrs. Arnim, Cardozo, Corbin, Dickson, Foster, Johnston, Owens, Smalls, Whittemore and Wilson -10. So the motion of the Senator from Charleston was laid on the table. On motion of Mr. ARNIM, the Senate adjourned, at 1:55 P. M. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 29, 1870. Pursuant to adjournment, the Senate assembled at 12 M., and was called to order by the President, Hon. A. J. RANSIER. The roll was called, and, a quorum answering to their names, the PRESIDENT announced the Senate ready to proceed to business. Prayer by the Rev. Mr. Burkley The Journal of yesterday was read. PAPERS FROM THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. The House sent to the Senate Concurrent Resolution to appoint a Special Joint Committee to investigate the entire transactions of the Land Commission, from its organization to the present time, with power to send for persons and papers. On motion of Mr. ARNIM, Ordered, That it be referred to the Committee on Public Lands. The House also sent to the Senate, Concurrent Resolution to appoint a Special Committee of five to investigate the transactions of the Sinking Fund Commission. Mr. CORBIN moved that the further consideration of the Resolution be postponed for one week. The motion of the Senator from Charleston was subsequently withdrawn. Mr. HAYNE moved that the Resolution be referred to the Committee on Finance. The question was taken on agreeing to the motion of the Senator from Marion, and decided in the affirmative. PETITIONS, &c. Mr. CORBIN presented the petition of the Charleston City Board of School Commissioners, praying the passage and re-enactment of a law granting to the Board the same power to levy a tax as that which formerly existed; and, also, for the passage of a deficiency Bill, whereby an appropriation may be made to enable the Board to cancel their present indebtedness to teachers, &c.; which was read, and referred to the Committee on Education. NOTICES OF BILLS. Mr. WHITTEMORE gave notice that on to-morrow, or some subse quent day, he will ask leave to introduce A Bill to amend an Act entitled "An Act to establish and maintain a system of free common schools for the State of South Carolina." Mr. HAYNE gave notice that on to-morrow, or some subsequent day, he will ask leave to introduce A Bill to change the Fourth Judicial Circuit of the State of South Carolina. BILLS INTRODUCED. Mr. GREENE, pursuant to notice, introduced A Bill to renew the charter of the Orangeburg Presbyterian Church Society. The Bill received its first reading, was ordered for a second reading and consideration to-morrow, and to be printed. RESOLUTIONS. Mr. GREENE introduced the following Resolution: Resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring, That authority be, and is hereby, given to D. H. Chamberlain, AttorneyGeneral, to purchase a safe for the office of the Attorney-General, at a cost not to exceed eight hundred (800) dollars. Ordered for consideration to-morrow. |