Imagens das páginas
PDF
ePub

natic Asylum, time and manner of inaugurating the Governor and Lieutenant-Governor, and electing Justices of the Peace, &c., to which I would respectfully call your attention.

MISCELLANEOUS

Gentlemen of the General Assembly, taxation is the vital power of all Governments, and I invoke your serious attention to the necessity of a strict economy in expenditure, so that no more taxes be levied than is consistent with an efficient administration of the Government. Notwithstanding the constitutional provision for a uniform and equal rate of assessment and taxation, the taxes on real and personal property have become onerous, while railroads and other important interests are virtually exempt. There is much room for retrenchment in the salary of County officers, and especially in that of School and County Commissioners, whose compensation is greatly disproportionate to the trifling amount of duty performed by them.

Having thus submitted to you the condition of the State, and made those recommendations as to your legislation which seemed to me judicious, I might, perhaps, properly conclude this Message. But I cannot refrain from saying what I feel deeply. I am conscious that I have been re-elected by a large majority of the citizens of this State. A majority so large as to secure my administration against any opposition of practical consequence, and I trust that my conduct in the future, as in the past, will show how thoroughly I recognize the confidence which has been vouchsafed to me. But I cannot refuse to recognize the fact that a large body of those in whose hands the wealth, the influence and the education of the State has in former times been entirely placed, and in whose hands, to a very considerable extent, they are still placed, have been opposed to the party of which I am the chosen respresentative, and are to-day apprehensive of the results of my administration. As far as I am individually concerned, while I wish it were otherwise, I will bear with patience the denunciation that I know proceeds from an entire misconception of my acts, my thoughts and my feelings. But, if I know myself, that which I desire above all things is the restoration of harmony to the disturbed opinion of this State, the recognition by all classes in the State of their mutual dependence and their com mon interest; and if I could close my term of office knowing that my efforts had been successful in making all men feel once more that they have a common interest in the reputation and prosperity of the State, I should rest content with myself, and thankful to the God of Peace, who used me as his instrument. I know how difficult this will be; but, in conclusion, I will say that I will pledge myself to every legitimate effort for the accomplishment of this desirable result, and will hail as the best

friend of the State and my administration, every and any man, supporter or antagonist, who will aid me in any way to compass this perfect work of Peace.

COLUMBIA, November 28, 1870.

ROBERT K. SCOTT, Governor.

On motion of Mr. WHITTEMORE, it was

Ordered, That all matters in Message No. 1 of His Excellency the Governor, as pertains to the business of the regular Standing Committees of the Senate be referred to the various appropriate Committees, and all other matters to such other Committees as may be decided by the Senate

ELECTION OF COMMITTEES.

On motion of Mr. LESLIE, the Senate proceeded to the election of members to complete the organization of the Committee on Commerce and Manufactures, and the Committee on Charitable Institutions.

Mr. SWAILS nominated Messrs. Allen, Bieman, Dickson and Foster, for members of the Committee on Commerce and Manufactures.

Those who voted for the above are:

Messrs. Barber, Bieman, Burroughs, Cardozo, Corbin, Dickson, Duncan, Duvall, Greene, Hayes, Holcombe, Johnston, Leslie, McIntyre, Nash, Owens, Rose, Smalls, Swails, Whittemore, Wilson and Wimbush.-21.

The PRESIDENT declared Messrs Allen, Bieman, Dickson and Foster, having received the highest number of votes, duly elected members of the Committee on Commerce and Manufactures.

Mr. CARDOZO nominated Messrs. Johnston, Rose and Swails for members of the Committee on Charitable Institutions.

Mr. HAYNE nominated as an additional member, the Senator from Colleton.

Mr. MCINTYRE declined the nomination.

After debate, participated in by Messrs Smalls, Hayne, Nash and Cardozo,

Mr. MCINTYRE moved to amend by striking out the name of the Senator from Colleton, and inserting in lieu thereof the name of the Senator from Marion.

The motion of the Senator from Colleton was not agreed to.

On the question of agreeing to the nomination and election of Messrs. Johnston, Rose, Swails and McIntyre,

Those who voted for the above members are:

Messrs. Barber, Bieman, Burroughs, Cardozo, Corbin, Duncan, Duvall, Greene, Hayne, Holcombe, Johnston, Leslie, McIntyre, Owens, Rose, Smalls, Swails, Whittemore, Wilson and Wimbush.--20.

The PRESIDENT declared Messrs. Johnston, Rose, Swails and McIntyre, having received the highest number of votes given, duly elected members of the Committee on Charitable Institutions.

On motion of Mr. LESLIE, the Senate proceeded to the election of Chairman of the Committee on Agriculture.

Mr. LESLIE nominated Hon. E. E. Dickson.

Those who voted for Mr. Dickson are:

Messrs. Allen, Barber, Bieman, Burroughs, Cardozo, Corbin, Duncan, Duvall, Greene, Hayne, Holcombe, Johnston, Leslie, McIntyre, Nash, Owens, Rose, Smalls, Swails, Whittemore, Wilson and Wimbush.-21.

The PRESIDENT declared Mr. Dickson, having received the highest number of votes given, duly elected Chairman of the Committee on Agriculture.

GENERAL ORDERS.

The Senate resumed the consideration of the General Orders.

Resolution to appoint a Committee to investigate the accounts of the State Treasurer and Land Commissioners.

On motion of Mr. LESLIE, the Resolution was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Resolution to appoint a Committee to investigate the affairs of the Land Commission.

On motion of Mr. WHITTEMORE, the Resolution was referred to the Committee on Public Lands.

Resolution to authorize the Clerk of the House to employ a sufficient clerical force for the engrossing of Bills and the enrollment of Acts.

Mr. LESLIE asked and obtained the unanimous consent of the Senate to withdraw the above Resolution.

On motion of Mr. ARNIM, the Senate adjourned at 2:35 P. M.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 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. W. W. Hicks.

The Journal of yesterday, with the exception of so much as relates to Message No. 1 of His Excellency the Governor, was read.

PETITIONS, &c.

The PRESIDENT laid before the Senate a copy of an extract from the Presentment of the Grand Jury of Marlboro County, at the September Term, 1870; which was read, and referred to the Committee on County Offices.

Mr. NASH presented sundry accounts of Mr. James M. Allen, for work done for the Senate; which were referred to the Committee on Contingent Accounts and Expenses.

RESOLUTIONS.

Mr. SWAILS introduced the following Resolution:

Whereas, it appearing to this body that a vacancy exists in the Counties of Abbeville, Charleston and Georgetown; therefore, be it

Resolved, That the Committee on Privileges and Elections are hereby required to investigate and report on the same as soon as practicable.

Mr. SWAILS moved that the Rule be suspended, and the Resolution. considered immediately.

Objection being made, the Resolution was ordered for consideration

to-morrow.

Mr. BARBER introduced the following Resolution:

Resolved, That the Secretary of State be requested to forward to the Senate the election returns for Senator of Chesterfield County; and, also, all papers and documents of record in his office relative to said election.

Mr. BARBER moved that the Rule be suspended, and the Resolution considered immediately.

Objection being made, the Resolution was ordered for consideration to

morrow.

Mr. BARBER introduced the following Resolution:

Resolved, That the Committee on Public Buildings be instructed to visit the various public buildings in the city of Columbia and its vicinity, and report what action, if any, is necessary for the preservation of the

same,

Ordered for consideration to-morrow.

Mr. LESLIE introduced the following Resolution:

Resolved, That the Clerk be authorized to have printed, for the use of

the Senate, two thousand copies of Message No. 1 of His Excellency the Governor.

On motion of Mr. LESLIE, the Rule was suspended, the Resolution considered immediately, and agreed to.

NOTICES OF BILLS, &c.

Mr. SMALLS gave notice that he will on to-morrow, or some subsequent day, ask leave to introduce

A Bill to authorize the County Commissioners to assume and pay obligations contracted under the late Township Act.

A Bill to amend an Act entitled "An Act to provide for the construction and keeping in repair of public highways and roads.”

Mr. WHITTEMORE gave notice that he will on to-morrow, or some subsequent day, ask leave to introduce

A Bill to regulate the granting of licenses to retailers of spirituous liquors.

Mr. WHITTEMORE gave notice that he will on to-morrow, or some subsequent day, ask leave to introduce

A Joint Resolution authorizing the State Treasurer to purchase a safe for the office of the Attorney-General of the State.

BILLS INTRODUCED.

[Mr. ARNIM, pursuant to notice, introduced

A Bill to provide for the appointment of a Commissioner of Railroads and Telegraphs, and prescribe his duties.

The Bill received its first reading, and was ordered for a second reading and consideration to-morrow.

GENERAL ORDERS.

The Senate proceeded to the consideration of the General Orders on the Calendar.

A Bill to renew the charter of the Orangeburg Presbyterian Church Society.

On motion of Mr. SWAILS, the Bill was read by its title, and referred to the Committee on Incorporations.

Concurrent Resolution to authorize the purchase of a safe for the Attorney-General's office.

The resolution was agreed to, and ordered to be sent to the House of Representatives for concurrence.

Resolution of inquiry as to the qualifications of Hon. George F. McIntyre to a seat in this body.

« AnteriorContinuar »