VOLUME XI.-NUMBER 1671.
CHARLESTON, WEDNESDAY" MORNING, MAY 3, 1871.
EIGHT DOLLARS A YEAR.
THE PEOPLE'S CONVENTION.
A. X IXTEST J JEW WITH TB.
GOVERNOR.
Governor Scon's Assurance that there
has been no Irregularity in the Fi.
nances-A Chance for the Tax, ayers
The Offices to be Filled with Good
M t- n-Minority Representation-.\ o
Repudiation-The Convention to be a
Permanent Body to be 'Convened at
the Discretion of the President.
SPECIAL TELEGRAM TO THE NEWS.]
COLOMBIA, Wednesday, May io.
T'ae great feature ol to-day's doings lias been
the protracted interview ol'[lie committee of
the convention with Governor Scott.
At ll o'clock to-day the committee ol eleven,
appointed to confer with the Governor on
various subjects, called upon tile Executive,
and an important interview occurred. The
committee consisted ol the following dele?
gates : M. C. Butler, Cadwalader Jones, Gabriel
Cannon, B. W. Ball,.W. H. Wallace, Richard
Lathers, A. M. Lowry, G. A. Trenholm, E. J.
Scott, B. Smith, T. C. Weatherly.
General Butler, as chairman, opened the
conversation, by saying that thc committee
appeared, pursuant to resolutions of the con?
vention, not as partisans or members ol any
political organization, but simply as citizens of |
the State, to ascertain in what particulars they
might be able to co-operate with his Excel?
lency, In bringing about a better condition of j
affairs in Soutli Carolina. That there was cor?
ruption, violence, and a disturbed condition ol
society, all parties conceded; but, with a pro?
per understanding and an exhibition of the
right spirit, he believed that the difficulties
might be -emoved.
The Governor expressed much gratification
at the opportunity to lay before the represen?
tatives of the taxpayers ol the State all the
facts in his possession relative to the finances
ol the State. It has been wildly conjectured,
he said, that an illegal and irregular manipu?
lation ol' the public funds had taken place:
but, in fact, nothing had been done involving
the credit of the State not strictly authorized
by law. Both the Executive and State offi?
cials invite a lull investigation of the books
and accounts, and the committee will Hms be
able to correct many false impressions. I de?
sire, continued the Governor, cordially to
co-operate with you in satisfying the pub?
lic mind on this subject. At my own
invitation, the treasurer, the comptroller gen?
eral, the State agent and other officials are
present, and all express the utmost willing?
ness^ lend their uid to the committee. Con?
cerning the public debt statement made by the
comptroller, I believe it to be substantially
true. Ol necessity, expenses are accumulating
and gr?ater than they, ought to be; but, when
lhere is distrust of the public credit, the State
which owes money is always forced to pay a j
larger rate of interest than one perfectly sol?
vent. Hence, the value of securities is less?
ened and the difficulties of the administration
are increased. For this condition of affairs I
am not responsible; and I think the officers
have done everything they could to give con?
fidence to the public concerning the fairness
with which their duties have been discharged.
Buller. I am happy to state that the^ treas?
urer and comptroller have indicated a willing?
ness to facilitate investigation, and the sub?
committee has been at work this morning
The examination, of course, will require time
to verify the cor.-ectnes's of the statement of
the debt, I would row call' his Excellency's
attention to the resolution, inquiring to what ?
extent county offices have been unnecessarily
increased. In my own county, Ur iostance,
twenty-seven men are required lo perform the
duties connected with the assessment and col?
lection of tuxes, discharged before the war by
one. Is it not possible that a portion of these
may be dispensed with, thus reducing the
local expenses ? We ask nothing which may
not be complied with consistently in our judg?
ment. Our object is not to impair your ad?
ministration, but to aid you in every possible
way JaYexerciey:g economy in governmenr.
Governor. I 'eel gratified at these assur?
ances in behalf ol the convention. The in?
crease ot offices was due to the belief tbat the
new system of government would require ad?
ditional means, but I am satisfied a 'ai ge num?
ber of persons can profitably be dispensed
with. lt certainly costs Wi much to collect
tae tares, and there is abundant room for re?
trenchment. So doubt lhere Ls, also, loo
much monet paid to whoo] and county coin
inibsioseri?. (Jnloctumitely they are not sur?
rounded with sufficient, checks. If the Con?
vention would take positive action, and ex?
press aa opinion concerning the many-offices
created by the constitution. I believe lt would
have weight with the L?gislature, and Induce
economical retrtricttoa1*. In one of the coun?
ties, the commissioner gets one thousand dol?
lars salary, and ye: there l?j bul one school in
the county. That is au absurdity. Again, the
comptroller-general might discharge the du?
ties ot State auditor, and the ollie; of assistant
adjutant-general might oe abolished.
Butler. There Is unother class of officers in
whom a change ls desirable. I reler to Hie
trial Justices. Not being properly distributed,
or because they are illiterate men, ruth ;r than
use the ordinary legal agencies, being unable
to secure them without travelling many wiles,
are often tempted to take the law Into their
own hands. These tilings tend to violence.
All we ask ls, that while we have lo support tin:
government we may enjoy the tauellU) that
flow^rorn a good ene. Give th-.- people honest
officials, and you will have no cause to com?
plain.
Governor. I fully appreciate your remarks
Bad officials have probably b.:en one ol Hie
most iruitfui causes of irofible daring the last
six or eight months. Until recently, however,
from circumstances beyond my control, I have
had difficulty in finding suitable persons for
trial justices. My impression is that the law
should be amended, and magistrates he elect?
ed by the people. I ara well couvinced that
much violence and Indiff?rence to law is owing
to the lad that the people have not had the
means of enforcing ihe law within their own
reach. With reference to the resolution in?
quiring the number of bonds signed aud dis?
posed of, the report 01 the comptroller gives
all the information I possess.
The Governor here recapitulated the state?
ment, using substantially the same facts pub?
lished in THE NEWS during the interview in
Charleston. He added that the only real in?
crease to the State debt, in his judgment. wa3
the issue of one million five hundred and filiy
eight thousand dollars for funding the bills of |
the Bank of the State. Aside from that I hold
that the balance is merely ii change in the
lora ol the debt. As regards the rumors con?
cerning the over issue of bonds, they have no
foundation whatever.
In reply to a question of General Butler as
to /^opinion on minority representation, the
Governor remarked that while it would be an
extraordinary act of magnanimity on the part
ot the majority to concede the privilege,
ol the '-realest importance to the people
believe it will do more to destroy prejud
prevent ill-feeling, and educate the majo
than any event that could occur. They wc
be the gainers should the Legislature, al
next session, pass an act providing lor min
ty representation. I .know many of my
Htical friends disagree with me, but I fe<
my duty to support measures that I bellevi
be for the good of the people.
Cutler. One of the chief complaints ol'
people arises from the recant change in
time for the collection ol the taxes, compel?:
during Lhe present year, the payment, pra
cally, ot two levies. We should be glad
hear your v:ews on Hie propriety ol postpi
lng the collection, ii such a course is pra
cable.
Governor. The principal object of
change may be briefly stated : We found o
selves every year, on the first 01' Janna
without money. The interest on the put
debt is payable at that time, and it is alw:
expensive tiieu to borrow. Again, a large cl
of persons realize irom their crops in the 1
anti din ing lhe months of November and 1
cember have more funds than at any otl
season of tue year, consequently they can *
the pol!, and other tax without feeling the b
den. This would add many thousand doll;
to the treasury: perhaps pay hall a. year's
terest on the public debt. As regards t
penalty, it lias no year been attached until t
year after.- No sales have been forced lort
Iinqucnt taxation in my knowledge.
Trennolm. Still tho penalty was incurs
and K would* be very desirable if the pub
could be assured that the penalty would t
be incurred by a moderate delay. I am, pi
suaded nothing more is necessary.
Governor. The difficulty 7 wish to avoid
this: if a public declaration wa? made ti
the collection would be deterred til! the fi]
oi March, or that the penalty would not be i
tached, would it not be equivalent to sayivg
the people, your taxes are not wanted t
then, and thus induce those who might vol?
tarily pay to wait to the last moment ?
Trenlioim. flow would such a suggest!'
as this do, that alter the period for thc colle
Lion of taxes shall have elapsed, you shou
make the announcement thal all delinquen
who paid taxes before the first of March ?hon
have H eir penalties remitted.
Governor. That will do.
Lathers. What th? convention desires is
apprise the public that, in as much as the la
bears oppressively upon them during the pre
ent ye ir, although exceptional, you will at
nounce now that time will be granted thos
who ara unable to pay until the 1st ol' Marci
Governor. I am perfectly willing to t
that.
Lathers. That, I think, will be satlsfactoi
to the taxpayers of the State.
Weatherly. -I think" it important that t'l
books should be opened at the time providet
especially for the collection of the poll tax.
believe it would have a happy, beneficial efte'
on the people, and on finances.
Ball, (Laurens.) If our people can pay th
tax at ?ill, it ls-during the'monthsof Novem
ber and December. The crop will then hav
been sold, and arrangements are then mad
for the ensuing year.
Lathers. What, then, may we understand
Governor. That,'after the time elapses t<
which the penalty would attach, until the li
ol' March will be given those who have beei
unable to pay, without the penalty.
The conversation now btcame more gene
ral, the Governor speaking with frankness ot
all questions propounded. His views on lh(
subjects discussed having been already pub
fished, it is unnecessary to recapitulate then
here. As the committee were about separa
ting, the Governor, after expressing his grati
Sealion at the interview, said: "I am sattefiec
the convention can accomplish its objects
readily, by putting forth influences thatwU
aid in the maintenance of law and order, ant
I am gl;id to s^o this disposition manifested.'
Butler. And if we take that course, yoi
will give us good officers ?
Governor. 0:' course I will.
The visit here terminated, both partie?
separat:ng. apparently mutually pleased with
the results, and with the prospect ol' reaching
an arly solution of the chief existing; din!
cult es. All of the committee were present,
and, t.y the invitation of the Governor, lian
sier, Parker, Deane, State Auditor Neagle.
Ki m pto n. Cardozaj^everly Nash and J i ?Ison,
also were interested spectator? ol the curious
scene. The conversation lasted nearly lour
hours. The Judges of the Supreme Court had
also been invited, but did not attend.
Proceeding* of the Convention.
The convention assembled at 12 ox'.ock. A
?urge additional number ol delegates were
sealed. Several distinguished men were in
rited on the floor. Warley s resoliifloi in
relation to the administration of justice, favor?
ably reported on by the executive coinmitti-".
was adopted.
Judge Aldrich offered a resolution, that the
executive committee, together with the presi?
dent ol'the convention, retain the organisa?
tion, with power lo ca 1 the Convention at any
expedient time: :i!so, a resolution, that a com?
mittee of live be appointed by the executive
Committee to prepare u report on the condi?
tion of th? State. Referred.
Wallace, of Richland, odored a r?solution
that, a cominillee of Uve be appointed lo co?
operate with the attorney-general ia prosecu?
ting officials charged willi the embezzlement
ol'public funds and bribery in the Legislature.
Referred to the executive committee.
Smart, of Beaufort, offered a series of reso?
lutions to appoint a committee ol'live to inves?
tigate the liubllities ol the Stale, und to request
the officers of thu various departments to fur?
nish information; lo make the executive com?
mittee permanent, am! that lt shall assist the
Governor, If desired, in securing the services
of good citizens to till the Offices of the State,
thus furnishing a guarantee - tor a wise admin?
istration. Finally, Unit. Hie convention is op?
posed to repudiation ol all legal debts. Refer?
red io the executive committee.
Wilson, ol' Georgetown, offered a resolution
that lhe executive committee provide the
means for the payrueul ol' lhe expenses ol' the
convention.
A recess was then taken lill 7 o'clock this
eveulng, this being memorial day. jr
EYKMNU SESSION.
The convention reassembled at l.all-past 7.
Colonel T. V. Simons offered, a resolution
embodying Hie second re.-olution ol Hie Board
of Traue. Referred.
[The resolution of the Charleston Board of
Trade here referred to is as follows: "That
we deem il our dtnytowarn all persons not
to receive, by way of purchase, loan, or other?
wise, any bond or obligation hei entier issued,
purporting to bind the property or pledge the
credit of the State; and that ali such bonds or
obligations will be held by us lo be null.ami
void, us having been issued corruptly, im?
providently and for fraudulent purposes,and
.n delegation of the rights ol ihat portion ol
the people of this State upon whom the j
burdens are made to rest.1']
Adam?, of Richland, offered a resolutk
commending that the collection of taxi
1371 be postponed. Referred to the exec
committee.
Warley, of Darlington, offered a rosoli
that the convention declare that it is tl
rention o? the people to resist by lawful rr
the payment of any debt hereafter contri
by the present State government or ai
ture government in which property ho
are unrepresented. Referred to I he exec
committee.
J. P. Thomas, from the committee on
tions, read a lengthy report, embody'm
views on cumulative voting, before pinli
by that gentleman. Manning moved tl
be laid on the table, which brought spe<
from Trenholm, Gary, Cannon, Chesnut
Chamberlain. The report finally was ado
almost unanimously.
The Governor was on thc floor of the
vention to-night.
THE FIRST RAT'S FROCEEDIXi
Personal Sketches of Prominent E
gates-The Item arks of Presli
Porter-The Various ResolnTi
Committee", <fec.-A. Pull Report.
[FROM OCR OWN COBRRPONMSST.]
COLUMBIA, S. C., May
Not since the year I860 has there assem
in South Carolina such an array of mai
and distinctive men as are now in conven
in this city. Scan the names, and you will
that they have been repeated lor near
generation of public life. Scan the faces,
you will see something of the strong indi
uality which has left its imprint on the pee
directed public sentiment and achieved pot
You will find among these delegates mei
rare prudence, ability and forethought; j
who have filled the highest offices in the S
and dignified the councils of the nation; i
who have been battered and scarred by
tempests ol war; men who once possessed
most the wealth ol princes, and dispensed !
pltallty with a lavishness that know no Iii
men whose influence at home concentro
and directs the publjc will, and mnkes th
thc mouthpiece for Its expression; men id
tilled with the past, thc present and the fut
of South Carolina-tiie owners of its soil, t
by right the best representatives ol' its in
ests in the body now assembled.
Take a look at some ol'them as ?hey si
this spacious Senate chamber. There is
president, Hon. William D. Porter, of Char!
ton, a former lieutenant-governor of the St?
and wealing still " the irdut of a statesmai
one whose voice in counsel has been heard
a thousand occasions, in pence a*hd in w
and whose courtly grace as a presiding offii
hus lost none of its charm, although, for
moment, he occupies Die chair ol a coloi
successor to th?* *:onors ol' a Senate.
Yonte,' sits Hon. Gabriel Cannon, of Sp
tanburg, also a former lieutenant-govern
His hair is frosted by time, and his tall flgi
droops a little under the burden ol years, I
they have been years ol usefulness, and i
people love him. Standing near by ls Ma;
General M. C.' Butler, of Edgefleld, the hai
somest man lu the convention, and one oft
brightest Intellects in the Slate. Popular
manners, frank in address, fluent in speet
and a read* debater, It is no wonder that
has met with success in every department
Hie. So, too, with that, keen, restless-ey
man. General Gary, ah o from Edgefleld. O
would not judge from his quick, elastic st
and flowing locks^that forty-odd years ha
played their pranks with him. but he has bet
admirably preserved, and lew men In Sou
Carolina enjoy n ore deserved fame. He ii
forcible speaker-sharp, incisive; and an ng
antagonist. " .
On the other side of the chamber is Genet
Joliuson Hagood. of Barnwell-caira, under
onstratiye, and so full of gentleness in speei
that you would not suspect how, on more UK
one occasion, he led, us il were, the l,f#rloi
hope," and once charged, almost alone, in
the jaws of death lo retake his captured ila
Generals Kershaw and Kennedy .nre not y
here; bul lhere sits Wallace, of Union, ll
high-toned Christian soldier, who, alwa,
honored by the citizens ol his district, do?
efjual honor to them ou every public occas'roi
There, too, is lion. James Chesnut, of Ke
shaw, ex-Governor, ex-United Slates senato
and ex-Confederate general-perfect type
the oid time statesman. Sitliug by him is Hoi
A. P. Aldrich, ol Barnwell, formerly the speak?
ol the House ol' Repr?sentatives and judge. ?
magnificent head and face, out of which gleai
a pair ol gray eyes that motin business, te
you ol' Intellectual power and resource
Hint have never Billed the people in their t-m
of need. Bul to-day lie is only -a taxpayer.
Yonder, three or lour seats distant, is ?motile
public man, whose name has been a house
hold word in South Caruliua for generalions
Ex-Governor Manning, of Clarendon, whos<
princely home and library were given to th
flames by Sherman's troops. I see, also, ii
yonder corner, q.iietly watching Hie tide o
events, Hon. George A. Trenhoim, once Uu
Secretary ol the Treasury of Hie Conf?d?ral)
Stales. Few excel him in speech, and non?
in llnanclal ability. At his side is Colone
Richard Lathers, who, alter a quarter o? i
century in Now York, where he won weaiti
and distinction, returns to his nativo Siate tc
assist in working out tho problem of her wei
lure. Col. Lathers lias such a happy way o
presenting dry lads and figures, that ihet
seem almost picturesque. One of Hie solk
mea ol'the convention, and greatly beloved
by hi3 people, is Colonel T. C. Weat) erly, ol
Marlboro'. Practical, progressive ami hopelul
of the future, np member will, in a quiet way,
moro impress his Influence upon this body.
Colonel F. F. Warley, ol Darlington, is another
strong man, whose "voice was for war when
war meant fighting,';1 but in pea'.--' is heard
hopefully encouraging bis people and de?
nouncing their oppressors, ile is one ol' tho
prominent lawyers of the eastern part of the
State.
I might go on and fill columns with personal
descriptions of the distinguished publicists
around me, but enough has been written to
convey an idea ot' thc character ol' thc conven?
tion. Those gentlemen have met to discuss
tho Situation calmly and without passion; noi
to grieve over Hie past, not to do one foolish
act that good Judgment can avoid, and not to
wrangle over political differences. They will
simply probe Hie loitering wound Iroin which
the Stale is now suffering, and, il possible,
suggest Hie remedy. They will examine ihe
books and accounts of officials, investigate, as
lar as lies in their power, the condition ol' the
public treasury, strengthen the credit of the
State,.and prevent, if practicable, Hie issue ol
'further bonds of indebtedness. The idea of
repudiation has not been broached, and would
not be entertained !or a moment.
KKMARKS OF UO.V. W. D. POUTER.
Alter the election o: officers this morning,
Messrs. Chesmv, W::-on and Si IT. ons were ap
pointed a committee to escort the pres!
the chair, on taking which, he address
convention, substantially, as follows:
Gentlemen of the Convention-I tha
for this compliment. It is prized th?
highly because I see around me so m
the good men and true to whom Soiitl
lina in her better days was glad, to confj
honor, and who are now as faithful ?
ever have been. My only regret ls th
occasion is not more happy and pleasat
rebuke corruption in high places, an
obiiged to take measures to save on:
iron irretrievable ruin, is a duty by no
pleir-ant. As it bas been placed upon
ns discharge it manfully, and With fl
The fundamental law of the State ar
United States secures to the peopl
right to assemble peaceably, aDd to
by all lawful means, redress for their
anees. We are assembled in si
manner and foi" such a purpose. It is adi
by fair minded men o? all parties that the
great public grievances, and that by
presence there has been called Into ex!
such a convention as this. A cohventk
precedented in all the history ol' the Stai
convention to secure to ourselves a i
share in a representative government
have no legislative power; we are simj
advisory body. 'But we can inquire and
tlgate; we can collect and embody inve
Hon; we caa recommend to the people,
have conferred upon us this trust, such
ures as we deem necessary for their se
In the future. Let- there oe fairness an
lice. It we noihibg extenuate, let us set
naught in malice! The first great wrc
the Increase in the public debt-nn ext?
nary iucrease. a? is admitted on all hands
people of the State are entitled to knot
must know the amount of that debt,
mnst know what is the actual as well a
contingent liability ol lhe State ol South
lina.
That the application of the public nu
has been extravagant, wild and profligab
mils of no doubt; it ls without question,
perhaps, never Iii the history of ?a peopl*
there an Instance where this recklessnesi
profligacy was more shamelessly appa
Corruption flaunts itself in the light of
and assumes to-itsell'the garb of honesty
these things are not checked and rebi
they will result not only iu d?moralisa
but In bankruptcy and rujn. The credit c
State is dearer to none than it is to us. I
been our traditional policy to keep and
the public credit not only unquestioned,
unsuspected. We mean npt repudiation
we do mean openly and in the most sol
manner to give notice that thc public cree
South Carolina has been strained to the i
extreme point, and that whatever obllgal
flounders take, they must take them at-1
own peril.
Let me admonish you to be prudent
wise; to avoid party politics. For. every
minded man who is willing to put-his se
disapproval on corruption, or is willing t
with us in correcting abuses, we have a
cbmlng hand. These men are our trie
and should be welcomed to our ranks.
The lute war left this people almost im
erished. Upon the issues ol thc war, on
the most valuable species of property-n
than one-half of what was left to the peop
was stricken out al a blow. Never were il
a people on the face of the earth who v
more entitled to sympathy, than the pe
ol South Carolina. In the name of that ]
pie, much abused, almost minea, I call u
you to bring to your aid your noblest effort
this lime.
Again thanking the convention lor
j honor conferred on him, Mr. Porter closed.
A COMMITTEE OF COXFEEEN'CE.
General Buller offered the following res*
tion, which was adopted :
Resolved, That, a committee of eleven be
pointed by the chair to confer with his Ex
lency. Governor Scott, in pursuance of
fourth resolution of the Chamber of Comme
and Board of Trade ot the City ol Chariest
and report to this convention in writing
otherwise.
Colonel Richard Lathers said that at t
stage ol thc proceedings it would be propel
I fix thc duties that would devolve upon
J convention, and he therefore would make
j suggestion that there be appointed
L A committee to confer with the Goveri
on the necessity of extending the time for
payment of the November taxes.
2. A committee to investigate the lndebt
I ness of the Stale, the books and account*
I the treasurer and comptroller, and comp
I the same with the st annes for raising and (
I bnrsing the moneys of the State.
I 3. A committee to investigate the accou
j of the fiscal agent of the State in New York
4. A committee lo inquire into the arnot
I ot money annually raised by taxation, a
j whether there is any necessity lor the exe
I sive taxation now imposed on the people.
5. A committee to inquire into the grii
anees and necessary frauds and extra"
gances, caused by the anti-American princi]
} ol taxation without representation, and repi
a remedy lor the same.
C. Thul?un executive committee be appoii
ed, who, together with the president ol'tl
convention, shall have it in charge to prott
j the interest represented by this convention
thc interval ol adjournment, to keep in vii
Hie current legislation of any future meeli
of the Legislature, and to call together al su
Hine as Ihey may deem expedient.
7 That this convention confirm tb.e acth
min resolutions of the Board of Trade and tl
I Chamber ol Commerce of Charleston, in r
j spect to the sterling loaD.
I 8. That a committee bc appointed to invt
ligate and report a plan lo restore the cred
I ot the Slate, and to couler willi the represe
tallves of the "fire loan securities" of lhe*Stut
I which have been practically repudiated by tl
State authority, with a view tb repair il
damages to the good failli und honor ol'll
State, by influencing an early liqtrldaUon
j these obligations.?
ItESOLCTIOXS.
The following resolutions w<;re offered an
adopted:
By General J. Hagood. of Barnwell:
.Resolved, That Mr. J. P. thomas be invile
to a seat on the floor, and io participate in th
deliberations of the convention.
By General Jaimes Chosnnt:
Resolved, That the Hon. A. P. Aldrich b
invited toa seat, on the floor ol the convet
lion, and to participate in the deliberations o
the body.
By General M. W. Gary:
Resolved, Thal lhe privileges ol lhe floor o
this convention be tendered to the Hon. D. A
January, ol St. Louis, Missouri.
By General M. C. Buller :
Resolved, That the Hon. Mr. Milier, Unitet
States Setiatorlioin the Slate ot'Georiria. be in
fited to a seat on the floor ot' this convention
By Hon. G. Cannon :
Resolved, Thal it be referred to the commit
tee of eleven to inquire O',' the Governor ho?
many and what amount, of bonds he has sljrn
ed under the various ads authorizing Un
same, and what disposition has been made ol
said bonds.
By Mr. B. W. Bal!, of Laurens :
Resolved, That it be-nderred Lo the commit?
tee of eleven to confer with Governor Scott,
and investigate and report lo this body te
what extent Slate and county officers have
been unnecessarily increased since the organi?
zation of the State government in 1868. ?dd
with tile view to rctreitclitnent and reform,
and to what extent they might be dispensed
with.
The following, offered by Mr. Ellison Keilt,
ol Newberry, were, on motion of Colonel P. P.
Warley, laid on the table, there being but cae
J vole in the negative:
Resolved, Thal the president of this body be.
and he is hereby authorized, lo appoint a coo?
ininee of six todmw up a petition sett log fort h
the ir.?yvances ol thc people pl this Stale, and
asking the President and Congress to take
ch irge el" lhe Stale, and put lt upon an endur?
ing loiindiuiou-a ioiiiidaiion that will secure a
fair representation of the people, that we may
go to work, and not only build up our own
Stale, but aid in advancing the prosperity and
the glory ol Hie republic.
Resolved, That the several counties of the
Slate are respecllully invited to meei at their
respective courthouses on the first Monday In
June next, and appoint two delegates, who
will meet in Columbia on the Monday follow?
ing, wheo, alter organizing, they will proceed
in a body io Washington City, ami present the
petition lo the President.
General E. B. C. C&zh, o:' Chesterfield, offer
' ed tho following, which was adopted:
. Resotved, That the Governor of the Su
South Carolina be invited to a seat on the
of this convention.
Colonel Warley offered the following, y
was adopted:
Resolved, That it be referred to the e:
live committee to Inquire and report
what terms and for what considerate
making and execution of the Blue Ridge
road Company, and other companies,
mortgage to Henry Clews, Henry Gourdin
George S. Cameron, to secure the payrae
certain bonds, was ratified and confirme
the Legislature, and the said mortgage
dared to be a "lien prior to that of the i
on all property described In said mort;
and on the entire line of the Blue Bidg?
road, and on all other properties of the set
companies, or which they, or either of tl
.may hereafter acquire."
Resolved, That the committee he instrn
to report what action, If any. can be take
this body to prevent the subordination of
Slale's.lien upon the line of the Blue B
Railroad, and the entire properlies ol
other companies, to the junior claims of
vate Individuals.
General M. W. Gary offered the follow
which was adopted:
Resolved, That a committee of seven be
Eolnted to memorialize the Governor and
iclslature of this State as to the exp?die
of repealing or modifying th ? election law
this State, and that said committee do re]
upon the expediency of adopting the cum
tl ve system of voting, or such system as
protect the rights of minorities.
The convention then took a recess uni
P. lt
Afternoon Session.
The president announced the following c
mittees :
Committee ol Seven on Election and Suffr
Laws-M. W. Gary, C. W. Dudley, Will
Wallace, B. H. Wilson, J. P. Thomas. E
Keitt, J. H. Screven.
Executive CommlUee-Jas. Cl!cstnut,John
Hugood, Tilomas Y. Simons, C. W. Dudley,
B. C. Cash. P. F. Warley. A. P. Aldrich, He
Gourdin, H. c. Smart, William Wallace, R,
McCatighriu. A. D. Goodwyn. .hL. Westmc
land. A. H. Davega, A. B. WocUruff.
SPEJ?IJ AND RESOLUTIONS BY HON. C. W. D
LET. . .
Hon. C. W. Dudley then took the floor i
delivered a speech on the political sltuatl
He dwelt at length on the errors of the pi
but took- a hopeful view of the present,
lievlng that if the people would continue
conquer their prejudiccs-the thirty thous:
majority now against them would soon be
ducerl to a degree that would secure a j
and stable government and a fair represen
lion. He attempted to prove the utter in
equacy of this convention or the taxpayers
the State to effect any relief from the evils t!
oppress us Without the co-operation of I
colored people, and speaking hopefully of th
willingness to assist and act justly, introduc
the following resolutions, which were refer?
to the executive committee:
Resolved, That Hie people of the State me
tate no resistance whatever to the Governra?
of the United States* and Intend In respi
thereto to* conduct themselves os peacel
law-abiding citizens.
Resolved, That however distasteful the :
construction measures have been to the Sou
ern mind, we now view them as finalities, a
? recognize the duty of obeying them in lett
and in spirjt; and, as far os in our power li?
to make that duty pleasant.
Resolved, That we look to time and to pea?
ful agencies., only, lor the solution of any di
cullies thal how exist, or in Hie administrad
of the public offices ot this State; and we *
tertairi the belief that all the changes a
modifications that may be desired In that cc
nectlon can and will be effected by the qa
I influence of an enlightened public opinion.
Resolved, That the exigencies of the Um
demand lrom tue people other efforts th
those intended to promote the success of a
"party," lheir true interests consisting
uniting with good citizens of any an* all pu
iles In promoting the welfare of every sectil
and of every class ol' the people.
Resolved, That we deprecate any and 1
local disturbances arising out ol the irritatii
consequent upon Hie supposed mal-admin
trutflraof public affairs In the State, and-v
appeal to the people to respect the Jaws and
look to them only for tile redress of the
grievances.
ONLY TnE BEST MEN KO lt OFFICE.
Colonel F. F. Warley Introduced the folio'
lng, which was referred to the executive coi
mittee:
Resolved. That this convention earnestly e
hon the people ol' the State to abstain fro
ail acts of violence calculated to supplant ll
regular und due administration ol' justice^ ai
to rely upon the law and other proper tigei
cies l'or tlie redress ol those grievances
which they justly complain.
Resolved, That his Excellency Covern?
Scott having expressed a desire to uppoii
good men 10 office,- lt is but due to him th:
me citizens of every county should commun
cale freely with him in reference to the fe?
ings and qiialitlcuiions ol his appointees 1
office, and give him the opportunity to remov
those who have shown themselves to be lt
efficient, unworthy or unfit for the oillct
they hold. -
Resolved, That we recommend the peop]
throughout the State, without respect to pol
t : cal opinions, to assemble In primary mee
Ings. and earnestly but respectfully petillo
Hie Legislature to abolish Hie numerous us?
less offices which are sustained by taxation, t
repeal the many obnoxious and- unequal law
which encumber our statute books, and to et
net'such laws as will secure to Hie taxpayers
lair representation in Hie Legislature.
TAXATION WITHOUT ItEl*ltK8EXTA.TT0X.
Hon. A. P. Aldrich offered ilie tallowing rei
elution, which was referred to Hie execuliv
committee :
Resolved, That the executive committee ?1
inquire and report on the grievances of'taxr
Hon without, adequate representation in tb
taxing body, and suggest a remedy for the e.\
isling evil."
TUi: FINANCIAL AGENT AND TUE E. E. K.
Hon. D H. Chamberlain offered the follow
ing, which was referred to'the executive com
millee:
Resolved, That a committee of five be raise?
to examine and report upon the accounts o
Hie Slate willi the iiuancial agent ol the Stat?
in New York, and that ihey apply to the Gov
ernor for his aid and authority to make thli
examination.
Also, the following preamble and resolution1
were referred to the same committee:
Whereas, The material welfare ol' the prop?
erty-holders and taxpayers ol' Ulis State de?
mand the fullbiu? enforcement ol' the laws foi
?lie protection of life and property; and where?
as violence and crime, it permitted lo go un?
punished, lend Inevitably to derange the in?
dustry, paralyze the enterprise, and destroy
t he nal ional welfare ot our Stale; therefore.
Resolved, That Hie executive committee ol
this convention be Instructed to inquire into
the alleged violence now prevailing iu several
counties of this State, and lo report upon a
plan for the heller execution of Ute laws
againstsucu violence, and the belter protection
ol till citizens in their lives and properly
throughout ihe Stale.
The convention then adjourned until 12 M.
to-morrow.
MIJCORITY R I.' PRE SENTATION.
Ti.o following letter lias been sent to Colonel
Richard Lathers by A. J. Hausier, the Republi?
can Lieiiteuani-Governor:
COLUMBIA, 8. C., May D, 1871.
To Colonel Richard Lathers:
DEAR Sm-Yon have ?sked a written opin?
ion from me on the subject of "cumulative"
voting, or minority representation. This I
would most gladly give at length, had I the
time just now io wi ite IL in full. Permit me,
however, to say in brid, that the scheme
meets my most hearty approval; not only be?
cause I believe lt would go tar io secure last?
ing peace to our now distracted Stale, but be?
cause it is right in itself, lt is Republican In
its broadest sense, which secures to the whole
people .a joint and equal repr?sentation.
Hoping to be afforded the opportunity to give
my views more fully anil publicly ou the sub
iecr, I ara. dear sir,
Your obedient servant,
(Signed) A. J. SASSIER.
That the deliberations of the convention are
attracting general attention ls best attested hy?
the presence here of correspondents irena the
leading journals of the North and West, the
Herald, Tribune, Times, World, Sun, Evening
Post and Cincinnati Commercial each being
represented. These correspondents are de?
scribing men and things trom their respective
standpoints,, and every* word and act which
illustrates the temper of the body or the peo?
ple at large ls whisked over the wires to the
millions who imagine that we are a bind of
Ku-Klux, and that no good can come out pf
Nazareth. _ PERSONNE.
O UR STATE DEBT.
Statement of the Funded Debt af the
State of South Carolina, and Informa?
tion Relative Thereto.
The following is the official exhibit ol the
State debt submitted to thc Taxpayer.-' Con
. vention by Comptroller-General Neagle:
Amount of bonds and scock out?
standing on the 1st of October,
1867, as exhibited by the report of
the comptroller-general, for No?
vember, 1887, pp. 43-46.$7,649,055 23
Less amount issued for Confederate
war purpose's... 3,241,840 00
Net total...;.$e,407,215 23
Amount outstanding on thc 1st of
November, 1870, as shown by the
report or thc comptroller-geueral
for the fl?cal year 1869-70, pp.
55-67....-. $7,?6t,908 98
Bonds authorized to be issued by the pressn: ad?
ministration are as follows :
Under act approved August 20, 1868,
for redemption nf bills receivable
issued by previous administration. $ 500,000 00
Under act approved August ?6,1868,
Tor pay meut of Interest OL public
debt. 1,000,000 00
Under act, approved September 15.
1868, fur fUL(Ilng bills of Bank of
the Stateof South Carolina. 1,258,550 00
Under net, approved February 17,
1800, for relief of the treasury. 1,000,000 00
Under set, approved March 17,1869,
for purposes of land commission.. 200,000 00
Under act, approved March 1. 1870,
for purposes or land commission.. 500,000 00
Total.$ 4,401,650 00
. BondS Issued under authority above referred to,
to November I, 1870: To financial agent, as per
compironer'f report 1863, page* Ul, 154, A-:.:
October, as68, for redemption of Dins
receivable.$ 501,000 oo
October, 1888, as above for payment.
Interest on public debt. 1,000,000 00
June*, 1869, as above, for relief of
treasury. i,oa),000 00
September, 1809. as above, Tor land
commission.... 200,000 oo
May, 1S70, as above, for land com?
mission . 500,000 oo
._
Total.$ 3,20:1,000 00
Ol which the following have been sold by
the financial agent, as will appear by reference
to his reports, included In those of the comp
\ troller-general, for 18C9 (page 1?3,) and" 1870
(page 101) : '.
September, 1869. For redemption of
bills receivable.$ 360,000 oo
Octobir, 1869. For redemption of
bills receivable. 200,000 00
October, 1809. For payment of in?
terest on public" debt. soo.ooo oo
Total.:.$ l.ooo.ooo oo
Leaving unsold in his hands. Novem?
ber 1, 1870.$ 2.20JO0O 00
Amount of bonds Bold by financial
agent as above, ls...$ l.oco.ooo oo
Amount Issued, lu funding, to hold
ers of bills on thc Bank of the State
ofSouth Carolina. 1*268,6(0 00
Total amount of new bonds bearing
interest.;..$ 2.218,550 00
Increase of bonds and stocks issued
In funding under acts of Septem?
ber and December, ISGO, being ne:
amount received rrora parties
runding; to make even- sums of
. ?mos and $5os. 143 761
RECAPrTUI.ATION.
Amount of bonds and- stooks (ex?
clusive of invalid war issues) Octo?
ber 1, 18G7.$5,407.215 23
Increase of state debt since October
1,188?:
By Issue of bonds for funding bills
Bank State South Caro.Ina.$1,253,550 00,
By issue of bonds sold by financial
agent.$1,600,000 00
By issue of bonds and stocks Issued
to parties paying In various sums
to make even $ioos and $50s. 143 76
Total funded debt, November 1, 1870.$7,e8>,908 98
The comptroller-general. In view of the In?
terest at present manifested In the condition
und management ol the finances of the State,
deems lt proper to present, for the informa?
tion ol the public, the foregoing exhibit; and,
in doing so, takes occasion to remark that it
will afford him pleasure, at all limes, to fur?
nish the fullest information relative tnereto;
more especially would he be pleased l?o receive
and exhibit to acommlltee from the Taxpayers'
Convention, to assemble on the 9th Instant,
the books and records of? his' office, and to
show openly, in-detail, or otherwise, th? man?
ner In which its affairs are conducted.
J. L. NEAGLB, Cotnpiroller-Geceral.
Comptroller-General's office, Columbia, S.
C., May 1, 1871.
* ' *. " . <?j
NEWS FROM WASHINGTON.
The High Joint Treaty in Executive
Session.
WASHINGTON, May 10.
The Senate met at noon. The proclamation
convening the session was read. A commit-'
tee oi two was appointed to wait on thrt Presi?
dent and inform him that thc Senate was
ready to receive any communication he maybe
pleased lo make.
The President has signed the treaty between
the United States and San Salvador. The
nominations sent In to day are Joseph Belk
nup, supervising inspector of steamboats, and
John M. Francis, of New York. Minister to
Greece.
The Sib Maryland Regiuient, (clad in gray.)
had a champagne lunch at Arlington House
this evening, provided by citizens. The affair
was brilliant and very orderly.
The treaty was read in Executive cession.
The reading took about an hour. Cameron
spoke in commendation of its provisions, and
hoped they would be acceptable to the Senate
and people. He moved that the text be given
to the press, but withdrew his motion at the
suggestion ol' Conkling. Sherman spoke in
deprecation of thc treaty, suggesting several
amendment?. Adjourned to Friday.
PENNSYLVANIA KU-KLUX.
SCRANTON, PA., May 10.
Three laborers have been found dead in a
swamp, beaten and kirked to death, and
other outrages have occurred. The police and
military are In strong force, but the irritation
isgreal._
FAST TYPE-S ETTING.
PSI?AO?IjnTA, May 10.
The contest for the swiftest type-setting oc?
curred throughout the Union and Canada to?
day, for a silver composing stick, off ired by
the proprietors ol the Printers'Circular. The
result here was : George Arenberg, 1822 ems
in an hour, and Richard McLean, 1C27.
STATE OF THE WEATHER.
WASHINGTON, May 10.
Partially cloudy and clear weather is proba?
ble for the lakes and gulf on this day, and
cloudy followed by clearing up'weather on the
South Atlantic. No material change i? appre?
hended for the Middle ;ind Eastern Stales.
TREATY OE PEACE SIGNED
The Communists Suffering Further Re?
verses-General Rossel Resigns Com?
mand, and Asks to be Put In a Cell
Treaty of Peace Signed Between
France and Germany.
. , LONDON, Moy 10.
Thlers's circular exults over the capture of
Issy and much ammunition and artillery.
General Douay having crossed the Seine, Is
entrenched within three hundred yards of the
wails of Paris. Thiers, in his circular, says the
reign ol the infamous faction ie drawing to a
?close. The Versalllists lost heavily before Issy.
There was a heavy attack on Montrouge on
Tuesday. The result is unknown. A lire is
raging in Vanvres. . . . .
PAMS, May 9-Night.
Last night the insurgents, convinced of the
impossibility of holding Issy^ evacuated the
fort by way of Vanvres, thereby escaping the
fierce cannonade. The enemy became fearful
of causing an explosion in Issy and fire in
Vanvres. Meanwhile the Insurgents attempt-'
etl an.attack in-the direction o? Neuilly, but
were swept down by the Versaliltsts' mitrail?
leurs with great slaughter. The cannonade*
at Neuilly is now violent. General Bossel^
closes a communication to the Commune,
complaining that he has not received proper
Bupport, In the following words : "Two
courses were open to our forceB, viz : to break
through the obstacles which environ Paris or
to retire; the former has been found impossi?
ble, and therefore we have retired. I have the
honor to ask of you a cell in the Malzas."
Montreto'urt'-i8 furiously bombarding the
southwestern portion of Paris, whence the peo*
ple fly.
VERSAILLES, May 9.
All Republicans are uniting. Eight hundred
thousand projectiles, chiefly shells, have been
taken to Valerien ready for the bombardment
of Paris. The assault will be made by Douay,
with ten thousand men.
LONDON, May 10.
The Italian Chambers has passed the Papal
guarantee bill, with the Senate's modification.
A motion to disestablish the English Church
failed in the House of Commons by 285 ma?
jority, Disraeli and Gladstone both opposing
the move.
The Latest.
FBANKFORT-ON-THE-MAIN, May 10.
A definitive treaty of peace between France
and Germany was signed at 2 o'clock r.-wday.
LONDO: , May 1?.
The following is another version of General
Rossel'B letter to the Commune, resigning his
command of the army. He says : UI cannot
endure to hold the responsibility where every?
body d?lib?r?tes, where nobody obeys orders,
where nothing Is organized,' and where the
guns depend for service upon a few volun?
teers." In continuation, the general com?
plains that reinforcements had not been grant?
ed him when urgently needed, and that in
point of fact the Commune was Incapable of
discharging the duties appertaining to it. He
therefore retires from its service, and asks for
a ceil in Malzas prison.
The Very Latest.
Vanvres is sdll burning, and an attack is
momentarily expected. Rossel persists in his
resignation. -Desertions from the Commune
to the Committee, and between the members
of each, are growing.
LAWLESS DOINGS IN NORTH CARO'
L?NA.
WILMINGTON, N. C., May 10.
Last night, Lowry and his band of outlaws
.?vent to Lurnberton, la Robeson County, and
breaking open the Jail, released several of his
followers, ile retired without molestation,
though a company of United States troops were
quartered In the town.
The Confederate memorial day was celebrat?
ed here with great spirit. In the afternoon all
business was suspended, and thousands visit?
ed the cemetery, where the decoration of the
graves took place. Th? proceedings were
very imposing, and an eloquent address was
delivered by Major Robert Strange.
RAILROAD MEN IN COUNCIL.
AUGUSTA, GA., Ma*y 10.
The railroad convention met to-day. The
Cotton States Horticultural Exhibition opened
also, a large crowd being In attendance. The
Georgia Press Association met and elected
Colonel Christy, ol Athens, president for the
ensuing year. The weather is cold and . rainy.
GRAND ARMY OF THE REPUBLIC.
BOSTON, May 10.
The national convention of the Grand Army
of the Republic has assembled, Logan pre?
siding. One hundred and fifty delegates are
present, nearly every Northern'State being
represented. The proceedings are kept se
cre"t._ . '.
THE CONNECTICUT CONTEST.
HARTFORD. CONN., May 10.
The Legislature has been convened. The
committee has reported that Jewell ls elected
by a majority ol SC A debate Is progressing
in the House.
SPARKS FROM THE WIRES.
-Snow fell to a depth of three inches Tues?
day night, at North Mountain, ten miles from
Harrisonburg, Va.
-A number of cases, involving the effect of
the President's pardon, were postponed by the
Court of Claims, to await the action of the,
Supreme Court upon the constitutionality qf
Drake's amendment.
-The schooner George Henry, of Brooklyn,
was lound broken up at Rockland, Me., with
no signs of the crew.
-Mace and Coburn were at Erle yesterday,
enroute for the battle-field. There is no reason
to anticipate a failure of the plans for a fight.
JUNE JEWELRY, WATCHES, ?c.
THE LATEST .STYLES.
Particular attention i3 invited to the NEW,
LARGE AND ELEGANT STOCK OF WATCHES,
JEWELRY, SILVERWARE AND FANCY GOODS,
suitable .'or Presents, just received and opened.
AT
JAMES ALLAN'S, No. 30J KING STREET.
JAMES ALLAN'S. No. 307 KING STREET.
JAMES ALLAN'S, No. 307 KING STREET.
Ail the newest anil most exquisite designs tn
Jewelry, comprising,
SETS OF PEARL. GARNET. ALL GOLD,
CORAL AND STONE.
Leontine, Opera, Neck and Yest CHAINS; Seal
IUn?2. Diamond Rings; .Gent's Pms, Pearl and
Diamond; Plain Gold and Wedding Rings always
on hand or made to order; Sleeve Buttons and
ituds, Bracelets, Brooches and Earrings; Armlets
and Necklaces, in Gold and Coral; Brooches for
Hair or Miniatures, Lockets, Charms and Mas?me
Pins, Glove Bands, at
JAMES ALLAN'S, No. 307 KING STREET,
A few doors above Wentworth street.
nov;-!- mwf