Newspaper Page Text
IMTTAfRCP ?KSO
CHARLESTON, SATURDAY MORLING, MAY 13 1871.
EIGHT DOLLA&S A YEAR.
V UJUL'?TJ Cj A l.-1H/1U1.U1. -
WHAT THE CONVENTION DID
J TS ACTION UPON THE FIN J. y CES,
TUE KU-KLCX AND REFORM.
Tuc Funded Debt Declared Valid-The
Honor and Funds of the State Pledged
for its Redemption-The Sterling Loan
Opposed-The Fire Loan to be I'aiu
Suggestions for Retrenchment anil
Reform-The Blue Ridge Railroad
Muidle-Th? Convention Adjourns
Subject to Call.
[SPECIAL TSLEOKAM TO THE NEWS.]
COLUMBIA, Friday, May 12.
The convention assembled at ll o'clock.
Goneral Chcsnnr, from the executive com?
mittee, reported that the taxpayers deem it
their duty to declare Ilia: the sterling loan and
other obligations hereaiter issued will not be
hehl binding; and recommending the people
to resist the payment or enforcement of a tax
to pay the same by all legitimate means.
Resolved, That a committee of five be ap?
pointed to confer with the representatives of
the fire loan securities, with a view to the
early liquidation of these obligations, and to
repair the damage to the good laith and hon?
or of tMt Stale, resulting from their repudia?
tion by the present State authorities. Adopted.
Judge A. P. Aldrich, from the same commit- '
tee, moved to add the name of General Ches
nut ro those ol Porter and Conner in the Blue
Ridge Railroad proceedings.
Mr. Trescot moved that these gentlemen be
v Instructed to report at once. Supporting Iiis
amendment, Mr. Trescot said if the actiou of
yesterday on the^uoject of the Blue Ridge
Railroad meant anything, it meant that this
body, without legal existence, proposed to
take into charge ihe public and private inter?
ests of the State. The ste? ls full of danger.
The corporation referred to was an enterprise .
connected lor nearly half a century with the
interests of the State; yet the passage of this
resolution would do more to destroy those in?
terests than auy event which could occur.
The convention had simply assumed
that the legislation *is invalid, and to that
extent has discredited the bonds of the road,
because they would be put upon the market
with the disapproval of the taxpayers written
across them, practically saying to the world :
"You takes these bonds with the risk ol' aiaw
suil.'' Speculators will necessarily buy them
at a depreciated value, and the people will
eventually have to redeem them at par. Mr.
Trescot reviewed the history of the legislation
connected with the Blue Ridge and Greenville
Roads, and said that whatever discredit at?
taches to the Greenville Company, it must
answer for itself. The skirts of the Blue Ridge
Company were clean.. The mortgage given to
the .^ute before the Issue o' the bonds was, in
his opinion, infinitely better security than a
Statutory hen which only applied to thirty-two
miles in the State. The mortgage was a prior
lien without legislation. He argued that the
action of the Legislature would be sustained
by law, and, under the circumstances, he
thought it would be unjust for the convention
to adopt the resolution without amendment.
Mr. Warley replied severely. He disclaim?
ed being the opponent or paid partisan ot any
corporation. The gentleman assumed that
this body was not to meddle with private con?
cerns, but when private individuals connect
' themselves with stupendous public frauds, lt
was the duty of the convention to expose them.
Corruption would hot exist were lt not for
corruptors. Were none engaged In bribing
the Legislature, we should not have occasion
to complain so much at present. It was an un?
happy circumstance that private individuals in
the State had been-instrumental in obtaining
public plunder. He said lie would not discuss
the object of the legislation, but did propose
boldly to condemn the fraud by which
the object was effected. The men who
' induced the fraud were not to be
trusted with public funds, and the spirit of
Justice would denounce any man who, like
the president of the Blue Ridge Railroad, de?
clared, in presence of the committee, he had
come to Columbia with a million of dollars to
corrupt the Legislature of the. State. The
gentleman from Anderson complained that
the simon of the convention would discredit
the bonds. This was precisely what the
resolution was intended to do, and it was a
mistake to suppose that sympathy for any
fraudulent transaction would be round in this
body. It was a disgrace for a Carolinian to go
before the Legislature, composed as lt was of
uneducated, irresponsible persons, and hold
out bribes to secure any boon whatever; and
the voice ol the peopje would be heard, de?
nouncing such corruption.
The amendment was not adopted.
Mr. Scott, of Co'umbia, offered a resolution
that the Governor and nttorney-general secure
from Mr. Kimpton a bond sufficient ta protect
the interests ot the State.
The executive committee reported that
Crews and the invest'iiraiing committee of the
Third Congressional District deserve judicial
examination and the attention of the presid?
ing officer of the State. The convention took
a recess.
General Butler, from the committee of
eleven, submitted their report, setting forth
the interview with the Governor, published in
TUE NEWS of Thursday, viz : Thal the Govern?
or stated nothing had been done involving the
credit of the State; that he believed the report
Ol the comptroller general to be substantially
true; that he had not signed any bonds not
Issued by authority of law: that he was salis- '
fled a large number of officials could be dis?
pensed with, and expressed the determination
to urge tlie Legislature to effect economical
reetri?teons; that he conceded that the incom?
petence and inaccessibility of the officers ol
the law to be a Irultful cause of the recent diffi?
culties; that he endorsed the plan of minority
representation; that he would urge a chango
In the election law, and, finally, that he would
suspend the forced collection ol taxes until
the first of March. The committee express
the belief that the Governor wil 1 not repudiate
his assurances. The report concluded with
the following :
Jiesolced, That the Governor be requested
to ciiiect the-attorney-general to investigate
frauds, and muKe provisions for Informers,
and that the attorney-general be instructed to
attuch the property of persons In default to
the treasury; thal a committee be appointed
lo co-operate with the legislative committee
now investigating lb?; transactions ol State
officiais.
The report suggesls: l?t. Additional legisla?
tion to i usure revenue lo the State from the
phosphate companies, the amount of royalty
thus far paid being only nineteen hundred
dollars. This may be effected by the appoint?
ment of reliable inspectors, paid by commis?
sion on Hie amounts secured to the State. 2d.
To stop drawing money from the treasury lor
alleged legislative expenses by an order of the
speaker of the Hou se or the president of the
Senate in advance of appropriation. 3d. To
reduce the number of State and comity offi?
cers, and also the lees of coroners. 4th. To
enact^ law limiting each session of the Leg?
islature to thirty days. 5th. To enact a law
prohibiting county commissioners issuing
checks until credited by thc county treasurer,
and to publish in the nearest newspaper the
quarterly receipts and expenditures. Cth. To
repeal Ute law giving a salary of $2500 to the
adjutant-general, "th. To sive each public
officer but one salary. 8th. To abolish tiie
commission to codify the laws.
Mr. Geo. A. Trenholm, Irom Ute same com?
mittee of eleven, submitted a lengthy report
on the financial condition of the State. The
grand-total ol the debt is flied at $8,809,108.
The sum total of unsold bonds is $1,800,000.
The report recommend* that the Governor do
not sell any more bonds at less than eighty
per cent., ?iud to proceed to New York to make
the most economical an-ngetnent lor holding
the above mentioned $1,800,000. pledged as
colletterais, until eighty per cent, becomes at?
tainable. The committee further recommends
that when redeemed, a portion of this sum
be applit"1 to the payment of the lire loan
debt. The report says that it is quite
reasonable to expect irom this exhibi
bition of the exact condition ol the nuances of
the State an immediate considerable advance'
aud facilities for holding them off the market.
It appears to the committee that the various
issues and sums of bonds described have un?
questionable legality and force as obligations
of the Stat*:. The Committee discover an over
issue of one million dollars, but would stale
that nine attndred thousand had been return?
ed. The arrangement of having a financial
agent in New Y'ork produces an uulavorable
impression, because the difficulty of keeping
his and tho treasurer's account In correct ac?
cord seem-' great. A discrepancy of some
thousands nppears, but the report states that
nothing appears in thc accounts to im?
peach the r correctness, though the door
is wide cpen" lor errors and disputes.
The committee, would also state that the
compensation ol the fiscal agent had
not yet been determined; hence the full sum
ol expenses is not known, and interest cannot
be calculated; still, from* the best evidence
adduced, lite interest paid appears to be ut the
rate of thirteen and a hall' per cent, per an?
num. The committee believe that relrench
tnent may be effected, anti that it is the
shortest avenue of escape from our tinanclai
difficulties. Less than stiG0,000 in gold will
pay the Interest on the lundecl debt; $1,200,000
should defray interest and all expenses. An
examination of Kimpton's and other accounts
in detail was lound impossible, but the com?
mittee recommend the adaption of the fol?
lowing:
Resolved, That it is the s^nseof the conven?
tion that tiie landed debt of the State describ?
ed in the committee's report is a va id debi,
and the honor and funds of the Stale are law?
fully idedgod lor the redemption thereof.
Resolved. That a plan for the arrangement ol
the public debt suggested by the committee
be recommended to the favorable considera?
tion ol tlte Governor.
Resobed, That in order to complete the ex
aminatiouof the account? of the fiscal agent,
the committee of eleven oe authorized to send
a sub-committee to New Y'ork, willi authority
to assist, by counsel at home or in New Y/ork,
In the proposed negotiations for the adjust?
ment ol Hit luuded debt.
Resolved, That the Governor hereby ls re?
quested to review various expenditures, and
use his authority to arrest extravagance, and
substitute economy and accountability in every
department; and that he be earnestly solicited
to adopt twelve hundred thousand dollars as
the utmost limit of expenditure; also that he
exert his power to diminish the taxes in the
same ratio.
Resolved, That Ihe Governor be requested
not to destroy the cancelled obligations ot the
State.
Mr. Bal!, Irom the same committee, reported
on the expenses of the State government,
showing by comparison the difference in ex?
penditures of various offices during Hie years
1866 and 1S71. %
Mr. Warley introduced resolutions discoun?
tenancing till secret political organizations.
Adopted.
Mr. Baldwin, ol Richland, offered a resolu?
tion calling for an examination into the legis
lion in connection with the Savannah and
Charleston Railroad, and referring the matter
to Messrs. Pressley, Lord & Ingtesby for opin?
ion. Adopted.
Mr. Woodward, of Fairfield, offered a reso?
lution that :he executive committee, during
its permanent session, investigate the affairs
of the land commission. Adopted.
The convention then resolved itself into a
committee ol the whole, General Chesnut in
the cheir. Judge Aldrich offered a resolution
ol thanks to the president. Adopted. Mr.
Richard Lathers, a resolution of thanks to ihe
Governor and State officials. Adopted. The
commmlttea then rose, and Hon. W.' D.
Porter re.urned 'hanks, and said that
he need not be ashamed ol the convention;
results would speak and appeal to the
country, and if Hie executive commit?
tee continue to act in the same spirit,
and avoid Federal aud State politics,
and simply welcome to our ranks men who
propose to do good, who advocate wholesome
laws, just administration of the public funds,
and honest officials, it will accomplish the
great objec of ihe people in peace. The con?
vention has done much to remove misunder?
standing u:id inaugurate a period ol", belier
leeliug ?nd better couduct of public affairs.
The convention adjourned sine die, subject
to the call cl the executive committee.
TEE WO UK. OE TUE COXVEXTZOX.
Detailed lteports by Mall.
[FRO M Ot'l OWN COBRBSPOXDEST.j
COLUMCU, May 12. .
As . indicated by your telegraphic dis
patches, the ihird days' proceedings ol* the
convention were confined almost entirely to
the consideration of thu reports of the several
committees on thc subjects referred to them.
Except the debate on the subject of cumula?
tive voting, and the comments of Hon, F. F.
Wurley on the Blue Ridge Railroad, there has
been no speaking, anil the deliberations have
been conducted in the shortest and most
business-like manner. The respective com?
mittees hare been subdivided according to
ihe labor to be performed, ?iud, in the most
thorough and exhaustive manner, they have
sought to penetrate the supposed mysteries oi
the administration. They have examined per?
sons us well as books and papers, and their
reports art consequently based on the facts
thus elicittd. Mr. Kimpton, tho Slate agent.
Mr. Parker, the treasurer, and Mr. Neagje,
the comptroller, each at his own invitation,
has been conferred with by a sub-committee
on finance, consisting of Messrs, Treaholm
aud William B. Smith, of Charleston, and, in
the main, Che result has been far more satis?
factory than was anticipated. The Governor
has been frank in Ute expression of his views,
And unequivocal in his pledges that he will
attempt to effect, through Hie Legislature and
other agencies, retrenchment and reform.
The . report or the committee of eleven,
which will he made to-day, will embody the
results o:' taeir interview with the Executive.
So that thus lar the convention has been pro?
ductive ol' great good. It has strengthened
the credit y. the Suite; ascertained as fara?
practicable the truth with reference t
financial situation, and by the exhibiti
moderation has drawn the fangs lrom th
position who have ^peen anxiously awa
the development of a vulnerable point 1
tack. Republicans express surprise and j
lieation at the temperate character of tin
speeches that have been made, and con
the justice of the measures which so far
been adopted.
The following is the text of the re]
which thus fur have been adopted by the
vention, and will go to the country a3 ai
pression of Hie taxpayers ol South Carolin
MINORITY REPRESENTATION-?REPORT OF
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.
Mr. J. P. Thomas, of Richlind, on beha
the executive committee, to whom was
ferred tire question ef* the expediency of
cumulative system ol voting, or such sy?
as will protect the right of minorities, ai
leave td make the following report :
The means or. protect lug the rights of mil
ties in representative forms of government
for a long period, engaged the aticntloi
thoughtful minds. In Europe, as well as in
couuiry, this question has been fully discus
and a satisfactory solution anxiously s ught.
defective is the system of mere majority rul
flagrant are the abuses to winch lt ls Haide,
the necessity for lis modification strikes 1
force every impartial observer. It ls obvious
the needs o' good government require that 9
effective organism be devised for die protectio
minorities.
Your committee deem lt unnecessary to ei
unou an analysis of the several scheine* of ;
portions! representation that have been sugg
ed. Enough io say that, IR their Judgment,
pt.au of cumulative vo!lug best accomplishes
end in view-best makes representation co-ex
jive wita tue whole body of the electors. 1
I lau obtains wherever lhere is more than
officer to lie selected, lt gires the electoi
many votes as there are persons to be clio:
and allows bim to bestow his votes upon
whole number, or to concentrate them upon
number less than the whole. The effect of
system is 10 give to each political interest 1
community a representation proportionale tt
numi rleal streng h. Vndvr ? Its operation
trueoillce of suffrage, which ls to collect
sense of the whole Community, will be subserv
There ja effected 1.either ex-luslve repr?sentai
of the majority, nor execluslve repre eutstloi
Hie minority; hut proportional representad
The proposition ls, that the cumulative svsi
secures, through a general repre-entuilon, all
Interests In the noiuica! body. To Illustrate
system, under ihe presen' e.ecloral s>stem of
?state. In a Community ortwonucdred voters, 1
hundred an 1 one elect representatives, say fe
for the entire body. That Is, out of two hand
voters, one hundred and one impose their rei:
seutatives upon the mluorty ol ninety nine. 1
ninety-nine have no representatives; are virtt
ly disfranchised.
Now. under the operation of the cumulai
system of voting, assuming that the same cc
muuny. thc two hundred, are equally divided
litioaily, the representation would be equa
divided, lt may bc mathematically stated thu
moo voters are to 600 voters as two 0 one. Um
the operation of such a synem, each party wou
of necessity, calculate its strength in ail van
and seek to elect only the number proportloni
to its numerical strenuth. For Instance, in
certain community, let u- a sume that there 1
sciou Deiuocruis and 9uuu Republican voters, a
that there are tluec persons to bc elected. T
5000 Deniocruts have 15,000 votes. The 9000 1
publicans have 27,000 votes. If the Democn
were to attempt to elect all their representative
they could give each oniy 5000 votes, whi
would result in their seeming no repr?sentant
ns thc Republicans being able to give each of tin
candidates 90JO votes, would elect them all. I
the other baud, if the Republicans were to 1
tempt to elect all their represent a'ives, th
could give each only 9O00 votes, which would 1
sun in tue defeat of one as the Democrats cou
cumulate their J5.000 votes upon one candidat
and thus elect him. The edeci would bc th
each party would, of necessity, calculate I
strength, and there would result a propon ion
representation. In the case stated the 6000 Dei
ocrats would secure one representative, and ll
900O Republicans two representa'Ives. ; his
the principle of proportional representation 1
mea B of the cumulative system.
Your committee, desiring to confine themselv
to general propositions, propose to refrain fro
funner details.
Your committee are gratified to state that Th
system uf cumulative .oiiug, which ls destined
play so importa ii a part in the development 1
popular nile, has already been pu; |n operado,
"proposed, explained ano advocated," lu the Ur
instance by James Garth Marshall. 11 subject of tl
crown of Great Britain. This plan has bee
champion?! by ex-Senator Buckalew of tills cou:
try, has been incorporated in tue revised.consi
tutiou of Illinois, and has been put upou its tri
in a Pennsylvania town. Recently the subje<
has attracted sui enwl inteieit In the south. I
our own State lt ha* been received with grei
favor, and lifted above the plain ol' political pu
ty ism.
Y'our committee are of the opinion that, al
stractly considered, proponion-d representado
ls a great governmental pnncinte, n wisc, Jul
measure of reform, nnd one absolutely necessai
lo make unlimited suffrage consistent wit
peace, order and secur ty. lt enters the pollua
body us a savin*, axonservtng clement, lt ionic
to leaven the lump of democracy, and to give ei
sence of geuulne republicanism, which ls, brief)
stated, thorough and^genuine representation. Bi
if proportional representation be an admlrabl
system In any government founded upon the poi
ular will, your committee bolds that the plan i
peculiarly applicable to such a condition of soclet
as this Mute ??w preseuis. 'm
Your committee, do Bot affirm that this woul
cure ail the disease or.ilie budy politic. But the
may, without extravagance, suggest that th
system of proportional representation, if adopte
by those who wield me numerical.power, woul
alleviate many of the evils incideift to our presen
abnormal condition, would, to a large extent
tranquillize pu1'ile apprehensions, would modera'
the spirit of political convulsion, aud tend r
bring about in ihis sute all the peace that we ca:
reasonably hope to attain.
Y'our committee are aware of '.lie fact that Hil
measure of electoral reform, If lt shall be prompt
ly realized by us. must come from the domluau
party of the State". Whether ll will come or no
we cannot decide. In either event, the minority
ia South Carolina pat forth their claim" lu thi
behalf.
lt is their right. Should lt be denied, the rc
spon-lbilny; must rest upon those who use thu:
the power that the present gives. Should it bi
tendered, lt will doubtless produce the fruits 0
Juni iee and widen the circle of peace. This mucl
we nuiy add : Since lt is ihe nature of majorities
to chauge. it may be we!l for the dominant, party
to cousider whether the adoption of proponlona
represenlaliou may not fur them be the bes
polio.-'for the future as well as ihe highest wis
oom for thc present.
TUE TAXPAYERS' PLATFORM.
The executive committee, to which was refer
rod ilie paper presented by the Hon. C. W. Dud
ley, of Marlboro', beg leave repectiully to report,
1 Nut the phper has received the careful considera'
Hon of Hie committee, ihut ithnsbci-n amended,
and, in Its amended lorin, is now reported to thc
convention, with the recommendation ?hat lt dc
pass.
The following is the paper ?mended, refer?
red to by the committee:
The dch g.iies io the Taxpayers' Convention now
mei, anti sining in Columbia. South Carolina, de?
siring to be fiilry understood by their fellow citi?
zens of th'- S'.aic, and of the Cune 1 States, de?
clare:
1. That ihey meditate no re.-iEtanco whatever to
Hie Government of the United states, and intend,
iii respect thereof, to conduct themselves as
peaceful and law abiding citizens.
2 That we regard ihe reconstruction meas?
ures ss Uu dines, ano recognize them ?isa por
tiou oi the established laws or uie land.
3. flat we look to time and peaceful agencies
only for Hie solution of ?ny difficulties that now
or may hereafter exi t in the administration of
tue public affairs of this state; and we entertain
iii,- iitipy that all the changes and modifications
that may be dtttJred in mat connection, wilt be
et?tcied by the quiet influence of au enlightens 1
pe. '.le opiuiuu.
4. Thai. Hie exigencies of the times demand
fi om the people omer efforts th m those in tem led
tu promote the success of any "party," 1 heir
true interests consisting in uuiiiug wi'h good
citizens of any and all parties. In advancing the
welfare of every tecttou of Hie State aud all
classes ol Hie people.
0. That eenuin measures of reform are essen?
tial io iii - peace and prosperity ot the State; ihat
prominent muong these ure:
ist. Thc adoption by the Legislature of some
method or voting, winch will secure a represen?
tation Hiere n o? a minority of the voters.
.Jd. Retrenchment In the expenses or the Slate
Government by abolishing every office maj can
be dispensed willi, reducing the salaries of public
officers, aud requiring strict economy in the ad?
ministration of tiie several departments of the
government.
31. That the public debt shall not br* Increased;
aud that his Excellency the Governor be request?
ed to pievent, If possible, the issue and negotiation
of the bonds aut.iorized by an act ot the Legisla?
ture, "tu create a debt of the state of South caro?
lina, to be known as the Sterling Funded Debt."
4th. Tobe relieved fi om paying two annual taxes
in one year, as is noW must oppressively provided
by law.
Btli. To have the various offices in the State fil ed
by compeicnt aud trustworthy incumbeuts, so as
to secure the prompt'and 1 m?lent, execution o>
me laws, instead or the mode i ow adopted of
i-electlng them from the dominan: party, without
regard to their qualifications. I
6th. Snch. an amendment of the law In re
elections by the people as will protect the
fraud either In the control or curating
ballots.
"th. That the par and mi'.e.izc o' member
Legislature be reduced to Die Umita pr-'
previous to thc adoption of the ; reaeut cc
rion; and the duration of the sessions i
boiiy bc made to conform to the absolute
si-ties for legi-lation.
Believing that the principles above pn
really ac-uate the great majority of the
it is ihe purpose of this convention to atti
ends above indicated, ami such .other K
measures, as may appear necessary hereat
such peaceful aud legitimate means as cc
with rnsjiutyof good citizenship, and not
wise.
VIOLATION OF LAjW.
The executive committee to whom wns rt
the resolution of Mr. D. II. Chamberlain, ol
land County, directing the said committ
inquire into the alleged violence now pre'
In the-several counties of the State,- and to
upon a plan for the execution of the laws a
such violence, and the better protection
our citizens In their lives and property ttii
ont thc State," ask leave to report that they
considered the subject with the deliberar
importance demands. They have learned,
regret, that violence has prevailed to a grea
lessor extent In several counties. But the
bound to say with much satisfaction tliar,
far the larger number of the counties of the
not a single instance of snch violence has i
red. Batt gptfernmrat, corruption iu high p
set the example ol moral decad -nee and
itard of law, which was too readily follow
those upon whom the-laws are Intended tc
rate. Your committee are constrained to b
that larcenies and incendiarism, practiced
norant, deladed and bad men, suggeste
many instances and encouraged by a*c:ais.
worse and more responsible, were among tl
Dal causes of the flrst cases of violence. .,
wards, lt appears, there followed Instances c
porcal punishments, and homicides perpet
by unknown persons upou citlzeas; andover
few ofllcials of the government, who seem to
become obnoxious to many la the.iommui
wiiereln they lived, on account of supposed I
rice, fraud and oppression. These are lamen
truths, which the c. mm ?nee feel called on
quivocally to deplore aud condemn.
Your committee believe that an effectual r
dy for these evils will be lound l? good gm
ment, the removal of all dishonest, Incompi
and bad men from office, and the appoint
thereto of men, no matter of what party, wh
honest and competent, and who feel the ot
Hons which official sta'ion should Impose,
who will promptly and faithfully execute
laws.
POWERS OK THE EXECUTIVE COMMITT?
The executive coraml:tee to whom was reff
the resolution providing that the executive
ral: tee, with the president' of this conven
shall have lt in charge to protect the interest
resented by this convention during the inn
of adjournment, to keep in view che current!
laiion, and to call the convention togctlu-rat :
time as they think proper, beg leave to re]
that they have had the same under conslde ra
and recommend lis adoption.
TAXATION AND REPRESENTATION.
The executive committee, to whom was
ferred ihe grievances of taxation .wliliont re
sentutlon lu the taxing body, and to suggt
remedy for the existing evil, beg leave io re
that ihe present political and linanclal condi
of South Carolina. Isa rorceable and melanc!
illustration of the evils resulting from taxa
without representation. The Judicial luvest
tlous lately had in the United States court
this district prove beyond controversy that
toondina frauds were practiced in the late <
tion, and demonstrate tue necessity of a rem?
Tne theory of the constitution ls, that the pet
shall be fully aud fairly represented, and pron
is made in that instrument to protect mlnorit
Thus, in the House of Representatives, Hie wi
body of the people ls n-prescnted. and tne ma
Hy i ules, in the Senate, tue States are re?
sented. and the smallest State has an equal \
with the largest Slate. Thu one ls intended t<
a check on ihe other. While the war.lnsted, p
s on tonk the place of reason, the states rec
sented In the Senate set aside the constl'utl
forgot t elr sovereignty, and blindly followed
lead Of conquest. Since ? :c war. thc states t
struggled for what they supposed was a const
tiona! right have not been represented, tl
senators have not been natives, or. if t-atives,
representative men; so that trier cheek of
States, as represented in the Senkte, has been
tlrdy lost, and, ol course, all legislation has b<
partisan, sectional and vindictive.
Tue same feature which characterized the c
gre3sion:il legislation was incorporated into
State Government. The parMi system wh
existed In our State Constitution before the v
operated as a check upon the legislation of
majority. The new constitution nf Itttifi and I
abolished that conservative element. Under I
constitution' of I8?5 it is poss i de 1? evil co
have resulted, because intelligence nr.d pi oft
were equally represented, and .all the voters
long .>! to the same eiste. Duder the consiliutl
of lacs, however, a uew element was brought li
the voting power-men of a different race a
ctste, uneducated slaves just emancipated.
Impressible people: whose passions and prejudu
could be easily excited, were suddenly clot!
with ineffective lrauchlse, and made not onl;
power, buuiie controlling power iu thc State. '
Considering our comilit?n then, the result M
inevitable The newly enfranchised were notoi
jealous of their acquired liberty, but suspicious
the teiiiug and intentions ol their late owne
They were ignorant of political affairs, totally 1
Instructed in tne science of government, ay
naturally turned to the nra who had flock
here us birds 01 prey, and who are genera
known as carpet-baggers. It was equally natui
for the native, respectable and Intelligent wh
peur le, who had heretofore controlled affairs,
reel a supreme disgust, and to hold theraselv
aloof fi om i his mass or ignorance and vice.
lt must also be vcmeuiuered that au tue ge
tlemcn in the State, or experience, pm rinds
and virtue, were laboring under the ppiliicAi di
abilities or the recoils:ruction acts, which pi
vented them Irom taking part in leg slat ive pr
ceedlngs. Hut time nnd its healing ?uflueuc
has sh wn to thc colored people that the will
people have no disposition to deprive them
any oi their rights, civil or political, that ha
been conferred on them. It has proved to tl
white people that the colored citizens, general!
feel up enmity agalust them; are not disposed
oppress them; and are willing. If not anxious.
avail themselves of il\etr learning, experlsnc
virtue and patriotism. It has also proved tb tl
adventurers who miy be Inc oded under the gel
eral terms of carpet-baggers and tcalawag
white and colored, that thoi-yes of'thc native Cc
orcd people arc open to tin ir selfishness and ri
pacify* Having arrived ai this conclusion, tl
quest 10:: is, how eau we nvall ourselves of ii
power of tins native element and get rid of ti
bad tuilU'ncc wnlch has heretofore cum rolled 1
using the colored people as mere votin
chain-Is to plunder and ruin this devote
Mate / They need and desire Hie virtue, inte
llgencc and experience or the native whl
people The white people cannot nialutai
th'* u&ent virtue, dignity and honor nf this ol
State, unless the nativa colored people win ct
operate with them. Ihe corruption of theStai
Government ls n torlous; t ribes are openly oflei
ed to and received by Beraters and representa
ttves; high oillctals are engaged In speculating li
the stocks nnd bonds of the ?tate. All thc
great crimes are being perpetrated freely here
lu the capitol, ami ?.herc hus not been the Urs
prosecnt.ou commenced to pi event them In 1
word, the an cent honor ol the proud OKI State
is lost and gone. Every wiute mau and ever]
colored ra 111 who is a native Soutn caro lnini
must d?ploie this disgraceful and humiliating
condition.
Your committee believe ihal the public mind i:
ripe to meet this evil, save this disgrace, ant
thereiore propose the following resolution: Thai
we recommend to the Legislature the passage ol
an election law, by which the co.ooo taxpaying
voters will haven proportionate represent lion
in the Legislature ol the State wini the 90,oot
voters who pav no taxes; a proportion so Just,
reasonable and conscientious, cannot rall to re?
commend itscl! favorably to eve?y right-minded
citizen.
TI1K BLUE RIDGE RAILROAD FRAUD.
The executive committee, to whom was referred
'thc resolution to require and rep-rt '-upon what
terms and lor what consideration the making and
execution ot the Blue Ridge Kailroad Company
and jther companies, of a mortgage to Henry
Clews, Henry. Uourfin aud George S. Caraerou
to s cure the payment of certain bonds, was ran?
ded and conn ruled hy the Legislature, and the
sal?!'liongage declared ?o Ot- n lieu prior to ih.at
of n c -Ute on all property described In saul
montage, and ibo entire Hue 01 the lillie Ridge
Railroad, and other properties vi the several
companies or 'vhlc'i they or either of them may
hereafter acquie,'' and also to report '"what ac?
tion, if any, ran be ta ken hy th s body to prevent
thesutjprdUiaiMMi of ihe State's Inn upon the
Biue Ridge Railroad, and the entire properties of
the other companies, to junior claims or private
Individuals,11 heg leave to report, 1 liar, upon-a
careiul examination or ihe act ut the Legislature,
ive can reach but one conclu? ion: That fr some
reasons unknown to yo.ir committee, the Legis?
lature has, without consideration, relinquished 10
private ii! Hviduals Hie State's lien upon the Blue
Hinge Railroad, and the entire properties of1 ne
other company, (styled comp,niles in the act,) the
Greenville and Colombia Railroad Company.
Such dealing by tiustees with the properly or
Hinds or i heir casita que trust can only be the re?
sult or fraud, are uuauihorize.1 by Luv and are
void.
Your commlitee need not dwell upon the poverty
or the StatH and her utter inability to enrich pri?
vate Individuals or corporations by Buch muni
cimt gifts, or upon the ract that legislators, how?
ever generous ihey may be, nr- not accus omed to
donate public funds to nie use and benefit of their
friends or patrons.
As to thu S"Coiid brauch of thc resolution, your
committee can suggest no bener plan as a'reme
dy thau I?embraced in ihe following resolutions :
Resolved, That ihe Taxpayers1 Convention, re?
lying upon thc hum legal attainments and recog
nized patriotism of Messrs. Porter & Conner,
counsellors at law, request them, lu the name of
those whom they represent, to give the matter of
this report their careful considera' lon, and If, m
their judgment, lt he practicable, to take such
steps as are necessary to prevent; by ilue process
of law, theconsumm?'ion of this fraud upon the
prnpertv-hoideis of the State.
Resolved, That copies of this 'report and the
original resolutions be officially communicated to
Messrs. Porter & Conner. "
THE* ELECTION LAW.
The committee on election and suffrago laws,
to whom was referred the resolutions as to the
expediency of memorializing the Legislature for
thc repeal or modification of the existing election
laws or South Carolina, respectfully report (con?
cisely) that they have given the subject the earn?
est consideration which its importance demand?.
The committee recognize In fite present mode of
counting tho ballots fhe fruitful and original
source or present political troubles, creating dis.
trust in the minds of law-abiding citizens on ac?
count of rue power of tue custodians of the bal?
lot-box to dereat by fraud" the luient and sove?
reign rights of the electors. Recent develop?
ments and convictions of high-officials at Charles
ton. in the United States Court, after patient, la?
borious and expensive trial, confirm thc appre?
hensions and convictions of the citizens os to Hie
absence of security for the future purity of the hal
lot-box. Your committee are familiar with the con?
servative corni act of the elections and sa'eguards
of tbe ballot under the old laws of the state. Parties
of any p lltlcal complexion felt assured of the
honest result of every election, so firm was their
knowledge or the Inviolability of the ballot-box In
former time?. The present system Invites con?
spiracy, and opens wide the door to the perpe?
tration of every fraud.- When the high sheriff of
a county, whose po-vers are second onjy to those
of the Chief Executive of the State, has been con?
victed in the metropolis of thc State, by a Jury of
his choice, In a forum removed from local preju?
dices and bfas, lt is full time for Hie citizens to
sound the alarm abd memorialize the legislative
power for relief.
Tu this end, thts committee recommend the re?
ference of this report to the executive committee
for further action; to confer with the Governor,
and invite his co-operation in a memorial to the
Legislature at its next regular session, for such
changes lu the present election law, and especial?
ly In such parts thereof as relate to the custody of
the ballot-boxes for thc period or ten days after
elections before the count is declared.
In connection with the above, on motion of
,Mr. James A. Hoyt, the following was adopted :
.Resolved, That the report of the committee on
flection aud suffrage laws adopted by the conven- '
Hon be placed in the hands 01 a special commit?
tee of seven members of Hrs ci nvcnllnn. whose
duty it shall bc tu transmit the report as a memo?
rial tu the Legislature on thc subject or propor?
tional representation, accompanied by such sug?
gestions as they may deem advisable. In order
insecure the pa-sage of a law, at the earliest
practicable moment after thc Legislature is con?
vened, that the system or cumulative voting may
be mode applicable to the next geueral el ectlon,
and that the principle may be engrafted in geu
e al upon our sy-iem ot suffrage: and further,
that this special committee be ustructed to use
their best exertions In favor of the passage of
this just, wholesome and equitable provision, so
as to bring about a full and complete representa?
tion of all the pe ?pie, and the protection of their
rights and interests or perseus und property in,
every respect.
THE EIGHT FOR PARIS.
Captare and Recapture of Fort Van?
vres- Thiers Strong in the Assembly
A Pestilence Apprehended in Paris
Rossel'* Resignation Having u> Bad
Effect on the Com tn h nia ts-The Insu r
felita Unable to Repair their Works
Terrific Fire of thc Government But?
teries.
LONDON, May 12.
Fort Vanvres was captured but subsequent
ly recaptured by the Communists. The fort is
dilapidated. Rossel is not gone to. Versailles?,
but remains outside of Paris.
There was some.'excitement in the-Ver?
sailles Assembly wheu Tiners, somewhat ex?
cited, demanded u vote of confluence, which
resulted 495 to 10 in favor ol Thiers. Colonel.
Brunel ls appointed commandant at Vanvres.
A series of batteries bave been erected in the
Arondissement Pan ti: eon.
A pestilence is apprehended in Peri?. The
National battalions are thinning since Rossel'?
resignation, which causes discouragement
among the Communists. Delescluze is incapa?
ble of activity in consequence of sickness; but
in a speech Just delivered, he expresses confi?
dence in the future freedom of France and the
success of the Commue.
A Versailles dispatch says the insurgents
are unable to repair their works, and will
probably attempt to d?feat the Versaillisis by
a strong attack. The Mayor of Issy has been
arrested. Floquet was arrested en route to
Bordeaux.
The1 government batteries maintain a terrific
fire upon the ramparis of Paris aqd fortifica?
tions still held by Hie insurgents.'
The Emperor William ls slightly indisposed.
The treaty of peace just concluded at Frank?
fort abrogates the commercial treaty between
France and Germany, and gives to Prussia the
control of railways in the ceded territory, in
consideration of the deduction from .the war
.Indemnity, ol 32C,e00,00Oof francs. One of the
clauses ol the.treaty provides-for the acquisi?
tion, by Prussia, of the railway from Tulon
ville to Luxembourg.
Poneger Quertiere has gone roMayence and
Cologne to make arrangements for the speedy
return ol French prisoners to Versailles.
VERSAILLES, May ll.
Important news has been received from
Algeria, where the condition of aila i rs ls decid?
edly improved. The Arab Insurgents were
defeated m an engagement in which their
ead er was killed.
The Latest.
PARIS, May 12.
The Communists claim victories and deny
reports of successes for the Versalllists. -Fort
Vanvres wss retaken by the Communists at
the point of clio bayonet. There was a desper?
ate engagement around Issy, and thu Com?
munists claim that they have recaptured part
of Issy.
Ihe Y?rsailrisls are cutting trenches in front
of the Maillot gate and concentrating troops
in the Bois de Boulogne. There was a sharp
fusilade about Fort Bicetre to-day.
LONDON-, May 12.
The Standard of this evening has a dispatch
reporting the Communists' forces at only
twelve thousand strong, and saying that the
Versailles armjT :ould go into Puris to-day If it
would.
THE NEW ENGLISH TREATY.
NEW YORK May 12.
The New York Tribune publishes the text
of the new treaty. Thc Alabama claims are
referred to five'arbitralors-the Executives of
England, Brazil, Switzerland, Italy and the
United States, each, naming one-to sit in
Geneva. Il instead of making an award in
"bulk the arbitrators only establish rules for an
adjustment by a board of assessors, one is to
.bc appointed by the Queen, one hythe Presi?
dent, the third to ue chosen by the two, and
will meet in Washington to ?uish ilie work.
Three special rules of neutral obligation are
laid down:
First. It shall be the duty of a neutral na?
tion to use due dllligence lo prevent the build?
ing and tilting oui, or escape, of any vessel
iutended to make war upon another nation
with which it is at peace.
Second. It shall be the duly of a nation not
to permit such vessels to enter any of its ports
lor repairs, munitions or supplies, or, having
entered, not to permit their departure.
Third. It shall be the duly of a nation to
use due diligence lo prevent the violation ol
any of these obligations in any of its ports or
waters.
-General Burnside has been el?cted com?
mander-in-chief ol the Grand Army ot the Re?
public.
?rau? |)ri}e EJistritmtion.
$500,000
TO BE
GIVEN AWAY!
THE
SOUTH CAROLINA
The undersigned have entered into an Association for the purpo?e of introducing immigrants
into South Carolina and procuring homes for the Hame. They propose to establish Agencies
In the principal Citlec of Europe and the North and Northwest, and assist Immigrants la.
coming to our Sta'e, where they will hare homes provided, and aid them in becoming
permanent settlers npon the soil.
They will be able to offer the best Cotton, Grain and Truck Land In the healthy portions
or-the State, at very low prices, and on long credit, enabling the purchaser to pay for the
same out or the crops raised.
They will also assist Immigrants, when necessary, to transportation and subsistence- for
the first year..
circulars will be prepared aDd distributed, explaining our plans more in detail.
Central Office, ACADEMY OP MUSIC, CORSER KING AND MARKET STREETS,. Charleston, '.
South Carolina.
BUTLER, CHADWICK, GABY fr CO.
R?f?rences in South Carolina :
General WADK HAMPTON.
Hon. B. F. PERRY,
Governor M. L. BONHAM,
General JOHNSON DAGO OD,
Hon. ARM1STE AD BURT,
Hon. JAMES CHESNCT,
General J6HN & PRESTON,
Hon. W. D. SIMPSON,
ANDREW SIMONOS, Esq.,
Hon. G. A. TRENHOLM, -
Governor J. L MANNING,
Hon. J. B. CAMPBELL.
References?n New York City :
AUGUST BELMONT A- CO., Bankers.
MORTON, BL'SS A- C"., Bankers.
Hon. CHARLES O'CONOR, Counsel or-at-Law. -
Hon. JOHN E. WARD, C^nnsi llor-at-Law.
Hon. ROGER A. PRYOR, Connseilor-at-Law.
Colonel RICH ARI i LATHERS.
T. A. HOYT, Esq., President Gold Room.
HUNT, THOMPSON ie CO., Factors.
ANDERSON, STARR & CO.,.Merchants.
PETTUS Sc CO., Merchants.
? P. zo GB A DM Ss FAIRCHILD, Merchants.
$500,000 TO BE AWARDED TO THE TICKET-HOLDERS OF THE
SERIES OF CONCERTS TO COMMENCE ON THE FIRST OF
OCTOBER, 1871, AT THE ACADEMY OF MUSIC.
CHARLESTON, ?. C., ON WHICH DAY
THE DRAWING COMMENCES.
THE SOUTH CAROLINA LAND AND IMMIGRATION ASSOCIATION, UNDER THE AUSPICES
of the "South Carolina state Agricultural and Mechanical Society," will give a series of concerts
at the Academy of Music, Charleston, S. C., commencing October 1st, 1871, for the purpose
of raising a lund to enable Emigrants to settle upon lands selected by the Association for Homes
of Northern and European Farmers and others, lu the State of Sooth Carolina, and for their
transportation thither and support for the first year.
150,000 SEASON TICKETS OF ADMISSION, AND NO MORE,
AT FIVE DOLLARS EACH.
ALL THE PREMIUMS. INCLUDING DEED AND CERTIFICATE OF TITLE TO ACADEMY
OF MU-IC, will be deposited with the National Bank or the Republic, .New York.
$500,000 ITV GIFTS !
lat Gift-ACADEMY OF Music, Charleston, S.O., cost to build $230,000, having an annual
rental 'of about $20,000, from Opera House, Stores and Halls; the building being
about 230 feet by Cl feet, and situated corner or King and Market streets, in the
centre or the city, and weil known to be the finest building aid most valuable
property in Charleston, valued ar..$260,000
2d Gift-Cash..-. 100,000
ld G ; ft-Cash.... 25,000
4th Cirt-Cash.J. 10,000
5lh Girt-Cash. 5,000
25 Girts-Cash-each $ioco. 26,000
25 Gifts-Cash-each $500. 12,6*0
350 Gifts-Cash^-eacl: $100. 36,000
250 Girts-Cash-each $50. 12,500
500 Gifts-CaBh-each $25. 12,600
JJ250 Gilts-Cash-each $iq,. 12,600
2401 Girts, amounts to.$600,000
BUTLER, CHADWICK, GABY & CO,,
Agents S. C. Land and Immigration Association,
General M. C. BUTLER, 1
JOHN CHADWICK, Esq.. - CHARLESTON, S. C.
General M. W. GARY. '
AGENTS WANTED- LIBERAL COMMISSIONS ALLOWED.
Commisioners and Supervisors of Drawing :
General A. R. WRIGHT, of Georgia.
General BRADLEY T. JOHNSON^ of Virginia.
Colonel B. W. RUTLEDGE, of South Carolina.
Hon. ROGER A. PEYOR, ol New York.
A. 1TAJLT*, AND COMMENDABLE SCHEME !
CHARLESTON. S. C., May -, 187L
We take pleasure in certifying that we are acquainted with General M. 0. BUTLER, JOHN
CHADWICK, Esq., and Genera'. M. W. GARY, 0." the firm or BUTLER. CHADWICK, GARY & CO., and
know them to be gentlemen or integrity, and we regard the object they have or assisting immigrants
to homes la South Carolina or g-eat importance to the State as well as to the immigrants, and we
nave every confidence that their enterprise wiU be carried out with fairness and honesty to all par
iles concerned.
GEO. A. TRENHOLM, *. S^SLVB
B. H. BUTLEDGE, ? Trio's SIMONS
JAMI'S UU?.lf.n, IJL-MBV UTTlST
? JAMES R. PRINGLE. H?H?X. BUIST,
mayl3-3mos WILMOT G. DKSAUSSURE.
