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WiT TTMT? T/T -TVTTTMTVER 1083.1 CHARLESTON, 8. C., MONDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 21, 1868. FIFTEEN CENTS A WEEK BY TELEGKAPH. NAPOLEON AND ISABELLA-THE FRENCH MINIS? TRY. PABIS, December 19.-Napoleon and Eugenie visited Queen Isabella. Tho changes in the French Ministry are re? garded aa confirmation of Napoleon's pro? gramme of liberality at home and peace abroad. THE .? Ii EEKS CHARGED WITH COMMENCING HOS TIT-TTTEH -THE FIRST 8HOT IS THE LATE NAVAL ENCOUNTER FIRED BI THE 8TEAMER EB08IS. LONDON, December 18.-A dispatch from Constantinople charges the Gveeks with com? mencing hostilities. It asserts that in the re? cent naval encounter the Eros is fired the first shot. The Turkish man-of-war returned the fire with effect, and the Ero3?B put on all steam end ran into the harbor ot Syra. The dispatch adds that the Erosis was struck seveial times, and her masts and smoke stack badly damag?d. The utter inability of the great powers of Europe to control the action of Greece in the pending trouble with Turkey excites distrust in financial circles here, and a general falling off in all monied values is feared. The press of London unite in urging the great powers to a final remonstrance. CONSTANTINOPLE, December 17.-It is offi? cially announced that the Saltan bas resolved to enforce bis demands on Greece. Four frig? ates sailed yesterday for the Archipelago. WASHING TON. WASHINGTON, December 19.-The President has nominated George W. Colby Collector for the Second District of Alabama; O?ho H. Bus? sell, Fourth District of Virginia; Bobert E. Boyd, Second District of Tennessee; Albert G. Kevon, First District of Arkansas; Lloyd D. Waddell, Assessor. First District of Georgia; Thomas A. Burdell, Collector, First District of Mississippi; James Davis, Postmaster, Mem? phis; Ihomas M. Stillwell, Minister to Vene? zuela. Fifty thousand dollars in fractional currency were shipped to-day to Charleston. Seward testified before the Retrenchment Committee that the expense of the Alaska purchase did not exceed five hundred dollars at the State Department. CONGRESSIONAL. WASHINGTON, Tecember 19.-SENATE.-The Chair presented a memorial of fifteen hundred citizens of Stockholm, who desired assistance to emigrate. A resolution offered by Harlan was adopted requesting the Judiciary Committee to trame a bill reapportioning representation in Congress according to section two of the Fourteenth amendment. Mr. Pomeroy presented another Georgia bill, providing for the reassembling ot the Consti? tutional Convention within thirty days, to con struct an organic law to define more clearly the rights of colored citizens, and forbids meeting of the Legislature until the required amendment to the constitution is adopted. The Judiciary Committee was instructed to consider the apportionment of representation according to the Fourteenth amendment, Adjourned. , CONDENSED TELEGRAMS. Advices from Greece and Turkey show au in? disposition to precipitate hostilities. The loyal militia last week entered Lewis burg, Ark ans ac, shooting in every direction. They burned two stores, killed one of the pro? prietors and threw his body in the fire. They still hold the town and allow none to leave without a pass. E. H. Gill, Superintendent of the Richmond and Petersburg Railroad, died yesterday. Mobile Kat??. MOBILE, December 19.-First race-mile heats, best three io five; $100: Kitty Free, 2 111V Jennie C., 122 2. Time, 1:65j, 1:55$, 1:55*, 1:5S.j. Second race-three quarter mile dash; $200. Carrie P. beat John Kilgour and Mary Edith in 1:20, fastest tine made on this track by two year olds. TSE CITY ENGINEER AND MAYOR CLARK. CITY ENGINEER'S OFFICE, December 18,1868. TO THE EDITOR OF THE NEWS. Will you do me the justice to give this article a place in your journal, for the purpose of correcting the inaccurate statement of Mayor Clark, in his report, in relation to my? self. He says : ? CITY ENGINEER. This office cost the city, directly and indirect? ly, during the last past year, unnecessarily, not le68 than $20,000. Under some circumai anees, with prosperity and a (nil city purse, with large permanent improvements going on, it might be advisable to be encumbered with a GOOD City Engineer; but situated as we are, struggling against adversity, any yearly salary expended in that way is just so much to? much, in my opinion, for a luxury of that kind. The inaccuracy of this statement will readily appear to the public from reading the follow? ing capitulation of the operations of my office to the 12th December, 1868, being of contracts and bills passed through this effice. Apart from the evidences which it furnishes, the im? probability of $20,000 haring been expended "directly or indirectly" for one office, is too plain to need aar further comment: BECAHTUiaTieN-OraUTIOSS CITY CIVIL ENGI? NEER'S DEPARTMENT, FROM 1ST MAECH TO 12TH CECE MS EB, ISCa. Fencing. ifr'$2.575 93 Street work. 7,542 66 Washington Engine Hense.... U0 00 Composition pavement. 3,829 21 Engine Houses, JEtuaan.i Hook and Ladder No. 1.% 25,550 00 Engine House, Phoenix. 3.480 00 Extra work. 2,684 00- 11.714 00 Tidal Drain. 3,767 00 Detectives Office. 100 00 Sidewalks. 3,804 98 Cobblestone paving. 1,009 39 Cobblestone waving, contract " work. 28,275 12- 29,284 51 South-street drainage. 1,146 65 Public Cemetery. 112 60 Trunks and curbs. 4,507 60 Shell Bead "Contractors". 9,750 00 Shell work for Btroet foraaation. 10,135 74- 19 885 74 White Point Garden.. 2,868 87 Hampstead Mall. 1.930 26 Aiken's Mall. ' IS Ti High School. 858 70 Concord-street bridge. 70 00 Smith-street channel. 20 Ot Eagle Engine House. 365 00 Main Guardhouse. 6 25 Flinn's Church Mall. 18 00 Jos. Kennedy, orbing SheU Road. S65 CO Washington-street Plank Rc ad. 2,585 81 Total.,.$97,102 36 The foregoing statement will show the actual cost of buildings, structures, improvements, &c.; and it will be perceived that they are to? tally irrespective of the engineer's effice. The expenses of tho latter during fhe period from the 1st March to 12th December, will be found as follows : MISCELLANEOUS ACCOUNT. "Extra services"-office roBs, blanks, sta? tionery and sundries appert imng to en? gineer bureau.$3,291 Cl The expenses attending tho employment of parties for extra services in my department, which Mayor Clark refers to, "unnecessarily," as he says, were nevertheless authorized by Colonel Cogswell, the military Mayor, and him? self, and tho compensation for their services agreed upon, as can be proved by their affida? vits, by pay rolls, aud endorsed papers on file. Sim?ar evidences can bc furnished for tho au? thority to carry out certain public works at that time and since. Previous to Colonel Cogswell's removal, and upon the suspension of the works of improve? ment then going on, these assistants were dis? charged as the pay rolls will show, except such whose services were continued through their own applications to Colonel Cogswell, and after bis removal, to Mayor Clark, who authorized their continued employment, his approval was given them verbally, and when I solicited it in writing, he 6tatcd that his approval of the pay rolls indicated his sanction. I accepted this as authority, and considered it sufficient in all cases upon which I acted during the terms of thc appointed Mayors. Had Mayor Clark deemed at the time such expenditures incurred "unnecessary," be bad it m his power to disapprove the rolls; but the reasons fur the employment of the assistants .vere so clear and strong, that he sanctioned it lor the time the services of these parties were absolutely needed. Let us now see what does Mayor Clark know about road formations and engineering matters, and how competent is he to forman opinion of a. "good" city engineer. In his remarks on the shell road the Major attributes the lanre outlay to some "ill-advis? ed plans," by which he means the embank? ment and grade of the work. He, doubtless, would have had the shell covering placed at the level and upon the original formation, with all its undulations a? it stood, and subject to overflow from storm tides aud rain fall, cover? ing the road from one to two feet deep, not? withstanding the influence of tides and rains as explained. In the name of common sense, what does euch an opinion show of bis know? ledge of works and science ? How he can re? concile such an absurd idea of construction with hm recommendations for the adoption of the character aud mode o? permanent and dura? ble works, it is difficult to understand; ts use his own language, in speaking of permanent worts, he says: -'Once done is always done, is the cheapest policy." Where would be the road to-dav, placed as he would have had it ? Before leaving the subject of tho embank? ment of the shell road, which Mayor Clark calle "ill advised," I must say, for the infor? mation of the public, that the drawings show? ing the cross sections, profiles and grades were determined in April, 1867, and accompa? nied my report to the City Council on the build? ing of the shell road, and met with the en? dorsement of some of the best engineers in this country. The grades of the earth forma? tions, and the elevation of the surface cover? ing, had to be determined by the level of the storm ttdo of 1854, and this road formation had absolutely to be placed above the influence of such tides, and the overflow of tho large bod v of water which is always collected on the left of the road, on the occasions of heavy rains, and which invariably washed over the original road bed. lo face of what has been said, do the public consider, and can they consider, Mayor Clark competent to judge of the qualifications of a "good" City Eugineer to serve the city in the event of there being a "full city purse?" It is somewhat difficult to understand Mayor Claik's concluding remarks, wherein "under circumstances of prosperity and a full city purse," he thinks "it might be advisable to bo encumbered with a 'good' City Engineer; but, situated as we are, any yearly salary expended in that way," is in his opinvm, too much of a "luxury of that kind." Perhaps he can explain how an encumbrance may prove a "luxury of that kind." The whole attack upon the City Engineer indicates, as the public will see, more of per? sonal feeling and malice than anvthing else. LOUIS J.BARBOT, City Engineer. THE BLUE RIDGE RsUZROAD COM? BAN?. The stockholders of the Blue Ridge Railroad Company met, pursuant to adjournment, in the Mayor's office, at 12 o'clock, his Excellency Governor Scott in the chair. The minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed. The committee to*whom was submitted thc reports of the Presideut aud Directors and of the Superintendent of the company, read thc following reports, which, with the accompany? ing resolutions, were unanimously adopted : BEPOBT. The committee, having carefully considered the matters embraced in the reporc referred to, do recommend that the roon b<i accepted and approved by the stockholders, f.s a faithful ex? position of the merits and prospects of the great work, in the construction of which the company is engaged. They also recommend the adoption of the following resolutions, in relation to the several matters embraced in the report, on which the action of this meeting appears to be necessary or proper. Touching so much of the report as relates to the deat j of the Hon. Edward Frost, your com? mittee rsk leave to submit a separate report. B. K. SCOTT, Chairman. Charleston, December 19,1868. BESOLt TCOys EECOHM ENDED BI THE COIMITTEE OF SiOCKJluU??BB TN THEI? BEPOBT OF DE CE1IEEE 19, 1868. 1. Resolved, That the act of the Legislature passed the 15th day of September, 1868, giving additional aid to this company, and making also, several alterations in the charter, be, and the same is hereby, accepted by the stock- - holders. 2. That the stockholders approve the deter? mination of the Board of Directors to have 1 new estimates made of the work to bo done on 1 the road, in order that ?he said estimates may correspond to the present price of labor, ma? terials, ?tc. 3. That the stockholders concur in the rec- ? ommendation to memorialize Congress and ] invoke their aid in the construction of tho ! road; and that a committee of five ? be appointed to carry this resolution ' into effect, ana that the Board of Directors be ! authorized and instructed to co-operate with ' said committee. 1 4. That the expediency of an appeal to the City of Charleston for further aid be referred to the consideration of the board, and that ! such application be made by theo? whenever - the same shall appear to them expedient. ! 5. That wben the new estimates proposed j to be made shall be completed, proposals for building the several sections of the road shall 1 be called for by the Board of Directors bv 1 public advertisement. That bidders shall be ' required to state the prices at which the work 1 will be done, on each of the following different 1 terms, namely : j 1st. Payment to be made by the company in cash. 2d. Payment to be made one-halt in c.sh, ' and one-half in the bonds of the conipanv, ' guaranteed by the State. SJ. One-half in cash, one-fourth in bonds as 1 aforesaid, and one-fourth in eaock of the com- j panv. 1th. One-half in cash and one-half hi the ? stock of the company. 1 6. That the directors bc authorized iud di? rected to call for the payment of the remaining 1 instalments on the subscriptions to the -apital 1 stock of the company. 1 hat ninety days'no- 1 tice be given for tbe first instalment! aud such ' notice tor the others as may be required by the charter, or if not so required, as may bo deemed 1 expedient by the board; and iu all cases where 1 the said calle shall not be complied with, and . the instalments not be paid, the shares ?hall be declared forfeited to the company, p.ud the forfeiture be enforced. BEPOBT. i The Committee of the Stockholders of the Blue Ridge Railroad Company appointed i to consider the report ot the president and directors to the stockholders, ask leave to sub? mit the following additional report : > The sentiments of regret and grief for the loss i of our late distinguished associate, Judge Edwatd Frost, contained in the report of the president and directors, meet with the cordial Bympathy and approval of the committee. In his death the company fcave sustained, in com- i mon with the whole "community of which he was a member, a loss that may justly be deem- i ed irreparable. His great abihtv, energv aud perseverance, combined with the purity and elevation of his character, cave dignity tb the offices he filled, and secure! for the cause he advocated the confidence and support of the public. To his zeal in their service, to his great labors as president, and to the digoity and weight ot' his character, this company are largoly indebted for the pub? lic confidence their great enterprise has always commanded. The committee respectfully re? commend to the stockholders the adoption of the following resolutions, as expressive of their appreciation of his character, and of his services to the company, and of their sincere sorrow for his death. E. E. SCOTT, Chairman. Charleston, December 19.18G8. i?"f olved, That the Stockholders of the Blue Kidge Railroad Company hold in grateful re? collection the eminent services rindere I to the company by the late Hon. Edward Frost; aud that they sincely deplore his death, as a great calamitv to his'family, and to the community of which he was so distinguished a member. Resolved, That this report and the accompa? nying resolutions be published in the Charles? ton newspaDers, and" that a copy thereof bc sent by the" chairman of this meeting to thc family. The following resolution was then adopted : Resolved, That the blank' in the resolution appointing a committee to memorialize Con? gress for aid be filled with the word fioe, and that the chairman of this meeting appoint said committee at his leisure. The Hon. Jas. L. Orr offered the following, which was adopted : Resolved, That acommitteo of five be ap? pointed to go to Louisville and Cincinnati to present the claims of the Blue Ridge Railroad to their consideration, and that the City Coun? cil of Charleston be requested to send a com? mittee to co-operate with the above commit? tee. The meeting then adjourned. W. H. D. GAILLARD, Secretary. Charleston, December 19,18C8. At a meeting of the directors of the Blue Ridge Railroad Company, beld in Charleston, S. C., on December 19,18C8 present J. W. Har? rison, President, Hon. R. K. Scott; Hon. G. W. Clark, G. A. Trenholm, Henrv Gourdin, J. H. Holmes, J. B. Sitton, A. F. Lewis. On motion, it was ordered that the board Sroceed to till the vacancy occasioned by the eath of Judge Frost, wben Mr. George S. Cameron was unanimously elected. Also, re? solved, that the President, with Governor R. K. Scott, be authorized to employ immediately an engineer or engioeers to make a re-estimate el the work to be done, and report tue same to thc board. The meeting then adjourned. W. H. D. GAILLARD, Secretary. [The report of the President reached our of fico at so late an hour last night, that we are compelled to postpone its publication till our next issue.] REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT. To J. W. Harrison, Esq., President Blue Ridge Railroad Company : The duties ot the undersigned superinten? dent has been confined principally to the con? dition of the property of the company, included in the li ase to the*Greenville and Columbia Railroad. That company received the road on the 1st June, 1867, and a portion of tho roll? ing Btock, and have continued to operate the road with great regularity and safety up to the present time, connecting daily with the Green? ville and Columbia Itailroad. " The condition of the road is in the main about thc same us it was when it was turned over to them. The rolling stock usod by them has been properly cared for and repaired. A large quantity of cross-ties has been put into the road, but"there still exists a necessity for as m >ny more. The ditching has not pro? gressed as rapidly ae we hud hoped. The business of the road between Anderson and Walhalla, according tJ statement herewith ex? hibited, has averaged about one thousand dol? lars per month audiB steadily increasing. The locomotive, Fort Hill, ia now in the shops of the South Carolina Railroad Company undergoing repairs, that company having kindl.. odored to furnish material and do the work at fair prices and on short time. Tho material for the Chatuga has been ordered, and we hope to have botli of tho locomotives ready for work bv the first of February. ' W. H. D. GAILLARD, Superintendent. THE CON TESTED ELECTION. PROCEEDINGS BEFORE THE SUPREME COURT. Argumenta of Hon. D. T. Corbin, Hon. C. C. Bowen, Hon. W. D. Porter, and Mr. T G. Barker. COLUMBIA, December 19. 1868.-The argu? ment in the Chark ;toa election case com? menced to-day in tho Supreme Court, before a full bench, Chief Justice Moses and Associate Justices Willard and H?ge being present. The court room was crowded with spectators, lawyers and citizens, white and colored, all of whom showed the greatest interest in theoaee. The case commenced at *en A. M. Hon. W. D. Porter appeared at first alone for the Mayor and Aldermen of tho City of Charleston, and Messrs. Corbin, Chamberlain ind Bowen for relators. A preliminary question was raised as to which party was entitled to the opening and closing. The court decided in favor of the relators, thou?h the Chief Justice thought individually te the contrary. Mr. Corbin read the petition for the manda? mus. Hon. W. D. Porter, counsel for tho respon? dents, read their return to the writ of manda? mus, which gives an account of their action in regard to tho election, and states that they had decided that there was no valid and legal election, and "that their authority in the premises is sole and exclusive, and tbat their decision is final and binding upon all parties.'' Mr. Corbin demurred to so much of tho re? turn as relates to tho neglect ot managers to require tho oath to be taken by persons pre? senting themselves for lejristration, and mov? ed to etrike it out. Thc motion was refused. Hon. D. T. Corbin opened the argument for the relators. He stated that this proceeding was based upon the declaration of the Acting Beard of Aldermen in the City ol' Charleston, to the effect that no legal and valid election for municipal officers had taken place on thc 10th November last, and that tho remedy sought was by a command from this court to the said Actm'p Board of Aldermen command? ing them to declare the election; that id, to declare which of the several candidates have received the highest number of votes. He cxnmined the statute providing for the municipal election, and argued that the Acting Board of Aldermen acted judicially in the ex? amination of the returns and thc ballots, and u the investigation of the case; but that when they assumed, instead of declaring the elec :iou, to set aside that election, they overstep? ped the limits of their jurisdiction,and rendered themselves liable to the general supervision ind control over all inferior tribunals which is 3onferred by the constitution upon the Su Dreme Court. Hence the case, which is now aefoie the court. Mr. Corbin discussed at length the meaniBg of the phrase "to tioclarc :he election,"holding that it was a perversion )f language, and an evident nullification of :he statute IB question to hold that the will of ;bo people, as expressed in the municipal elec :iou, could bo set aside and defeated by the ac? tion of a tribunal whoso interests might evi letitly be promoted by denying tho legality of :he entire election. He was proceeding to show thal tho process sf mandamus was the appropriate remedy, when he was interrupted by Ur. Porter for (lie respondents,who stated that they abmitted that mandamus was tho appropriate'remedy. Mr. Corbin thou argued that the mandamus lid not seek to control their decision, but inly to require them to make a descision con? formable to the statute whicli says that they shall declare tho election. A mandamus, he said, will not lie to control thc judicial acticn or the iudicial discretion ol' any tribunal. But there is a distinction to bc observed between tho judicial functions and the ministerial func? tions of judicial tribunals. The investigation of the caae, and the examination of the returns with the ballots, were judicial funetions, and the action of the Aldermen in these respects could not be controlled; but when they had completed their judicial functions, the minis? terial duty remained, to wit : "to declare the election," and this is the appropriate object to be accomplished by the Tnandamas. Ur. Bowen followed on behalt of the re? lators. Ho said it was true, he was there in the name of crtain parties, : ut, in reality, he was there in the name of the people of Charleston-in the Dame of a majority of the legal voters claiming their rights as expressed by them at the ballot box but little over a month ago. Under existing circumstances, an application lor mandamus was the only remedy len. When the question was first presented before the Boara of Aldermen, the counsol for claimants brought forward a plea to tho jurisdiction, claiming that the question, as presented, was one over which the board could not rightfully entertain jurisdiction. The statute of South Carolina, he said, did not provide for protest? ed cases, but did provide for contested ones. Tho question presented before the board was a protest against the entire election, and upon that the Board of Alderman had made their decision. He argued that, in order to allow any perton to contest the election, it was the duty of the Mayor, under the statute, to have deciared who was elected. Hence, the coun? sel for relators wore asking for a mandamus to compel them, the Mayor and Aldermen, to do their duty uodor the law by declaring the election. Tlie statute, he said, did not pro? vide for one separate board of managers. On the contrary, it did provide and there had been appointed thirty-flvo different boards in the country under the general election law, upon which hinged the municpal election law. Fourteen of these boards were confined to the different wards and precincts in tho City of Charleston. They could not form themselves into one ecporate board, because it was the business of the managers at each separate precinct to certify to their own wards, and that could not be done if they had met as one board. The managers had, therefore, com? plied with the tenus of tho law by making separate returns for each procinct. In regard to "tho returns not being transmitted in sealed envelopes., he contended that in every instance with two exceptions they had been so trans? mitted, and in those two exceptions the entire board went in person to the Mayor and deliver? ed their returns into his hands. Mr. Bowen also contended that the board of managers had been legally appointed and were duly qualified. It bad bcoi contended before tho Board of Aldermen that the fact that the managers did not require tho voters before registering to snbsenbe to tho oath mentioned in the act, was of itself a vitiation of the election. In reply to that be wished to say that the constitution of the State provided certain qualifications for voters, and that the Legislature had no right to require any ono presenting himself to register to take such an oath, it being in direct conflict with the consti? tution of the State. Tho constitution daclares that every male citizen ot twenty-one years of age, who* was a resident at the time of the adoption of the State constitution, should have the right to vote. Hbo oath required by the Legislature compelled them to swear that they had resided iu tho State one year. The constitution waa adopted by the people on the 18th of April last, and the election was held on tho 10th of November. Ho contended that any one who was a resident of the State en the adoption of tho consti? tution was entitled to vote, and no other oath could be required, tf a party presenting himself to register had been refused permis? sion to register because be would not take the oath, the managers could bavo boon compelled by law under tho constitution to register his name. If the doctrine contended for by the opposite counsel was sound, then the Acting Mayor and Aldermen of Charleston, having the right to eit in jud2me.1t on their own case, they would mako themselves perpetual, li an election was ordered all they would have to do would be to declare the election null and void, and that no election had been held, thereby holding over and retaining control of the city against the ftes will of the people. There is, he said, a maxim in law, that those asking for justice shall come to the altar with cloan hands. If fraud had been practiced in the late election nono better than the protestants knew where to find it. Preparations, be said, bad been made weeks before the election by the opposi? tion to elect their candidate, and when it was discovered they were defeated it was not sur? prising that they should seek to dofeat thc will of the people*. Mr. Porter, in reply, said he had examined the statute providing for the Municipal elec? tion minutely, and argued that thc action of the Board of*Aldermen, both in the investiga? tion and in the declaration of the result of the investigation, was judicial, and that their ac? tion could not bo reviewed by this court, and that tho statute oxproesly declared their decis? ion to be binding upon all partios. In reply to tho argument that they wen* limited to a de? claration of the election-that is, to a declara? tion of the persons elected-ho argued that to declare an election, meant as well to declare an election void as to declare tho election valid; that there was nothing in the phraso to declare the election which in any manner forbade thc Board of Aldermen to set aside the election. Mr. Porter then proceeded to show, as to the second point, that the decision of thc Board of Aldermen was correctly drawn from the facts proved at tho investigation; that the single fact that the oath prescribed in the statute was in many cases entirely omitted, and that in no single instance were the voters required to fcubscrtbe to the oath, was of it sell a sufficient ground to justify their deci? sion, and set aside the election. Tne learned counsel argued this point very elaborately, contending that in no view of thc case could this omission be regarded as anything less than a vitiation of tbe entire election. No Bingle legal vote accordingly, he said, had been cast in the late municipal election, because not a single voter was required to sub? scribe to the oath. He argued that the obje t ot the requirement of tho statute was to fur? nish the necessary evidence upon which parties might be indicted and punished for perjury. He said the statute might be either a wise ono or a foolish one; with that question the re? spondents had nothing todo. The statute was explicit, and gave to the Acting Board of Alder? men full power to canvass the entire election, and to make up their descision according to their judgment 3, and from that desoision there could be no appeal. Mr. Barker followed Mr. Porter. He said he was a'most wholly nnprepared, not having anticipated that tho argument of tho case would be heard to-day, and having been en? gaged in the United States Court. It was a case, however, in which he felt a great inter? est, as involving tho rights and prosperity of a community with which all his sympathies and interest? were identified. He had come to defend the action of the Acting Board ot Al? dermen, and ho held that they had arrived at a correct decision upon tho law and the evidence. Ho argued that the statute had expressly given to tho Acting Board ot Alder? men full ?nd exclusive jurisdiction of the en? tire case: that after a long and careful investi? gation tho board had reached the conclusion that thc election was attended by so many irregularities as to render the entire election illegal and void. They had expressed their decision to that effect, and there was but one way by which that decision could bo changed, that was by the counsel for relators showing that the board had violated the law in coming to that decision ; that is, that the board had acted illegally in reaching that decision.? Mr. Barker then reviewed tho evideuce at length, introduced on the investigation before the Board of Aldermen, and held that, in all particulars, they bad proceeded in strict ac? cordance with the statute, and that, as the re? sult of their investigation, "they had declared the election," and had deolared it void. He agreed with his associate (Mr. Porter) that the right to declare the election involved the right to declare the election void; that is, to set aside the election. The court ihen adjourned to Monday, the 21st instant, when the Hon. D. H. Chamber? lain will close the eise in behalf of the re? lators. SOUTH CAROLINA CONFERENCE. Second Day's Proceedings. (FROM OCR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] ABBEVILLE, December 17_Conference was opened with prayer by Rev. D. Derrick. The Bishop took thc chair. The minutes of yester? day were road and approved. Rev. J. T Wightman presented a paper in reference to the finances ot the church, which was referred to a special committee ot three laymen, consist? ing of A. A. Gilbert, B. Stokes and Robert Bryce, willi authority to call an extra and sep? arate Bession of laymen, to consider and report to the Financial Board". Thc Bishop read portions of a private letter from the presiding elder of the Jonosborongh District Methodist Episcopal Church, South, endorsing tuc Christian character of Rev. A. R. Beunick, yesterday [readmitted. He sug? gests that he be transferred to the Holston Conference a3 a member of that itinerant body, which, by reconsideration, was done. The examination of character was resumed. Reve. G. W. M. Creighton and M. L. Banks were made supernumerary at their own re? quest. Revs. 8. B. Jones. F. M. Morgan, R. C. Oliver, Daniel May, Dr. Smith and J. J. Snow were continued ou the supernumerary lut. Bevs. L. M. Homer and J. W. Coward were located by request. Bev. W. A. Gamewell, -who had been absent at the last session of this Conference in nor? manton, North Carolina, when his name was called, complained against a resolution then passed in relation to absentees as unduly se? vere; whereupon considerable discussion of an animated character sprung up, after which the offensive resolution was rescinded. Tho report of J. W. Burke <fc Co., publishers ot the Southern Christian Advocate, was sub? mitted. The paper is now meeting its current expenses, and on risintr ground. Mr. Canning, its printer, was introduced to the Conference, and made some felicitous remarks. Beferred to the Committee on Books and Periodicals. Bev. Mr. Lindsay, of the Presbyterian Church, introduced" yesterday, addressed the Conference on the eve of his departure. He rejoiced to nnd iura not a bald Episcopacy; that sentiments opposing ritualism had sb fre? quently b3en uttered on this floor; that while tue chairman was called a bishop, ho was re? spected as a Christian minister; that he was rejoiced to find such uuity among members of different branches of the church, and hoped and prayed we might al) meet in a common heaven. A responsive address wa& delivered by Rev. J. B. Pickett. Rev. Mr. DuBose, of the Episcopal Church in Abbeville, was introduced, and expressed his pleasure at what he had witnessed in this Con? ference, and was glad to welcome tho members to this community, and prayed they might leave a blessing behind them. Beaolutions correcting the impression that they wore Dot loyal to the appointmenting power, passed by the Trinity Church, Charles? ton, were read for the information of the Con? ference. Silas P. H. Elwell, Squire M. Davis and Max? well H. Hoyle, having travelled one year, and having exhibited satisfactory literary attain? ments, were passed to the class of the second year. John B. Platt, James C. Crisp and Joseph B. Traywick, having acted in the capacity of dea? cons for ono year, were passed to the class of the fourth year. It was reported a good elass, though small. John Attaway and Samuel Lander were hon? orably passed, and elected to elders' orders Robert Harper, from the class ot the second year, was passed, and reported to be transferred to the Memphis Conference and stationed at Iuka, Mississippi. Joseph B. Griffith, from the class of tho sec? ond year, had been ordained to deacons' orders in the local ministry. His literary exami? nation having been satisfactory, and his talents and character well reported of, he was elected to full connection tn the travelling con? nection, and took the obligations of such be? fore tho Conference, amid the most profound solemnity. Reuben L. Duffie and Robert M. Harrison, for want of literary proficiency, weie continued in tho probationary class of the second year. These brethren had been unavoidably delayed in their studies; but tho law is imperative, and they could not be.advanced. A communication was received from Rev. Dr. J. B. McFerrin, Secretary of the Board ot Domestic .Mi HS iou 3. $44,692 72 was paid in last year. Thc amount was considered too small. Dr. McFerrin being present, made some very pointed remarks, hinting that some proacheis have not done their duty to raise the largest possible sum tor this cause. Seven thousand dollars was appropriated by tho Missionary Board of this Conference at its last session, but the missionaries only receive a pro rata payment when the sum falls short of their claims. A communication was read from Bev. Cunningham, Secretary of the Foreign Mis? sionary 13,ard. The China Mission is tho only ono maintained by this church beyond the boundary of its own territory. It bas not been well sustained. Twenty-two ministers are em? ployed among the Iudians on our Western frontier, sixteen of whom aro natives. An old debt bangs over this board, which has been re? duced by about $9000 or $10,000 the past year, and now only reaches some $50,000. Rev. A. B. Stephens reported $500 in hand by bequoet from Mr.-Norton, of Green? ville, tor missionary purposes in this Confer once. Tho Board of Managers wero author? ized to receive and receipt for the same. The remainder 0/ the session was consumed by the call of the Fiuaocial Board for money collected durin,' the year for the support of tho bishops and tho relief of the superannuated preachers and the widows and orphans of such as have died in the itine ano;. Tne collections have been small, very small". AFFAJltS JJV THE STATE. Oconcc. The Governor has appointod Wdliam H. Stribling and Frank Parker Assessors for this county. Orangcburg. On last Wednesday week, abDut one o'clock in thc day, some lint cotton in the gin house of Mr. David Fersner was observed to be on fire, and the flames spread so rapidly that all efforts to check the conflagration were unavail? ing. The gin house was totally consumed, and the loss to Mr. Fersner is about two thou? sand dollars. The fire is attributed to acci? dent. Barnwell. A freedman, under the influence of liquor, while on bis way from this place to Blackville, froze to death en Tuesday last. Mr. Marshall Percival, who lives near Aiken, was fox-hunting a few davs ago, when he was thrown from his boise and broke his neck. The Barnwell Races commenced on Thurs? day last. The first was a mile beat, A. A. Faust's Jack Morgan, and General Hagood's Saluda, the latter winning tho race. Second race, three qurter mile dash-El. \V. Richard? son's "Agate," and "Kirk," catered by James Dimond. This race was non by Aga te," Friday's raco was also won by "Agate," owned by Mi. Richardson. Camden. We are glad to se that the Journal has risen from its ashes as frosh, sprightly and entertain? ing as ever. Dr. D. L. DeSaussure has been appointod and commissioned Tax Collector for this District by Gov. Scott. Mr. C. Shiver havingbeen duly commissioned by Gov. Scott, has entered upon the discharge o' his duties as Clerk of the Court, lo which office he was elected in June last. Tho following are thc municipal officers of the town for the ensuing year: Dr. A. A. Moore, Iutendant. William' D. McDowall. Henry C. Salmond, John R. Goodale, Wm Daasn, Wardens. Wm. Clyburn, Recorder and Mar? shal. J. T. Nettles, Clerk of the .Market. Lancaster. Peter Blacknion, (colored) a notorious thief and jail-breaker, was recommitted to prison on last Friday. He had in his possession when captured a horse, which he says came from thc neighborhood of Charlotte N. C. The Ledger eays: We had the pleasure of meeting ia Charlotte, on last Friday, Colonel Dechart and wife, and Mr. O'Brien, ot Hagers town, Md., on their return trip borne. We learned from Colonel Dachcrt that several ot' the gentlemen who visited this place last Sep? tember would return here next spring with the view of becoming permanent settlers. He regretted very much that his party could not reach Lancaster, and spoke very favorable of the quality of oui* lauds and of thc fair induce? ments our landholders offer. We hope to sec him and about a thousand more just such citizens of Lancaster County before another year rolls round. Abbeville. A serious accident happened to two estima? ble ladies of this district on Wednesday-Mrs. Glymph, residing at Hodge's Depot, and Mrs. J. N. Cochran, in thc vicinity. These ladies took passage upon a handcar, which, while it was moving rapidly encountered al: Jg crossing the track, and was overturned, throwing the ladies off, fracturing some bones and other .vise bruising them severely. Clinton Lodge, No. 3, A. F. M., on the 14th .. J tt. elected tho following officers for tho ensu? ing year: J. F. C. Du Pre, W. M.; H. S. Kerr, S. W.; J. Townes Robertson, J. W.; C. V. Ham? mond, Treasurer; W. \V. Farrow, Secretary; Hugh Wilson, S. D. ; Dr. E. Parker, J. D. ; Cicero Hughes, Tiler. At the sal- or the personal property of the Estates of Jas. R. and Elizabeth Du Bose, de? ceased, at their late residence, near tho Savan? nah river, in Abbeville District, on the 8th ins'ant, the followins prices were obtained: Corn brought from $1 OJ to SI 07 per bushel; wheat from $2 25 to $2 50. per bushel; fodder $1 20 per hurdred; a cow and calf from $25 lo 530; mules lrora $100 to $235 each; horses from $125 to $175; hogs from\% to 8A cents per lb. cross; sow and pigs $12; shoats from $1 25 to ?3 50 each; lard 11J cents per lb. Terms casb. These prices show that there is still som? niouey m the country. _stWttj. FOR LIVERPOOL. THE FIRST CLASS BRITISH BARQUE ^W. G. PUTNAM, RICKARD Master, having >a large part of ber cargo engaged, will load ?willi dispatch. For balance freight engagements, anply to WILLIS & OHISOLM. December 21_North Atlantic Wharf. FOR LIVERPOOL,. THE FINE FAST SAILING AMERICAN ?ShipOWEGO. R. I. POST Master, having >the largest portion of her cargo engaged, ?and going aboard, will nuet with dis? patch. For further engagement?, applv to W. B. SMITH k 00., December 14 mwf Napier's Range. FOR LIVERPOOL. THE FINE BRITISH SHIP SCOTS MVOOD, Captain ROBERT TEAMAN, having a .?portion of her cargo engage j, will have ? didpatcb for tho above port. For Freight engagements, apply to December IS 0 ROBERT MORE k CO. FOR LIVERPOOL. THE FINE Al AMERICAN BARK EGERIA, H. A. STAUBET Msster, having ?two-thirds {%) of her cwgo engaged and .going on board, will have immediate dis? patch. For balance of Freight, apply to PATTERSON & STOCK, December 12_South Atlantic Wharf. FOR LIVERPOOL. THE NEW AND STRICTLY Al AMER? ICAN Clipper Bark LIZZIE H., H. H. M. ^SPRING Commander, will be dispatched ?for the above port. This vessel maures II R.ST CLASS. For freight engagements, apply to STREET BHOTBERS k CO., December 8 No. 74 East Bay. FOR LIVERPOOL. THE FAST SAILING BRITISH BARK ^MONNEQUASH, Captain WILLIAM Mes FRAT. wiU have quick dispatch for the above ?port. For freight engagements, apply to December 15 6 ROBERT MURE k CO. FOR LIVERPOOL. THE SPLENDID NEW Al AMERICAN 'clipper Ship C. H. SOUTHARD, L. R. I Ross Master, will b? promptly despatched. For engagements apply to WILLIAM ROACH, Corner East Bay and Adger's South Wharf, December 19 FOR BOSTON-DESPATCH LINE. FIRST VESSEL. THE NEW Al BRIG ROBERT DILLON. BLATCHFORD Master, having most ol her Neargo on board, wants a few hundred bales ?Cotton and light Freight to Hil up, and sai promptly. WILLIAM ROACH. December 18 8 FOR HUSTON--DESPATCH LINE. THE REGU' AR Al CLIPPER SCHOON? ER B. N. HAWKINS, WTATT Master, having ^one-third cargo engaged and going on =boarJ, will have prompt despatch. December 18_WILLIAM ROACH. FOR BOSTON. THE SCHOONER AM03 EDWARDS, SOMEBS Master, now loading, and having i three-fourths of her cargo engaged, will i have immediate dispatch. For balance of Freight, apply to H. F. BAKER k CO., December 19 No. 20 Cumberland-ctreet. FOR ST. AUGUSTINE, FLA. THE FAST SAILING PACKET SCHB. S. L. MOKOAN, M ORGAN Master, will re . ceive Freight at Atlantic Wharf, on Monday i next, 21st instant, and bc dispatched imme? diately for the above port. For Freight or Passage, apply to J. A. tNSLOW k CO , Agents, December 1? 2 No. Ill East Bay. EXCURSIONS AROUND THE HARBOR. THE FINE, FAST SAILING AND COM 'FOKTABLY appointed yacht ELEANOR kwill resume her trips to historic points in .the harbor, and will leave Governmeu t Wharf daily at Ten A. M. and Ihree P. M. For Passage, apply to THOMAS YOUNG, December 18 3mo Captain, on Board. PACIFIC MAIL STEAMSHIP COMPY'I THBOUOH LIKU TO CALIFORNIA, CHINA AND JAPAN. FREIGHT AND PASSAGE AT GREATLY Ri D?CED RATES I -^-/^wT STEAMERS OF THE AHOY; /???r?^LfiL ^leave pier No-t?> N*rth BlTor -~?^<f[^if?^> foot of Canal-street, New Yorlr, s iMwir Z?k?r*? l? o'clock noon, of the lat. 9th,16tl and 24th of every month (except when these datei fall ea Sunday, then the Saturday preceding). Depari ure of 1st and 21th connect at Panana witt steamers for South Pacific aud Central Amerioar porte. Those or 1st touch at Manzanillo. Departure of 9th ot each month connects witt the new steam hue from Panama to Australia ant* New Zealand. Steamship GREAT REPUBLIC leaves San Fran cisco Kr Chita and Japan January 4. 1869. No California steamers touch at Havana, but pc direct from New York to AepinwslL One hundred pounds baggage free to each adult Medicine and attendance free. For Passage Tiokou or farther information applj at the COMPANY'S TIOKBT OFFICE, on the wharf foot of Canal-street, North River, New York. March 14_lyr_F. R. BABY, AgenL NEW ROUTE. REDUCTION IN FREIGHT. THROUGH BILLS OF LADING ' from New Orleans to Charleston, S, .ft, VIA Florida Railroad and ALLI? ANCE LINEU. 8. Mail Steamships. And steamers CITY POINT and DICTATOR, will he given for Sugar, to Charleston, per hhtl.$7 50 Sugar, to Charleston, per barrel.15 Molasse?, to Charleston, per barrel.2 50 Rice, te New Orleans, per 100 pounds. - Other Freights lu proportiou to the above. J. D. AIKEN k CO.. Agents, Charleston. F. W. PERKINS k CO.. Agents, No. 26 Carondclet-str^ct, New Orleans. A, B. NOYES, Agent, December 15 Imo Fernandina, Fia. TRAVELLERS PASSING THROUGH CHARLESTON EN ROUTE TO FLORIDA, AIKEN Cvf- e-.,-,--, And other places, should not fal jj&?- 'ji i /? t0 Iav in tuelr supplies of PROVIS . ^mflmfin IONS, CLARETS, CHAMPAGNES nSS?KsSUi CORDIALS, BRANDIES, WHI3 KIES, WINES, CANNED MEATS, SOUPS, ic. Pates of Wild Game and Devilled Ham for Sand? wiches and Lunch eom*. jearScud for a catalogue. WM. S. CORWIN .fe CO., No. 275 King-street, Between Wentworth and Ii - a ii t'a in, Charleston, S. O. Branch of No. OOo Broadway, corner iOthstreet, New York. October28 FOR BRUNSWICK, GA. -ft^?w THE STEAMIER "DICTATOR, " m?BStSSC Captain CH.UILHS WILLEY, will touch at this point -v.i', WsJnesday, leaving Savannah a Nino A. M., and ou her return trip will touch there ou Saturday Afternoon, arriving back at Savannah on Sunday Morning. J. D. AIKEN i 00., November 24 Agents. FOR PALATKA. FLORIDA?-"" VIA 8AVANNAH, FKRNANDINA-AND JAOKSON "VILLE. THE FIKST-CASS STEAM EB _ DIO f ATOR, Captain CHAS. WILLEY, will sail (rom Charleston every Tuesday Evening, al Eight o'clock, mr the above poiuts. 'the first-class Steamer CITY POINT, Captain WM. T MCNELTY, will . ail from Charleston every Friday Evening, tl Eight o'clock, tor above points. count-chug with the Central Railroad at Savannah for Mobile and Ne? Orlean?, aud with tue Florida Railroad at Fernandina for Cedar Keys, at which poiut SI earners conuect with New Orleans, Mobile, Pensacola. Key West and Hi vana. TbroUL'h hills Lading giveu for Freight to Mobile, Pensacola and New Orleans. Both steamer* connecting with II. S. Hart's steam? ers Oclawaita and Uri?n fur Silver Springs and Lakes, Griffin, Eutlis, Harris and Durham. All freight ivyable on the wharf. Goods uot removed at sunset will be stored at risk aud expense ol'owners. For Freight or Passage eugagemett, apply to J. D. AIKEN i CO., Agents, south Atlantic Wharf. N. P.-No extra charge for Meals and Staterooms. Steamer City Point will touch at St. Mary's, Ge o. going aud returning each week. November 21 INLAND ROUTE. THROUGH TICKETS TO FLORIDA. CHARLESTON AND SAVANNAH STEAM PACKET LTNE, VIA BEAUFOR f AND HILTON HEAD, COX3?ECTISO WITH THE ATLANTIC AND GULF RAILROAD AND CONNECTIONS FOR ALL POINTS IN FLORIDA. _ ?rr""??*, THE UNE, FAST STEAMER ??2?E5C PILOT BOY, Cnpuin FENS PECK, wil leave Charleston en Monday and Friday Mornings, at Eight o'clock. Returning, leaves Savannah on Wed? nesday and Saturday Mornings, at half-past Eight o'clock. For Freight or Passage apply to JOHN FERGUSON, De.i niter 15 Accommodation Wharf. _Slfryttg._ FOR LIVERPOOL. CHARLESTON AND LIVERPOOL STEAM? SHIP LINE. . THE FIRST-CLASS IRON SCREW Jg STEAMSHIP C Ail IL L 4, HXNBX i!^?feL} TEACE Commander, wants six hun -*?SE=5!L? dred bales Cotton to complete cargo, to soil on 21st December. For Freight engagements, apply to ROBERT MURE ft CO. The CAMILLA will be followed by the ROXANA COBDEN and MARMORA. 6 December 15 ' PAST FREIGHT LINS, EVERY FIFTH DAY, TO AND FROM BALTIMORE, PHILA? DELPHIA, WASHINGTON CITY, WILMINGTON, DEL., CINCINNATI OHIO, ST. LOUIS, MO., AND OTHER NORTH WESTERN CITIES. n THE FAVORITE AND SWIFT 8*-rew Steamship SEA GULL, N. P. D ino* Commander, will sail for Baltimore on Tuesday, the 22d December, at half-past Eleven o'clock A. M., from Pier No. I, Union Wharves, making close connec? tions, and delivering freight to all points in connec? tion promptly and at low rain. Insurance on Cotton, Rice, Domestics and General Merchandise, by the steamships of this line, & per cent, to or from Baltimore or Philadelphia. The steamship FALCON will follow on December 2Cth. For Freight or passage, apply to COURTENAY ii TRENHOLM. December 18 3 Union Wharves. FOR NEW YORK. ^ THE FINE STEAMSHIP ALA? BAMA, Captain LIMEDUBXEB, will 1 sall for New York This Day, at _j 1 wei ve o'clock. For Freight or Passage, apply to - - J.D. AIKEN & CO.. Agents, December 21_South Atlantic Wharf. FOR JV KW YORK. REG ULAR LINE EVER Y THURSDA J PASSAGE REDUCED TO 91.5. THE STEAMSHIP SARAGOSSA, ' Captain CnowELL, will leave Vinder 'horst's Wharf, on Thursday, 24th .December, at half-past One o'clock P. M. RAVEN EL ? CO., Agent? December 19 FOR PHILADELPHIA AND BOS TUA. THE STEAMSHIP PROME ' THEU-S, Captain A. B. GRAY, will leave North Atlantic Wharf on , Saturday, Lee ?tuber 26tb, 1868, for Philadelphia, giving through ?ills Lading to "Boston." Apply to JOHN i THEO. GETTY, December 18_North Atlantic Wharf. FOR EDISTO, ROCKVILLE, EN1ERPKISE, AND WAY LAND? INGS. r -?-TT^h. THE S1EAMER ST. HELENA, ?-?t??23?Captain JAS. G. KuirLEY, will receive Freight This Day, and leave To-Morrow Morning, at Nine u'cloek, and Edisto Wednesday Morning, at Nine o'clock. For freight or passage, apply on b^ard or to JNO. H. MURRAY, Market Whan. ?Sr*The Steamer leaves a^'ain on Thursday Morn? ing, at Eleven o'clock, and Edisto H.me night at Eleven o'clock. 1* December 21 JTjURE AND MARINE INSURANCE. RISKS TAKEN IN THE FOLLOWING FIRST CLASS COMPANIES, aggregate Capital and Sur? plus over 98,000,000. PHOENIX INSURANCE COMPANY OF NEW YORK Security insurance Company of New York Manhattan Insurance Company of New York InUrnnHoanl IMMTIWIrue Company el New Yorg North American Insurance Company of New York Enterprise Fir? and Marine Insurance Comr/anyol Cincinnati. S. Y. TUPPER, Agent, Planters' and Mechanics' Bank Building, December 9 wfm6 East Bay-street rjIHE CAROLINA LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY. HOME OFFICE, No. 291 MAIN-STREET, MEM? PHIS, TENNESSEE. INCORPORATED MARCH 24, 1660. COMMENCED BUSINESS JULY ll, 1867. W. J. WICKS, President. W. F. BOYLE, Secretary. J. H. EBM0N8TON, General Agent. 1007 Policies Issued to September 1,1868. ASSET8.$346,509 00 INCOME.?240.000 0 0 TOTAL CLAIMS PAID.$12,000 00 Notos taken for one-half on all participating Poli? cies. As a Southern Company, wall established and capably managed, it offer* strong lndnMoncoate to th ooo profaning to invest their fonds in Southern. enterpriMt. tS~ Snb-Agenta wanted throughout the State. Medical Examiner, Dr. J. S. MITCHELL. E. J. MAGILL, General Agont for South Carolina, December 14 m'i No. 20 Broad-street, np Blairs. C RAFTSMEN Life Assurance Company OF NEW YORK, Office : Park Battle Building, Nos. 214 and 216 Broadway. CAPITAL.$340,000 COE ADAMS, President WILLIAM T. PHIPPS, vice-President HENRY BEEDEN, Secretary. J. T. HUMPHREYS, Agent for Sute of South Carolina, Office No. 27 Broad-street J. S. BUKT, M. D., Medical Examiner. 45- SUB-AGENTS wanted throughout tho State. Apply by letter to J. T. HUMPHREY*, General Agent m Deeember 7 Insinrss Carts. DENTIST. ROOMS AT HIS RESIDENCE. NORTHWEST COR? NER OF MEETING AND SOCIETY STREETS. November -0 fmw6mos gHAVING AND IIAIK-CUTT1XG. THE SHAVING AND HilR-CUTTING SALOON of the late L. HEUEB, inMarket-stn et between Meet? ing sad Kin:, wi'ii fcercatUr be condu-.ted for thc benefit of his widow, who returns lier sincere thank-) to tho friends and patron? of her husband, and hopes by strict attention to thr business to de? serve a continuance of their support. HEUEH'S SHAVING AND HAIR CUT? TING SALOON, MAUKKT-STREKT, December 9 wfmC OHAVING AND HAIR-CUTTING, EY W . E . M A B S H A L L , AT THE BROAD-STREET BARBER SALOON No. 31 (UP STAIRS). Decnmbrr 8