University of South Carolina Libraries
7--' 'X2 ' ' - >v' \ ' -: tt-sgja -* - * ?^3B """i VOL LIV WINNSBORO. S, C., WEDNESDAY. JANUARY 17, 1900. NO. 22 f IN THE HOUSE. ! "T*1 - f> - -J . . ^ . A/s H 4a VA? r\t ts f \ n ; i ne Douy ljwiii u ?->4 . Schedule Time. _ 1 HE WORK DO?\E SO FAR. | i The Dispensary Trouble to be In- j vestigated. Reading of the ! Governor's Message At tentiyely Listened to i The House of Representatives luei i at noon on Tuesday of last week. | After roll call, which showed most of j the members present, Speaker Gary called the body to order, and at his request the chaplain, Rev. Mr. Abney opened the session with prayer. The Speaker then delivered a very brief ad dress, in wbich he said the meniDers must get to work, as they had much to do in a very short time. Two new members, T. F. Brantley, of Orangeburg, and J. H. Bates, of Barnwell, were then sworn in. Mr. Magill presented a concurrent resolution providing that the two houses meet in joint assembly on Thursday, January 11. at noon, to elect the successor of Asj-ociate Justice Eugene B. Gary, whose term expires before the next session. Adopted without discussion. Mr. Johnson, of Fairfield, moved to appoint a committee to wait on the Governor and advise him that the Bouse was ready for work, ana to anv message from him. 0:.'OD the adoption of the reio'irion Messrs Johnson, Robinson and Patten were appointed to and waited on Governor McSweenev. Before this Cierk E. K. Hempill, of the Senate, was presented and an J " ft ^ T7 f r\"T | DOTZIICeU Lilill. UUU) waa iv* ; the transaction of business. Mr. Winkler then introduced a reso lution providing for a joint committee: consisting of two Senator and three Representatives, to investigate the aifairs of the St3te Dispensary. The committee has full power to send for persons and paper?; to svrear witnesses: to require the attendance of aDy parties whose presence shall be deemed necessary; to appoint an expert ac countantand stenographer, an to investigate fully all transactions con *-? -?-J ^ ifo m o n_ cerniag saju auu. uj agement, and to take testimony either within or without the State, and shall have access at all times during its service to all the books and vouchers and other papers of said institution. After considerable disscussion the resolution was adopted by a large majority. During the debate on the resolution .Private Secretary Auli appeared and presented the annual message of Governor McSweency. It i-? quite a long ^ ? ~ ? J ? * aocumem. <?uu n wj* wu^uvi?u.? time to read it. The members paid at tention to the reading and commented on the message as :t was beiDg read, saying that this or that was timely or good. When the intsage had been read Mr. Magill moved that it be referred to appropriate committees, which was agreed to. Governor McSwneeney then presented the report of State Historian Thomas, which was as informal ion. Mr. Bates was appointed on the committee od agriculture, on the commutee on Penitentiary and committee on military. Mr. Brantley was assigned tu the committees on education and ways and means. .* Speaker Gary announced the appointment of Mr. J. T. Richards as assistant clerk of the House. Mr. Abney, who is chaplain of the UAwi+AnfiftiitT ]> i<; r-ncitirvn as ! JL tUHVU Vitti J ? ._ chaplain of the House and the ller. C. I). Mann was unanimously elected in his place. A number of new bills were then introduced and the House adjourned to meet at 10 o'clock Wendesday morning. The House assembled promptly at the appointed hour Wednesday and was opened with prayer by the now chaplain, Rev. C. D. Mann. Twenty-six new bills were introduced, some of them, to all appearances, good measures. Two were killed and 10 withdrawn by their authors. The calendar numbers 14 pages, each page containing the titles of eight bills on an average. The house took up the calendar systematically and worked through the first 10 pages. A number of bills of more than ordinary importance were passed over for the present. On account of the prevalencj of smallpox and other infectious diseases in this and other States, much interest was manifested in the bill to provide for a sanitary inspection outside of cities and' towns. When this bill was called, Dr. Wood of Clarendon secured the floor. His remarks were somewhat extended, and in order to stop discussion it was decided to "continue the bill," which is practically kiiling it. Subsequently, however, Dr. Hopkins and Dr. Wychehadit restored to tha calendar to be discussed later. It is told on Dr. Wood that he last year opposed the request of the State board of health for funds to stamp out smai'pox, and that but a few days later he was prostrated with that or some similar malady. . Consequently there was quite a laugh m* at his expense when "Citizen" Josh . ai _ i.l'j asmey saiu, a u jca nat iv ?-v mc . *' gen'lman one quesshun." When permitted to do so, Citizen Josh inquired if Dr. Wood had ever had smallpox. There was a loud guffaw at this, and Dr. Wood entered upon a denial, charging a Charleston newspaper with misrepresenting him. The following passed sccond reading without discussion: Mr. Young's bill which provides that | in the dissolution of partnership "no j acknowledgement, payment, or parr payment or renewal, of any debt or ohliration of a firm, made after notice ?p - / of the dissolution of the copartnership, shall have any force or effect to bind any member of the firm, or continue his liability to pay said copartnership debt, other tfcan the person by whom such acknowledgement, payment, part payment or renewal, shall be made, or in anywise affect their right to plead the statute of limitation or the presumption of payment from lapse of time." Mr. Sanders' bill to amend section 83i (227) of Vol. 1 of the revised statutes of 1893, so as to allow a mortgagee to pay any delinquent taxes due upon any property owned by a mortgagor, tosether with all costs arid penalties which ii,ay have accrued thereou. and to include the same, with iutcrest thereon, in the debt sccured by the mortgage. This secures the taxes on property on which there is no mortgage as well as that mortgaged.The bill introduced by the committee on federal relations requesting representatives io congress to introduce a measure providing for the appointment of graduates of the South Carolina Military academy to lieutenancies in the United States standing army. Mr. Aldrich's bill to reduce salary of supervisor of Barnwell county from $1,000 to $300 and to change salaries and fers of other county officials. Mr. Lofton's bill to further restrain school trustees, etc., from bujing, discounting or contracting for teachers' pay certificates. Mr. Cosgrove's bill to exempt cities of over 10,000 inhabitants from the provisions of the dispensary law was mude - * ' - ' no 3 the special order tor January zoo. The House then adjourned to Thurs- i day. The House got promptly to work Thursday and disposed of considerable business. 3Ir. Blease's resolution to submit to the people the question of making the length of terms of members of the House four years was killed. As is the <asc with joint resolutions proposing au amendment tc the constitution be voted upon by the poople, such resolution must receive a twothirds vote of the members of the gen eral assembly. The resolution was killed by a vote of 64 in its favor against 34. It required 84 votes to pass, and only 98 members voted. The next matter taken up was Senator Marshall's bill providing that State institutions in Columbia use water meters in the consumption of water furnished by the city of Columbia. After some discussion the bill was killed. Tbe next bill killed was Mr. Richards' proposing that the appointment of beneficiary scholarships in the State colleges be apportioned among the several townships, of the respective counties by rotation among the townships and that in case township has no applicant then the next township in order shall be awarded the scholarship. There was a fight on Mr. Sanders' bill to allow suits to be brought to recover damages on policies or cor:tract3 of fire insurance for loss [occasioned by fire, without first cnteriug into arbitration to ascertion the amount of such loss. Mr. S-nders made a statement ot the causes which led ?bim to introduce the bill. Under the contract or policy as it now stands there is a clause which virtually prohibits the insured from bringing suit to recover damages from loss under litigation. He read extracts from a fire insurance policy, showing that the amount of the loss is fixed by arbitrators, but is not guaranteed to be paid by the company. After considerable discussion the House refused to strike out the enacting words, and the bill passed second reading. The bill states 4ithat any person or corporation who shall hereafter enter into any contract for insurance against the loss by fire of his, her or its property, with any fire insurance corporation, company or association doing business in this State, and whose property may be either wholly or partially destroyed by fire while such contract for insurance is of force, shall have the right to briag suit in aoy of the courts of competent jurisdiction in this State, apainst such fire insurance corporation, company or association, to recover any and all damages such person or corporation may have sustained, without first entering i ito arbitration or appointing appraisers with said fire iusurance corporation, comyany or association, to ascertain the amount of any such loss or damage, auy provision in such contract to the contrary notwithstanding." After the introduction of a cumber of De* bills the House adjourned to Fridav mornicsr. ^ ? ^ The first bill discussed in the House Friday was Mr. Winkler's to provide for round trij> tickets on railroads and at reduced rates. The bill was killed by a vote of 50 to 3G. Senator Gruber's bill providing for county courts nest came up. Mr. Bacot stated that the judiciary committee had unanimously reportad the bill favorably. He defended k as 3 good bill. The house refused to strike out the enacting words, and the bill was passed, after being amended so that several counties were exempted, ort/1 /-V* Vi rk-ro V?o/3 VkOAT* OYOTV) auu viiiv.ir n uivt wv** by the senate were restored under the provisions of the bill. The counties exempted are Abbeville, Anderson, Bamberg, Beaufort, Berkley, Chester, Che>terfieid, Clarendon, Cherokee, Dorchester, Edgefield, Fairfield, Georgetewn, Marion, Hampton, Lancaster, L?urens, Lexington, Orangeburg, Oconee, Pickens, Saluda. Sumter, Williamsburz. Kersha-v. Barnwell. Greenville, York, Marlboro, Aiken, Union aDd Spartanburg. Senator Ilcerton's bill to increase the salary of the State librarian from $600 to $800 passed by a narrow maigin. Mr. R. B. A. Robinson, woman's champion in the house, defended the bill, as it proposes to increase the salary of the librarian, who is a lady. Mr. Magill "was so overcome with the eloquence" of Mr. Robinson that he withdraw the motion to kill the bill. Mr. Ashley renewed the motion. The librariin had run for the job and she ought to be satisfied with the job. The State can't afford to be raising salaries ; now. She had taken the position for a j smaller salary than her predecessor, j Mr. Sawyer said that this salary was not proportionate with that of State ; house officials or clerks. It had been j $1,000 and was reduced to $800 and later to $600. But it should be $S00. t Mr SH-smn it TrmiM rint. hp ITfll lantry to the women of the State to attempt an act of giilantry to one. Mr. Wharton praised the efficiency of the librarian, who was poorly paid comparatively speaking. Josh Ashley said he was representing the little women who were teaching school for much less than the salary of the librarian. The bill was passed by a vote of 50 to 55, and when the vote vras an nouncea there vras hearty applause on the fbor. Then came the fight on the resolution to prohibit the use of the hall for the State ball. Mr. Crum befriended the resolution He didn't think it f roper to let the hall be torn up and the carpets ana railings abu?ed in putting down the flooring for the ball. Then, too. lie didn't think the hall should be used fur such pur j poses. Mr J W llagS'Jaie, Mr N G Kvans I and Mr Weston warned to discuss the risolution. but Mr-Johnson would not | withdraw his motion to indefinitely postpone, which was uot debatable. The vote resulted: Ayes, 3G; na>s. 02, and the resolution was not killed. Yeas?Bolts, Brandos*, Oolcock. C03 grove, Etira, 2s G Evans, Gantt, Hoffiiieycr, Ho'lis, Hopkins, Hydrick, W J Johnson, Lockwood, Magiil, Marion, McOuhough, McDill, Means, Mitchell. Mobley, Moses. Nettles, Fryatt, E B Ragsdale, J W Ragsdale, Henry B Richardson, S--abrook, Sinklcr, Stevenson, Saber, W H Thomas. W J Thomas, Threatt, Verner Weston, Wilson? Od. Nays?Speaker Gary. Ashley, Bailor Kail. fJl^asft. Bhthe. Browning, Caughman, Cross, (Jrum, Davis, Dean. DeBrulil, Dendy, Dowling, Dukes, Epps, Estridsre, Fairey, Floyd, Graham, Heodersoo, Hill, Jackson, H E Johnson, Lofcon, Lyles, Mann, Manning, Laban, MauMm, McCoy, McCraw, McLauchlin, McLnurin, Miley, Montgomery, Peurifoy, Richards, (ico VV Rich ardson, C E Robinson, C P Sanders, E L Sanders, Sawyer, Sharpe, E D Smith, J L Smith, Stackhouse, Strom, Tbcus, Yarn, Verdier, West, Wharton, Wi!?" i >- tv: liaras, v\imoeny, >\ iugi>, >uumu. Woods, II II Woodward, 31 I\ Woodward, W}c^e?62. There was a spirited debate over a measure which proposed to release Clarendon from the operations of the law taxing traffic ia seed cotton. Mr. M 13 Kichardson defended the bill. The law had been ineffectual and productive of much trouble in Clarendon county, as Williamsburg. ? adjoining, was exempted. Mr Fairey opposed the bill. He claimed that if Clarendon were exempted then Orangeburg county n _ - ir _ t. ? i ; i W0U1U sillier uy Having uvi uuuuu L<xrv\jLi to Clarendon for f-ale. Mr McLauehlin also opposed it. Dr Wood of Clarendon favored the law as it now stands. The law is a protection to Clarendon county and the people do not want it repealed. Mr Wilson of Sumter op posed the bili as a menace to Sumter county. Mr Gamble of" Williamsburg stated that bis county had no lieensc and cotron from Clarendon was sold there. In justice to Clarendon he thought the bill should pass. Mr Jones -r 1U J 1r.t v,;il U1 Uitirctiuuu PJJL'JVU lu ic?ui wi tuv mm. MrGause of Florence said that the present law is unjust, as many poo." people can't raise a bale of cotton, and they must traffic in the cotton in the seed. The bill was killed by a vote of 39 to 30. This concluded the work o* the calendar, and after the introduction of several new bills, the House adjourned to Saturday morning. Admiral Dewey's Report. Responding to the senate's resolution of inquiry the recretary oi the navy sent a copy of Admiral Djwey's report from Hong Kong dated March 31, 1S98, relative to the capture of Manila, then under consideration. He stated that his own squadron was in a high state of efficiency. Speaking of the Spanish forces he said they numbered about 15,00 soldiers of all arms in all the islands of which half were in vicinity of Manila. '"The islands," says thereport, "are now in a state of insurrection and my informants state that even the Spanish soldiers, who constitute only a small part of the whole, are dis affected. Both ships and forts are la need of ammunition. I believe I am net over confideDt in staling that with the squadron under my command the vessels could be taken and the defenses of Manila reduccd in one day. There is every reason ts believe that with Manila taken or even blockaded the rest of the islands would fall either to the insurgents or ourselves, as they are only held now through the support of the navy and are dependent upon Manila for supplies. Ioformation has just reached me that there are 5,000 armed rebels in camp near Manila who are willing to assist me." Suicide of Kaval OfficerThe following cablegram rt'as received at the navy department Thursday from Admiral Schley: "Montevideo, Jan. 11, 1900. "To the Secretary of Xavy: "Lieut. Commander F & Green committed suicide Wednesday evening. Arrangements have been made for o o V? r\yfy A VtAOrrt ic nr^?>rr^ tn iJUiltll aauviv* J.X. wvm \a vi^vi v>va vv examine the circumstances of the case ana report." Xo cause is suggested by friends here and he lias an excellent record. Francis E Green was born in Indiana and was appoiuted a midshipman in 1S67. He graduated in 1871. When the war broke out he became the executive officer of the Montgomery. lie became a lieutenant commander in 1899, acd was again ordered to the Montgomery on the South Atlantic station, where he w.is serving at the time of his death. Our Colonial Records. C^ncressmaa Stokes writes the secretary of state that he proposes as soon as possible to introduce a bill in congress providing for the publication of the colonial rccords of the State of South Carolina, in which this State is rich. Congressman Stokes has been supplied with much valuable information by Mr. W. Ross Smith of New York, who has recently bc:en carefully goiug over al! these records. He cow writes for iurther information and more exact statements to the amount and scope of the records. The publication of these splendid documents is something that has long been desired and needed, and all will join in the hope that the bill can be gotten through congress.?Columbia State. A Free Fight. Daring a quarrel over a game of cards in a "blind tiger" at Pound Gap, Ivy., Thursday, in which John and Taze Hall and Arch and Henry Leap opposed Henry Sutherland, Berry and Henry Campbell, revolvers were drawn and two hundred shots exchanged. Taze Hall and Henry Leap were killed and Dave Sutheiland and Henry Campbell mor ally wounded. Arch Leap and Henry Sullivan were also badly wounded. I IN THE SENATE. ?x Governor Sheppard Elected President Pro Tern NEW SENATORS SWORN IN The New Lieutenant-Governor Presides. Officers Appointed and Various New Meaures Are Introduced. The State Senate convened at twelve o'clock on Tuesday of last week acd was opened with prayer by the chaplain, the Rev. Mr. Waddcll. There were only - 4k. uiue aoauiiuucs wucu iug ivu "<? \>unv? they being Senators Bowen, Dean, IIdcrton, Mauldin, Walker, Wallace and Williams. Lieutenant Governor Scarborough presided, he having succeeded to the office by the reason of the elevation of the Hon. M. B. McSweeney to the Gubernatorial office. He has been in the Scnste long enough to be fauiiliar with the rules of procedure and lie presided with the ease and dignity of one who had more experience as a presiding officer. In taking the chair Mr. Scarborough said: "Since ths last meeting the Chief Executive of South Carolina has betfn called away. He who was President of the last session has been called upon to exercise the high functions of Governor of the sovereign State, whi<jh we all love. By virtue of your kindness in electing me as ycur presiding officer I now occupy this position. I bring to it neither learning nor experience, but an earnest and humble purpose to discharge its duties to the best of my ability. In the discharge of these duties I ask your earnest aid and co operation." Since the last session two vacancies have occuned, one from Horry and the other from Lexington. In pursuance of authority writs of election were isucd and J A McDermott was elected Senator from Horry and D M Crosson Senator from Lexington. These two gentlemen came forward and was sworn in. On motion of Senator Henderson the usual committee was appointed to inform the Governor and the House that the Senate was ready for business. This committee consisted of Senators n--j 4 t>?^,,.11 \vi,;u rjLCOUCrsuu auu ^uunui. n uuv were out Senator Ma\ field Dominated Senator Sheppard, of Edgefield, as President pro tem. Senator Brown wanted the rules suspended and Senator Sheppard elected by acclamation, but tbe Constitution requires a viva voce vote. Of course Senator Sheppard got all of them. He cauie forward and took the oath. After returning 10 his seat he arose and thanked the Senators for the courtesy, and expressed his high appreciation of the honor. He said it would give him great pleasure at all times to assist the presiding officer in the administration of his high office. The presiding officer then announced the following appointments: William Godfrey, of Herry, keeper of the president's room; Milton Alexander, of Oconee, page; W Boyd Evans, Journal clerk, to succeed E H Aull, who is now private secretary of the Governor. On mnMrtn nf \Ip Ra.rnwp.ll Senator Crosson was put on all committees upon which Senator Griffith was. As Mr McDermott, of Horry, is not a lawyer. Senator Brown, of Darlington, was placed on the judiciary committee, in place of the Lieutenant Governor, who was formerly on the committee. Senator Aldrich introduced a resolution looking to an investigation of dispensary affairs, which went over for consideration to-morrow. The resolution is identical with that introduced in the House by Mr Winkler. THE GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE. Ti.e committee to notify the Governor returned and almost immediately after Secretary Aull came in with the message and the reading of it was begun by Clerk Stewart. Senator Mayfield insisted that the whole message be read without skipping. / the members had copies on their desks and they followed the reading with the closest attention. A short interruption was had to allow the clerk of the house, Mr Earner, to announce that the House was organized and ready "for work," as he expressed it. The reading of the message was completed at 1.15 o'clock and another message was received from the Governor transmitting the report of the Con mi t_ feo crate Historian, xne report waa referred to the committee on military. Oq motion of Senator Mower the various subjects treated of in the Governor's message were referred to appropriate committees. Senator Brown resigned as a member of the committee on agriculture and moved that Senator McDermott be appointed in his stead. This was agreed to and Senator McDermott was appointed on committees on offices and officers and oil the Penitentiary. After the introduction of a few bills * ii.. r\.\ . ^ and concurrent resolutions tne calendar was rcached, but, on motion of Senator May field, consideration of bills went over until Wednesday. Oa motion of MrMayfieldthe Meares insurance bill, from the House, was recommitted to the judiciary committee. The insurance representatives will probably be given a hearing on Thursday. Senator Appelt introduced his local option bill. It was referred to the committee on judiciary. Senator McDermott introduced an. amendment to the county government law, making the terms of office of supervisors four years. \*n^oVioll a kj Ua'.'Ji I'lUiOUUli At* VJh WW W?? W ? ? current resolution to authorize the Governor to appoint a commissioner to collect and perpetuate testimony relating to the claims of the State of South Carolina against the United States arising under the Acts of Congress known as the Captured and Abandoned Property Acts, approved March 12, 1863, and July 2. 186i. Senator Barnwell asked for indefinite leave of absence on account of sickness in his family ana tne request was granted. The Senate adjourned at 1.25 until ncoa Wednesday. The Senate was called to order at noon Wednesday by Lieut. Gov. Scar / ; borough, and the openiDg prayer was j made by Chaplain Waddell. The concurrent resolution from tho house providing for an investigation of the dispensary was referred to the judiciary committee. The same disposition was later made of Senator Al- i uixv;u a xuai'iuuuu. House bill 116 to regulate the practice iQ suits brought oa causes of action wbieh are saved from the bar of the statute of limitations by part payment or written acknowledgement was the first on the calendar. It was passed as follows: Section 1. That from and after the passage of this act, all actions upon causes of action which would be barred by the statute of limitations but for part payment or a written acknowledgement, shall be brought on the original ?< j - ? uause ui avjiiuu, auu tin; pait or written acknowledgement shall be evidence to prevent the bar of the statute of limitations. Messages were received from the governor transmitting the report of the phosphate inspector and the memorial in reference to draining the low lands. The memorial was referred to the committee on "agriculture. The report of penitentiary investigation was received and it was moved to receive the report as information, to discharge the committee with the thanks of- the senate for the faithful discharge of their duty, and that report be not printed in the journal. Carried Senator Aldrich's resolution to investigate the dispensary was referred to the judiciary committee. Senator Livingston introduced a bill to amend section 2 of an act entitled ''An act to incorporate Marlboro, Marion and Horry Railroad company, approved sixth day of March, 139!)," so 43 t\J auiuuuitg oaiu v^umpauj iu uwu struct its line from the State line and to connect with the Seaboard Air Line. Referred to committee on .ailroads. The Senate then adjourned over to Thursday. The Senate's session Thursday was short and uneventful. About, an hour was devoted to the introduction of new bills, of which there wore 10, and to the consideration of the calendar. After that a rcccss of a few minutes was taken until the hour of noon when the senate and honse met in joint assembly, the proceedings of which are rlptflilnd Alspvchnrp. Senator Graydon's resolution to instruct and require the attorney general to investigate the operation or the Virginia-Carolina Chemical company was really the only interesting measure introduced. As is generally known this i concern has purchased nearly all the phosphate or fertilizer factories in the south and now controls all of them in S-uth Carolina with only a few exceptions. The purpose of Senator fi-rati^nn's TAsnlntinn is to determine whether this combine has violated the anti-trust law of this State and to have the attorney general institute proceedings against the company if ground of action be found. This is the first measure which might be termed antitrust legislature to come before the general assembly since the unprecedented development of the industries of the State within the last few years aDd the rapid multiplication oi corporations. Being himself a well-posted lawyer, Senator Graydon may have good grounds for his action. The only debate among the senators was upon the bill requiring returns of banks to be made with the comptroller general. The bill was killed by a decisive vote and it is thus seen that the senate is not disposed to be unnecessarily harsh in its treatment of corporations. During the discussion, the banks received commendation for the help they had given farmers and business men in days of financial distress. SfpvAnsnn's house bill to make it a misdemeanor to swear falsely or commit fraud in the management of a primary election or voting in same, was passed to its third reading. Senator Livingstone's bill to authorize the construction of a new jail in Marlboro county was passed to its third reading. Senator Sheppard gave notice of amendment. At this point the senate went to the house of representatives for the joint assembly to elect a supreme court justice. Immediately after returning, the senate adjourned until 11 o'clock Friday morning. Ia the Senate Friday Senator Appelt moved that the sergeant-at-arms be authorized to furnish the senate with better drinking water. Senator Appelt w"r r i LI. suggested Harris Liitna water as suuame but Senator Archer stated distilled water from the ocate dispensary might be secured. This brought out a laugh from the senators. The resolution was put in writing and wh'-n it came up for consideration, it provo'-od considerable discussion. Columbia's water did not lack for defenders. Senator Marshall arose to oppose the libel upon the water of his town, but Senator Shcppard had the floor, and made sueh a vigorous defense that no other was necessary and Senator Marshall kept quiet and enjoyed it all. Senator Shcppard remarked that he thought the senators could afford to drink the water used by 30,000 people every day. Senator May field: 4'la the water chemically pure?" (Laughter.) Senator Shcppard: It is. Seriously, the water has been analyzed and found chemically pure. No one * i * l- - j. has ever neara or anyouc Demg miue sick by drinking Columbia water. It is pure and generally clear. The water does not cost the State a cent, coming under the State's general contract with uhe city which the house has refused to abrogate. He thought it would be extravagant to buy water. Senator Appelt said he understood the senate had been bujing spring water. "Those of ^ "Lift nrtfkinflr Kn f TITO for Walt h ll U.3 WliU UOU uui-uiuij uut vtuvw very best." (Laughter.) The resolution was indefinitely postponed and thus Columbia's water was vindicated. Senator Mauldin's bill to regulate the width of the tires of vehicles was made a special order for today. It is expected that this measure will attract considerable attention. The substitute for Senator G. W. Brown's bill on municipal taxation was adopted with little debate. It follows: Section 1. That on and after the approval of this act, no separate returns for taxation shall be required or en forced by the authorities of aDy city or town. Sec. 2. That the county auditors of tliis State shall keep the returns of all property liable lo taxation within any city or town of their county separate from the returns of property in the same township cot taxable by such city and town but taxable by State and county, and shall also plainly indicate on the tax duplicate all property taxable by each city and town, so that all municipal authorities may without difficulty base levies without separate returns for taxation. o o mi . n . i fl , dec. a. 1 nai ior me purpose 01 taxation. the corporate authorities of all cities and towns shall have authority to conform the fiscal year of each city and town to and with the fiscal year of the State, and to fix the time for levjing and collecting municipal taxes. Oq motion of Senator Archer, Mr. Dean's house bill to reeulate the granting of pensions was laid on the table. Mr. Livingston's bill providing for a new jail in Marlboro was passed and sent to the house. The Senate having disposed of the calendar adjourned to Saturday. A SHOCKING DISASTER. Steamship Wrecked and Every Soul Aboard Perished. A dispatch from St. John's, N. F., sajs: lne wrecked and burning hull in St. Mary's bay of an unknown two masted steamer with ith its crew of probably 60, acd perhaps some passengers. all perishing, is one of the worst marice disasters in this section for a considerable period. There is not the slightest prospect that any soul aboard escaped death, as the intense mid-winter cold would kill any who escaped drowning. The ill-fated vessel was of nearly 3,000 tons burden. She went ashore before daybreak Thursday, striking a ledge at the foot of the cliff, where escape was hopeless. The crew launched the boats, but probably during the panic some were crushed against her sides, others being swamped, and nil tVio r>!>nf<a Qnr.arpnfW npriehirny The ship was seen to beafire by residents six miles away. Attracted to the scene they found the after half of the wreck blazing fiercely, and the forepart under water. Kerosene in the cargo helped the blaze. At that time only three men were left 011 board. Two wore on the bridge and one was in the riggiDg. Those on the bridge were safe until about 2 p. m., when they were washed overboard and drowned, the bridge being carried away, i'ne survivor soon after left the rigging, swam to the rocks and twice endeavored to geat footing. Failing in this he made his way back to the riggiDg, ^where he died of exposure daring the night. Many dead bodies are visible .?~ .u ? e luaaiug iu tuc sun. xwu ui IIICUJ thrown up in a cove cannot be reached owing to the heavy sea. One is thought to be that t>f a woman. Boats and other wreckage are strewn among the rocks for miles." Yesterday (Friday) was more stormy than the day before; and it was impossible to reach the wreck, which has gone to pieces to such an extent that it has sunk beneath the waves. A severe gale is ragiDg to night, which is likely to reduce her to fragments. The wreck commissioner hopes to be able to obtain her name today (Saturday.) Residents along the shore made every possible effort to rescue the survivor in the rigging, but lacking proper outfits they were unable to succeed. A messenger who has j ust arrived from Peter's river tVirt ? > mif]i tWAmnn'o lcpuiio llldta llUUfik VTliiJJL TTV/JUU^U O clothing had keen washed ashore there as well as a garment which is rather water-proof cape, such as is evidently a man's, marked with the initials '"J. J." This seems to indicate that the ship had passengers. A ROARING STORM Kills One Man and Blows Down Several Honses. A special dispatch from Abbeville to the Columbia State says: "This vicinity was visited by perhaps the severest storm in its history last night. It was blustering weather with occasional showers all day long aod was unusually warm for the season. Shortly after dark the skies were nearly clear but in a little while thundering was heard with quite a display of electricity; in a few moments heavy clouds gathered and a deep roariDg sound like a train of cars was heard. It was a heavy storm passing through the outskirts of our city in a northeasterly direction. It seems from reports this morning that the storm passed the farm of Miss Ellen Gray, near Warrcnton, where it did much damage to barns and outbuildings; it then passsed the plantation of M. H. ? ~i i? w usuu, wutrie it uicn uuvTii iju uuii, stables and three negro cabins and killed a negro man, then to the plantation of J. L>, Ferguson and T. F. Ferguson, on both of whose places it blew down barns, cribs and outhouses. The next point in the storm's course was the place of Z. G. Sprott, about one mile from the court house on Main street, where some outhouses were damaged. A wagon body belonging to Mr. Sprott I - J L 1 _ J was taKen up ana nuriea. against tuc gable of Dispenser Calvett's house doiDg considerble damage besides other id jury the residence received. Harrisbunr was the next place the storm struck, some damage in the meantime having been done the buildings on the place of Mr. W A Smith, where a number of Negro houses were unroofed or blown down. Several houses were blown down on Greenville street, beyond the branch near the one i i 1 c xl _ mile pos:. Trie last neara irom tue storm near this place was on the Roach farm, where a barn and two outhoses were demolished and two mules killed. Several houses were unroofed while the occupants slept and with those that were blown down and a number of Negroes are houseless today." A Bloody Battle. Th? Lrtndnn D^ilv Mail savs: "We leara that in the attack on Ladysmiih last Saturday, Jaa. 6, the British losses were 14 officers killed, 34 wounded and over SOU non-ccmmissioned officers and men killed or wounded. The Boer losses, we hear are. estimated at between 2,000 and 3,000." Will Run for Governor. A. Howard Patterson, of Barnwell, has announced his candidacy for gov?-?? o ^l'er-i/mc-jrTMf-A in thft r.omine 'Ji UUi <*3 ? race for executiye honors.?Columbia State. A MODEL OFFICIAL. A Good Man to Elect State Liqour Commissioner. The Orangeburg correspondent of the News and Courier has sccured from Dispenser J. H. Claffy a statement of ^ 1 1 . .1 A- T tne Dusiness aone at tne urangeDurg dispensary during the past year, which may prove of general Interest just at this time, when it is generally expected that the Legislature will make some desired changes in the management of the dispensary as a whole. It may be said that if the State board of control attended to its business with as little friction or fuss as the Orangeburg county board of control the people of the State would be better satisfied with af fairs. Dispenser Clafty has had charge of the Orangeburg dispensary since it was first established and he has given universal satisfaction. Orangeburg county would like to make this suggestion to the Legislature: Stop putting extreme partisan politicians at the head of dispensary affairs. Put the dispensary management on a business basis. Promote those dispensary officials who have proven that they deserve promotion, and discharge those who promote friction and prove themselves failures in subordinate positions. To carry out these suzeestions CaDt. Claffy should be promoted to the position of State commissioner as a reward for conducing the local dispensary so satisfactorily to the friends and enemies alike of the dispensary system. This dispensary is one of the best in State as to its management and the amount of business that is done here will make it rank among the first in that respect. Let Capt. Clafiy put into the general management of the State dispensary the same business system and careful re-, gard for details that has characterized his management of the local Orangebure dispensary and do not" hamper him with a bickeriDg, quarrelling set of politicians as a State board of control. Your correspondent does not know that Capt. Claffy could be induced to accept the State conmisiionership and give up the certain place here in OraDgeburg, but his promotion would undoubtedly meet the approval of a majority of the people of Orangeburg county. The foilowiDg is a statement of the business done at the Orangeburg dispensary by quarters: First Quarter?Price to consumers, M MO ffl . j: S7 001 19. ^o,<7^6.01, priue tu ui>yeuaer, avj..J.U. jiross profits, $1,631.48. Expenses, $579 15; net profit to city and county, $1,1)52.33., Second Qaarter?Price to consumers, $5,822.23; price to dispenser, $4,779.70; gross profits, $1,042.53. Expenses, $569 62; net profits to city and county, $472 91. Third Qaarter?Price to consumers, $7,508.62; price to dispenser, $61417; gross profits $1,367 45. Expenses, $533 35; net profits to city and counaoo d in ty, $304. IV. Fourth Quarter?Price to consumers, $15,095; price to dispenser, $12,236 21; gross profits, $2,858.79. Expenses, $629 68; net profits for city and county $2,231.11. Totals for Year?Price to consumers, $37,348.46; price dispenser, 30,448 21; gross profits, $6,900.25. Expenses, $2,309.80; net profits for city of Orangeburg and county of Orangeburg, share - _ J -i a-A cr>A AX T. J auu scare aji?.tjj ?u? 11 WJIUU be tedious reading, an' itemized statement for the year, but to give an idea of what goes into the expense account of local dispensaries the itemized expenses for the month of December are as fellows: Rent, $20; electric light, 60 cents; stationery and stamps, $3 50; wrapping paper, $4.50; drayage, $18 66; breakage, $26 46; county board of control, $27.50; salary additional clerk, colors nf %>A.Vj oaiaxjr J \ viV/ia^ yi/Vi v> dispenser, $75. By far the largest business of any mynt^ of the year was done in December, so that the items for drayage, breakage, etc, are greater than for any other month. Then, too, th? expense of an additional clerk comes into the expense account only for December. These items of the other months are similar, with additional items for insurance in one month amounting to about $25 for the year, and license expenses, which are put into the account of the month when paid out. Married on the Train. The Greenville correspondent of The State says "the passengers and crew on the Southern train between Columbia and Greenville Wednesday were treated to an unusaal attraction, beiig witnesses to the marriage of Miss Edith Riggs, of Orangeburg, to Mr. Holloway, of Chappells, which was solemnized while the train was speeding along between Helena and Silver street at the rate of 45 miles an hour. Miss Riggs a75<j on rrmto trt AhhAvillft to visit the famiiy of her uncle there- Mr. Holloway and a couple of friends boarded the train at Prosperity, having arranged that the minister should get on at Newberry. As soon after leaving Newberry as possible the marriage took place and the happy folks left the train at CJiappells, where tfcey will reside. The Rev. Mr. Bower?, of Newberry,, was the officiating minister." The marriage was a great surprise to the - - - 11 A friends of the young iaay at vrangeburg. Kidnapped Boy Recovered. Lewis Tolghman, a New York lad 12 years old, who was kidnapped in that city nearly two years ago, was located near Tennilie, Ga, Wednesday aad brought to Augusta^ Friday by bis father on their way back home. The boy ii_ ^i_*. i;Ai.K ? is ail uousuauy Drigut inue icuuw, seemingly beyond "his years, speakiog very intelligently and appeariog much interested in the story of his kidnapping, but does not remember the facts. Spanish Wish to Fieht. The Gibraltar correspondent of the London Daily Telegraph says: "Three thousand time-expired Spanish soldiers from the Cuban war have oSered their services to Great Britain in South Af 1 I rica. ine government nere nas informed their agent that he is not authorized to enlist foreigners." WORDS OF WISDOM. -aSS Address of President Stevens to Commissioners'of Agriculture. ni HIT fAAft /M5AHO r i_nr* i ruuu vrwr*?. Make Small Bills, Buy for Cash If Possible; Reduce Cotton Acreage and Don't Go Wild. The first annual convention of the I Cotton States association of the comI i . xr /\ i _ . mission ers opened at x\ew urieans on Wednesday. Georgia, Nerth Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and New Mexico were represented. Commissioner Jastremski, in the absence of Governor Foster, delivered the address of welcome, which was responded to by Commissioner Culver of Alabama. President Stevens then delivered his annual address. . . "For years," said Col. Stevens, "the farmers of the South have been drifting into a condition of bankruptcy and demoralization. This is not due to sterility of soil, nor to unfavorable climatic conditions. It is not altogether fair to lay the fault of failure to our people, YT Korra WArlron in^na. iUi ao a nvtavu auum triou9ly, in and out of season, but they hr.ve not worked with any fired purpose of permanent benefit in the end. I hav for years been urgiDg the farmers of Georgia to reverse tfieir methods if they would escape the conditions which have resulted from a lack of diversification in planting their crops. The salvation of the people depends upon rural independence, and I urge upon each of yoa, the commissioners of the cotton states, to call upon your people to change their methods of farmiog. The farming iaterest has been the subject of much discussion by the press and the people of the South for the past 12 months; so much so that the people of the rural districts are seekiDg information by reading the daily and weekly papers and agricultural journals. This is one of the important channels through which this association must rely in reaching the farming class, by writing monthly letI ters upon agricultural subjects and questioos,'to be published once a month ifl your newspapapers." Mr. Stevens said there was no doubt the South is more prosperous today than at any other time within the last 30 years; prices have advanced and the people are more hopeful. "Tell your >' i farmers," he said, "to make small bills; to buy for cash if possible; to plant largely for food crops and reduce the acreage in cotton even below that of last year. The cotton crop of 18991900 will barely reach 9,000,000 bales and the average price paid thus far has been seven cents. But if our farmers go wild again, as they did in 1898? buy everything they can on time, plant the whole earth in cotton, and make a crop of eleven and one-half million bales?the country will be ruined, almost beyond hope." Two Burglars Captured. Bobbers visited the stables of Mr. F. H. Hyatt, Mr, Lindfors and others near Hyatt Park and took a good sup_i_ -U i_ -j.- m? piy Ui iiarutiss, eiu., xucsua^ mguw. Two Gypsies wlio had been camping in the neighborhood were suspected. When a search for them was made they could not be found. A telegiam to Winnsboro caused them to be intercepted. The stolen property was found in their wagon. 1 hey gave their names as Arthur and James Lamand, and a<7 aav thfl OCCLU. IJV CV a> UUV* ?/. !* J.U?; ?M?w horse and wagon they had belonged to them, but this is to be doubted, for in their possession was found two large dry goods boxes filled with saddles, lap robes, carpets, harness, and other articles, about one hundred keys of different sizes and styles, calculated to work in almost any lock, and a kit of burglar's tools In their pockets they had about $29 in money. The younger man r>nnfessed to the Hvatt oark rob beries, but the other fellow denies any complicity. Both are in jail.?Columbia State. A Cadet MissingBc/ne Yaught, a cadet of the Porter Military academy, at Charleston is missing. He was furloughed by Dr. A. Toomer Porter some days ago, in T7??Jfr Ilia mother in New ^ ? ?> V*WV* WV * ^ ' rv3 Orleans, who, the cadet said, was ill, and this was the last seen of che boy. He has not reported to his parents at New Orleans and his whereabouts, so far as can be ascertained are not known. He boarded a southbound train with his baggage properly checked, but neither he nor the baggaze have put in appearance at New Orleans. Vaught made no sccret of the fact that he did not care to study, and ?ra2 especially against military training and study and the incidental restraint. He resorted to the subterfuge of stating that his mother wae ill in order to get money from Dr. Porter to enable him */\ loot'A They Are Well Paid- ,?j| The allowance by the probate court at Chicago of $425,000 for the executors on the will of 31r. George M. Pullman gives to these two men an independent fortune for two years's service, and only a small part of their time, of course, was devoted to this woric. The roomlar hnsinpss nf Mr. Roh^rt T. Lin coin has not been ioterfered with by the performance of this additional trust and probably never amounted to $10,UOO in any year. For settling up the he estate o! Millionaire Pallann he eeeives the saug fortune of $212,5J0. . Fatal to Fishermen. Heavy gales are blowing along thf " entire French coast, and a numDer oe small vessels, with their crews, hart been lost, although several life boat rescues are reported. A fishing boa foundered off Boulonge-Sur-Mer, nine ^ ofr the crew perishing. The . bark ^ Jeanne Eugenis sank near Cherbourg and five persons were drowned. "3k