Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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' The Press and Banner By HUGH WILSON. Wednesday, May 21, 1890. .. . i "Let it be Instilled into the Heavts of Your Children that the Liberty of the Press is the Palladium of all Your Rights." Although it was clearly shown in this Coun. ty several months ago, that it was uot within the power of the non-reading public to exercise a sullicient influence over the iutelli? gence of tlie Couutv, to bring about the suspension of tiie publication of this newspaper, yet it is a fact that silly resolutions by Intolerant politicians to boycott some of the best and most honest newspapers of the Slate, are published almost daily. We are surprised at two facts connected with the boycott of intelligence: 1st. That any club of men could be found to endorse such resolutions. 2nd. That competing newspapers have ex. pressed no unwillingness to take a mean advantage of a competitor. As a matter of fact, those newspapers which in timif r>nnviotions, while yield lug due respect to tlie rights of others, will lose nothing by the unjust warfare which is being waged against them. The man who yields anything of his principle and self-rtspect to conciliate his enemy, will fail to gain anything from him whom he would concil. iate, but will lose his hold on those who would otherwise remain true and steadfast t<> him. The day for non-reading people to dictate the policy of the newspapers has not yet arrivec, and their futile attempt to kill such newspapers as they may choose to make the the subject of their hatred, will re-act on tlu political p.;rty which adopts the methods which are not only disreputable in themselves, but which must be otrenslve to every sense of justice. . It will be a long step "backward, and into darkness aud,stjper*stition, when a political party CSiTrfse to power by excluding from UfiTir ranks the ablest and best men of the State, while shutting out intelligence troui the members, by forbidding them to subscribe for newspapers. Can it be that the pu litlcal party which now seeks to bring about -< !? ,if 111 a revoiuuuil 13 mimu U1 iuc iuionbv..vv ? ... own members? Can it be that the leaders are afraid of the light of reason ? If a political party may name the newspa. pere for which a member of their party ntaj not subscribe can not the party with equal propriety name the churches which the members may not Join? "Let It be instilled into the hearts of your children, that the liberty of the press is the palladium of all your rights."' Tillitrtin's Easy Uoad to the (>overnor'M Ollice. S-It is claimed, we believe, that eighty pei cent, of the voters of this State are farmers, and it Is further claimed that they should oi right have the privilege of nominating at least one Governor from their own ranks. Governor Wade Hampton is a farmer. Governor Thomas B. Jeter was a larmer. Governor Johnson Hagood is a farmer. Governor John Peter Richardson is a fanner. Governor Ilugh .S. Thompson was a teacher. Governor W. D. Simpson was a lawyer. From the above statement it would seem that the farmers have been holding their own against the world, and we don't know that hofnrn art vnAntPfl the noillinfl lion of a candidate for office because he was n member of any particular profession. The objection to Tlllinau is not that he is a farmer. Even admitting that he is a Christian gentleman, possessiug all the requirements for being put at the head of the government, and for being put forward as the leader In Sou'.h Carolina society, his methods of procuring the nomination for that high and important office, are not such as to commend him to the favorable opinion of the conservative and prudent element of the State. As we understand, Mr. Tillman did nr.t put his claims before the whole people. He appealed to a class, and by the barest majority of his chosen followers secured the "suggestion." We think Mr. Tillman made his appeal to the "common people,''though we have not the copy of the letter before us. If nn outsider should speak of his followers as' common people," we think the speech would certainly be offensive to the more Intelligent ol his friends. Again, Mr. Tillman said something at Ridgeway about his followers acting like "jackasses." General Hampton, when he canvassed this State in 1S70, spoke of his followers as "friends," "fellow-citizens," "Car-1 ollDlans," and "brother soldiers" of the Lost Caoi>e. As to the eighty per cent, business. In Abbeville county we have about three thousand white voters. In the towns of Abbeville county there are perhaps about one thousand voters, \vhr? nre engaged in other pursuits tban farming. Of those in town uearly all will vote against Mr. Tillman. His chief sup. port will be from the country, but it is certain - " that a large per tent, of the conservative and thinking element will not support Mr. Tillman. Looking at the situation iu this light, we believe it pretty safe to say that in a primary election, where every man may vote as he pleases, Abbeville may be set down as donbtful now, with the certainly that Mr. Tillman cannot keep all of his followers in line until September. The majority as shown last Sale Day for Tillman, was, <n our opinion, more seeming than real. The Tillmaulles in the county had cxercised the same enthusiasm before that meeting that was manifest iu the matter of the Shell convention. They were thor uuguiy uijjuuiacu, ?uiiy uiu ??? not orgauized. Brother Hugh Wilson, of the Abbeville Press arm Banner, says: "It takes twice us many lumps of Migar in these days to sweeten a cup of cotlee as It did ten years ago. Adulteration is the reason why." Brer Wilson may be right, but we opine that the Abbeville Blrls will think that he requires more sweetness now than in the long a*o because he is ripening into the condition of a tour old bachelor, or that he consoles himself for his celibacy by this round about argument in favor ol economy and against matrimony.?Barnwell People. We are certain that we never penned any such paragraph as that, Brother Holmes. You have given credit to us for the expres. glons of another. Neither is this editor "ripening into the condition of a sour old bachelor," that thinks of economy in the matter of sugar. The Barnwell People has read the Press and Banner to very little purpose if the editor of that paper thinks we are "against matrimony." We are for mutri raony evory time, and trust that Brother hnlmaii mnv va(. hf* ?tnvln/>p(l that nmrriiifo --rf J ' -vv? *"" ""* " """ is a happy success. It is hard to tell which is worst mixed, the Lexington muddle, or Hampton's position in reference to his coming back to South Carolina to take part in politics. We hope the Senator may not do himself the Injustice to meddle with this little affair. Random Shot* from l>onnI?lH. Donai.iw, May 17, is;to. Good rains have fallen and crops are growing nicely. Day labor is in great demand and can scarcely be hud at any price. Many of our young people attended the picnic at Erwin's mil! yestei day. They reported u large crowd and a pleasant time, There Is some improvement being made on the post office, In the way of call and lock boxes being added, which is a great convenience to those using the mail. We were glud to notice A. A. Baldwin in town yesterduy. He has recently returned from the C. C. Jt A. railroad, where he has been In the employ of the Union News Com- ' pany lor some time. We hope he may be contented to stay with us a while. We are glud to see our Jolly friend, J. T. Rowland, with us again. No slcknet-s now. All have had the grip and ard well again. I Picnic is the topio of the young. Grass of th: old people Just now. -?? ?? ? - --r-nn^nrgyy.Tt-'-yarTWT-a I A Very Important Matter. While some of our politicians have seen | danger of a division in the Democratic ranks, and while all would deplore such a state of| affairs, yet there is still another and a greater i danger confronting us, and to which nobody seems to be paying any attention. The while people have never beer, as careful about complying with the registration law, as the negroes have been, and now when our political enemies are seeing to tie strict enforcement of the provisions of that law. the negroes are gaining strength, while the white people are losing dally. At first, the registration law gave the white people a great advantage, in the fact that many negroes had neglected to register, while all the white people had been registered. But that same law provides that no citizen who arrives at the age of twenty-one years, after the last general election, shall have the right to register, unless he does so before the next general election after he has attained his majority. All men therefore who have reached twenty-one years since November, 18S8, or will be twenty-one years of age before November^ 1890, must register on Sale Day in June or July of this year, or be forover barred from that rlgfit. The white citizen who neglects to register is derelict in duty to his country, and in that neglect sacrifices liis own right to the exercise' of the highest privilege of citizenship?thnt of taking purt in the choosing of the officers of tiie .State. For our own part, we believe the registra(ration law an exceedingly unfortunate otic for the Democratic party. It really seems that the men who acted so heroically in ISTti have become indUFcrent to the necessity of preserving those rights and blessed privileges which were llien gained, and It seems that 'suny of their sous care nothing at r.Ii for the glorious heritage which ?;as vouchsafed in 1S70. Just think of it, friends and fellow-citizens, not half dozen white men, who have attained the age of twenty one since November, 1KS.S, or will attain that age before November, I8'J0, have applied for registration tickets. We attribute their failure purely to neglect, and not to any wilful disregard ol their best luttrests. We also attribute a partot the blame for this lamentable situation to the fact that our leaders arc not more earnest in warning the people of the great danger which threatens them. Are we going to forfeit o..r_citize!!s4)ij)~by criminal carelessness? Are our young men going to fail to tukc the legal steps which are necessary loenable them toexerci.se the full | measure of citizenship? If the white people mean to continue in control of this county, they must be up und doing. Coming Koine. Some of those who were forced several mouths ago to quit taking this paper, becuuse of their conscientious convictions that they ought to obey the unconstitutional edict of the order to which they belonged, are now coining back to the Press and Banner, where they receive a hearty welcome. This is yet a free country in which even the editor of the Press and Runner may labor and conduct the printing business, and no combination of men are of sufficient Influence to muzzle or break up a free press. We have had all along a good list of subscribers, and from pivsent indications it will hereafter be greater than it ever was before. The paper seems to be in good demand, and eucouraged by success In the past, we will spare no pains to make it even more worthy of the support 'n the future. While holding to our own political opinions, aud being nothing loth to give our reasons therefor, we are tolerant with those who differ from us. There isn't enough in the issues before the people to make us fall out with anybody 011 the subject. As a loyal Democrat, the Press and Banner expects to support those who may receive the nomination of lite Democratic party, but ks a citizen, we have the same privilege that is guaranteed to any other man?Uie rii;I?t to take part iu all political matters. We don't think that Mr. Tillman Is I Improper man to be put at the head of ofllce In South Carolina, and we believe a more suitable man may be found to till theollice of Governor, but if lie gets the Democratic nomination in September, we expect to give him our vote at the polls in November. While opposing his nomination, we hope to be fair with him at all times, and certain it is. that we do not intend to tall out with anybody about his nomination. If a majority ol the people want him to be Governor, that will settle the question, as far as the editor of the Press and Jianner is concerned. IJut there Is another question in which we are more interested than in the naming of the Governor, and that question Is, "Whiskey at Abbeville." The demoralization and drunkenness that has followed the re-opening or the bar rooms at Abbeville has been appalling. If we can get the ear and attention or the people, we will uever cease tougitate the question, and we hope the people inay not forget the demoralizing influence of "Whiskey at Abbeville.'' All other matters dwindle Into insignificance, when compared to the liquor question. ?- ??? Contributed Locals. AnnKVii-i-E, 8. C., May 19,1S!K). More rain, more grass. Mr. and Mrs. M. L. LMtuner, of Ilonea Path, were shopping in the city last week. Mr. anil Mrs. Moseley, of Baltimore, are on a short visit to Mrs. lienry Hill, their cousin. Mr. Moseley represents tiie well known tlrm of Foster Knight & Co., of Baltimore, and is combining business and pleasure. Mr. George K. strickle, of Louisville, Ky., is visiting his sister, Mrs. Knox. We would be j glad tor I'.ini to cast his lot with us, as we are sure he will find 110 better place than old Abbeville. We have he rd of "the boys" painting the town "red," but Mr. Will Cobb is painting this town "white." The fence around Abbeville's park is very 1 neat and ornamental. Mr. J. L. Covin with Mr. J. W. Morrah was , in town to-day on business. It was the first lime in live years that Mr. Covin lias visited Abbeville, and he was much impressed with ilie beauty of the public square, especially I lie lovely shade trees. Mr. Covin is a staunch citizen, and is applying for tlie ollice of Trial i Justice at Mount Carinel, resigned by Mr. ( Miller. We hope tie will be appointed, as he would be faithful and impartial lu the discharge of his duties. \V. L. Miller, Ksv., now occupies- the Powell house, aud is oftenug rest to the weary traveller. i Mr. J. H. Johnson and family have moved from the valley town to Aiken, S. C., where they will likely make their home. The post post otllee at Mount Carinel is nowkept by Mr. Hader. Mr. ?d. Kay is now living in the valley town. Four regular passenger trains now on the Savannah Valley Kallroad?two up and two down. Schedule as follows: Passing down from Anderson <J.i(la. 111.; arriving from Augusts l'.IO; down 1..MI p. in. and up G.iO. This is the schedule us given us, and we publish it tor the benefit of I lie public. Mr. Samuel A. Visunska is off to Charleston iu searcli of business. lie is a worthy aud ca- ' pable young man. aud we doubt not but he will meet with that success which he so well deserves. i The trustees of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian congregation had a called meetinn one day last week for the purjio.se of electing a treasurer who should take charge ol nil monies received for the purchasing of their church lot in the town of Abbeville, and who should receive and receipt for same. Mr. C. I), iladdon was duly elected and Messrs. Thomson and MuDill were appoints to solicit subscriptions from the members at this place. It gives us pleasure to inform your readers tiiat in a short time a Millie lent amount was inised wherewith to purchase said lot, and the cash is now in sight to pay I for the same i?s soon as papers are signed lip. | ] We hope ti.o da^- will not be far distant when 11 another beautiful cijui'ch will ornament our; I town. Success surely awaits (.tieni. I C'ol. P. S. Hutlcdge is in town. ji Air. J. S. Hammond is night watchman f"V < the town, and we guess Joe will keep up with the boys, ] A nourishing Young Men's Christian Asso- I elation has been organized at l.owndesville. j | They rent a hall and ir.oet every Sabbatii af-!1 lernoon. : I Mrs. C. V. Hammond is <juitc sick, <i Mr. and Mrs. .1. H. Simmons have the sym. i patiiiesof many friends in their sore bereavomeat. f Next Sunday will he observed as Children's f day In the Methodist church, with services < appropriate to the occasion. M. I / *pr nT^nirtinrwrrfrWnrrWr^-vrngmmumn rmuttr THE CAMPAIGN POT BOILS.' KINDLING WOOD TO KEEP THE CALDRON HOT. Facts mid S'lsnrfH Tor the I'se of Til 1maii Attorney General Knrle is Asked to Kxplnin Nome of Ills Of-1 einl Aets In Kel'crence to the As-, KONsment ol' Railroads and Itanks? I Pointed Letter from Auditor Jones. Editor Press and Thinner : It doubtless will be remembered by a major- , ity, if not by all of. your readers, that sonic two years airo the writer of tills was Instrumental in bringing to the attention of the public generally, and to the Comptroller General specially, the fact that, very few if any of , the National Hanks in the State were paying taxes on anything more than their original , capital, notwithstanding the fact that from the sworn statements of their officials, the surplus tuud aud undivided profits of many ( of these hanks amounted to more than double that of such capital stuck. It will likewise be remembered that acting, , upon the Information thus obtained, the , Comptroller General promptly called upon , the Attorney General for an opinion as to whether or not these bank surpluses were taxable, and that the Attorney General gave it as hi? opinion that thev wore. Another fact will doubtless be recalled, and , that Is. that the Comptroller General, acting . upon this opinion, issued a circular to the ' several County Auditors of the counties wherein were located any of said Hanks, re- , quiring and directing them to place upon the tax books the surplus as well as the capital stock of all Bunks located in their respective , counties. These are all facts well known to the public. , as they were all published at the time in the , Press and Manner, as well as in various other papers i.i the State? that is, the letteroi the Comptroller General submitting thequeistlon to the Attorney General, the opinion oi that ( olllcer.and the aforesaid circular o' theComptroller General to the several County Auditor*. While such is the ease? while the public are well aware of these facts?there are still other facts connected with this mailer, aud which are of infinitely greater importance to the people generally, iuit of which tliey are kept In blissful ignorance. And that is, that in not a single instance save in the ease of the Abbeville National Hank, and perhaps one or two others of the smaller Jlan/cs, ivas there the least attention paid to the opinion of the Attorney General, or to the circular of the Comptroller General by the Dunks, or by the County Auditors, u-hose duty it wax to attend to the matter. Not only were they not governed at that time by the instruct ions of the Comptroller General, as contained in his clrculnrJjmied unon the opinion of th&. Attorney General, which was sij.iiyJv ki-trcc'Srdance with Section lift Of the Keviscd Statutes, which reads as follows: "Ail shares of the stookholders in any 'bank or banklm;association located in this "State, <?c., shall be listed at their true value 'In money, Ac. Provided, That the woids "'true value in money' shall be so construed "as to mean and include all surplus or extra "moneys, capital, and every species of person"al property of value owned and In ihepos' session of any such bank;" but they have persisted in ignoring the same ever since, and to-day tlie assets ol many of these banks arc not being taxed at one-half their market value. For the Information of the public at large and for the special Information of Attorney General Karle, who, In his speech at Anderson the other day, swore by "all the powers that be" that if a single instance of a failure to comply with the requirements of the law on the part of any oflkial were brought to his attention he would prosecute the offender to (he bitter end. I beg to submit the following circular letter, a copy of which was sent to the , several County Auditors of the counties in which arc located banking institutions, together with the replies thereto, which latter 1 nave condensed In a tabulated form : Akbkvillk, s. ('., April 12, 1S!>0. Peak Sir? Will you kindly furnish me a statement of tlie returns made by the various [tanks in your county, viz: capital stock, surplus and real estate, also the valuations as as st-ssed for taxation. An early reply will be ippreciatcd as a great favor, not only to myself, but to the people of the State, to whom the subject of taxation and equalization lias become one o! deep iinert st. Hespecl tally, A. W. JONES. Itlfli I \l X 5XE2 i? = ^~=: O ; -z~5 -? - 2 Ir=-S-->S'5r > Wpiim I I r! f f!!! u n f?i i ii ji n\ [ Cnjillal Slock. ssiiiiitisi Surplus and Ilii'IliIliS .proflu 'J; Total Stock. Surplus 5 j'x *"i'* 5 s.'UI7 uiitl I'mil vide d Profits. -.-SsXi-^s- =* Total return forTaxa51 ? ?PP!- tion, Including Real Kftulc. Per cent. of Capital asjs'ciigtgyts Stork, Surplus and fcfct&EESSSS I" ndt vIiIcmI Prollts upon which taxes are paid. The above statement does not take in all the lianks in the state, as some of the County Auditors have so f;ir failed to comply with the request to fun Nh the desired inlormaiIaii I.iir It ti'ill ^ninontmgluiw DlPI'p i?i ii very great Inequality in the matter of assess Ing property possessing identically the same ; Intrinsic value which should not be the case, for "while there may be a difference In the value of mules or lands In different couuties, surplus dollars have exactly the same value in every part of the State." It will also suffice to Inform the Attorney General if he has not already been apprised of the fact, that his opinion as to the liability of Hanks to pay taxes on their surplus and undivided profits, . us well as the circular of the Comptroller t General, based upon that opinion, has been \ set at nauuht by the Hunk officials and the J County Auditors iu almost every instance. ] Furthermore, it will serve to show toall who j may chance to see It, that there is a very tin- ] just discrimination iu the matter of the vain- < ation of property for purposes of taxation ( against the poor man, who has to pay taxes < on his little all, frequently at more than Its j true value, and iu favor of the fortunate own- ] cr of valuable hank stock, and that the same is being done in open defiance of the plain j letter of the law as contained in Section 19i j of the Keviaed Statutes as already quoted in ] mil. 1 ea, more, uiui u is uimux uuuu in | letianreof the interpretation of that law by ] tlie oflicer wiiose special duty it is to make i such interpretation when called upon to do so < for the guidance of the officers of the State. 'Die Attorney General may have been Igno < rant of these tacts heretofore,but he certainly * cannot avail himself ot such a plea from tills f on, and the tax payors will no doubt wait } with no small detrree of interest to ?eu what i he is going to do about It. <. But what about the Comptroller General ? n He certainly could not have been ignorant of 1 the fact that, no regard had been paid to ills >. circular by many of the County Auditors to 'i whom it was addressed, ami such being the case, It seems to me that it was incumbent upon him to have reported the facts to the Governor, by whose appointment these durelict officials held their positions, or to Hie Attorney General, the prosecuting officer of I lie State, in order tliat he might institute proceedings against them for malfeasance in oflice. j The Auditor of Charleston county, In his letter transmitting the returns of the various Hanks of that county, says, "The Hoard o! "Initialization could see no reason for devia "lint; I'roin their determination for previous | "years, Ac., and could but come to the deter- j "niinatiou that the surplus wits not liable to ( "l>e returned for taxation." , Adopting your own language ns used in an r editorial some two years ago, when Hie atlen- j lion of the public was 111.st attracted to litis , matter, we would say, Mr. Ktlilor, "is It any , 'wonder that our people arc dissalMlcd? ( "Are the capitalists, the banking CioiporaiioiiH t "and the railroad corporations dominating , "theState." "There is food lor thought in | "the fact that here are banks dodging ihous- | 'anils of dollars of Just taxation rijjht at the ( Moms of the leading newspapers of the Stale, 'yet they me as silent ac a{i K^ypiiim icuui- K "my." , Hut the matter does not end with the faei J which we think we have clearly shown, that s there Ik a very large amount of the best pay- l lug Investments in the state, in the shape of Lmuk shares, which are escaping taxation, U >)Ut we think we can as clearly demonstrate1 ( that there is a much larger per cent, ol llioL railroad property in the Stale which Is , . <)uaily fortunate. Let us take for example the railroad.1 { [n tlie report ol the Ifauiaelions of (hat road , or the fiscal year ending June MO, issg, it an- ( |iear:s thai the net cariiinss, after deducting' u ill tlie expenses of operating the road, Inclinl- J! ng taxes, repairs and Improvements, -j imounted to$11)1,I"?7 being a sum equal to 8 j per con t. on S2,:W!), ICi c Now tve take It that It will he conceded by; ?very one that un investment wlfiuli will pay | i per cent, net, over and above all Incidental expenses Is a good one?therefore as it has r >eou shown that the (J. ?? G. roud Is paying 1 - IT -i iy?rr?gTa??iniTi-'-?irr-rr wirmfiriaMy^Mi that much net on an amount equal to S2.:lS9t- ^ WJ, that anionni should be taken to represent, the value of said property?and yet (he rail- j rood hoard of equalization, of which Attorney General (Cartels a conspicuous member, lixed the value of the C. & G. road for purposes of taxation for the last liscal year at.: SI,!10S,72T>; more than one million dollars less than we have deruonst rated it to be worth according to a sound rule in our opinion for arriving at I lie true value of an investment. Hut to fortify the position which we have taken as to the true value of tnls road, we would state that the present owners thereof, when It was sold In MM, paid over S2,400,000 for It, and that too, under circumstances which certainly did not tend to inflate the price; and furthermore that the first morteage bonds placed upon It, amounting to fj,000,O KI are quoted at from 105 to lOfi In the dally market reports. It should tie borne In mind too that In addition to a net earning equal to 8 per cent, on a capital of $2,380,162 fins road has made Improvements In the way of new Iron and rolling stock within the last few years, to the extent of hundredth of thousands of dollars; so that the price at which it was sold (2,4000,0i)0) and the valuation which we put upon It, nccording to our process of reasoning (S2,.T8(J,162) Is more likely to be under than above the true value thereof. ? Now as the C. & G. road constitutes only nbont one t jnth of the entire mileage of railroads in the State, and being about an average road and assessed for taxation at about the same per mile as the other roads, It Is reasonable to conclude that if It does not pay taxes nn what it really should by over a million of dollars there must be at least ten mllllou dollars worth of railroad property 1c the State that Is escaping taxation. Add to tliis the large amount of bank property which likewise escapes, and we have an iimount of property,and that too of the very host species of property, which, If it paid Its legitimate share of tuxes would raise a sufti cicney, itisreuierwmi me puu>jjnnti- lujmy, &c., to maintain both the South Carolina University ami tho Clemson College in tlrst class stylo. The State I'ailroad Board of Equalization Is composed of the Attorney General, the Comptroller General, the Secretary of State und the State Treasurer, and it is their duty to take the returns of the different railroad 1 onipanies as made to the Comptroller General ami equalize the same?having the authority to add to the valuation in the case of any road where they may think the same is placed too iow, or deduct from t he valuation in any case where tney may think the same has been placed too high? in other words they are the railroad assessors. Now, as Attorney General Earle demanded of Mr. Tillman whether or not he considered that lie, Earle. had been Inefficient or wanting in zeal in the discharge of his official duty, ,.nd stated that he was ready at any and all times to give an account of his steward ship; the public would doubtless he pleased to have him explain how that he, ns an etlleient and energetic officer, charged with the special duty of seeing that all State and County officers discharge^tJicir respectIve^UiUcg*. should-lmv* Sfiieii'to knosr-thTTT'ceiiain of these offieials had relused or fa'led to carry out certain requirements of the law, after their attention had been explicitly called to the same by himself, I he Slate's Attorney? or how it was, ir he knew of the fact of such dereliction of duty, that, he neglected or tailed 11 require of "them to answer for the same in the Courts of the State. A ,1,1 u-nnlrl ho r>lr>!iK<vl tf> IlllVft lllm M plain to our sal lsf-.tetinn and to the satlsfaction of the ninny other hnrd-working hut impecunious tax payers of the State how, in view of (lie plain provision of 1 tic law as contained in Section 33 of Article 2 of Hie Suite Constitution which declares that, "All luxcx 'shall be luiil upon the actual value of the prop"rrty tared," he could yet Ills consent to ayrer. with the other members of the Board of assessors to acsess the railroad property In the State at a little more than one half of its actual value, a? established by the application ol the best known rules for determining values. Respectfully, A. W. JONES. THE CONSTITUTIONAL VOTE VS. THE PRIMARY VOTE. Tli* llilfrroncc lletnceii Imngiiinr.v Voting, and Actual Voting. The highest vote ever east In Abbeville county at a l?ernocratio primary election was In August, 1SSS, when the totals footed up 2S'.i2. In the primary election in August, the total vote was 27111. The County Club is made up ol delegates from the local clubs. The majority of the delegates present generally decide the questions, except when five members call for a "const!lutlonal vote." Then the delegates representing the different clubs cast the supposed numerical strength of their respective clubs. It itiily one delegate Is present lie casts a ballot representing the full strength of his club If two, three, or more arc present, and agree to fast their vote the same way, the stre.mth of I lie club Is likewise voted as a unit. Bill If Hie represent at Ives are divided in opinion, ilien eaeh representative casts his proportion I the whole numerical strength of the club which they represent. Very few of the local clubs have been rc-orianized for years, and as a mutter of vourse, many names are on many of the rolls which should not be there. As fur as we know, few erasures of names for deaths, removals, or uiisinge of membership, have been made. Since llie election in 1HSS, it is fair to presume that many young white men have arrived at the age of twenty-one years, but, as a matter of fact, very few, If any of that number, have registered, while the negroes are crowding tiie Registrar's ofllco every Sale Day. If all voters are required to exhibit their registration tickets on the day of election, it is quite provable that many a white man in this county will be surprised that lie has, by carelessness, forfeited his right to vole. Because of the importance of the matter we reproduce tlie tables showing the actual voting strength of the different clubs, while In the parallel column will be found the "constitutional" vote, as now oast In the County Club. Of course there can. be no question lhat ttie actual votes cast at an exciting primary election, is the Indisputable and correct strength of any club. The present plan of casting a "constitutional" votedoes not strike us as being the correct basis upon which to let when It Is desired to asoertain either the strength or choice of the clubs. As the re-organization of theclubs lsn propjsltion not to be seriously entertained, we suggest sis the simplest and most equitable method of sellllng the whole question, to allow representatives to cast only the voting strength of their respective clubs at the last miliary election. it is cerium mat no great wrong could be done by t Ills method : " i A cluus. ta {5-= ij2 l? \bbeville I IS7 : 101 \bl)evll'e No. 2. 125 ; 135 Vntrevllle J 170 lflO Uellevlew I l'l tin Bordeaux 22 30 Unidley su inr, Jedur Springs 42 70 Jokesbury 5<) j 1?7 Joronaca fitf i 71 Donaldfsvllle 1X7 200 Due West i 122 1 0 jrecnvvood ; 301 300 ! 117 2(K) [lampion | 100 150 Lebanon 71 1 70 Long Cane ...i 11!) 200 [jowndesvllle No. 1 147 i 200 Lowndesvilie No. 2 1 71 123 Magnolia ; 54 110 Weans Chapel ] 3-'! j (JO Mountain View 25 (i0 Mount Oarmel ; llili , 200 VlcCorillick I 224 . 200 Vlnety-Six 142 i 2tO rNioenix j 25 ' HI Smltlivillc I 47 K'J rroy : 107 217 Walnut (J rove ! 10 85 Stony I'oiat 27 /erilery.^.." 23 Total 2S02 4010 PICNIC AT MORTON'S MILL. V I'lciisaiit liny on Hie itanks of I,oii? Cniio? B,(?rso Hocks?Shady Groves? It i sin;; II il In. On lust Saturday, In company with my genal friviid, .Mr. .)?mcs .McMillan, the writer I lad the plea-lire of attending a picnic at Mor-1 oil's Mill. It was given under the auspices of if the Smltlivillc school. Some seventy-live >f the patrons and pupils of Mils school were n attendance. Miss l.uliv Williams, the nee* >si*l daughter of (,'npt. 1). It. W'illiains. of Vcrlery, is the teaihor. She is a young lady of iulture and retlnenient, and is in full sympuliy with progress and advancement, she is Miilrimr > tlno llMlil'OvwI.ill !1< 11 si l\ 11 III' icr genial, popular manners is winning for lerself a host of friends. Klie lias had some wenty-seven pupils In li??r chargo Mils year. Morion's Miil is a romantic picturesque :pot. On the ship of the crock on wliic|i the m-iiIo was held. Ik a hill covered with largo ocksnml a shady grove. On the opposite iile the ground rises so hijjii tiiut it may well < >e termed a mountain. At noon a bounlitul dinner was served and i t was highly appreciated by every one. Mr. i. W. Coilins was '.he master-spirit of the occasion and did everything in his power to nako the picric a* success. Among those nesenI was Mrs. Oscar Cromer who grad-! mled at Wi.liamMon Female College and; nude for her sell a line record there, ipid since ' h;it tin i! I'.as'.id stained h&r high record for ! cholarship. Masters l>avid and Albei t lien-! y, of Abbeville, were among the visitors.' lie occasion was a delightful one, and will | ong be remembered by those who weie pres- , lit. X, | hil.? umbrella* and parasol* In great vu- < icly. Direct from the manufactures at It. M. he',don Co. 1 4 v." ' . V -V tvmrrrtk ?~ ~ ~-rrrr--nmiaa THE GREAT BAIBOOZLER. THE OEGANIZER OF THE FARMERS' MOVEMENT IN CHESTER IS TIRED OF TILLMAN. Gooil R?nsnn<i <>olnj; to Slion why the Railroad Lniv Slionld Have been Modified. To the Editor of the yews and Courier: In answer to your question In the editorial on the Tillman Shell charge of being "bamboozled or debauched," contained In your Issue of May 13,1 beg leave to reply that I suppose Tillman, shell, or whoever the author of that notable manifesto may be. was In need of something with which to fill np space and could llilnlc of nothing else when lie could get in those two high-sonnding words bamboozled or debauched, so as lo make them effective in misleading the Democratic farmers of the State, and In hiding their real motive of seeking place and power?the ruse ol crying stop thief. IGNORANCE OK I.ACK OK TltUTII. Just here let me say that In framing lliat paragraph of the '-Manifesto" as little regard for truth or want of information upon public affairs was shown as has characterized all or most all their utterances for the past two years, and which has driven away from the "Farmers' Movement" some of the best men of the State. I will say as to the "charge," the only truth contained in it is that I voted for the passage of the general railroad law in 1KS2 ami at the next session voted toaincud it?and why? REASONS FOK HKl'KAL OK KAILK0A1) LAW. Because, in my judgment, after seeing the workings and effects of ttic law, it gave too grea? powers to the commission over the property and business of one c!a?s of citizens, and at the same time it was seen that the people of the State were not receiving the benefit that we expected from the law as It then stood, I found it especially so with my own constituents, and after consulting with many of the lending business men of Chester Countp, farmers and others, I determined to do all in my power to correct what I believed to be a grave mistake. During the sessions of 18-^3 I was more fully confirmed in my change of opinion by the numerous petitions from different portions of the State, praying for the repeal or modification of the law. Notably among those petitions will be found on page 171, House Journal, 18S3, one by Mr. Stribling, of Oconee County; on page IDC, one by Mr. froft, 01 Aiken, from the citizens of Edgefield County ; on the same page, one by Mr. Talbert, president- of the fchell Convention, "from ihe business men of Johnston;" on page 20S, one by Mr. Croft from citizens of Aiken ; on page 2!3. two petitions by Mr. Shands, of Lap*Tenrtfiiint J--Cfr-p;:L'4i-2S5, Lwe-tjTSlr. XI elver, from citizens of Darlington?all of which went to show that the people of the State desired a change of the law, and would eon vince any fair-minded man that those who voted to amend it were neither "bamboozled or debauched." CIIESTKU'S VKJIDICT. As to whether I was bamboozled or debauched let us have the verdict of the Democratic party of Chester County, in the camnal^n of 1SH4 1 was iiirain a candidate at tho Democratic primary, and went before I lie people upon my rccord mid upon every stand in the country gave to the people, face to face, an account of my stewardship, ana especially as to how and why I voted thus and so 011 all Important measures, antl particularly why I voted to amend the railroad law. Now, I would its!: Messrs. Tillman, Shell & Co., do they think the Democratic voters, "farmers," and nil who in that primary election renominate d me hy the largest vote given any man for the Legislature, were "bamboozled or debauched" into doing so, and if so, why did Mr. Tillman's particular friend and ally, Dr. Timmerinan, of Edgefield County, who had served with me In the Legislature during the term of Ih82-Sland knew my record well, recommended me as a fit person to lead in the organization of the Farmers" Movement in Chester County, nnd which, 1 believe, Mr.Tillman himself will give me credit for doing ns thoroughly as possible. TIHED OF TILLMAN. In conclusion, let me say (hat the Farmers' Movement had my heartiest support and Mr. Tillman my sympathy until his groundless charges of corruption and extravagance uh?.uauwui viimovii I/LIUV^miiiv WlllUiiU^ UliU lenders anil Ills egotistical laudation ol' himself, capped llrialiy by having a committee appointed by u Farmers' Convention, ol which he was made chairman, to attend upon the sessions of the Legislature ol South Carolina to bulldoze, "'bamboozle or debauch" its members into voting lor such measures as he and his henchmen had nureed upon. All of which was conclusive proof to me ;it least l hal I and the Democratic tanners of South Carolina had made a serious mistake as to our leader, in which view I am confirmed by the Shell manifesto, the March Convention, and his every utterance there and since. Democrats of South Carolina, ttie great Bam boozier is abroad in the laud, and his name is B. It. Tillman. It. T. MOCKBEE. NEW STREETS SHOULD BE OPENED. The <?., C. A X. Hallway will cause us to Change Front, anil wc Ought to Open Other Thoroughfares. The completion of the Georgia, Carolina and Northern Railroad seems to be a foregone conclusion. The finishing of that road will create the necessity for new streets and we might Just as well benln to make calculations IV... amblni, !.?? We icaru thai the Railroad Company will put the depot some fifty feet West of the Hlg (iullcy, uiul llial the cut will be widened irom the tun yard street to the ISlue 11111 street so ?x to K've a Rood wnnon way along tha track from one street to the other. This will leave the town needing other thoroughfares, and as the rallrond will open the street along their track at their own expense In digging to the average depth of perhaps fifteen feet, it would seem that the town or some of the wide awake and enterprising lot owne,s should be thinking of the needed changes, and square their property to the demands of the new situation. It has been suggested to us, and we believe the suggestion a good one, that Magazine street should be pened through or across the lots to the railroad. That is one of the most beautiful streets in town. Its width, its beautiful trees, aud the handsome residences along its length make It one of the prettiest drives In town, and If It was extended ucross Main street and through the lots to the new rullroad, its attractiveness could not be surpassed by any town In the up-country. The opening of that street would make lis entire length 011 both sides desirable for building lots, and this of itself would be an inducement to the lot owners to be liberul in their encouragement of the enterprise. Of course the opening 01'tbe street would involve the outlay of money, but we know of no way In which our surplus treasure could be better invested. Thechnngo would necessitate the moving of the dwelling house belonging to Mrs. Frances Lomux, so that it would fronton the new street, and we have no doubt that who would readily consent to the change, if she wus paid a lair compensation. In matters of property, money would make everything even to the lot owners, Irrespective of the great advantage which they, Ilkeothers, would receive by the change winch would bring strangers to the public square by one of the most beautitul streets in town. When we remember that the town will never be In a better condition than now to make some lasting and beneficial use of our money, we trust that immediate steps will he taken looking to the expediency and desirability of opening the street which we mention. If nothing more is done, tho subject could be investigated. Owing to the fact that the building lots which are surrounded by streets are held by persons who ask e.xhorbltant prices, and owing to t|ie fact that the town will likely build in tho direction of the new railroad depot, there Is great, necessity for opening new streets on which houses may be built. Church street in rear of the lots fronting on .Main street, needs to bo opened so that homes may be built along its length. The opening of that street might cost money. Rut what if It did? We miist make tho building lots accessible to the public square. If these streets were opened and widened, and if the splendid building lots belonging to the Thomson estate were laid out, and made accessible by new streets, that part of tho town would build up, and In time become one of the most attractive parts of the village. Let tho lot owners and the town council do whatever Is best for all the parties, and tho town will prosper and grow, but with the building tots uemineu in, ;uui v/uii narrow alleys where there should he wiile streets, and Willi all the otl|p)* desirable lots In the hands of thobe who will not sell, except at enormous prices, what is the town to do? Tim lols of which we speak lie well, are near the public square, and if the streets were opened, are in every way more desirable than iIkxo which I are so bountifully supplied with streets w^l; side walks, but which aro held at fabuk';s prions, The railroad in coming, and we might ns j well begin to make preparal ions for lliti new! order 01 things. I'lilos we hnvi* streets and building lots, our growth will he eireum- < scribed. Should Drop Ills I'roviuclitlHm. The AikjhxIh Chronicle Has always been ! kindly disposed towards Capl, Tillman, and List .Sunday, "> "'I kindness, it took occasion to say: ''Farmer Tillman cannot resist jump-1 Ingon Ihe newspapermen. Come now, Kar mer Tiiiman ougtit to outgrow this sort of, provincialism, A man who wants to he liov- i i-rnor should drop this sweeping arraignment I of newspaper reporters and publishers.'' Mom Rilling nice for pic ulc and home luiichps?"Jievllltd Crab, '''Canned Shiimp." We! have Just received a fresh shipment ol above dainties. .Smith & Monti. gg ' J - ' <y> OF -J AWtewiHft ftttnMfrw tssvrraa >1^' ^ >4- traesra& ^ x. -^jwbss*? 6 Are Most Respectfully Invited to Make an Inspection of the Immense Stock of nil ISO Sim Mi \ Now Olfered for Sale by ? White Brothers < M Jt' M Without going into particulars it is enough to say that any one can find at the store of WHITE BROTHERS just exactly what he needs. '3g3| If a lady wants a Dress, here she can see a large assortment of Cashmeres, Funs Veilings, I Satteens, Challies, " Brilliantes, Muslins, 1 I and other seasonable fabrics in the latest d and most desirable styles. Their stock of WHITE GOODS & EMBROIDERIES I was never more attractive. They offer this . season a greater variety of TABLE DAMASKS, NAPKINS, DOILIES AND TOWELS than they have ever kept before. A 1 ? J vkl n rtrt +Ti n n ijennemeu uan iniu uu ucuci OUCUU the store of WHITE BROTHERS to purchase an outfit for the Spring and Summer; for here can be seen Ready-Made CLOTHING c; nv\r<n vrvft tin o* TTTT STVT.F. n.nDTTRA UiiOUi^aooc-u xui x ^ i ^ ? ? ?? ? BILITY. Here too they can obtain the MOST STYLISH HATS, THE BEST SHOES, And FURNISHING- GOODS of all kinds, NECKWEAR, COLLARS, CUFFS, SUMMER UNDERWEAK, HALF HOSE, HANDKERCHIEFS, &c., &c. Let every one call and see how very CHEAP Goods are. Our greatest inducements to purchasers I are LOW PRICES and pretty styles. ~ ~~ 4 WHITE BROTHERS. \