Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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:&r - ' DEMOCRATS IN~C0UNC1L FULL PROCEEDINGS OF THE STATE CONVENTION HELD WEDNESDAY. A Platform Adopted Kadorelnic the N? tlonat Platform and the Platforms of 1KOO and 1S02 ?NtmM of the LnckT Candidate.". Columbia, S. C., Sept. 20.?The Democratic State Convention met yesterday morning in the State House at ten minutes past twelve o'clock and was called to order by State Chairman Irby, who requested Ilev. S. M. Smith to open the proceedings with prayer. Hon. 0. H. Patterson, of Barnwell, was elected temporary chairman, and Messes. H.H. Brunson and F.M. Mixson were elected tempo rary secretaries. The work of calling the counties and enrolling the delegates was the first business and it was quickly disposed of. The roll was made up without contests of any kind. Consequently no committee on credentials was appointed. The election of permanent officers qa onnn qo fho roll I Tt OO UOAU 1U VlUVl OW ovvu mw vuv was completed. Senator Efird, of Lex-, lngton, was Dominated for permanent chairman and was elected by acclamatlOL. One vice-president from each congressional district was then eleted as follows: First District?Thomas Talbird, of Beaufort. Second District?Senator S. G. Mayfield, of Barnwell. Third District?Hon. J. Belton Watson of Anderson. fourth District?Col. J. D. M. Shaw, of Laurens. , Fifth District?Hon. Ira B. Jones, of Lancaster. Sixth District?Hon. J. E. Ellerbe, of Marion. Seventh District?D. H. Behre, of Colleton. On motion ihe temporary secretaries were made the permanent officers for those positions. Hen. A. H. Patterson, of Barnwell, moved that a committee on platform and resloutions be appointed, consist ingofone member from each county, and that all changes In the Constitution and all resolutions be referred to it. The motion was carried and the following committee was selected: Abbeville?J. C. Klugh. . Anderson?S. N. Pearman. Aiken?W. N.Marchant. Barnwell?A. II. Patterson. Beaufort?Joseph b. Reed. Berkeley?J. B. Morrison. Charleston?W. H. Fitzsimmons. Chester?J. K. Henry. Chesterfield?R. E. Rivers. Clarendon?D. J. Bradham. Colleton?L. E. Parler. Darington?J. E. Miller. Edgefield?W. P. Tlramerman. Fairfield?J. R. Curlee. Florence?R. M. McCown. Georgetown?R. J. Donaldson. Greenville?S. W. Scruggs. Hampton?W. J. Gooding. Horry?J, P. Derham. Kershaw?C. L. Winkler. Lancaster?H. J. Gardner. Laurens?H. D. Gray. Lexington?W. A. Goodwin. Marion?J. E. Ellerbe. Morlboro? J. R. Sampson. Newberry?John T. Duncan. Oconee?J. It. Earle. Orangeburg?Dr. J. W.Stokes. PickenB?John T. Boggs. Richland?Col. Wllie Jones. Sumter?W. A. James. Spartanburg?T. L. Gantt. Union?D. P. Duncan. York?W. N. Elder. "Williamsburg?J. T. Gamble. A motion was then made to adjourn until half past 3 o'clock, wbicb, alter some discussion, was adopted. The chairman declared the convenHnti orii.-inrnori nnrl t.hn mAmh?rs filflri out. Daring the recess the committee on platform held a meeting in the hall and was In session for a good while. The delegates went to the hotels for dinner and spent the interval in eating, caucusing, swapping votes and doing all those things which delegates to a convention do. It was the final windup with the candidates and they put in all the time they had and did what they conld in the few minutes to spare. The platfcrm committee was late In finishing its work and delayed the reopening of the convention for fifteen -minutes. When Chairman Efird called the convention to order Col. D. P. Duncan, chairman of the platform committee, reported the following as the platform for the Democratic party of the State, stating that a minority report would be made: THE PLATFORM. 1. The representatives of the Democratic party of South Carolina, In convention assembled, do reaffirm their allegiance to the principles of the party, as fomulated by Jefferson and exem plified by Madison, Jackson and Calhoun; and their successors in Democratic leadership. 2. We reaffirm our allegiance to the platform adopted by the Democratic national convention at Chicago in June 1892. 3. We demand the free and unlimited colnaged of silver at a ratio of 10 to 1, and insist upon its immediate enactment without waiting for International agreement We insist upon it for the protection of our farmers ana laboring classes, the Qrst and most defenseless victims of unstable money and fluctuation currency. 4. We reaffirm our allegiance and adherence to and andvocacy of the principles set forth in our State Democratic platforms adopted in 1890 and 1892. 5. Recognizing the great evils of intemperance and the curses of barrooms and their corrupting miluence, we heartily endorse the Dlssensary law as t.h? harmieat and best solution of the vexed whiskey problem and we call upon the Christian men and women of the State to see that the liw is fairly tested and assist in its enforcement. 6. We urge upon all good Democrats to vote for the calling of a constitutional convention at the general election in November. 7. We endorse the present Democratic administration of our State as wise, 3>rudent and just, and fully exemplifying our metto of "equal rignts to all and special privileges to none." Colonel Duncan next read the minority report on the platform. lie said j that It had been laid on the table by the committee. It was as follows: 1. Resolved, That we the representatives of the Deraocrati3 [party of the State of South Carolina, do hereby renew and declare our unswerving allegiance to the principles of Democracy as set forth in the platform adopted at Chicago by the national Democratic convention of 1892. 2. Resolved, Tnat it is the sense of this con vention that no one is a Democrat and entitled to represent us as Democrats who is not in full accord with the principles and platform of the national Democracy, nor one who advocates the principles of the Populist party or seeks to force the demands of the Ocala platform upon uemocrais as tne test of political principle or action. 3. llesolved, That we condemn as undemocratic and subversive of the principles of the party the platform adopted and promulgated by the Reform Democratic convention at Columbia on August 10, 1894. The constitution of the party, which is published in another column, was amended so as to provide for a direct primary, was after some discussion adopted. The next thing in order was the consideration of the majority and minority reports of the platform committee. J. St. Julien Jervey, Esq., of Charleston, moved that the minority report be substituted for the majority. Mr. Jervey made a speech on the motion, saying that he came as a Democrat before Democrats. (Cheers.) "The practical test of a Democrat in this country, gentlemen of the jury" (great laughter at the mistake in using the word jury) "is i the agreeing and subscribing to of the tenets of the national Democracy as adopted by the national conventions." The objection Mr. Jervey had to the 1 majority report was that it adopted the platforms of 1890 and 1892. The people knew that it was charged that the platform of 1892 was not Democratic. He ! entered his protests against that platform of 1892 as a perversion of Democcratlc principles. He had his doubts about a man beiDg a Democrat who stood on such a platform and who was nominated for office on such a platform Mr. Jervey said that two-thirds of the white vote in the State had been practically disfranchised. A delegate: " Why were they so ? Sim ply because they did not exercise their suffrage." (Applause) Helton Watson, of Anderson, replied 1 to Mr. Jervey, causing a greae deal of laughter. He asserted that the plat- ' [ form submitted was Democratic in , every phase. He was in favor of anything which would bring back to the I fold all the white people of the State. Dr. Wycne, of Newberry, said that the foundation stone of Democracy in this State should be white supremacy. He asserted tbat every State has a right to adopt whatever platform It sees fit. The National Convention does not say to a State Convention: "You have no brains and no judgment and you must follow what we do." S. It. Rutland, of Fairiield, made a brief and humorous speech and was 1 ' ? IV.U U. XT' I ? 1UHUWBU ujr iiuo lLiopioaaiuio iui> JL 11?simmoQ8,of Charleston. He attacked Ocalalsm and told why he thought It was wrong. He also attacked the silver part of the platform,the ratio of 16 to 1. He rehearsed the old arguments of the silver dollar at a ratio of 16 to 1 being worth only 50 cents. He declared that he would not accept the Ocala demands I as Demoeracy and there were thousands of Democrats In the State who would 1 not accept them. Talking on other 1 parts of the minority report Mr. Fitz- : simmons said he believed a majority of 1 I the white people of the State were in favor of the Dispensary Law. He was also in favor of calling a Constitutional Convention. He could not ' sanction the endorsement of the ' State administration, which had not been what it should be. There was talk of white supremacy, but that administration had placed Charleston in the Black District. He concluded by saying that the platform was undemocrat- 1 ic. On motion the motion of Mr. Jervey 1 to substitute the minority for the ma- , jority report was iaiu uu luo uuuio. On motioa of J. It. Eirle, of O conee, the majority report of the committee on platform was adopted by a rising vote amid great enthusiasm. The Charleston delegation alone voted in opposition. ' A MEMORIAL. Mr. Jervey called attention to the memorial presented by the Independent Executive Committee. It is as | follows: ( "To the Presiding Officer and tie Delegates of the State Democratic Convention, convening on September, 19, 1894. | Gentlemen: By instruction anil resolution of a convention of Democrats assembled in Columbia on September i 17,1891, we the undersigned, appointed < an Executive Committee, hereby pre- i sent the following Democratic resolutions and enunciation of Democratic principles, adopted by that body and i demand that you, claiming to be the 1 regular Democratic party of the State of South Carolina adopt the same in i full as a clear declaration of Democratic doctrine, and as your purpose to s stand by and light for the Democratic 1 platform, as therein outlined, being as ' it is perfectly in line with the platform < aDd principles of the National Demo- I cratic party and demanding the repudi atton and the rescinding of the plat- i form adopted by the State Democratic I Convention in 1892. 1 (Signed). J L CarsoD,Mike Brown, S i P Smith. T B Woods, E B Hodge, W S Alien. JBU Wright, S A Townes, C P < Quattiebaum, W L Gray, J W Johnson, < George S Mower, M O Dantzler, John G Capers, J C Singleton, N T Hurst, M t P Tribble, W J Verdier, F C Fish- 1 burne, W F Stevenson, W C Coker, i John Bratton, J B Steele, W E Martin, JohnCMcDow, C S Bradford, W A ] Spahr. G W Pratt. It C Gaines, A P i Butler, LJ Browning and G W S Hart. ' The following is the memorial above < referred to: I "Whereas, men prominent in the ' affairs of the State, claiming to be < Democrats, some of whom are now seeking nomination for high oflices as Democrats, have declared themselves bound by the principles announced at a Convention held at Ojala, in the State of Florida, on the 3rd day ot Da- i cember, 1890, as paramount to all other political principles whatsoever, which principles are centralizing in i their tendency and opposed to those of the Democratic party: and "Whereas, others so now claiming to be Democrats have allied themselves with members of a new party styled the Populist party and have declared themselves ready to abandon the Democratic party whenever an oppor tUUlby ittYUlOUIO LU tuo DUUUCOO VI bUO so-called Populist party sball present itself; and "Whereas under such circumstances it becomes the duty of the Democratic party in this State through its oilicial representatives in convention assembled explicitly todeclare its position in regard to these disturbing inlluences: Resolved, That this convention composed of loyal Democrats from all parts of the State demands of the convention to assemble on the 19th instant, under the call of the executive committee of the Democratic party of the State as heretofore organized, explicitly to declare the true and loyal allegiance of the whole Democratic party of the State of South Carolina to the principles and organization of the national Democratic party, and to repudiate and rescind the action of the Sta'o convention of 1892, adopting the Ojala platform as that of the Democratic party of this State. 2. That the convention also demands of the said State convention to be held on the 19oh Instant to nominate no one to office who is not in full accord with the principles of the national Democracy, nor one who acknowledges allegiance to the said Ooala platform or to the principles of the Populist party. 3. itesolved, That the nominations by the convention on the 19th inst., of any candidate for any office at the hands of the Democratic party, holding allowance to any other than the Demo nnllnn 0V1 Q 11 oh. crauu pnuuipiov) auu ou?u uw solve all members of the Democratic party in the State from obligation to support sucb nominees at tbe general election, whether or not they participated in the recent primary election. 4. That an executive committee, consisting of one member from each county be appointed by the chairmen of the respective delegations, which committee shall be charged with f he duty of the better organization o *he Democratic party, and the presentation of the foregoing resolution to the Damocratic convention, which meets in Columbia on the 19th inst., and with recalling tbis convention at such time as they may see fit prior to the first day of October. oq motion the memorial *as received as information. nominations in order. Mr. 1'atterson tben moved that the convention proeced with the nominations of Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Treasurer and Attorney General by acclamation. Larry Gantt amended this by moving that candidates for Governor and Lieutenant Governor be nominated at once and that the convention then take a recess until 8 o'clock, as tickets with names of all candidates would then be distributed among delegates. Tbe convention had decided on a primary and should take rwno itaalf in fho mpant.imft mr. pae terson withdrew his motion in order that the State Executive Committee might be elected. This was done aad county delegations nominated the following as members: Abbeville, J. G. Jones; Anderson, J. 1\ Glenn; Aiken, W. M. Jordan; Barnwell, S. G. Mayfleld; Beaufort, Thomas Xalbird; Berkeley, J. A. Harvey; Cnarleston, E. H. Gadsden; Chester, T. J. Cunningham; Chesterfield, G. J. Redfearn; Clarendon, J. T. Davis; Colleton, Dr. A. E. Williams; Darlington, J. N.Parrott; Elgefleld, It. B. Waston; Fairfield, T. W. Traylor; Florence,R.N. McCowan;Georgetown, R. J.Donaldson; Greenville, J.W.Gray; Hampton, M. B. McSweeny; Horry, J. P. Derham; Kershaw, T; J. Kirkland; Lancanster, Ira B. Jones; Laurens, J. L. M. Irby; Lexington, C. M. Etird; Marion, J. D. Montgomery; Marlboro, W.D.Evans; Newberry, J. A. Sligh; 1ST r Orjn rrahn r or L/UUUCO, If O UUiiUiiug 9 va uiipvwui g | Dr. 0. R.Lowman; Pickens, T. 0. Robinson; Richland, Wllie Jones; Sumter, D. K Keels; Spartanburg, N. L. Bennett; Uniun, A. C. Lyles; Williamsburg A H. Williams; York, W. T. Jacfcson. Mr.Patterson renewed his motion to go into nominations for Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Attorney General and Treasurer, and the motion was carried. Mr. Patterson moved that nominations ba made without speeches, and this was adopted. On motion it was decided to nominate the four oflicers by acclamation. John Gary Evans was nominated for Governor byR. L. Gunter of Aiken, and the nomination was seconded. Mr. Evans was elected by acclamation. St. Julien Jervey arose and said the Charleston delegation refrained from voting for Evans because they did not believe he was a Democrat if he stood on the platform just adopted. This announcement was received with derisive laughter and cheers. Mr. J. 13. Watson nominated W. H. Timmerman of Elgelield for Lieutenant Governor and he was duly nominated. Mr. Jervey made the same announcement with reference to Mr. Timmerman that had been made with reference to Mr. Evans. Mr. Patterson arose with heat and said that sort of thing had been stood loner enough, that It was time to call a halt, and tbat if the Charleston men did not think this convention Democratic they had better leaye it. The point of order was made that Mr Patterson was out of order as the only business before the convention was the nomination of certain candidates. Mr. Patterson resumed his seat. Mr. W. O. Tatum of Orangeburg nominated Dr. Bates for the Democratic candidate for State Treasurer and he was elected. Mr .T.W.Scruggs of Greenville nominated 0. W- Bunchanan of Fairfield for the Democratic candidate for At* tornev General and he was elected. A motion was made to nominate the remainder of the ticket. T. L. Gantt of Spartanburg moved as a substitute that a committee be appointed to have 1,500 tickets printed with the names of every candidate for afiice on it, and that after recess a vote be taken. Gantt'a plan was adopted. A motion was passed that a committee of three be appointed to wait on the candidates nominated and ask them to address the convention at night. At twenty minutes to 7 o'clock the convention took a recess until s:iO D'clock. The plan adopted by the convention, 3D motion of Mr. Gantt, is a rather unusual one but the claim wa3 made for it that it would break slates. The plan was for each delegate to be provided with a ticket with all the names printed on it, as explained. The delegate would then scratch whatever names he desired and deposit his ballot with the chairman of his delegation, who would turn them over to tha convention to be counted. The night session opened with a redhot light to reconsider the plan of Gantt adopted two hours ago. The recess had developed a stroDg antagonism to the plan, 'this antagonism was started by candidates who believed they would be hurt by the scheme. It was charged that the plan was a scheme o! Gantt's to secure the nomination of a certain candidate whom he has been championing or Is supposed to have been cbampionlug. Gaott denied this charge. After some discussion a motion to reconsider Gantt'a plan was adopted and the convention proceeded to nomination under the old plan. It was moved and passed that as the roll of counties was called the chairman of each nelegation arise and announce the vow*. On motion chairman EJrd appointed J. S. McCorley of Newberry and Mr. Glenn of Anderson as tellers to aid the secretaries. THE BALANCE OF TIIE TICKET. Secretary of State was the lirst oflice to be voted for. The following were Li nomination for the position: D. H. Tompkins of Edgefield, L. It. Hill of Spartanburg, Senator John It. Harrison of Greenville. There being no other nominations the convention proceeded to ballot. The ballot resulted as follows: Harrison. Tompkins. Hill. Abbeville 1 4 7 Aiken ? 1 7 Anderson 5 7 0 Barnwell 11 1 0 Beaufort 0 10 0 Berkeley 0 14 0 Charleston ? ? ? Chester 0 8 0 CbeaterUeld.... 2 2 2 Clarendon 2 6 0 Colleton 1 3 6 Darlington 0 0 8 Edgetield 3 9 0 Fairfield 6 2 0 Florence 3 5 0 Georgetown.... 0 6 0 Greenville 12 0 0 Hampton 0 6 0 Horry 6 0 0 Kershaw 6 0 0 Lancaster 0 6 0 Laurens 7 10 Lexington 0 0 0 Marion 7 10 Marlboro 4 4 0 Newberry 2 5 1 Oconee 4 2 0 Orangeburg.... 3 8 1 PicKens 0 6 0 Richland 1 8 1 Sumter 2 7 1 Spartanburg... 0 1 13 Union 6 0 2 York 3 5 2 Williamsburg... 0 7 1 Total 99 145 58 The total vote cast was 302 and the vote necessary to a choice 151. Spartanburg, Aiken and Darlington immediately changed their votes to Tompkins. Other counties followed suit. After the changes the vote was announced as follows: Harrison 93;Tompkins, 179; Hill, 30. Mr. Tompkins was declared the nominee. COMPTROLLER GENERAL. For (lomDtroller General A. W. Jones of Abbeville and James Norton of Marlon were nominated. Senator Derham of Horry was withdrawn. The ballot resulted as follows: Jones. Norton. Abbeville 12 ? Aiken 8 ? Anderson 3 9 .Barnwell 12 ? Beaufort 10 ? Berkeley 3 11 Charleston ? ? Chester .? 2 Chesterfield 1 5 Clarendon ? 8 Colleton 3 ^ Darlington ? 8 Edgefield 11 1 Fairfield 3 5 Florence ? 8 Geergetown 6 Greenville 11 1 Hampton 6 ? Horry ? 6 Kershaw ? ? Lancaster 6 ? Laurens 5 3 Lexington ? 6 Marlon ? Marlboro 1 7 Newberry 4 4 Oconee ? G Orangeburg 4 8 Pickens 6 ? Richland 3 7 Spartanburg 5 9 Sumter 4 8 Union 8 Williamsburg ? 8 York 5 5 Total 128 177 James Norton declined tbe nominee. ADJUTANT GENERAL. The nomlnaUons for Adjutant General were General Richbourg of Richland, Dr. J. P. Minus of Colleton, Col. J. Gary Watts of Laurens, Col. Brailsford of Clarendon. The first ballot resulted: Rich- Brails- Watts. Minus. bourg. ford. Abbeville.... 4 4 4 Aiken 2 6 Anderson.... 2 10 r? it Q A DfllUWCU O -m Beaufort 10 Berkeley 1 8 5 Charleston.. . Chester 6 2 Chesterfield... 4 2 Clarendon.... 8 Colleton 10 Darlington... 8 Edgefield 2 8 2 Fairfield 7 1 Florence 8 Georgetown.. 6 Greenville 2 10 Hampton 1 5 Horry 1 5 Kershaw 6 Lancaster.... 6 Laurens 8 Lexington.... 0 Marion 2 2 2 2 Marlboro .... 3 1 4 Newberry.... 1 G 1 Oconee 3 1 z Orangeburg.. 1 1 10 Pickens 6 Richland 8 1 1 Spartanburg.. 1 10 3 Sumter 2 2 4 4 Union 3 3 2 Williamsburg 3 3 2 5Tork 6 1 2 1 Total 55 25 138 84 There were a number of changes of a small nature, sufficient to make the nomination of Watts by a vote of 153, a majority of 1. For the others the vote stood: Richbourg 61, Minus 73, Brails ford 23. Marlboro changed her whole vote to Watts. Richland also cnancred to Watts. The others changed one or two votes at a time. Colonel Watts was declared to be the nominee of the convention. SUPERINTENDENT OF EDUCATION. Nominations for Superintendent of Education were next in order. Tbose put in nomination were: W. D. Mayfield, present incumbent; G. Walton Whitman of (Jnlon, Thomas. W. Keitt of Newberry. The vote stood: May- Keitt. Whitfield. man. Abbeville 12 ? ? Aiken 7 1 ? Anderson f> 6 ? Barnwell 12 ? ? Beaufort 9 1 ? Berkeley 11 2 1 Charleston ? ? ? Chester 8 ? ? ChesterQeld ? 6 ? Clarendon 8 ? ? Colleton 5 5 ? Darlington G 2 ? Edgefield 12 ? Fairfield 2 6 Florence 5 3 ? / lonrffofn um K 3 ? M VV1 TV U | " -Greenville 12 ? ? Hampton 2 3 1 Horry 6 ? ? Kershaw 6 ? ? Lancaater 0 ? ? Laurena 6 2 ? Lexington 6 ? ? Marion 2 6 ? Marlboro 4 4 ? Newberry 3 5 ? Oconee 3 3 ? Orangeburg y 3 ? Pickens 2 4 ? Itichland 7 3 ? Spartanburg 3 D 2 Sumter 3 1) ? Union ? 2 6 Williamsburg 8 ? ? York 10 ? Total 201 85 10 [CONTINUED ON ?AGK FOUR*] THE CONSTITUTION AS AMENDED BY THE DEMOCRATIC CONVENTION WEDNESDAY. An lmpoitant Change Is Made In the Document Providing for ft Direct Primary tor Allstate and County Officers. Columbia, S. C, Sept. 20.?The following is tbe fall text of the constitution adopted by the Democratic Convention on Wednesday: Article 1. There shall be one or more Democratic clubs organized in each township or ward, each of which club shall have a distinct title, "The Democratic Club," and shall Clout a piCDlUCUl^UUO Ul 1UU1C v picoldents, a recording; and corresponding secretary and a treasurer, and shall have the following working committees of not less than three members each, viz.: A committee on registration ana executive committee and such other committees as each club may deem ex* pedient. Article 2. Tbe meetings of the clubs should be frequent after the opening of the canvass, and some memoer of the club or invited speaker deliver an address at each meeting if practicable. Article 3. The president or five members sball have power to call an extra meeting of the club, and one-fourth of the members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. Article 4. The clubs in each county sball be held together and operate under the control of a county executive committee, which shall consist of one member from each club, to be elected by the respective clubs. The executive committee when elected shall appoint its own officers, who shall not necessarily be members of said committee, and Oil all vacancies which may arise when tbe convention Is not in session; provided that any officer so elected who is not a momhor nf t-.hn pnmmlfliw shall nnfc be entitled to a vote on any question, except the chairman, and then only In tbe case of a tie rote. Tbe tenure of office of tbe executive committee sball be until the drat Monday In May of each election year, at which time the county conventions shall be called to?ether to reorganize the party. Every 'residential election year county conventions shall be called by the county executive committee the first Monday in May and sball elect delegates to a State convention called for the purpose of electing delegates to the National Democratic Convention, and to elect the member of tne National Democrat* ic Executive Committee from this State. The State convention sball be called by tbe State executive committee to meet every Presidential election year on third Wednesday in May, and every State election year county and State conventions shall meet on the first Monday in May and the third weauesuay iumay reapsxiivciy. aauu county shall be entitled in State conventions to double the representation it has In the General Assembly. Article 5. County Democratic conventions shall be composed of delegates elected by the several local clubs, one delegate for every twenty-five voters, as shown by the club list made at the preceding first primary election, aad one delegate for every majority fraction thereof, with the right to each county convention to enlarge or diminish the representation according to circumstances. The county contentions shall be called together by the chairman of the respective executive committees, under such rule, not inconsistent with the Constitution nor with t&e rules adopted by the State Democratic Executive Committee, as each county may adopt, and when assembled shall be called to order by the chairman of the executive committee, and the convention shall proceed to nominate and elect from among its members a president one or more vice presidents, sec retary and a treasurer. Any county convention may permit the formation of a new club or cluba by a majority vote ot Its members. Id all cities with a population of 5,000 and over there may be two clubs in each ward; they shall be organized in obedience to this constitution, as are the clubs elsewhere in this State and in organizing said clubs they shall have representation in the county conventions respectively as said conventions shall declare in accordance with the provisions of this constitution. Article 6; For the purpose of nominating candidates for Governor, Lieutenant Governor and all other State officers Including solicitors in their respective circuits and Congressmen in tbeir respective districts, and Presidential electors by the popular vote and United States Senator and all county officers, exeept Trial Justices and Masters, a direct primary election shall be held on the last Tuesday in August of each election year, and a second and tMrrt nrlmnrv AAfh f.WO WflRbfl 9UCCeS3 lvely thereafter. At this election only white Democratic voters who have been' residents of the State twelve months and the county sixty days preceding the next general election shall be allowed to vote, and such negroes as voted the Democratic ticket In 1876 and as have voted the Democratic ticket continuously since, to be shown by the certificate of ten white Demo* cratlc voters; provided that no person shall be allowed to vo'.e except his name be enrolled on ?he particular club list at which he offers to vote, at least five days before the day of the first election. Tbe club rolls of the party shall constitute tte registry list and shall be open to inspection by any member of the party, and the election under this clause shall be held and regulated under the Act of the General Assembly of this State, approved December 22,1888, and any subsequent Acts of the Legislature of this State. The State Executive Committee shall meet on the Friday after each primary, or such other time as may be designated by the chairman, to canvass the vote and declare tbe result as to all State officers, Congressmen, Presidential electors and United States Senator. All contests shall be heard first by the county executive committee of the county in which such irregularities may have occurred, and may be reviewed by the State Executive committee, whose action shall be Qnal: Provided, That no vote shall be counted for aiy candidate who does not file with t^.e chairman of the State Executive, Committee, or with the respective chairmen of the county executive committee, a pledge in writing that he will abide the result of such primary and support the party nominees, auu mm, acia uui, uui will he become the candidate of any faction either privately or publicly suggested, other than the regular Democratic nomination: Provided, farther, That no candidate shall be declared nominated unless he receives a majority of the votes cast. Article 7. The ofhcers of the State convention shall be a president, one vice president from each congressional district, two secretaries and treasurer. Article 8. The State Executive Committee shall be composed of one member from each county to be elected by the county conventions on the first Monday in May of each election year. When elected said executive committee shall choose Its own oflicers, not necessarily members thereof, prior to [ ooiH nla/tfinn P^nTrlHflrl T'haf. onu nffl. I OOIU CiVUUiUU A.. IV T IUVUJ JLUUV UUf V1U I cer so elected who is not a member of 1 the committee shall not be entitled to { a vote on any question, except the', chairman, and then only in case of a tie vote. The State Executive Com- j mlttee shall meet at the call of the chairman or any five members, and at j such time and plaoe as be or they may appoint. The member of the National Democratic Executive Committee from youth Carolina shall be elected by the May State convention in 1896 and every four years thereafter, and when elected shall be ex-officio a member of , the State Democratic Executive Committee. Vacancies on said committee by death, resignation or otherwise shall be filled by the respective county executive committees. The State Executive Committee is charged with the execution and direction of the policy of the party in this State, subject to thin onnaHttnHnn rtHnHnloa Ha^laraH In U11IU UVUUV1VUU*VU| ^?iuviyivu UVVAW1VU AU ] the platform of principles and such ] instraction by resolution or otherwise as the State convention may from time to time adopt, not inconsistent with j this constitution, and shall continue in 1 office for two years from the time of the election, or until their successors 1 have been elected. If any vacancy occur in the State ticket or of electors, by death, resignation or other cause, 1 the committee shall have the power to fill the vacancy by a majority vote of the whole committee. Article 9. The vote In the respective i counties for all of the State officers, , Congressmen, Presidential electors and United States Senator, shall be transmitted bv the chairman of the respec* tlve county executive committees to the chairman of the State Executive Committee as early as practicable after each primary, who shall proceed to canvass the vote and declare the results. Article 10. When the State convention assembles it shall be called to order by the chairman of the State Executive Committee. A temporary chairman shall be nominated by the convention, and after its organization the convention shall proceed immedif/\ fVirt AIAAHAVI v\Ol*TV)Qnnnf Af. nt/Cijr wi lug cicubiuu ui. poimauouu w*. fleers and to the transaction of business. When the business has concluded it shall adjourn sine die. Article 11. Before the election in 1896, and each election thereafter, the SGate Democratic Executive Committee shall issue a call to all candidates for State officers to address the people of the different counties of the State, fixing the date of the meetings and inviting the candidates for Congress, United State Senate, delegates to the State convention, and for Solicitors in their respective districts, and circuits, to be present and address the people. At such meetings only the candidates set forth above shall be allowed to speak. Article 12. It shall be the daty of eachcoaoty executive committee to appoint meetings in their respective counties to be addressed by the candidates for the General Assembly and for the different county offices, all of whom, excepting Trial Justice and Masters, shall be elected by primaries on the last Tuesday in August of each election year under the same rules and regulations hereinbefore provided. Article 13. Each county delegation to a State convention shall have power to fill any vacancy therein. Article 14. This constitution may be amended or altered at the regular May convention of the State or at any convention called specially for that purpose which call shall specify the changes to be made. Article 15. Any county refusing or failing to organize under the provisions of this constitution shall not have representation in the State Damocratic convention. ChlQ0M;N?T?l Dlauter. London, Sept. 19.?A dispatch to the Central News from Shanghai dated September 19th, midoight, says: "A umber of officers who were engaged in the naval battle on toe i aiu river nave arrived at Fort Arthur with half a dozen war ships badly damaged and filled with wouuded men." The dispatch says that the Chinese admiral, Ting's, fleet left port on Friday evening to convoy seven transports conveying a large force of troops. A number of Earopeans in the serverice of the Chinese admiralty accompanied the troops, which were to be landed near Wipi, from which point they were to be sent to the front. These troops comprised some artillery but were mostly composed of infantry. Nothing was seen of the enemy until the Chinese flset reached the mouth ot the Yalu river when a fleet of Japanese war ships was sighted. Thereupon the trans""?to mmr* hnrri?r] fnrararri anr? th? war [/ULbO ITWIV UUitiVU *v? ft ?? ? ships were cleared for action. The effort of the transports to land the troops *ere successful, and mast of them were gotten ashore before the naval battle began. The Chen Yuen was the first vessel to open lire, and was soon engaged with two Japanese war ships of about the same size, one of wh:ch is supposed to have been the cruiser Chi Yoda. Soon all ot the vessels of both fleets were engaged with the Chinese cruisers. The Cbin Yuen and King Yuen were suok and 600 officers and men on board of them were drowned. Only a few ot the men struggling in the water were picked up. The Cbao Yunz and Youu Wei, in manoeuvering for more advantageous position, got into shallow water and ran around. The .stranded vessels were helpless under the Are of the guns of the Japanene ships, and were finally set on fire bv the enemy's shells anu be came wrecks. It is feared that some of the transsports ships were suak, including one whose troops had not yet been landed. The Chinese loss is etimated at 1,500 killed and wounded, and the Japanese loss is supposed to be 1,000; but none ot the Chinese officers giving accunts ot the battle, knov the names or the size of the four vessels of the enemy which are alleged to have been destroyed. Taking the Chinese beBt view of the battle, it is plain that the encounter has resulted in seriously crippling the naval strength of China. Far Frand. Savannah, Ga., Sept. 18.?A special to the Morning Newa from Macon says: John A. Perry,editor of The Irwlngton World, was arrested and brought before Commissioner Erwln today on a cnarge of using the malls for fraudulent purposes. Terry runs a Populist paper at Irwington, Ga., and was formerly a printer on The Macon Telegraph. The arrest was made by Deputy United States Marshall White of Macon, on a warrant sworn out by Postoflice Inspector Bulla, who charges Perry with sending circulars through the mails to newspapers and individuals in Georgia and other States announcing that he has invented a means of winning at poker. These circulars are said to have been sent out all over tne country even as far as California, where a newspaper obtained possession of one and exposed the scheme that Perry is alleged to be working. Perry was carried before Commissioner Erwin today, but owing to the absence of an Important witness the preliminary hearing was postponed and Perry released oa bond. Perry says he can disprove fraud. MUBDERED POR MONEY. K YOUNG MAN FROM ROSWELl, GA. THE VICTIM. The Man Suspected of Being the Principal Hm Not Beeu Found?Several Hundred Dollars Gone?The Murdered Man's Father's Ftlthful Search. Atlanta, Sept. 19.?Found with his bead battered and bruished and life sxtinct, lying in a dark wood, his pockste rifl ad and every indication of a desperate struggle, was the condition of Forest L. Crowley, wben his father and i city detective came upon the scene near West View cemetery. The cir mmstancps connected with the yo ung nan's death are tragic, and are as follows: Mr. ForeBt L. Crowley is the son of Mr. Seaborne Crowley, president of a large factory inT Roswell, Ga. The youns: man is about 27 years old, of splendid integrity of character and ac? knowledged sobriety.- He controls large interests in tht> business and has charge of the large merchandise store at Roswell. Several weeks ago Mr. Crowley met Mr. Will Meyers of Atlanta. Meyers is 19 years old and the son of a Broad street barber. It was daring a fishing excursion of the young man on the Chat taboochee that tne acquaintance was formed. For some time Meyers has not been engaged in any business. Last week Meyers told Crowley that he was acting agent for a stock dealer in Atlanta, and a?k& that he sell some mules which he haa heard that Crowley possessed. The arrangement was made and Tuesday morning the mules were driven through the country to this_ city. In the meantime Crowley and Meyers arrived on the early train. Crowley had some parchases to make and was known to have had between $300 and $500 with him. When the time came for a settlement for the stock Meyers in formed Crowley that it was necessary to see a party a fe'w miles in the country, and a baggy was secured and the two left together for the place designated by Meyers. This was the last seen of the young man, {dive. Meyers returned late in the afternoon, ami when met on the street by the father of *ouag Crowley, who inquired of him where his son could be tound, replied that he saw him last on East Alabama street, and later, when the father failed to flad his son, Meyers told him that the young man had ..hired a buggy and gone to the country';' Be* ing sereously alarmed, the elder Crowley searchod high and low for his son. Late in the afternoon hs saw Mayers get in a hack on Whitehall and drive to the depot. He followed and saw the young man go inside. Just afterwards the Bast Tennessee train pulled out. This was the last seen of Meyers. Immediately Chief Connolly was notified and all the detectives were put to work on the case. Just who the murderers are canool be now stated, but suspicion pointed so strongly to a friend of young Meyers Mr. Charley Jones, also Af thi? p.itv. that he has been arrested. and eflorts are being made to trace young Meyers, who was the last person seen with Crowley in life. The father of yonng Meyers was detained at police headquarters pending the investigation now in progress. Evidence is strong to support the theory that when the two young men left the city together in the buggy that they drove to the place were the body was found and that there, joined by an accomplice, or accomplices, the murder was committed, and ior the purpose of robbery. There were signs of a buggy having turned around in the woods near the 8pot where young Crowley was found. In the pockets of the dead man was found a*book;containing $112Jin currency which bad been overlooked by his murderers who took from his person between $300 and $400. His gold watch and a fine ring were left untouched. Tracks ? -1 j ?i-S?1 an /I. ot two men were aiBbiuubi^ uaoou mailing from the spot where the dead man lay. Declare For Free Silver. Columbus, O., Sept. 19.?By a large majority, the Democracy of Ohio In State convention assembled, today reversed the pronunciamentos of all previous States, as well as national gatherings of the party, ;in declaring unequivocally in favor of free silver. By a vote almost as large, an endorsement was given through the medium of an indirect resolution, to the attitude taken by Senator Calvin S. Brice in the recent tariff reform contest. The debate on these two issues occupied nearly four hours of the continuous session. In twenty minutes more the entire ticket had been nominated and trie convention adjourned sine die. Bime fmaa ailvar nrn. DAUSQl UUiicu auu itov ut??vk |#kw claimed victorious by 468 to 319. Senator Brlce, present in the hall, was severely scored by the minority for his course In the Senate. On the Senatorial Issue, a motion to simply declared In favor of the election of United States Senators by a direct vote of the people, was carried by 467 to 328?the Brlce oposltion polling 65 votes more than onethird oi the convention conceded to it last night. | Executed with Ballets. Lehi Junction, Utah, Sept. 19.? Enoch Davis, the wife murderer, died at 10.45 this morning with six ride bullets In his breast. About thirty officers and reporters were present at the execution, but no minister. At 10.40 he was placed In a chair with a plank at his back. The penitentiary doctor pinned a prescription blank with a black mark over the heart. Davis was given liquor and strapped down. He protested, as he said he wanted the sharpshooters out In plain i?in tho f-ont-. as thev Blgut/, ILDUCOU Ul iu vuw wvuw - were, and be said be did not want to die "like an Indian." When all was ready t'je marshal cried: "Make ready, take aim, Are!" Six shots were lired, and Davis moved slightly and gasped faintly. The doctor said it was only a contraction of the muscles. Death was practically instantaneous. Four bullets pierced the paper, two at the side, and one ball pierced the black mark. Fatal Editorial Duel. Waco, Texas, Sept. 15.?At Gateville, the terminus of the Cotton Belt forty-three miies West of here, to-day a fatal street dual took place between T. T. Goodman editor of the People' Voice, and B. G. Armstrong editor of the Star, both weekly papers. The duel grew out of a personal controyeray id the papers over the Ed Ca3h lynching a few months ago. The two men opened Ore on each other just as they met in front of Goodman's olllce. The latter was shot through the heart and Armstrong through th? bowels, both dying at once. J. G. Beeman, a bystander, was fatally wounded in the neck by a stray shot. All leavejfamilies and were well known in this section of the State.