Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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. THE STATE CONVENTION, ] THE WORK OF MAKING A NEW CON- ] STITUTION BEGUN. Governor Kvriin Elccttd President--II > ] Makes Some Valuable Suggestions as to N?r<lrd Change^?Tlie Work Most Auk- | plclously Begun. Columbia, S. C., Sept. 10?The State < Constitutional Convention assembled | today at a few minutes after 12 j o'clock. As the hands of the clock pointed to five minutes past 12, Secretary of State, D. H. Tompkins, rapped < the convention to order and announc- k ed that it was readv for business. Congressman Wilson of Spartan- j burg arose and said that he had the * ' />V?Qi r Honor 10 noiumaie as u;uipj<uV man of the convention, representing the whole people of the State assembled for tne purpose of framing its < organic law, one whose eloquent voice, ^ forceful pen and lofty abilities had always been employed for the welfare j of the State, whose great heart beats in sympathy with tne masses of the peonie?Col. Robert Aldrich, of Barn- , well. No other nominations being made Col Aldrich was unanimously elected * and in taking the Chair be said in part: I deem it a high honor to be connected with this august body in any capacity, but I desire to make acknowledgement for the honor con ferred upon me. This is the most im- x portant convention that has assembled in South Carolina in a century. It is j the second time in the history of the State that the people have assembled to frame and adopt the organic law. There has been other so called consti* V>n+ TrrifVi nnnAT lUllODHl COUTOU11UI10^ UUb nivu vmw ception this is the only one that has ever met as the exponent of the untrammelled will of the people. We have what is known as the constitutional convention of 1776-78, but their acts were nothing more than the acts of a General Assembly. Then came the convention of 1790 and that of t 1860 which passed the ordinance of secession and made such other changes , as suited the changed conditions. The , convention of 1865 was called by the j proclamation of the provisional Governor appointed by the President of the United States and who had no c ii ^ more authority man any umw uuwu g to call such a convention and it itself ^ had no more authority than a mass ^ meeting of citizens. The convention of 1868 was called by reason of the Reconstruction Acts of Congress, which r were notoriously without constitution- , al warrant and were consequently null , and void. This Constitution was de- ; signed to humiliate the State, degrade her people and subvert her civilization, r and to the shame of South Carolina her people lived under that instrument eighteen years after they regained con- j trol of the government. To the lasting honor of the people they have now * assumed charge and intend to right that grievous wrong. CoL Aldnch ^ said that the Constitution of 1790 was made by the people and under it the prosperity, greatness knd glory of c Soutn Carolina developed and in his ^ judgment this convention could do < nothing better than take it as a basis. It has oeen bred in the bone, blood j and sinew of the State. We could f not do better than follow in its foot- "j steps, he said, making such changes * as different conditions demanded. He i congratulated the delegates that they < had assembled in the peace of God ana trusted that their deliberations would j be guided by wisdom from above, for they were to make laws that we must 'live under, work under and enjoy to r the remotest period of our existence, i He then announced the convention ready for other business. On motion of Lieut.-Gov. Timmer- * man two temporary secretaries were r appointed by the Chair, they being j Col. Jones, of Richland, and Mr. J. P. K" 'Rrp&n. of Charleston. Then began the call of counties and g presentation of credentials, which, if j continued through all the counties, g would have consumed an immense j amount of valuable time, and on mo- ] ton of Mr. Stanyarne Wilson the call of counties was dispensed with and ' delegations were instructed to hand in their lists later. ^ CALLING THE ROLL. ? The roll of the Convention was then t read by Secretary Jones and showed s the following duly elected delegates: < Abbeville?Wm. C. McGowan, I. H. McCalla, J. C. Klugb, R. R. s Hemphill, Frank B. Gary, R. F. Mc- ? Casian. i Aiken?John Gary Evans, F. P. ( Woodward, R. L. Gunter, D. S. Hen- ] derson. ] Anderson?J. P. Glenn, L. 0. Har- < rison, J. E. Breazeale, D. H. Russell, i G. E. Prince, J. M. Sullivan., < Barnwell?Robert Aldrich, G. D. ( Bellinger, C. M. Hires, W. C.Smith, t A. H. Patterson, G. H. Bates. Beaufort?Robert Smalls, James < Wigg, Thomas Miller, Isaiah R. Reed, 1 W. J. Whipper. < Berkeley?J. B. Morrison, J. B. I Wiggins, E. J. Dennis, William Hen- i derson, A. H. DeHay, H. H. Murray, s R. C. McMakin. i Charleston?T. G. Barker, J. P. K. i Bryan, J. N. Nathans, A. S. Farrow, 1 Julian Mitchell, G. F. Yon Kolnitz, : Jr., W. M. Fitch, Joseph L. Oliver, ? W. St. Julien Jervey. < Chester?T. J. Cunningham, J. 1 Lyles Glenn, G. W. Gage, R. O. At- < kinson. Chesterfield?E. N. Redfearn, F. P. i Taylor, E. J. Kennedy. Clarendon?J. M. Sprott, J. S. Can- 1 tey, D. J. Bradham, J. W. Kennedy. Colleton?M. f. nowen, u. w. Garris, D. H. Behre, M. R. Cooper, L. E. Parler. Darlington?H. C. Burn, J. N. Parrot, J. 0. A. Moore, J. A. Peritt. Edgefield?B. R. Tillman, W. J. Talbert, G. D. Tillman, W. H. Tim- < merman, J. C. Sheppard, R. B. Watson. Fairfield?R. A. Mears, W. L. Rosborough, G. W. Ragsdale, T. W. i Brice. 1 Florence?B. B. McWhite, R. M. i McCown, W. F. Clayton, J. U. Jiyrd. Georgetown?J, H. Reed, E. F. Matthews, R. B. Anderson, colored. Greenville?J. W. Gray, J. T. Austin, Hugh Harion, 3- B. Buist, H. J. Haynsworth, Capt. G. G. Wells. Hampton?W. J. Gooding, A. J. Harrison, C. J. C. Hutson. Horry?J. P. Derham, J. A. McDermott, Jeremiah Smith. Kershaw?C. L. Winkler, J. W. Floyd, J. Hay. i Lancaster?Ira B. Jones, J. N. Estridge, J. W. Hamel. Laurens?J. L. M. Irby, A. J. Smith, J. H. Wharton, R. L. Henry. Lexington?C. M. Efird, J. L. Shuler, E. L. Lybrand. Marion?W. J. Montgomery, E. B. Berry, J. E. Ellerbe, J. D. Montgom :rv. Marlboro--'W. D. Evans, T. E. Dud ley, R. II. Hodges, T. I. Rogers. Newberry?J. A. Sligh, J. L. Keitl jr. S. Mower, George Johnstone. Oconee?J. C. Alexander, O. M Doyle, W. J. Stribling. Orangeburg?J. W. Stokes, I. W Bowman, L. S. Connor, E. H. Hous jr, A. K. Smoak. 0.. R. Lowman. Pickens?W. T. Field, W. T. Bow jn, R. F. Smith. Richland ?J. T. Sloan, H. C. Pal ion, J. J. McMahan, Wilie Jones, J B. Dent. Sumter?R. D. Lee, J. H. Scarboi 5ugh, T. B. Eraser, G. P. McKagen Shepherd Mash, R. P. Stackhouse. Spartanbunr?Stanyarne Wilson, C Barry, W. T. Bobo, M. 0. Row and, A. S. Waters, T. E. Johnson W. E. Carver. Union?J. T. Douglass, W. A. Nich )lson, C. H. Peake, J. G. Otts. Williamsburg?T. M Gilland, S W. Gamble, W. R. Singletary, G. J Graham. York?A. H. White, J. S. Brice, J Ashe, w. a. wiison, o. xj. wusuu PERMANENT ORGANIZATION. It was then decided to go into th Section of permanent officers. Ex jtovernor Sneppard moved that th sermanent officers be a president, tw< rice-presidents, sergeant-at-arms an* eading clerk. This motion was adopt >d. Mr. Patterson rising to make i lomination, said that he took pleasur n nominating the Chief Executive o he State, John Gary Evans. Thougl roung in years, yet, the eminent man ler in which he nas filled the exalte* >osition and his six years experience n the Legislature qualifies him to pre iide over this august body. Congressman Talbert said he desire* >n the part of Edgefield to second th? lomination of Gov. Evans, whose ser rices eminently fitted him to presidi >ver the convention. Gen. Gray als* econded the nomination. On motion of Mr. McCown, of Flor snce, the Governor was elected b; icclamation. When the chairman pu he question as to his election all th< lelegates arose, to all appearances Nobody expected any vote in thenega ive, but wnen they were called fo^ Bob Smalls, with glasses on his eye rad his woolly hair parted in tb&mid lie, arose amid general laughter 5malls was not disturbed and took hi eat unabashed. A delegate remarket hat that vote was a great complimen o the Governor. Congressman Talbert moved that j ommittee of three be appointed t< lotify the Governor of his election Jen. Hemphill wanted to go on witl he permanent organization first, an* t was decided to do this while th ommittee of notification was out. Thi 3hair appointed Messrs. Talbert, Jone tnd Patterson on the committee. Mr. Wilson nominated Messrs. w I". Talbert and Ira B. Jones for vice (residents and they were unanimously lected. Mr. Wharton nominated Mr. S. W r^ance for clerk and Mr. Cooper sec nded it. Mr. Vance was elected. Mr. W. C. Smith nominated Mr 5tansel for Serjeant-at-Arms and h< 7as unanimously elected. Tf tttoo no?f in nvdnt1 in pWt ft rpfld All It uo uvav AAA ?w ? rig clerk and Delegate Prince, o Anderson, wanted to near samples o heir proficiency, but the matter waj Iropped for the time as the commit ee with Gov. Evans nad appeared^ he door. As the committee escorte< he Governor in, the convention aros< ind Col Aldrich formerly introduce* lim as president of the convention. GOV. EVANS'S ADDRESS. In assuming the Chair, Gov. Evani nade an address, in which he out ined some changes that he though yould be wise in our government. H< aid in part: I thank you, gentlemen or the honor you have conferred upoi ne to preside over your deliberations ?eople live under different forms o jovernmrnt?monarchical, despotisn >r a republic, and you represent tK! lovereign power of the republic. T< >e called upon to preside over thi iovereignty of South Carolina is ai lonor any man ought to be proud of n thanking you for the honor, I sim >ly do what goes without, saying, mil not review the history of forme: inventions, which has been so abh lone by your temporary chairman luffice it to say that this is the firs iw>o V*on onironoirrnhr Viae hopn iwnro liLUU UV1 OVTViVlgJUVJ vvw?. lented by the will of the people hon stly expressed at the ballot box. The people have delegated tha lovereignty to you, to make an or janic law which is supreme and can lot be reversed in fttture vears ex sept in a similar manner. iTrom. th position I occupy, I will be preclude* Tom having a large voice in the delit srations of the convention, but beini n a position where I am intimatel; jonnected with every branch of th' government, I have some thought hat I wish to present to you. In the first place we have the Es jcutive department. You are to sa; what power the Governor shall exei ;ise and that power should be we] guarded. It is your province to thro^ wound it such precautions as will pr< serve the life and liberty of the cit sen. The present Constitution wa framed by people who had not the ir terests of the people at heart and recall the words of Gov. Orr to tha convention, when he said that no lai r?mild ctonrl unlocc if wns frflmpH rv the intelligence of the land. We hav come here to bolt out that Constiti tionand perpetuate the reign of intell pence. As to the chief executive thei is one power that should be given hin There is now no provision for the r< moval by him of dishonest or incompi tent officials. He should have sue power in such case and if necessar you can specify in what cases th? power ought to be exercised. As to the Legislative departmei there is no use to go into an extensh discussion of that as I see before m many who have been members of bot houses and of Congress. But th Legislature has too many elections t attend to. Wherever an officer is to t elected by the Legislature, change so the election can be by the peopli It is an unwritten law that the Legi; tature must adjourn by Christmas an with so many elections on hand th work of that body is seriously inte: fered with. Let there be annual se sions and for a certain number of dayi Then we have the charter curse fc the Legislature to contend with. Co porations should be created, but 1< them be under some general law en Doweriner the Secretary of State 1 grant them. By this means one-ha of the time and annoyance to tb Legislature will be obviated. The safety of the republic res' greatly upon the judiciary. It h? been said too that the greatest dai ger to this country is the transgre sions of the Federal judiciary. Aboi i- this we have nothing to do, but w may learn a lesson from it. The jud I- ciary should be well guarded. Se that it is nlaced ou so high a pinnae) that it will remain spotless so no on can dishonor or disgrace it. It seen: .. to me that it would be best for the pe< pie to elect the judges. This hs . proved a blessing in a majority c s- cases where it has been tried. As our county courts are at preser r- constituted they are almost a farc< They are expensive and fail to me? t- the requirements of the people. "Wit . counties large enough to support thei (and counties should not be too smal - monthly county courts with juridii , tion to send convicts directly to th chain-gang would give justice and ? !. the same time as good roads as ca r- be found in the world. , The question of education is th most serious one to deal with. It is c i- more importance than the suffrage, b< cause by education our best citizen . are obtained. The beginning of a cit . zen is made at home but. after h ' "? 1 1 ?1 leaves 11 ior iqb scuuui, mc awuuiuu . ter becomes the most important pei . sonage in the government. The haj piest people are those educated. Se 0 that to the masses is preserved th - privilege of education. Higher educf e tion is as important as common schooj 5 One is a part of the other. A commo: 1 school education makes a demand fo higher and it is your duty to suppoi institutions of higher learning. Se a that no lights are put out. Ratner se 0 that more are established. The grea f mass of the people will never quarre 1 over taxation for education becaus - .they know they will derive a direc I benefit. e Tnere must be some educations i- qualification for the suffrage if whit supremacy is to be preserved. Onl 1 intelligence must rule and it is no in jus 0 tice to the black man to have such - c[ualification. We must do our nut 0 in this matter. Let not the censure c 3 foreigners and aliens affect you ii performing this duty. You have ej - perienced what ignorant rule meant f On this question there should be n t factional differences and he who doe 0 not deprecate such is unworthy t stand in this hall. Fix it as in you judgment appears wisest, but fix it s , that the blessings of white supremac s may be enjoyed by your wives an - children. Guard well the suffrage. 1 , is expected of you by the outsid s world. 1 Some provision must be made t t protect the people against the er croachments of corporate wealthi against a plutocracy. Corporations i - Pnnnlino om Ko^nminfr rvnwftl J OUUtU VAX Viiun IUu i/wvv?M*ub . ful? Your laws offer special indu< i merits for them to operate in the Stat 1 and while you owe a duty to them yo a owe it to the people as well. Th b people in our factories are not anarct s ists, socialists or foreigners, but ar native born. You should see to it ths . in their poverty they are not 01 i- pressed. Whether a special office 7 should be appointed to look after thi is to be considered and I think th . small salary he would be paid woul - be fully compensated for by the goo he would accomplish. Especially should some provisions b 3 made against corrupt influences i elections. In- municipalities there i generally courruption and dishones f means used in elections. It is you f duty to see that municipalities nav 3 as honest *and fair elections as yo - have in your State elections. t With these reflections I leave th 1 questions with you, asking your pai a don for giving you my opinions. 1 give them to you as a duty and nc to influence you. Looking at the pei sonnel of the convention no man ca: s say the people have not acted wisel r in sending you here. Almighty Go t send you wisdom and imbue you wit b justice and moderation. Let you wnrlr trn forth not as the work c I ?? w ? p-? . 4 i a faction, but as coming from th . sovereignty of the State around whic f all can untie and say "this is our coi 1 stitution" and then you will receive th s "well done faithful servants" of th d whole people. e ORGANIZATION RESUMED. i The work of electing permanent ol .: ficers was resumed and the folio win - were nominated jfor reading clerk: G I Walt. Whitman, of Union; A. B r Dagnall of Darlington and J. ? j Withers of Chester. The three too ; turns at reading portions of the pre! t ent constitution. By a viva voce vot i- ifr. Dagnall was elected, receiving 8 votes to Whitmans' 11 and Withers' 54 Gov. Sheppard reported what th t special committee on committees ha - agreed upon. It was to this effecl In order to expedite the business of th /w^nTran+t/vn tVio Prpsirlpnt. is authorize VUUTVUWVU w*w * * e to appoint standing committees, coi i sisting of eleven members each, on th h following subjects, and said commii ? tees shall report to the convention o y matters referred to them: Declaratio e of Rights; Legislative; Executive; Ji s diciary; Jurisprudence; Eminent D< main; Impeachments; Right of Su frage; Finance and Taxation; Educt y tion; Charitable and Penal Institi v tions; Municipalities and Police; Co: 11 porations; Militia; Printing; Count v and County Governments; Amenc 5- ments to the Constitution; Engrosse i- Resolutions and Ordinances; Currer s Accounts and Expenses; Miscellani t- ous Matters, and, also, a committee o I rules to consist of five men it bers, of which the Presidei n shall be exofficio a member. The r ? ???A ?~^V?A fAilnnrin y pun waa nuuptcu, ouu mu iuhuttiu e committees appointed: i- Declaration of Rights?J. L. M. I i- by, chairman; J. E. Ellerbe, J. ( e Byrd, J. F. Cantey, J. M. Sullivai i. W. H. Timmerman, Geo. S. Mowe j- Geo. Von Kolnitz. F. P. Taylor, "W 3- T. Bobo, W. R. Smgletary. h Legislative Department? J. A.Sligl y chairman; John C. Sheppard, B.I it McWhite, S. E. White, II. B. Buis W. L. Rosborough, J. N. Parrott, 1 it M. Gilland, Geo. D. Tillman, G. W ra darra T Tl MoTlanTinff le Executive?C. M. Efird, chairmai h J. Walter Gray, M. P. Howell, J. ( ie Klugh, L. S. Connor, J. N. Estridg o J. T. Douglass R. D. Lee,A. J. Smitl >e G. W. Ragsdale, J. H. Scarborough it Judicial?Stanyarne Wilson, chai 3. man; Robert Aldrich, J. E. Breazeal s- Geo. Johnstone, I. W. Bowman, The* d G. Barker, W. C. McGowan, C. I ie Winkler, C. H. Peake, G. W. Gag r- W. J. Stribling. s- Jurisprudence?G. Duncan Bellii s. ger, chairman; E. J. Dennis, Fran >r B. Gary, A. S. Farrow, C. H. Peak' r- R. D. Lee, J. Lyles Glenn, N. IV st Fitch, J. C. Klugh, T. I. Roger i- George Johnstone. o Eminent Domain?D. H. Russel If chairman; H. H. Murray. J. F. Ash* ie Geo, P. McKagin, Jos. Oliver, C. P Peake, J. B. Dent, F. P. Woodwari ts E. J. Kennedy, D. J. Bradham, Joh is Reed. l- Impeachment?M. R. Cooper, chai s- man; J. T. Hay, G. J. Graham, R. 1 it Stackhouse, J. L. Shuler, J. A. M e Dermott, E, H. Houser, A. S. Waters i- Geo. Von Kolnitz, G. W. Ragsdale e R. B. Anderson. ;e Rights of Suffrage?B. R. Tillman e chairman; A. H. Patterson, J. P. K is Bryan, R. H. Hodges, C. W. Garris y- D. J. Bradham. H. J. Haynswortb is L. E. Harris, W. C. McGowan,C.J.C >f Hutson, M. O. Rowland. Finance and Taxation?W. D.. E\ it ans, chairman; G. E. Prince, W. J i. Talbert, J. P. Derham, J. H. Whai it ton. F. P. Woodward, Jos. L. Keitl h 0. R. Lowman, T. J. Cunningham,C n A.Barry, E. J. Dennis. I) Education?Julian Mitchell, chaii > man; R. B. Watson, E. H. Houser,E .e L, Gunter, Geo. S. Mower, H. C. Pal it ton, A. H. Patterson, John J. McMe n han, T. I. Rogers, E. L. Lybrand, E J. Kennedy. e Charitable and Penal Institutions>f W. J. Gooding,chairman, J, P. Glenr T. J. Cummingham, O. M. Boyle, id is G. Burn, W. T. Bowen. J. H. Read, J i- M. Sprotts, Sheppard Nash, W. ? e Gamble, Jeremiah Smith, i- Municipal Corporations and Police f- Regulation s--D. S. Henderson, chair )- man; W. C. Smith,W. F. Clayton, J e N. Nathans, W. A. Nicholson, G. G e Wells, Wilie Jones, J, D. Montgome i- ry, J. T. Hay, J. Perry Glenn, K. A I. Meares. a Corporations?J. W. Stokes, chair >r man; G. D. Bellinger, J. L. Shuler t W. B. Wilson, Geo. 1). Bates, L. E e Parler, Ira B. Jones, J. D. Montgome e ry, Hugh Barton, Jeremiah Smith, T it E. Dudley. il Militia?J. W. Floyd, chairman; J e C. Otts, J. B. Wiggins, Jos. Oliver, E it H. Behre, J. P. Derham, 0. R. Lo\* man, A. J. Smith, J. W. Gray, Rot il ert Smalls, Sheppard Nash, e Printing--R. R.Hemphill,chairman y D. H. Behre, W. F. Claytoli, John E i- Dent, J. W. Hamel. a Contingent Accounts and Expense y W. F. Field, chairman; A. H. White if W. A. Nicholson, J. N. Nathans, E a L. Gunter, R. C. McMakin, H. E Buist, E. P. Taylor, J. L. Keitt, W i. M. Fitch, J. J. McMahan. o Amendments--J. B- Morrison,chair is man; J. M. Hiers, A- J, Perritt, G. J o Graham, A- ?. Waters, J. S.Brice,R r F. McCaslan,'"E. F. Matthews, R- 0 o Atkinson, R. M. McCown, W. J y Whipper. 1 d Miscellaneous Matters?John T '.TXT TT Tim*wnt?rv)ori LI OlUttLl, CUaiflilttU , f V J-JL. lllUIUU iuau e W. E. Carver, J. C. Alexander, T. "W Brice, A. H. DeHav, W. St. J. Jei o vey, A. H. White, James Wigg, RF i- Smith, E. H. Berry. County Government?J. T. Austin n chairman; Geo. D.Tillman, F. E r- Gary, E. H. Redfearn, A. K. Smoak T. E. Johnson, J. W. Kennedy, J. C e A. Moore, J. C- Otts, A. J. Harrison u R. R. Stackhouse. e Engrossed Resolutions and Ordi l- nances?W. J. Montgomery, chaii e man;R.M. McCown, Wm. Hender it son, A. S. Farrow, M. P. Howell, 1 )- W. Bowman, T. E. Dudley, H. H ir Murray, fj. E. Parler, T. M. Gilland is Thomas. Miller. e Orderj Style and Revision?T. E d Fraser, chairman; B. R. Tillman d Stanyarne Wilson/C- M. Efird, J."W Stokes, Julian Mitchell, D. S. Hendei e son, J. L. M. Irby, Robt. Aldrich, C n J. C. Hutson, J. E. Ellerbe, I. H. M< a Calla, R. R. Hemphill, H. Cowpe it Patton, W. J. GkK)ding. r Rules?J. G. Evans, ex-oflicio; Ir e B. Jones, J. C. Sheppard, C. W. Gai u ris, J. E. Breazeale. second day. e Columbia, S. C-, Sept. 11.?The set j ond day's sesson of the conventi(Jl nfF toUVi a moh onrl ft orrAfl j ouai WU VU ITAMU M * MWM !? .? M deal of business was gotten into snap for action when the proper time comes a Twe principal features of the da ^ were the refusal of the convention t ? increase their salaries to $4 per diem the appointment of various committee * and tne introduction of a number c * measures which their advocates woul l like to see incorporated in the organi law of the State. The Convention wa L" called to order a few minutes after 1 6 o'clock and the session was opene 6 with prayer by Rev. J. C. Aimer President Evans then announced th e appointment of the standing commii L" tee. or ? President Evans also announcei [' the following appointment: j' Assistant Clerk, P. L. Melton; Joui k nal Clerk, J. T. Gantt; Doorkeeper j. Rv M. Jolly; Assistant Doorkeepei e Joseph Witherspoon; Gallery Door 4 keeper, W. J. Shelton; Postal Clerli [ E. P. Jenkins , Pages?Glenn Smitb e Joseph Robinson, J. B. Hughes d Drafts Caughman, J. W. McCalls U. R. Brooks, Jr. q After a number of routine resoli ^ tions were adopted a number of ordiar t_ ces were introduced which were r< e feredtothe proper committees, j;. The question as to whether the men: n bers should not take the Constitutor n al oath was next brought up by Mi Ragsdalde, of Fairfield, who was c y the opinion that it was necesary ii f. order to make the action of the cor vention legal and binding. Afte j. much discussion the matter was refei r_ ed to the judiciary committee, whic y decided that it was not neccessary fo: r. any oath to be administrated to th ^ members of the convention. ^ Mr. Prince of Anderson introduce B. a resolution to the effect that the cor n vention form no new counties, but d< j. termine' what there area and othe ^ conditions shall be and allow th e_ Legislature to act. Mr. Pince said th ? object of the resolution was to relievi the convention of the importuities c r_ delegation from counties waiting nev ) court houses. A number of such deli 3' gations are here and the question r' ought to be settled art once. If w j\ go into the new county matter w may as well prepared to stay hen 1 until Christmas. After debate th ? mother was referred to the prope t' committee. p' The proposition to elect a chaplai j\ was voted down, and the president c the convention was requested to mat .. arrangements for Draver at the oper V ing of the session. B" A resolution that Mr. Calvo be elec j' ed printer for the convention was vo ' ed down, and the matter referred 1 p. the committee on printing. e After a running debate it was r< )' solved that for the present the convei j tion would meet at 12 and adjourn t q 3 o'clock. The body then adjourne ' for the day. 1- third day. k Columbia, S. C.. Sept. 13.?Th b, convention was only in session a I. hour and a half yesterday. Afte s, transacting routine business the cor vention was called on to consider 1, complete constitution for the Stat< e, which was offered by Col. Robt. A I. drich, of Barnwell. It covers ever 3, subject in the present constitution an n makes some very radical and sweepin changes. Among other things hi r- plan provides for the election of men J. bers of the Senate and House of Rej c- resentatives every four years. Eac i, county shall have one Senator except Charleston, which shall have two as now provided for. * i, Perhaps the most startling innovation is contained in the following two i, sections: i, Section 12. No person shall be eligi!. ble to, or take or retain a seat in the House of Representatives, unless he r- is a white man, who hath attained the r. age of twenty-one years, hath been a - citizen and a resident of this State ;, three years preceeding the day of elec!. tion, and hath been For the last six months of this time, and Shall con: tinue to be a resident of the county t. which he is to represent t- Section.13 Yo person shall be eligit bleto or take or retain a seat in the Sen!. ate, unless he is a white man, who hath attained the age of twenty-five -- years, hath been a citizen and resident i, of this State five years next preceding day of election, and hath been for the last six months of this time, and shall !. continue to be, a resident of the county which he is to represent. s- Section 14. Senators and members - of the House of Representatives shall be chosen at a general election on the L. first Tuesday of .November in tne year i- Anno Domini 1896, and on the same .. day in every fourth year thereafter, in such manner and for such terms of - office as are herein directed. They , shall meet on the second Tuesday in i. January bi-annually, at Columbia, )- (which shall remain the seat of gov. ernment until otherwise - determined by the concurrence of two-thirds of both branches of the whole represen >. tation,) unless the casualties of war or r- contagious disorders shall render it h unsafe to meet there; in either of which cases, the Governor or Com; mander in Chief, for the time being, !. may, by proclamation, appoint a more secure and convenient place of meets ing. |? * Section 25. The members of the ; General Assembly who shall meet ' under this Constitution, shall be en titled to receive out of the public treasury for their expenses durine their attendance on, going to, and re turning from the General Assembly, five dollars for each day's attendance, and twenty cents for every mile of the ordinary route to travel between the , residence of the member ?nd the capi tal or other place of sitting of tne [? General Assembly, both going and re turning; and the same may be in'* creased or diminished by law if cir cumstances shall require; but no alteration shall be made to take effect y during the existence of the General ? Assembly which shall make such alteration. ' Article II and Section Two provides: ? The Governor shall be elected at the , same time and by the electors duly l" qualified to vote for members of the House of Representatives, and shall . * hold his office for four years, and un til his successor shall l>e chosen and qualified. ? The Supreme Court, according to this instrument, must consist of a ' Chief Justice and three Associate Jusit tices, to be elected by the people and who shall hold their office during good j* behavior. They must meet at least ' ? .once a year at the sea*of government 5* and as many times at other places as r may be determined on by the Legislature. In case judges are disqualified a from hearing any cause, the Governor shall appoint men "learned in the law" to take their places. Circuit Judres shall also be elected by the . neonle. There shall be Common Pleas a an<f General Sessions Courts, Probate it Courts and others that the Legislature e may direct. J. An educational qualification is proy vided for the right of suffrage, the ed0 ucation required being the ability of ; the voter to read and write the Enga lish language. >f These are some <?f the chief features d of a document that will no doubt c cause a great deal of debate when it is properly comes before the convention. 1 Col. Aldrich asked that it be printed d and laid on the desks of members. r. After some debate the convention dee clined to have the document printed, t- and it was referred to thfr proper committee. J Early in the proceedings Tom Miller had given notice that the seats of the .. Williamsburg delegation would be contested by the Republican candidates. He asked that the chair appoint a special committee to hear the : contestants. l' Mr. Gillard moved to table the whole business, but before it was put Miller withdrew his motion on a sug' gestion from the Chair, who referred i- the matter to the committee on suft frage. ' x j. The convention then began the reception of various resolutions proposed by members, which were read tor the L. first time by members and referred to .. proper committees^ ,f " Senator B. K. Tillman mtroaucea a a resolution for the formation of a new L. county, to, be called "Mart Gary" r Countv, out of portions of Edgefield .. and Abbeville counties. h Mr. Geo. D. Tillman introduced a r resolution for the formation of "Salue da" county out of a portion of Edgefield. This is the same plan that has been before Legislatures for upwards of forty years. 3. Mr. Dudley introduced a resolution !r that divorce from the bond of matri? monv is nrohibited. e Mr. Sullivan introduced a resolution a forbidding the consolidation of rail>f roads in this State. T Mr. Gray introduced a resolution 3. providing for a board of pardons. It a provides that no pardon shall be grante ed by the Governor except upon the e recommendation in writing of the B Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of ie i3tate, Attorney General and Superinr tendent of the penitentiary, or any three of them after full hearing, upon n due public notice and in open session. >f Mr. Sullivan offered a resolution that :e the General Assembly may tax inL. comes provided that no income shall be taxed when the property from t- which the income is derived is taxed, t- Resolutions were introduced also in o reference to the homestead law, pro hiblting towns aiciing corpurauvua, mc s. State credit, granting of charters, pro x. hibiting lotteries and some others of minor importance. The convention j then adjourned for the duy. FRIDAY. SEPTEMBER 13. The greater portion of the day was ie devoted to the consideration of the n rules of the convention. The main :r fight was upon the question whether l- all papers introduced should be print a ed, or only such papers as should be ), reported favorably by some committee. 1- The Convention decided to print everyy thing. d Miller of Beaufort tried to get in a g rule rquiring the Convention to subis mit the Constitution to a vote of the l- people, on the second Tuesday in Jan) uary, 1896. The president ruled that h such a resolution should be considered as a separate act of the Convention; ind it was referred to its proper committee . NEW ORDINANCES. Mr. W. C. Smith of Pickens introduced an ordinance forbidding the granting of scholarships or any special privileges to students in any State institution. Mr. 0. M. Doyle introduced an ordinance to limit the costs of partitioning, dividing and administering estates shall not exceed 10 per cent of the value of the same. Mr. J. P. Glenn introduced an ordinance to require the several counties to make proper provision for its poor. By Mr. J. C. Otts: To establish the Court of Probate, in the same form in which it now exists. By Dr. J. Wm. Stokes of Orangeburg: To abolish the Supreme Court and constitute a court of appeals to consist of all the circuit judges except the one who heard the cause; to establish a county court to sit once a month; and to substitute a county solicitor for the present circuit solicitors. Bv Mr. Hiers: To authorize maiori ty of the taxpayes of any section, to form a new county, provided the counties cut shall not go below an area of 400 square miles. Mr. Russell of Anderson: To form the new county ' of Washutffton, to be made up of parts of Abbeville, Anderson, Grreenville and Laurens. By Mr. Burns: To make the homestead exemption $1500, to be taken in either real or personal property. By Mr. Geo. D. Tillman. To assign the Representatives from each county to particular townships or sections thereof. By Mr. McCown: To prohibit the sale of liquors by individuals but authorizing "laws regulating the traffic by State control. By Mr. Rogers: To abolish the right of dower in lands aliened by the husband in his lifetime. By Senator Tillman: To provide fop the formation of new counties each to contain not less than 400 square mtloo anrl nnt. Ipse than nnfl nnA nun dred and twenty-fourth part of all t& inhabitants of the State, nor less than $1,000,000 of taxable property?provided that no existing county's area shall be reduced below 400 square miles. By Mr. Brice of York: To make the term of all State and county officers four years. By Mr. Patton of Richland: To regulate the suffrage?giving the right to vote to all male citizens who can read and write; or who pay taxes or at least $300 dollars worth of property; or who served in the Confederate army 'or navv; or who is the lineal descendent of a Confederate soldier or sailor. By Mr. Rogers of Marlboro: To fix in the Constitution the salary of every State "and county officer. By Mr. Buist of Greenville: To require the Legislature to provide for Clemson College. By M. Hodges: To require the Legislature to levy an annual tax of three mills for the support of public schools, and to authorize every taxpayer to indicate to what school ' or schools his payment shall be applied. By Mr. Hodges," of Abberville: To prohibit ministers of the gospel from holding "any office of honor or trust in Soutn Carolina. " By Mr. Geo. Johnstone of Newberrv: To reerulate the suffrage, by re quiring of every voter that He be "able to read and write or that he own a" certain amount of taxable property. By Mr. Brice of Chester: To make the term of all officers and of members of the Legislature four years. 1 By Mr. Brice : To make the session of the Legislature bi-ennial instead of annual. i By Mr. Stanyarne Wilson: ,To cre' ate "Enoree" county, out of portions ; of Spartanburg, Union, Laurens and Greenville, with Woodruff as its county seat. By Mr. if; H. Smith: To fix the homestead at $300 in land, not to exceed 50 acres, and all household and kitchen furniture. By Mr. Farrow of Charleston: To organize the j udiciar v, comprisi ng Supreme Court, Circuit Court and County Courts^ None of the committees having yet ren?rted?no discussion was had or any ordinance yet introduced. The committee on printing made a majority report reccommending that the present State printer continue the work at existing rates. The minority (Messrs. Behre of Colleton and Dent of Richland) dissented from this recommendation CHARGED WITH MURDER. ' Beautiful Mrs. Howe Must Answer For the Death of Her Stepson. Birmingham, Ala., Sept. 9.?There is great indignation here on account of the developments in the inquest , over remains of the little 3-year-old son of Mr. M. S. Howe, who died under suspicious circumstances about a ; week ago. The evidence disclosed the facts that Mrs. Howe, the second wife of M.S. Howe, and the children's stepmother, had been guilty of the most brutal treatment toward all of the children, and especially Tommie, the little tot now dead. Two of the children, Fred and Har' ry, aged respectively 11 and 9, told of how Mrs. Howe had beat them and 1 threatened their lives on divers occa! sions if they complained to their father; and finally, Fred was forced to leave home, Mrs. Howe threatening to kill him if he ever returned. He found kind people at Coalburg who took him in and lie was away when ' his little brother died. The other boy, Harry, gave a horrible account of the treatment of the baby the morning it died. He said Mrs. Howe caught the child up and threw it out into the yard, breaking a hole in its head. Blood came out of thp Ht.tlfi one's mouth, after she had I jabbed a stick into its throat. There was other damaging testimony against the woman, one party, a constable, swearing that the woman had once been an inmate of a lewd house in this city and frequented the lowest i quarter of the town. A negro woman swore to the cruel treatment of the children by Mrs. Howe and said that on two occasions i she saw Mrs. Howe whip the baby with her hands because it insisted upon holding its breath. The testimony of the two little boys, which was given: in a straightforward manner, seemed to fall with convincing force upon the ears of the jurors, and they were prompt in reaching a verdict charging the woman with the crime of murder. j vBURNED OR SUFFOCATED. FORTY MEN AND BOYS IMPRISONED IN A BURNING MINE. Nothing Could be Done for the Unfortun ate People, an<l No Effort la Being Blade to Extinguish the Flamea Left to Their -3s Horrible Fate. Calumet, Mich., Sept. 7.?About 3 o'clock this afternoon fire broke out in the shaft of the Osceola mine, and at this time it is more than probable . vm that forty men and boys have been - : .J>|| burned to death or suffocated. The names of the men known to be ''.Ms in the mine are as follows: T. Rembath, mine boss; Richard Bicket, Michael Johnson, Richard Grenfel, Richard Sufelt, John Matzen, Jacob Matzen, Jacob Bryant, Francis Lander, Alex. D. Allen, John Cudlipp, Thomas ; . Curtis, Robert Johns, Peter Martini J oseph Saghte, James Harington, William Donald, Barney Elgore, Antoine Scez weak, all miners, and Peter Stagard and Walter Dohle, drill boys. The fire started in shaft No. 3, which is used to carry the miners to the \v*|l surface from the mine, and. when the ' -ft| fire broke out all of the men and boys employed in the mine, about 200 m number, made a rush for the shaft, in |ja the hope of being taken to the surface. 2 -Jam The fire was too rapid for them, how- "-&SS ever, and the chance of escaping by ^9 the shaft was entirely cutoff by flames . and smoke. The majority of the imprisoned miners made a break for a * cross cut and in that way managed to reach another shaft, from which they . "$|j were taken to the top. Forty were missing when the roll was called. Within a short time after they had % reached the surface, smoke began pouring from all the shafts, and the escape of the men below was entirely cutoff. The men in charge say now >^3 that there is not the slightest chance . 'i'fy for any of the men now in the mine to ~ Msgs escape with their lives. If they are not burned they must have been choked by the dense smoke within a short time after the fired started. Fortunately, the mine is not as heavily timbered as some of the mines 3 aBW in this locality, and it will not take it ' a great while to burn out. As matters now stand, there is not the slightest tfiing that can be done for the men, and no effort is being made to ex- , ^ tinguish the flames. There is nothing known of how the Are originated. The fire broke out in the Twewty- / .;3S8 seventh level. The Osceola-is a "cop- "&IB per mine, located two miles from :':A Calumet. The scene at the opening of the shaft, wherti many of the men came up, was deeply heart-rending, thousands having gathered around the % mouth of the shaft, many women and children clinging around, looking for " 'ffifSj their husbands and father*. Besides the men named, many more are known to be entombed, but as yet it is impossible to obtain their names. They sg are mostly Austrian trimmers. Search- -. jig iqg parties were sent down in Nos. 1 and 2 shafts, to try to reach them " from the drifts leading to No. 3 shaft - >; above the twenty-seventh level, but :Jj were unsuccessful. The mouths of the shafts have been all battened up to stop all drafts, and all hope is now given unof ever reselling the men v alive. This is the greatest loss of life that has ever occurred in the copper pitiful indeed. Houghton, Mich., Sept ^.?Twenty women are widoyrs and fifl^ children fatherless by the disaster in the Q* '<^9| ceola mine. Most pitiful scenes are being hourly witnessed in the vicinity of the shafts that have not yet been seal ed, bereaved women and children " . clinging to the spot in the desperate -^S hope that some loved form may yet emerge from the opening. There were many today who censured Super- v intendent Parnell who has general control of the Clark-Bigelow mines, because he ordered No. 8 shaft in which the fire started to be hermetically sealed. Finally he felt com- : i pelled to make a statement and he accordinglv addressed a large gathering ? and explained that leaving the shaft open would only give the fire more headway without in any way benefitting the imprisoned men. v*| Johnson lost his life by going down into the mine after Capt. Edwards, whom he supposed to be in the vicinity of the fire. In fact the fire was discovered by Edwards, and he went to get hose to extinguish the flames, 'apt Edwards is almost heartbroken on Johnson's account. The actual damage to the mine cannot be heavy if the fire is smothered before it readies ; 3 other shafts. ' Three Hundred Uvea Lost. Tegucigalpa. Honduras, Sept 12. ( { ?Earthquake, nere. Three hundred Ole killed. Propertv loss $60,000. unday, the snocks commenced, lasting all day and night, at intervails, causing much dam age and the greatest rear among toe inhabitants of the coitv and neighborhood. By Monday the city was filled by an addion of 3,500 people mountains and outlaying villages. during Monday night, sheets of flame appeared at points to the northward, rising to immense heights. Tuesday morning the shocks ceased, quiet was restored and peonle left town for their homes At 9o'clock that night however rumbling noises were heard, shortly after followed by a reappearance of ' Wm the flames in the mountains, which shot up several hundred feet. Fright tened people again flocked to town and at midnight the church tower / fell carrying with it the roofs of three houses. Nine people were killed and eighteen wounded. Shocks extended over the whole Yetapan chain and flames are seen also in the Pacava Mountains. The shocks have now ceased, but he smoke is still discernible different points in the mountains. It is feared that the end is not yet. Suicided on His Wife's Grave. . . Chapman, Kas., Sept. 9.?John Crowley, an old resident, disappeared last Wednesday, and was searched for in vain. At 10 o'clock today he was found dead at the foot of his wife's grave in the Catholic cemetery, where he had committed suicide. Worms had eaten his face and body so that he was unrecognizable, except by his clothing. His wife, who died some lime ago, had been mourned deeply by the suicide, and lately he had been very despondent. It is said by the New York Sun that the German smokeless power is unsat isfactory. Its smell is so frightful that even nostrils accustomed to the ripe cheese of the Fatherland cannot endure it. Who knows that blank cartridges of the stuff may be sufficient to put the enemy to llight. m