Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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' ->> / . / y / The Press and .Banner BY HUGH WILSON. A HRHTILLE, N. V' THE "LILLY WHITES" THE MELTON-BRAYTON REPUBL cansin convention. Full Representation from ull Counties, H< fused to Endorse a Presidential Cand date?Two White and Two Colored Deli rates to St. Louis. Columbia, April 15.?Leaders claic that for the first time in many year the convention of Republicans tha met in the State house yesterday wa a full representation, with every town ship and every precinct represented It was the first State convention bel< by the wing of the Republican part; which recognizes Capt. L. D. Meltoj of Columbia as the State chairman and which is generally known as th "Lilly Whites," being the faction t which many white men, who hav i - - rv heretofore been recognized as iyemu crats, have cast their lot. In the con vention, of about 240 delegates, ther were between 60 and 70 white men but these, with a few exceptions, wen not recognized as prominent in poli tics. The white men present wh< have for some time taken a prominen part in the affairs of the Republicai party in this State, were Ellery M Brayton, L&wson D. Melton, B Odel Duncan, V. P. Clayton, R. M. Wal lace. Louis Jacobs and W. W. Rua sell, but consDicuous among thos< new and prominent men who hav? joined the party recently were Dr Sampson Pope of Newberry and D. J Knotts of Ltxington, old Reformers and Clarence S. Nettles of Darlineton a Conservative in days gone by There was a strong negro represents tion. When the convention was called t< order a large lithograph of Tom Reet adorned the rostrum, just behind th< reporters' taoie; oui inter, uui w <>< partial, likenesses of Morton and Mc Kinley were tacked up by Brayton During the day there was a iarg< crowd of spactators on the floor ant in the gallery, and among them wer< many handsomely dressed colore< women, relatives and friends of dele gates- At 1:20 p. m. State Chairmai Melton called the convention to orde; and asked the Rev. W. M. Thomas, f colored preacher, to open the proceed ings with prayer. The Jivine askec that all obstructions be removed fron the path of the delegates, and tha what they did should be for the goo< of the State. Mr. Melton addressed the canven tion as follows: Friends and Fellow-Republicang In opening the convention as you State chairman, it behooves me t< make a few brief remarks as to th( this conventioi pUlJAWC 1U1 TfAMVM ? was called, the circumstances undo: which it arose and its' final objectwhich is the building up of the Re publican party in South Carolina. It the fall or 1894 aa issue was presentee to the people of South Carolina, whicl threatened the disfranchisement o more than one-half the Republicai voters of the State, and finding noth . ing being done to frustrate such ar attempt against the liberties of the people, we determined to do some thing to stem the tide of a calamity which threatened the rights of the citi zens. We earnestly went to work t< try and persuade the old committee t< take the lead a ad prevent this calam ity. But for reasons not necessary t< state here, that committee refused t( call the people of South Carolina to gether to attempt to avert that mis fortune. After that there was noth ing for us but revolution and we de termined to appeal to the people o South Carolina to rise up from theii sleep and save their rights. On th< 6th day of February, 1895, a conven tion of representative men was held Out of that convention has growc ????n Kq the Renub WU(k(l VY 1X1 W IVVUguiHvw -? ? 4 lican party of South Carolina. Th< result is this convention here assem bled, and a better one the God of re publics never looked down upon ii this country. It has not been filled bj going into the highways and by wayi for delegates, as our friends .the ene my did last week, but here every pre cinct in South Carolina is represented (Cheers.) This organization remind; me of the story of the wonderful isl? where the little infant of today is j grown man tomorrow. It recognize no obstacles and is going to succeed (Cheers.) In the near future its void will be heard in the legislative hall of South Carolina, and it is goinj with such a sweep that Tillman, witl all his power, can't keep down. G< back to your nomes, stand shoulder t< shoulder: the white paople are witl you; do your duty; go and try anc register and stand there all summer When vou get the certificate even tb Constitution of South Carolina can1 prevent you casting a vote. (Cheers. At the close of Mr. Melton's speech the call for the convention was read. Chairman Melton announced tha the executive committee had suggeste< as temporary chairman Clarence S Nettles of Clarendon, and Clareno Holmes of Columbia as temporar; secretary. The convention was evi dently heartily in favor of the selec tion of Mr. Nettles, his name beini greeted with applause. On motion of Prof. Morris, a com mittee was appointed to conduct Mr Nettles to the rostrum. On this committee Mr. Melton ap painted Prof. J. W. Morris, Mr. E. M Brayton and Congressman Murray. Mr. Nettles, on taking the gavel said: '"I thank you for the distinctio] of calling me to preside over this con vention of Republicans of South Car olina. I believe that this gathering marks an epoch in the politics of thi State. This is not the resurrection o a corpse, but the growth and develop ment of a healthy Republican part; in South Carolina. It is not based 01 -- j? :?? prej uuiuc, rate isauca \?x xv money, which has disgraced the part; in the State up to this time, (Cries o "good, good.") but is based on th rock-nbbed principles which hav made the Republican party the sta; of the government, the principle which, when permitted to languish brought financial ruin upon the pec pie of the whole country. It is th party which stands for the liberal con struction of the Federal Constitution keeping abreast of the advanced busi ness and wants of the people, the pre tection of American industries, Amei ican shipping, American labor." H considered this a happy day for Soutl Carolina, when sucti a convention *> v ' A representing a party with such print * pies, convened here. The success i - ibis party would bring capital South Carolina; the hum of spindl - would be heard in every town in tl State- This party commands the co - fidence of men with money to invef The party promises protection n alone to the industries of Americ but protection to all the rights the s< I- of man is entitled to. The temporary roll was then callei There being no contests, the temp rary roll was made permanent. ?- Mr. Brayton moved that a comm ,. tee of nine, two at large and one ea< from the congressional districts, 1 >- appointed on platform and resolution Ttiis prevailed aoa me ionowing we appointed: B. Odell Duncan, Geo. V a Murray, W. W. Russell, A. M. Dai 5 son, W. J. Whipper, S. E. Smith, I t P. Foster, R. A. Stewart and D. . I Knotts. t. Professor Jlorriss of Columbia toe . the floor to nominate a permanei i chairman. He was proud to namef< y permanent chairman a gentlema a born on the soil of South Carolir and with South Carolina ancestr; e They were here, white men and blac 0 men, born on a common soil, with e common destiny, and while "skii may differ, affections dwell in blac and white alike." He named D e Sampson Pope of Newberry. The: were loud cheers for Dr. Pope, e Mr. Brayton seconded Dr. Pope . nomination, not because he was one < 3 the sons of South Carolina, but becaui t by his conduct he had proven himse 1 superior to the traditions and restrain of so many sons of South Carolin ] no louseu uu iuo uuurac ui xsi. x uj . iu 1894 as active and potent in brinj i. ing into being the forces which culm 3 nated in this convention. Hfe recalle p, the stand of Dr. Pope in the dispena ry and registration cases. Dr. Por ] was elected by acclamation and L. I [ Melton, Professor Morris ?nd Captai Paul Whipple escorted him to tt chair. There was prolonged cheerinj 1 Dr. Pope said: We have assembled here in obed } ence to the call of the State chairma 1 of the Republican party of the Stat 3 for the purpose of electing delegates I > to the National Republican convei . tion which meets at St Louis, Mlssoi ri. That convention will elect tt i standard bearers of the party for Pre j ident and vice president by the natio] ? We have also assembled for the pu j pose of protecting the party organizi . tion in this State. Unfortunately tt j Republican party in this State is d r viaed, into two factions, two hosti i camps, both claiming to speak for tt . party. This being the case, and t I harmony and union is necessary 1 ! accomplish results, the success of tt i party in this State, and its assistant 1 in winning the presidential electioi nothing should be done here, calci . lated to w;den the breach, nothin should be said in the way of harsh cri . icism of those of the other factioi p When the National convention mee on/1 coitloa oa if will t.nft HitiV.renc* that now exist, the two wings mui flop together for common goo< Therefore, I trust that members wi be imbued with such a spirit her that so far as we are conoemed, whe the verdict is reached that this is tl reorganized organization, that tho: who have gone away from us,- con back and take their places in the rani of the party without any feeling c bitterness. There are many candidates for tl high position of president, any one < whom will be acceptable to the Repul lican people; the country will be saf in any of their hands, whether it be tl favored son of Ohio, the great apost! of protection; or he presides over tt United States house of representativ< with such marked ability; or the abi governor of New York, who so recen ly presided over the United States sei ate to the satisfaction of all, or tfc Chevab'er Bayard of Iowa, all of thei are lovers of liberty, true to the coi - - ? TT ?. 5 1 I stitution or me unitea Dunes anu zeu r jus defenders of a Republican form < 3 government. I am glad to say thi they are not of that class of designin . politicians who are "waiting for l light in the west." In South Sarolina, we need ; change of affairs. We have witnesse - <vith sorrow and shame a governmei of the people by the people, and fc i the people, subverted in the interes > of a few designing men to a conditio 3 close akin to anarchy and ruin. W nave seen the State, for political pu r poses, made to enter into th? businei of a liquor dealer, not only so, but w s have seen liquor forced upon the pe< a pie six or sevea counties heretofoi i tree from its deleterious influence s We have seen constab'es and spi? . put over the people searching the t nouses at the dead hour of the nigh s frightenihg women and children, an j sometimes sneaking in st Peking fes i upon the roofs of the houses of prival } citizens in the night time to peeri 5 their bedrooms; yea, more. Weha\ i seen ladies trunks broken open b i these people at the railroad depot their cloths thrown about in the insac e desire of these people to find liquo t Worst of all, we have seen the gove ) nor of this State, at that time the cai , didate for the United States senafc give instruction to his minions, to di t feat and defraud at the elections. W 1 have seen managers of elections ei i. sconced behind screens, in utter disr e card of the constitution, causin y voters to cast their ballots in the wroo i- box, and in some instances, when ca right, take them out of the box an ? put others ia their places. We ha^ seen managers of the election whe i- the poll was known to be strong in fi . vor of the opposition candidate, absei themselves on the day of election s i- that no election was held. We have seen the call for a const tutional convention fraudulent! , made to carry. We have seen a go l ernor and a United States seDator-ele< meet with other men and make a trac - as to representation in the constiti y tional convention and as to qualific s tions of voters to be inserted in tt f Constitution, agreeing that "no whi man should be disfranchised excpt f< y crime, which plainly meant that a i colored men possible should be disfrai r chised. We have seen that convei y tion meet and carry this out, and v f have seen a Constitution formulate e without being reierrea Dactc to u e people. y We have seen the taxable properl 8 of the State increase and yet taxatic t, is higher than before. We have see ?- the mortal tone of the people lower* e under all wrongs. How could it I i- otherwise, "for as you sow so sha l, you reap"? i We call upon every honest man i >- this State, white and black, to con - and help us rectify these wrongs. Vi e call upon them to stand with us f< h the good of those hereafter to com i, 1 It is the duty of every man who lov n- liberty and the principles ofarepub- ( of lican form of government to stand to- j to gether in this figbt. Let the cry be a 1 es republican torm of government, and, 1 ie as a consequence, honest elections, t n- protection to American industries and I it. to American labor and protection to 2 ot every citizen of right guaranteed by t a, the Federal Constitution. Add to j >n this a sound currency, sufficient in j volume to meet the demand of trade, j d. There are thousands of white men in o- this State, not now in the Republican i party, who are willing to stand upon * it- this platform. We are willing to < jh stand upon it. We need the help of < t>e these wnite men. There is one thing t is. in the way of our getting that help, a < re fear of negro domination. They need J V. rot fear it for the negro is 'Willing, if the whites will adopt a proper plat- i S. form of principle, put out a ticket of i ,J. their very best men, pledged to reform ' this government, to support the ticket < so put; oat. Our Republican brothers \ at in Beaufort and Georgetown have car- J 5r ried this out since 1866. Only once < ,Q did they fail. That is when Ben < ia Tillman went down there and fooled p. them out of it. (Great and long con i k tinued cheers.) I a If this is done, if the white man ac- 1 18 cepts this in good faith, the State will t k be redeemed add paace, prosperity and r. happiness will sweep over this land, re All that you would claim would be i the national Republican ticket and the I ,'8 members of congress. No*, this is a < 5f fair proposition, on your part and if i se you make it I believe that it will ba if accepted in good faith. If it should ts not then we mu9t put out a ticket from 1 ^ governor to coroner. }0 I have given you my views upon < g. the situation. Take them for what they are worth, accept them if you < think them good, reject them if they a. do not meet your views. >0 Clarence Holmes was made perma) nent secretary and J. M. Johnston as- i [Q aiatnut ocvicwn j. ie Pending the report of the committee i j. on platform, the convention took a recess for one hour. On reconvening, J [i- the folio wing platform was preseated ,n by the committee: < e We, the Republicans of South Caro J to lina, in convention assembled, reafi firm our adherence to the time honor- I j. ed principles of the national party, < l6 that is to say: I s First?We are in favor of moderate 1. and reasonable protection for home I r- labor and home capital against the Et- cheaper labor and cneaper capital of 1 ie other countries, and of such reciprocal ' i- commercial arrangements with other 1 le countries as may be necessary to fos- ' ie ter and extend our foreign trade, is Second?We are in favor of m^in- * ,o taining the present monetary standard ie until some satisfactory ratio between 1 je the hard money metals shall have been l, reached by international agreement 1 i- Third-We are in favor of a gov- 1 g erment service based on merit and ( t- character and capacity, and not on ' l. the co.vrupt and debasing Jacksonian t ts system of "to the victors belong the J ? " But nrKila oi RaniiKlinono WA DO 0?/VSi-U% A/UV TT UUV UW 3t heartily endorse the above principles 1 i, as hignly important from a nation- I li a! point of view, what iaof vastly e, more importance to us, and to all good n citizens here in Squth Carolina, is to j te secure fair and honest elections, and J 36 to get rid of our present arbitrary and w despotic factional State government ( cs with all its accompanying evils. We ' >f the?*efore reaffirm our purpose to use every proper and legitimate means 1 ie to have our new Constitution Bet aside * }f as in conflict with the Constitution and laws of the United States. We j e admit that it has certain good points ' ie in it, notably its improved education- ' |e al facilities and its provision against j ie lynching. But it is tainted with fraud j ,s in its origin; fraudulent in its char[e acter, and fraudulent in that it was ) t. foisted upon the State without ratiflca- j. tion by a popular vote. We therefore 1 te hold that neither congress nor'the fed- 1 n eral courts ought to repognize validi j. ty. We also declare our most empnai- j. ic opposition to the entire brood of in * jf iquities imposed oa the State by the J it dominant faction, and pledge the Be . ? publican party to remove them as j 3 rapidly as possible if putin a position , to do ax We are opposed tc the me ' a tropolitdn police in Charleston or else* here, and we pledge its immediate suspension-if given the necessary au s )r ihority. We are opposed to the 3tat?- 1 ts constabulary and pledge its promt dis ' q solution. We are opposed to the dise pensary law, a*.d pledge its prompt ' P repeal or fundamental modification so e 33 as to remove a stigma of State traffic rg in whiskey for the sike of profiL We ] 3 are opposed to an incumbent, partisan -q and factional judiciary, and pledge its ' B restoration to respectability, capacity 1 3g and non-partisan as rapidly as possi 4 ir ble. We are opposed to the degreda 1 t, tion of our higher institutions of learn i d ing to mere political ends, and pledge ( at their restoration to their proper and I te legitimate duties. We are opposed to ( Q discrimination against any class on ac ' r0 count of its religious beliefs. These . y we do mot regard as partisan questions ? s, at all, but simply questions of good j ie government. r. We, therefore, not only cordially ( r. invite, but appeal to all good citixens, j i- to whatever party or faction belong ' 0) ing, Democrats as well as Republicans, 0 Reformers as well as Conservatives, re to unite with us m securing the over- ? i- throw of these and all other iniquities . 8. and in the restoration of peace and ' g harmony and good government in our ! !g State. st The platform adopted with but two ] id or three dissenters. ( re This resolution was offered: m Resolved: That either of the four | a- candidates, Reed, Morton. McKinley < it or Allison, will be acceptable to the ] so Republicans of South Carolina. A. E. Smith made a vigorous pro i- test against this, and offered a substi- ] y tute endorsing McKinley and instruct- ( v- ingthe delegation for him. ct Whipper made an eloquent appeal | le against the delegation being sent to a- St. "Louis handcuffed. a- Smith again supported McKinley in le a long speech, after which his subati- i te tute was laid on the table. i )r Shirer of Chester made some refer- * 11 ence to Dr. Hooper of the same town i a- having been bought by the Webster- < a- ites at the last nominating convention, i W. W. Ruarall called on the chair I id to have Shirer removed from the hall ] le by the sergeant-at-arms. Dr. Hooper intimated that Shirer ty was drunk and the latter subsided for in a time. in Rev. R. E. Hart made a long speech, sd in which ne said that the negroes were >e not for McKinley, because he had de,11 clared they should not have been granted the right of suffrage. in Mr. Brayton concurred in the spirit le of the resolutions, but there wa? somere thing lacking, it did not include all Dr the candidates. There was another e. not named in the resolutions. Mates thew S. Quay, the greatest political 1 j 7 t'v* * '.v ?5* : ' wwva general of the age, was a candidate vhom this organization could not afford to alight, however unintentional. Ete would not have the convention initructed for the candidates of his choice because the recognition of this organisation was of first importance and .hey should be free to make friends. 3e favored having at least one McKinley man in the delegation sent to St. Lous. Young Thompson of Richland, a jright mulatto of boyish appearance, iviaently the beneficiary of Columbia's excellent school system, made a violmt attack on the resolutions. He deicribed them as a straddle and he wanted it recorded that he was for Reed. The irrepressible Shiver here did a jreat service. Ha moved that nothing more be said about candidates, rhis motion prevailed, although there were cries of protests one of the deleraraa nrhft wkO Oilf. nff bv Chairman Pope, crying out that if that was the ioctor'a plan he should never be govsmor. Nominations were declared in order ind C. M. Grand, a young man of Charleston, who, as the Rev. Hart later said, "if he was not white he ihould have been," nominated Geo. W. Murry. Rev. R. E Hart, in a lengthy speech, in which he spoke of the beauties of two races d welling in harmony in one x>mmonwealth, nominated Capt. L. D. Melton. His name was greeted with cheers Ellery M. B jay ton wa< nominated t>y H. L. Shrewsberry. A. R. Smith nominated 3. E. Snith rf Aiken. James Wigg named W. J. Whipper jf Beaufort. J. B. Edwards nominated Jfror J. W. Morris of C ?lu in oia. Rev. R E. Hart of Columbia was nominated by Thus J. Walker C. F. Holmes of Columbia was nominated by E. D White. R. P. Daniels was nominated by P. P. Simons. J. M. Martin of the "Magnolia City ?f Greenville" named Prof. A. M. Dawson of Greenville W. C. Rush, Jr., of Florence moved ;he nominations ba closed. Tney jame here to vote the Brayton ticket? Brayton, Melton, Murray and Smith. That ticket was the choice of the people and they were ready to vote. Chairman Pope delined to put the notion while other men had nominaions to make. It would hurt the parly and they would never hear the end it it. J. S. Mobley of Union was nominat)d by A. E. Epps. A. T. Jennings of Charleston was lominated by A. E. Smith. At 7:23 nominations were closed and ;he voting began, each delegate rising ind naming the four candidates of his * ? T' o.9n Jontmti 'UUlOOl XIf WiW OiOV UOIUIO bUU W1UVMUU , ivaa closed. It resulted as fod$>ws: It. D. Melton, 230; E. M. Brayton, J26; Geo. W. Murray, 231; ti. E. Smith, 212; R. E. Hart, 9; J. W. Morris, 6; C. F. Holmes, G; W. J. Whipper, 18; Daniels, l;Mobley, 1. The first four were declared elected. E. M. English of Charleston nominated as altenates A. T. Jennings of Charleston, R. M. Wallace of Sumter, L1. Daniels of Florence, R. E. Primus )f Hampton. He astced that they be sleeted by acclamation. Mr. Braytongotthe floor. He made in eloquent appeal for the election as ilternate at large of Dr. V. P. Clayton. Geo. W. Murray felt proud to speak :o a convention representing?for the irst time in the history of the State? .he native white and native colored jeople of the State. He nominated JoU R. M. Wallace of Sumter. who jacked him with his money inhis con?st A. M. Dawsoa was named. A. C. Jennings of Charleston was nomilated by Purris. J. W. Morris was lominated by Delegate Stewart. And the nominations continued with ipeeches unstinted, until finally at 11 > clock a halt was called and the bal oting began. This was the result* R. Ml Wallace, 191; Jennings, 187; Daniels, 121; Dawson, 114; Clark 12; Jlayton 94; Williams, 5t>; Hobper, 34; tforris, 80. ! The first four were elected. T. L. Grant of Charleston offered a let of resolutions very complimentary o Dr. Pope, as presiding office.*, jvhicu *ere adopted. Some delegate, whose name was not nade known, offered these resolutions, limed at Tom Miller: "Whereas, the constitutional con rention and legislature of the State lave established a Colored Normal. ' H 1 \r 1 : 1 Tnftua. agricultural, motuauiuai nuu jluuuj rial college, and since it is publicly isserted that a certain man has string led to the presidency of said college, ind whereas, we, the representatives >f the people of this State, enter our irotest against forcing upon the col >red people any man who will be disasteful to them. Therefor, be it "Resolved, That we, the repreaentaives of the people of the State, in invention assembled, ask that the ;rustees, in the selection of a presi* lent for the college, give to them a practical educator and a Christian gen-1 ileman, and not a politician." They were unanimously adopted. I H. L. Shrewsbury offered these re iolutioDS, which were adopted: "Resolved, That a special committee }e appointed to prepare a memorial to ;he congress of the United States prayng the appointment of a committee to nvestigate the affairs of South Carolina as to whether a republican form ){ govenment is of rorce in this State, is required by the Constitution of the [Jnited States, the same to be forwardMi to the Hon. Geo. W. Murray, the Republican congressman from the First district." On this committee were appointed 3. L. Shrewsbury, L. D. Melton and 3. F. HolmesAt 12:15 this morning the conven;ion adjourned .?The State. Negroes Meant Murder. Selma, Ala-, April 15.?News reached the city at 11 o'clock last light that the residence of Judge ?k.Ionzo Irwin, seven miles west of 3elma, was surrounded by negroes who threatened to murder the family. Sheriff Kennedy and a posse hastened io the scene. The negroes heard the posse approach the house and dispersed. The leader, Lewellen Osuorne. was found in his house, a short iistance away. He refused to come )ut* The door was forced open and Osborne stuck a gun through the jrack and attempted to shoot. The jheriff fired into the house and Osijorne, who had refused to surrender, ran out gun in hand. The posse openid fire on him and he fell mortally wounded. He lived 50 miautes. His lying statement was to the effect that ;he mob around the house intended to let fire to it and murder the family as they ran out. LOOK ON THE BRIGHT SIDE. "Bill Arp" Philosophises on tile Pa?t and Present. Outside of revelation, there is surely sufficient proof of original sin and mor al turpitude in human kind. If a mar could be lifted up in a balloon higl enough to see the earth roll underbid and could keep his position until ii had turned a time or two upon itsaxii the scene that would pass hii vision would be proof enough What a horrible revelation ol of war and bloodshed and sufferin, would pass beneath him in almos every part of the earth! We boast o: modern civilization, but has every ad vance'to be baptized in blood? Sup pose a man could see at one time all the present misery of the world anc all the crime that caused it, could h< endure the awful picture? Would i not paralyze his soul and obliterate his power of vision and make him i maniac? Everyday we read of thes< horrors and shudder, but they are afai off and we have become almost har dened to them by their daily repitition If familiarity with danger breeds con tempt, for it so does, a daily recurrence of crime and suffering and grie breeds indifference. Unless we see i with our own eyes we are not greatly affected. . The weeping prophet exclaimed "Oh, that my head were waters an< mine eyes a fountain of tears I" bu there is no prophet to weep nowadays We have no time to weep. The poe says: "Man's inhumanity to man Makes counties? thousands mourn, and if we could actually see every bat tie-field and all the blood and agony and into all the prisons and cbaia gangs, and into every hovel and gai ret and dark alley where the poor d< congregate and into the heart? of al the mourners at all the funerals, w would never smile again. The mem ory of them would haunt u?, and w would be more willing to quit this hoi ible world and take our chances ii another. But we will let the preachers tall about this. We must look ,on th brighter side. There is no comfort ii nonderine and lamenting what is goinj on in Turkey and Abysmia and Cuba or over the long continued quarrels a Washington, or the shameful broil in Kentucky, er tije daily crime and murders and suicides an< lynchiags that fill ^the newspapers Nqw is the blessed springtime, whei all nature is smiling upon us. Whei the flowers are blooming and the gras i? springing and the biros are singing Even the beasts of the field ana th< fowls in the yard ara happy, and ever; created thing save man seems to rejoic in the goodness of the Creator. Wha is the matter with man, anyhow? Wo man is not so, nor are the little chil dren who play and spor; around us The poet says: "Every prospect pleases And only man is vile." But after all, there is comfort ii knowing that there are some good men Tes, lots of them. You can pick then out in town and city and country, ant a great traveler who has been all ove the world and mingled with Gentile and Jews, and Arabs and Hottentots and the heathen Chinese, says he fount good, kind-hearted people of ever; tribe and nation ana religion on th globe. He said that a traveler wouli never be a sectarian or be intolerant like so many of our so called Chris tians are. Last Sunday I went out in the coun try with a friend to visit an old iaa; who is on her last bed. She have live< eighty-three years and I reckon neve had an evil thought in her life. Shi was pleased to see us and the nearnes of death gave her no alarm. "For th sakeof my grandchildren," she said "I would like to live a little loneer t< help them and guide them in the righ way." Her Bioble was printed awa] before the war and had been patchec *nd pasted and mended until it woul< hardly hold together, but she knew] g;ood deal by heart and told us wha portions of it w*re her greatest com 'ort. These old fashioned mothers ar the best people on earth and when th^ have passed through all the perils o motherhood they seem to ojtlive th' men. There are three times as mao; ild women in this town as old mei *nd they are most all of them wide ws I had rather insure the life of a wo man of forty-five than that of a mat I" rmtx* nwimiiiriii Ul tUirtJf X n^uiu got kuu pvuiiuuj. longer. The old-fashioned men li ve< longer thaa they do no57. They ha< simple habits and limited desires. J mean the well-to do men who lived it comfort. But ever since King Davi< mads the declaration that the dajs 0 our years are three score years am ten that has been the alloted age o man. It is still the average a^e of 1 prudent man whatever may be his cc cupation. Man is very much like 1 wagon If it is kept greased anc painted and under shelter it will las twice as long as if it ba neglected. 0 course, the mind has mucn to do witi the health of the body. Trouble wil shorten life and bring the gray 'hairi sooaer to the grave and that is why 1 farmer's life is the most conducive t( longevity. It is the most independen of all occupations. It is subjected t< less temptation, less hazard, less wor ry, a ad it is a little closer to god in it* daily communion with nature. Thi accepted tables give to laborers forty four-years, to mechanics forty-seven to merchants forty-eight, to profes sional men fifty-two, and to farmer: sixty-four years. If long life is ai index of good health and prosperity then the farmer is blessed above ai. other people. There is force and trutl in the old maxim that "God, mad< the country and man made the town.' Rut nftar all thfl nrime and miser; that we read of, this age is a great im provement on Sodom and Gomorrah Abraham could find more than ter good men in any town or city in thi! country. I believe he could find fiftj in Cartersville and a hundred anc fifty women. The Lord's pity and consideration for sinners is very won derful if He will save a whole city full for the sake oi ten good men, Mavbe that is why He doesu't rain fire and brimstone on the wicked now. Il might do harm to the righteous. The ungodly ought to give Christians credit for that. If the wicked people of this world were all bunched in one country and not a good man in it how long, I wonder, would the storm staj off? How long would the wicked staj there if they, could possibly get out! It is a redeeming trait in human na ture, however wicked and depraved, to respect virtue and good people. There are but few of the ungodly whc would abolish the churches it thej could, or who would rear their chil dren in any but a Christian country Bill Arp. - J'" T, CROPS IN SOUTH CAROLINA. ^ The Weekly Bulletin of the Department of Agriculture. Columbia, S. C., April 14.?This . bulletin covers the weather and crop { conditions for the week ending with L Saturday, April 11th, and in its j preparation were used reports from t one or more correspondents in each , county of the State. weather. The general weather conditions durf ing the week were not the best for r growing crops, although more favor[ able at the close. The week opened p j cold and windy and light frosts on the 5th and 8th were recorded as far I tfastarnivi na RapItaIav (JoilTltv. It is I generally reported that these frosts ( had no injurious effect other 3 than to retard the growth of vegetat tion. The temperature averaged } about four degrees per day below the t seasonable, and ranged from a mean 5 of 63 to 54 degrees in the extreme r Western counties to a mean of from 58 to 60 in the extreme Southeastern counties. The averaga temperature for the week for the whole State was , 56 and the normal for the same period f is approximately 60. The extreme t range of temperature, as reported, was j from a maximum of 83 on?the 10th at GilJsonville, Hampton County, to a . minimum of 30.on the 9th at Santuc, j Union County, oft which morning t thin ice was noted at various points in the hill country. . j There were two days with rain. On the 7th a sprinkle of rain fell at a number of places and on the evening ? of the 9 th there was a general light rain over the entire State; too light to f be of much benefit. The greatest ' amount'recorded was 0.20 of an^rich at Statesburg, Sumter County, and the amounts ranged from that to j "Trace." The normal amount for the same period is approximately 0.90 6 inch. The deficiency in rainfall since ! ' < a * rtn/* _ I j ULarca 181, xoifo, is auuui mretj aau ? one-half inches. There was more than the usual a amount of sunshine with an average of 67 per cent for iho State. There was ? least cloudiness in the Western por 6 tions of the State and most in the East 1 central portion. CROPS. ' Planting made rapid progress during the week. The only unfavorable ? condition, against the thorough prep? aration of lands was a tendency of ground to bake, or become too hard by reason of dryness, and this condition 1 was confined to clay lands. It was 1 too dry and cool lor the rapid germi8 nation of seed and poor stands are, in - consequence, reported at this time. 0 The progress of the various crops is 7 briefly given below, averaging the re? ports, so as to give the prevaihftg con1 dition, and nothing such exceptions only that are at wiae variances with " tVia ryonarol tarrnf of fVlft MnnrtC' ' Upland corn about all planted and much of it up or coming up. Perfect stands the exception. Cool weather affected its color. Bottom lands being i planted. Cotton planting progressing rapida ly and is drawing to a finish in the i Southeastern counties while oiily r fairly begun in the extreme Western 3 counties. Some early planting is up i. but affected by cool weather. Sea isi land cotton about all planted. f Reports indicate that tobacco will e receive considerable attention this i year. Beds did not do well except '* where well protected. Some farmers i- are about ready to transplant. The sowing of rice has been in pro* gress during the past two weeks. 7 Wheat is reported as looking promi ising, but making slow growth, r There is a want of uniformity in the 9 reports on the condition of oats, some s reporting fair to good and others fair e to poor stands. In some localities fall sown oats are doing best; in others 5 spring sown. The prevailing condit tion is no doubt promising, but oats 7 stand in need of warm weather and * ? _! j i rain, nye is neaamg. ' 3 Pastures do not as yet afford graza ing in the cential and Northwestern t counties. It is the general opiaion of corresb pondents that early fruit, especially 7 L? Conte pears ana St. John and AJf berta varieties of peacbes, are greatly e damaged, but that late varieties are as 7 yet safe. Wild plums and berries are i putting on fruit heavily. * i. Gardens continue backward, but >- gardens planted in the fall are yieldi ing vegetables for use now. Ship t menta of early vegetables and fruits 1 from the coast continue. Strawberries, i asparagus and lettuce largely, peas in [ small quantities. i Irish potatoes mostly planted and i up. The early planting touched by f frost but scarcely injured. This crop 1 needs raia badly. f J. W. Bauer, Section Director. i . Tillman in Colorado. l Denver. Col., April 14.?Senator 1 Till man of South Carolina, arrived in t Denver this morning. He was met at ft the train by leading Democrats and l escorted to the Brown palace Hotel 1 whore ho met the committee of recep9 tion as a body. Tonight a public rei ception was tendered the distinguish> ed visitor nt'he hotel and tomorrow t night he wii! address the Scate Deino> cratic convention. When asked as to the political outlook Senator Tillman > o?iH- 4,T discovered a much 3 stronger spinal column among the sil ver Democrats, in fact, heretofore it , has been a sort of jelly affair. Press ure at home among the constituents of 9 Congressmen and Senators as to the i necessity for progressive action has t produced a great change. Men who [ would not speak to me in December i are growing more chummy all the 3 time." "There is only one trouble," ' he continued, "only one reason why I r we have^ all been harnessed with j - aouot ana mat is some saver mea . hate to quit the old party and the feeli ing of loyalty holds them back. The 3 outlook is altogether for the Demor cratic convention to be controlled by I the free silver wing." ' Wrong Mua Shot. Wellington, Kas., April 12.?Edi1 tor Chas. Branscomb, of the South ' Haven New Era, was killed in a shoot? ing scrape between A. A. Richards. ^ editor of the Wellington Daily Mail 5 and Robert Simmons, editor of the ? Caldwell News. No arrests have been ' made. Simmons and Richards had 5 been carrying on a bitter newspaper war. They met by chance, when Doth [ drew revolvers, and began firing. At ' the fifth shot, Branscomb, who was with Richards, fell pierced by a bullet. Fxtal Mine Kxplosion. Durham, April 14.<? An explosion > has taken place in a colliery at Willr ington neir this place. Eight miners - are known to have been killed and it . is believed eighteen persons in all will lose their lives through the disaster. ' W >: ' ; FREE SILVER WINS. . v< ALABAMA ROUTS THE GOLD BUGS HORSE, FOOT AND DRAGOON. The State Is Safely In the Free Silver at Sixteen to One Colamn?The Gold Bagi I.- ~.1.t Ho.,1 Knf T Birmingham, Ala., April 13.?The State Herald's estimate of the vote by counties for delegates to the State Democratic convention as furnished Saturday is today confirmed by the latest advices from all over Alabama, ;|j| as substantially correct Of the 504 : ? delegates to the State convention \p Johnston, bimetallism, is assured of 357; Clarke, single and gold standard, ;-l 94, and 53 are yet doubtful There was some doubt about this, Jefferson, the largest county in the State, until ' M today, whea authentic returns give J the county to Johnston by a small but ,*^3 decisive majority. Great interest was A centered in a contest between two can- M didates for the State senate from thifc 'hjH county because they represented VL ' Wm A. Porter, the single gold standard, jBk ana a. jxl. (junnmgnam, me iree hh coinage man of both gold and silver at BW 16 to 1. They had jointly debated the faH money question all over the county. Hfl Both candidates were esteemed ai un- pBB usually able advocates of their respec- laB tive views and the result Of the eleo- W tion is conceded to have been a fair, H?1 test, jgannk^ham and free silver. featedrdrfer by & majority of 1*000- SN Captain Johnston had some so-called SM sound money supporters in the Stfite, --BbE but he^as throughout his canvas an HI avowed bimetallist and there is no Nfil doubt from the character of the dele- - gg nations which have been selected to the BB State convention which meets.at Montgomery on the 21st, inst., will adopt Kg an out and out 16 to 1 free silver, pUt- | form and send a solid delegation of E that sort to the National convention Chicago. \ ^ all TILLMAN IN DENVER. HH He Addresses the Democratic Conventlr.? t and a Vast Audience. ( jH Denver, April, 15.?The delegation 4VtA /lAntTAM^VAM T n lftW I _ j UJ IUD M>U?OUVlUU W jot sent the party in the national conivention at Chicago carry with theirs one ^ resolution?that being a demand for the restoration of the f reecoiwage. of silver. The chairman of the delegation Hon. C. 8. Thomas, after bein? nominated by acclamation, declared in an . ^ impassioned speech that unleV &e **- '$? sue be accepted by the national con- :'*M vention he would immediately reaign :^ his seat in that convention/ Thi? ?en- >-$M tiwent was received with ?uch hearty ' ;ri|j applause tnat it is supjwieed that the other members of the delegation mil ;'f? feel bound to do likewise. The con- y|| vention did not complete its work in '^83 the afternoon session a/id a recess was taken until 7:45 p. m. l ''. W When the convention reassembled, Senator Tillman of rSouth Carolina , 'gs delivered his political address to the convention. The foyers were packed to suffocation, the staye held 500 peo- vv?2 . i. l pie, eveiy a hub was ???* vs? thousand disappointed y^tizens failed to fret as near as the mai^^^trance. ,?aH The boxes were occupied by proHgineat ^^^ citizens of ail political organizatflfigJj^M In the foyer t' e crush was simply aw^^D fal and it required a great display of good nature to prevent a panic- Wnen r; ;,fa| Senator Tillman entered the stage he was received by a mighty outburst of ; ' S# cheers, while the band played "DixSecretary Newell read letters endorsing the silver sentiment from the - }. :i governors of Missouri and VirginiaSenators Vest, Call and others, until the impatient audience howled down the secretary and Senator Tillman -S2i was introduced. / i 'jqM In opening his address, Senator Till- '^"0 man referred to the presentation of ; ? .'$$ the silver and gold pitchfqrk last ,. night by a young lady as a new andv proper emblem of the goddess of liber- ' ty, as it is now the emblem of agricul' , ture. He reviewed historically the .:>? Democratic party, handling the sabject seriously and earnestly. Then, ti-fM warming up, he attacked the present : administration in plain words and without a drlicate choice of language* Ha soon had the vast audience mid ' fj with excitement. The mention of John 3 tier man brought forth a storm of hisses, which stopoed the speaker for a moment. Bis uiaiu effort was to ; -1 convince his audience that the capitalists control the natioaal government and both political parties, and lie sought to array the common people -l; against the great centres ot wealth. He touched at some length upon the silver question. The convention was called to order . ? after Sfnato.* Tillman had concluded # his address and cbose the following delegates at large: T. J. O'Douneli, ^ Denver; A.dair Wilson, Durango; B. 0. Sweeney, Trinidad. Every County There. Spartanburg, S. C., April 15.?The p Soath Carolina convention in the m- te.-eat of the Chicago Southern States ' ' Exposition met here to-night. Com- -fj mittees to raise funds and arrange for exhibits were appointed. The attendance was large and much enthusiasm ^ exhibited. Every county in the State was represented. Speeches vere made bv Governor Evans and others. .T. C. Hemphill of Charleston wase ected State chairman to arrange for the exhibits. The delegates represented the ^ most substantial business men of the :State. There were altogether about 150 delegates. About fifteen cotton mill presidents, as many bank presi dents, business men, farmers ana edi tors were present at the night session. Speeches were made by Gov. Evans j ind Patrick Walsh, who have attended silmilar conventions in four Southern ? - i i -t . States ana says tins leaas mem aiu . There is a great deal of enthusiasm, J and a general desire to have South J Carolina to take first place at Chicago. 1 The convention is regarded as the beet ' gathering of strickly business men seen in the State in years, and it is bent en- I tirely on business. Mayor Calvert of J Spartanburg was elected permanent ^ chairman of the meeting, and E. H. Aull secretary. The announcement was made that it woula take from eight to ten thousand dollars to have the State properly represented at Chicago. Free Silver Wins. Montgomery, Ala., April 11.?Returns received up to 9:30 to-night in* dicatethat Johnston has 286 votes d certain and Clarke 151 certain, with 1 I (57 doubtful. Necessary tochoice 255. ^ This has besn one of the warmest and most exciting campaigns ever held in < Alabama. v| v L: . ?->j