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Sf.(taps and .facts. ! ? 1 - ! So deuae a fog hung over New York j city last Friday that the ferry boata were compelled to suspend. News from Salt Lake City says the ' snow is twelve feet deep on a level at Alta City. It is thought that nearly three quarters of a million of dollars will be found due the Government on the recent whisky seizures in Chicago. General Doubleday, of the army, declares that General Robert Anderson, of Fort Sumter notoriety, told him, upon the breaking out of the war, that if Kentucky joined the Confederacy he would go to Europe. Hon. Burton Craige, of Salisbury, N. C., died on Thursday morning last, at the residence of his son-in-law, A. B. Young, Esq., in Concord, where he had been lying sick for two or three weeks past. In Raleigh, N. C., on Christmas day, the boys adopted a new instrument of torture, and during the day the city was a bedlam, caused by the incessant tooting of tin horns, of all shapes and sizes. The News says that over one thousand large-size tin horns were sold on that day by two tin merchants of that city. Gov. Brogden has commuted (to imprisonment for life) the death sentence of Robert McDonald, colored, convicted of burglary at the January term of Cumberland Superior Court and sentenced to be hung ou the 17th of December. The commutation was recommended by the jury who tried the case. Senator Gordon, of Georgia, who wished he had no liver, is much exercised over the impudence of a certain medicine vendor who has decorated every rock from Virginia to Texas with the interesting information that "Seuator Gordon uses So-and-so's Cure for t ; n ? ijiver vuuipi&iui A terrible tornado occurred last week in East Tennessee. It extended in length for several miles, reaching, in some localities, a breadth of four miles. Several houses were demolished, a great amount of other property was destroyed and four lives were lost. Five similar storms have swept over the same section since the year 1825. The hog statistics furnished by the Cincinnati Price Current indicate a falling off for the season at the iuterior points 570,000 hogs, with a possible falling off at the leading cities enough to make the aggregate decrease 750,000 compared with last year. Taking the increased weight into consideration the report calculates that the crop will not vary much from 5,000,000, against 5,556,000 last year, a decrease of ten per cent. Reported trouble in Mississippi, rendering it a pretext to call for troops, turns out only to have been the pranks of a parcel of young men on a drunken spree, who had a personal difficulty with an official of Amite county named Redmond. Redmond became frightened and telegraphed for troops, whereat the citizens assured Redmond that they would give him all the protection he required in the discharge of his duties. Says Scribner's Magazine: "Of one thing we are certain. If the South comes to the Centennial it will receive such a welcome as will be accorded to no guests from any other part of the world. The glories of the old Declaration are a part of their inheritance, and without them our /estival would be but a mockery. They are the guests without whom we cannot get along?without whom there would be bitterness in our bread, sourness in our wine, and insignificance in our rejoicings. Sixteen States have held elections this year. The aggregate vote is 1,923,111 Deincratic and 1,907,293 Republican, a Democratic majority of 15,818. A comparison of this vote with that of 1873 in the same States shows that in that year the Democrats had 1,716,487, and the Republicans 1,830,363 votes, thus evidencing a Demoratic gain of 129,694. The official vote of Mississippi gives the total Republican vote at 67,000 which is but 3,462 less than the vote for the Republican candidate for State treasurer in 1873, when an exciting canvass for Governor was in progress. The pretence of intimidation was therefore preposterous. The Charlotte Democrat, of the 27th ultimo, says that on the Tuesday night previous a mob iu Clear Creek township, Mecklenburg county, N. C., in which township the "fence law" has been adopted, tore down about two miles of the township fence. The Democrat learns that the outrage was committed by a crowd composed of both colors, and remarks that such a violation of law should be punished to the full extent of the statute, and hopes the persons engaged in the outrage will be reported to the grand jury so that Judge Seheuck may get a chance to teach them that mobs cannot thrive and operate in his district. They have a very comfortable way of fishing at Chatauqua Lake during the Winter. They put a small shanty on runners and push it over the ice to the fishing ground. Inside is a stove and a fisherman. A hole is cut through the ice, the shanty pushed over the hole, a trap door opened, and then the fisherman, in elegant retirement, waits for his prey. If the fish are shy, pipes and tobacco are at hand and the book shelves are not empty. With a good warm fire the occupant takes his otium cum dignitate in his cushioned arm chair; and as he deftly pulls up the modest pickerel and gentle raucalonge, feels at peace with himself and all the world. An Omaha letter describes the Indian squaws as exceedingly interesting to visitors to the agencies in that region. Their faces are more oval-shaped than the males, and less stern of expression. They wear their coalblack hair in two braids hanging down on either side of their heads. Their eyes are large, almond-shaped and something of a dark brown, sparkling and merry. Large holes are cut in the upper and lower parts of the ear. In these holes are fastened large brass rings, to which are attached turquois heads, divided into five or ten longitudinal sections. On the end of this ear-ring is the handsomest portion of mother-of-pegrl shell. A neklace of the same material, and fashioned in the same manner, is worn about the neck. Mississippi is discussing the propriety of a constitutional amendment making an educatioual basis of suffrage. It is proposed to adopt a provision that no citizen shall be allowed to vote unless he can read and write, and their Democratic press is urging the Legislature to submit an amendment of this I character to the people. As the colored population of the State out numbers the white by about 60,000, and the proposed measure would disfranchise 80,810 colored voters to 9,357 whites, the chances for the success of such an amendment on a popular vote would not be commensurate with its merits. But that it would be a great blessing to Mississippi and every other Southern and Northern State there can be no doubt. Tight lacing has been the subject of a good deal of talk among the dress reformers j first and last, but not until now have they had the benefit of "a frightful example" showing the evils resulting from the practice. There j has just died in London, Mrs. Kezia Wheel- i er, an old lady, at the age of 77, on whom an inquest has been held. Mrs. Wheeler was found dead in her bedroom, on a recent Sunday morning, dressed for church and with, her Bible in her hand, having apparently expired suddenly. The surgeon said that death had resulted from the bursting of an aneurism, and the post mortem examination revealed terrible evidences of tight lacing on the part of the deceased, who had been a very j beautiful woman. In fact, one end of the old lady's ribs had been pressed against the internal organs, and had kept them constantly at half-action, as it were, until apparently an aneurism was produced, by the sudden rup-, ture of which she died. The liver, intestines, stomach and ether organs were all jumbled up together, and were remarkable for their smallness. Other parts of the interior or?tnism were drawn up in a frightful manner, he women may argue that, after all, the old lady had stood tight laciug for more than seventy years; and that it could not, therefore, have been so dangerous as doctors say. Of course the answer is that Mrs. Wheeler was an exceptionally healthy woman, and thus lived in spite of the corset which imprisoned part of her organs and interfered with their natural development; had she not laced she would, doubtless, have been a centenarian. On the whole, ladies who read this sad account of the effects of tight lacing on a tall and once beautiful woman, will probably not be much encouraged by the longevity to which special circumstauces allowed her to attain. SgorMle tfuquiw. YORKV5LLE, S. C.: THURSDAY MORNING, JAN. 6, 1876. How to Order the Enquirer.?Write the name of the subscriber very plainly, give post-offlce, county and State in full, and send the amount of the subscription by draft or post-ofllce money order, or enclose the money in a registered letter. Postage.?The Enquirer is delivered free of postage to all subscribers residing in York coun1 ty who receive the paper at post-offices within the county; and to all other subscribers the postage is paid by the publisher. Our subscribers, no matter wh'ere thev receive the paper, are not liable for postage, it being prepaid at the post-offlce here, without additional charge to the subscriber. Watch the Figures.?The date on the "addresslal>el" shows the time to which the subscription is paid. If subscribers do not wish their papers discontinued, the date mast be kept.in advance. Cash.?It must be distinctly understood that our terms for subscription, advertising and jobwork, are cash in advance . THE NEW YEAR. The year eighteen hundred and seventyfive is gone. A minute and critical review of the leading events by which it is characterized is impossible. In many of its grand features it was like the years by which it was preceded. It had its spring, its summer, its autumn and its winter. The sun shone as it had for near six thousand years before. The rains fell, the winds blew, as in the past. Still the year that is just ended had its peculiar features. The seasons were favorable, aud the crop in the United States was an average one; but notwithstanding this fact, we are compelled to say that we believe the people of the United States begin the new year under straitened circumstances. The year eighteen hundred and seventy-six marks a grand epoch in our history. One hundred years ago, from Boston to Savannah, the country was in commotion. "To arms! to arms!" was heard in every section of the thirteen colonies. One hundred years ago, war actually commenced, in fearful earnest, between the feeble American colonies and Great Britain, the strongest nation on the globe. In the year 1761 the British government began, by unjust taxation, to oppress the colonies. The colonies bore and forbore ; complained and petitioned that their grievances might be removed. Things gradually grew worse. Blood was shed in 1771 at Alaj mance Creek, in North Carolina, in defence i of American rights. Here, for the first time ! in America, it was determined to be free or j die in the struggle for independence. At , Alamance Creek, in North Carolina, in 1771, men were shot down and hanged by the I King's party, because they would not tamely ! submit. Then followed, in quick succession, I a train of events which led to the grandest ' Revolution on record. The British govern; ment enacted oppressive laws and the colonies j resisted, not the British government at first, | but its oppressive acts. Armies were sent from Europe to awe the colonies into subjection. The colonies armed themselves and prepared to resist oppression. On the 18th of ; April, 1775, the battle of Lexington was 1 fought; on the 17th of June the battle of Bunker's Hill. i The opening of the year 1776, one hunI dred years ago, found the country full of British soldiers, and its coast lined with the ! naval force of Great Britain. Up to this ! time nothing had been contemplated by the colouies "but resistance against the oppressive I acts of the mother country. The people ! loved Great Britain. All they asked, at first, was relief; but in 1776 it became evi! dent to all that there was no plan by which their grievances could be redressed but by throwing off the British yoke. The multitude clamored for freedom, and their representatives, on the 4th of July, 1776, declared the thirteen colonies free and independent. It j was a sublime step; awfully sublime. Our I fathers were in earnest; they succeeded; and after a struggle of eight years they bequeathed to us the best government upon which the sun ever shone. The year 1876 is, in fact, a centennial year. The United States, as a free Republic, is one hundred years old. What mighty changes have taken place since 1776! Although the country has , passed through three wars?two of which were 1 desolating, and the last desolating beyond , calculation?still everything is progressing. It is true that the present is in many respects ominous. The country is in the midst of a , great financial crisis. Anarchy and confu, sion hover over many of the State Capitals, and the Stars and Stripes have been prostituted to the vilest purposes. "Still, our country yet remains," we would humbly hope. Our fathers planted the tree of liberty and watered it with their blood. Many of us feel an intense interest in the purity and prosperity of the United States government. In | 1776 our fathers wrested it from the hands of the mother country, and in 1812 they defended it from the encroachments of the same power. Would that those who are attempting to corrupt it would only look back to Alamance Creek, to Lexington, to Fort Bfoultrie, to Valley Forge, and to Yorktowu, and pause in their career! The eyes of the world are anxiously turned to the United States. We are demonstrating either that a republican form of government j is practical or that it is impractical. Its base I is intelligence and religion. If the United : States government fails, it will prove to the ' world that as a people we are iguoraut and , immoral. This will be a sad record to go j down to future generations. BATTLE OF KING'S MOUNTAIN. As appropriate to the opening of the Cen-1 tennial year, we commence, this week, the publication of a sketch of the battle of, King's Mountain, fought on the soil of York county in the darkest hour of the struggle for ! American Independence. In the preparation [ of the sketch, the author availed himself of:, the British version of the battle, as well as many traditional statements, making the most detailed and satisfactory history of that (1 engagement that has yet been published. I THE JUDICIAL ELECTION. The recent election of Circuit. Judges by the Legislature of this State has produced a storm of indignation not confined to South Carolina alone, but extending throughout the Union. Nor is the spirit of disapprobation, so freely indulged, confined to party?the Republican papers of the North and West speaking in as stroDg terms of condensation of the act of elevating Whipper and Moses to the bench as have any of the most ultra opposition papers spoken. Since our last issue, Governor Chamberlain has issued an official statement, declining to sign the commissions of Whipper and Moses. The document is dated at the Executive Chamber, December 21, 1875, and reads as follows: I decline to sign the commissions of W. J. Whipper and F. J. Moses, Jr., elected as Judges of the Circuit Court of this State by the General Assembly on the 16th ult., for terms to begin on the 26th day of August, 1S76. By the Constitution of the State the Judges of the Circuit Court are to be elected for terms of four years. By a series of adjudicated cases in the highest Court of this State, extending from 1871 to 1872, it has, in my judgment, been determined that officers elected under provisions of law similar to this provision of the present constitution are entitled to hold their offices for the full term prescribed by the Constitution or laws under which the election is held. It follows that, as the terms of the present incumbents of the offices to which the above persons J claim to have been elected on the 16th ultimo will not expire until after another general election of members of another General Assembly, the present General Assembly has not the right to elect their successors. While in some cases, presenting similar legal questions, it might not be required of the Governor to decline to issue commissions, the circumstances of the present case oompol me to this course. ' D. H. Chamberlain, Governor of South Carolina. Although the Governor hints that the circumstances of the present case compel him to this course, yet it is the opinion of several legal minds that his ground is tenable in a legal point of view, from the fact that the terms of the present incumbents, Judges Reed and Shaw, do not expire until after the next general election. Should the Judges elect, whom the Governor declines to commission, not yield to the demands of the popular sentiment by declining the honor conferred upon them by the Legislature, the question will go before the Supreme Court for adjudication on the points raised by the Governor in his official statement, which seems to have been prompted also by the action of Judges Reed and Shaw, who had previously filed with the Governor caveats agaiust issuing commissions to Whipper and Moses, on the ground that they (Reed and Shaw) are the lawful incumbents for four years from the time they were respectively elected. The people will applaud Judges Reed and Shaw for the position they have assumed, and the action of the Governor will be sustained by all right-thinking people, let the Supreme Court decide the question as they may. Already are the people speaking. The ball was set in motion in Charleston on Tuesday night of last week, and if we mistake not it will roll as a tidal wave throutrh everv county of the State, protesting in trumpet tones against the indignity offered to the people. The Charleston meeting is said to have been the largest public assemblage of white citizens that has been held in that city for ten years. A marked feature was the enthusiasm with which the declarations of the determination, and the power of the good citizens to redeem the State were received, and the vociferous applause with which every word was hailed that pointed to sustaining Governor Chamberlain, to the exclusion, at any cost, of Whipper and Mose6 from the bench, and to the maintenance of the rights and privileges of the colored citizens under the law and the Constitution. G. W. Williams was chosen President of the meeting, and extended remarks, on the occasion calling forth their action, were made by Gen. Conuor, J. Adger Smythe, Maj. Rudolph Seigling, Col. B. C. Pressley, Major Theodore G. Barker and others, and amid deafening applause the following preamble and resolutions were adopted: We have assembled to confer upon a condition ui minus w c? cvui luipouiiuu tuc pcuuo and well-being of any community. The foundation of society is a pure Judiciary, aud its corruption, or perversion to evil purposes, destroys the last hope of securing to a people protection and liberty. The action of the Legislature, in electing as judges, W. J. Whipper aud F. J. Moses, Jr., men whose proper place in a courthouse is the criminal's dock, is an insult to everv honest citizen and a violation of every safeguard which tho law affords to life, liberty.and property. But this action is not in itself tho full measure of the evil that confronts us. Bad as it is, its graver aspect is in what it signifies. We recognize in the recent judicial elections the ascendancy and control of the worst elements of the political party which governs the State. Actuated by a relentless hate based upon race, and stimulated by the prospect of "plunder and revenge," they have repudiated ail restraint, and inaugurated a policy which inevitably leads to the destruction of decent government, ruins the material interests of the State, and imperils our very civilization. Under such a condition of things, Law ceases to protect, and Government itself becomes the oppressor. What shall we do to avert the destruction which must surely result from the consummation of the policy thus* inaugurated ? Since 18GS the Conservative citizens of this State have put aside party obligations and the hopes of party ascendancy; have put no party ticket in the field, but have sought and hoped for peace, stability and pure government through the Republican party. They have striven not to antagonize, but to harmonize, conflicting races, interests and opinions, patiently waiting to obtain, as the fruits of their forbearance, the blessings of good government. In every form in which the effort could be made it has been tried, and when, through the wise, firm and patriotic administration of Governor Chamberlain, the end seemed about to be obtained, a Republicau Legislature repudiates the honest efforts of a Republican Governor, impatiently resents his control, and with a recklessness born of ignorance and hate, commits the State to a ca reer destructive of its peace aud lata! to its prosperity. The failure to obtain relief through the agency of the Republican party of the State is utter and hopeless. The responsibilities and obligations imposed upon us in this emergency must be fearlessly met. It is our first duty as citizens, to whom the character and future of the State is dear, to earnestly and solemnly protest against the action of those who have not only brought reproach upon their own party but have endangered the very foundations of our social fabric, and to use every means to wrest from them the power which they have so wauConlv abused. We deprecate all nppeal to passion and prejudice, but it behooves us to speak plainly. The attempt to place- infamy and corruption in the seat of Justice violates the primal instincts of civilized humanity, aud to that we will not submit. The right, to justice and good government is one which we dare not relinquish. With no hostility to the colored people of the State; mindful of the good conduct of those who have not been misled by evil counsels, we are determined to preserve to them every right and privilege guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the country; but the avowed purpose that there shall not be equality, but a domination of their race over the property and rights of the white pooplo of the State, will be resisted to the last, and under no circumstances shall it prevail. We appeal to the honostand intelligent portion of them, who bear their share of the political shame but share no part of the political plunder, while there is yet time, to turn away from the evil counsels which are leading them to a contest which must end in their utter ruin. We raise no political issue. "The issue rises higher than party," and seeks the end for which parties are organized. We rocognizotho earnestnoss and fidelity with which a portion of the Republican party, under the leadership of Governor Chamberlain, has i striven to establish a government which should I respect the rights and protect the interests of all I the people of the State. But they have failed, j The worst elements of their party have defeated j them. Withcoiitidoncein their sincerity, we ask j them to continue their effete, and without tho | abandonment of political principles to aid us in [ tho attainment of a common end, the establish- ; inent of pure and honest government. Be it therefore, Revolved, That as citizens of this State wo protest against the action of the General Assembly in electing, as judges, men so notoriously corrupt as W. J. Whipperand F. J. Moses, Jr., and avow j our determination to resist it to the end. 2. That we protest against the continuance in j office of legislators so regardless of duty and so; reckless of tho character, the peace and the prosperity of the State, and we will use overy effort to drive them from power. J. That wo cordially endorse the action of Gov ernor Chamberlain in refusing to issue commissions as judges to W. J. Whipper and F. J. Moses, and pledge to bim the full support of this community in his efforts to secure to the people of the Utate a faithful administration of the law. 4. That we tender to Governor Chamberlain our grateful ihanks for the bold and statesmanlike struggle he has made in the cause of reform, in the economical administration of the government, In the preservation of the public faith, in the equal administration of justice, and in the maintenance of the public peace, aud we pledge him our cordial support for the accomplishments of .these ends. ? EDITORIAL INKLIffGR. Affray in Charlotte. On Christmas afternoon, a serious affray occurred in Charlotte, N. C., in which over one hundred whites and hlacks were engaged. The Democrat which was at some pains to get the facts, gives the following as the origin of the difficulty : Policeman Joe Orr informs us that early in the afternoon he found a white man from the countrj-, named Tom Wilson, drunk, and engaged in a wrangle with several drunken negroes. Mr. Orr took hold of Wilson and started off with him, at the same time ordering the negroes to stand back and let Wilson alone, as he would take him off. Several negroes continued to follow, taunting Wilson and making threats, and finally they began throwing rocks at both Wilson and Policeman Orr?one knocking Wilson off his mule and another striking the policeman on the leg, inflicting a painful wound. After Wilson was being led off a negro man ran np behind him and hit him on the back of the head or neck with a rock. After it was seen that the negroes continued to assail Wilson and interfere with the policeman, several white men went forward and endeavored to drive hack the negroes, when they (the whites) were assailed with a shower of rocks. Soon afterwards an indiscriminate firing of pistols commenced and continued until about thirty shots had been fired. At the close of the firing" it was found that a negro from Abe country named Shephard Johnson, was killed, ami eight or ten others woumled. The man \Vho was killed was considered the leader of the negroes, and is said to have been a bad man. He it was who, early in the affray, made an unprovoked assault on Mr. Charles H. Elms, on the sidewalk, and afterwards got in the middle of the street and threw rocks. By the interference of some gentlemen the combatants were separated and the crowd dispersed into little squads in various directions. From the Southern Home, we learn that on the next morning after the occurrence a jury of inquest was summoned, and was in session until 4 P. M., taking much evidence, which, however, elicited nothing sufficient to lead to the arrest of any one as the slayer of Shephard Johnson. The testimony went to show that the firing was promiscuous and was participated in by both whites and blacks. Murder and Arson at Pomaria. On the night of the 24th ultimo, the store of Holloway & Reid, at Pomaria, a station thirty miles from Columbia on the Greenville & Columbia Railroad, was burned under very suspicious circumstanoes. After ?: i vr_ rr auppex,uu tuc evening lueuuuueu, lur. xjLuyue D. Reid, as was his custom, left the residence of Mr. Thomas Holloway (situated about si* hundred yards from the depot and store) to return during the night. Some time afterward, and after nine o'clock, a bright light was discovered in the direction of the store, and the alarm being given, Mr. Holloway, his son, and Dr. Wright, who happened to be present, started for the store, which they quickly found to be enveloped in flames, the section muster's house adjacent being also on fire. The light of the conflagration speedily brought the residents of the neighborhood to the scene, when by great efforts the depot was saved, together with about sixty bales of cotton which had been Stowed upon the platform and about the water tank. Nothing had been seen of Mr. Reid up to this time; but when the flames had subsided sufficiently to allow a near approach to the burning buildings, the charred remains of a human being were discovered in the bed-room of the store, and afterward, upon removal of the iron safe, the key was found in the lock, the contents of the safe having been evidently removed. In consequence ot tnese suspicious circumstances, it is believed that Mr. Reid was first killed by some party or parties intent upon robbery, who obtained the key from his person, and having secured the contents of the safe, afterward fired the building for the purpose of concealing all traces of their double crime. The body of Mr. Reid, the murdered man, was seen through an open window and recognized before the fall of the burning house. When recovered it had been burned beyond the possibility of recognition, and, indeed, nearly consumed. The barrel of a gun, the stock of which had been destroyed by the fire, was also found in close proximity to the body, completing the evidence of his having met with foul play, as no weapon of the kind is known to have been in his possession. The safe in the room was robbed of $3,000. GovfcltttQr Chamberlain, when the facts were made known to him, issued a proclamation offering a reward of one thousand dollars for the detection and apprehension of the perpetrators of the deed, and on the 31st ultimo detectives Canton and Hubbard arrested four negroes who were suspected of being the perpetrators of the deed, who were committed to jail in Newberry. One of the negroes confessed everything connected with the murder. According to his statement, the party went to the store under the pretence of trading, got a p Li. vr_ t>?:4 iavorauic uppui tuuiiy ?uu suut xui. nciu, They robbed the safe and went away. One of the party was then sent back to fire the store, and his suspicious actions at the fire led to his arrest. The whereabouts of the stolen money has been divulged and it probably will be recovered. For the Vorkvllle Enquirer. PUBLIC MEETING. At a public meeting of the citizens of York county, held in the Court House on Monday January 3, 1876, Col. W. C. Beatty was called to the chair and W. J. Stephenson was requested to act as Secretary. The object of the meeting being to give expression of the views of the people regarding the recent judicial election by the Legislature of South Carolina, and also to commend the action of Governor Chamberlain in his efforts to maintain a good government in this State, remarks to this effect were made by Major J. F. Hart; when, at the conclusion of his address the following resolutions were offered by Col. W. B. Allison: We, the citizens of York county, in public | meeting assembled, without reference to party or the interests of party, hereby testify our cordial' approval of the recent action of Gov. Chamberlain in his efforts to repress unjust legislation,and to secure to the community an impartial and economical administration of the government of .ur.. . .1 f liiim fsiuuu ; uici riutc, ? cavftew) That wo hold that a corrupt judiciary is one of i the greatest evils that can be indicted upon a people ; and that the refusal of Governor Chamberlain to commission persons of known incompetency and unfitness as judges of this State, meets tba hearty approval of the people of this county, j That in these measures, instituted in behalf of good government in South Carolina, we pledge to Gov. Chamberlain our unqualified support. After the reading of the resolutions their j. adoption was opposed by J. Hannibal White, j Senator from York county, who took occasion j to defend the action of the Legislature in the j election of Moses and Whipper to the judicial bench. At the conclusion of Senator White's re- i marks a vote was takeu on the adoption of j the resolutions, when they were carried by a majority?all the white persons present, ex- i cept, perhaps, one, voting affirmatively;' while the colored persons present voted negatively. There being no further business proposed,' on motion, the meeting adjourned. W. C. BEATTY, Chairman. I W. J. Stephenson, Secretary. < ZiOCAZ. AFFAZRS. i . 1 NEW ADVERTISEMENTS. . John L. Watson, Treasurer?Tax Notice-1875. C. E. Spencer, Assignee?In Bankruptcy?Gen- 1 eral meeting?In the Matter of J. B. Marks. | Hunter A Oates?New Store. Clark Brothers?1876. W. H. McCorkle?General Business Agent. , F. Happerfield?York Marble Yard. W. H. A J. P. Herndon?New Year?Remember. ] T. M. Dobson A Co.?The New Year?Shoes?Al- , amance Checks?Skirting? Groceries?Mil- ' linery Department?Rememl>er? Alpaca. A. Wllllford?More Fine Stock. J. H. Clawson, Assignee?In Bankruptcy?General Meeting?In the Matter of J. N. McCall, Obadiah Sarratt. Wanted. Charles Petty, Principal?Limestone Springs Female High School. JohnC. Kuykendal?For 1875?For 1876?In the Future?Contra. James F. Hart A G. W. S. Hart?Partnership Notice. H. W. Hope A Co?New Store. NEW STORES. With the new vear. two new business houses have opened in Yorkville, viz.: Messrs. Hunter & Oates, and Messrs. H. W. Hope & Co., who make their announcements in our advertising columns this week. Col. W. H. McCorkle, long connected with the mercantile house of J. H. Adams, deceased, as will be seen by his advertisement, has commenced a general business agency. A GRAND CHANCE FOR BARGAINS. Those who intend to purchase Pianos or Organs should take advantage of the unusually low prices which are now temporarily offered at Luddeu & Bates, Southern Music House, Savannah, Ga. They are now closing out their entire stock at strictly wholesale rates to cash buyers. See their advertisement in special notice column, and correspond with them at once. YORKVILLE PULPIT8. On Sunday last, the pulpit of the Methodist Episcopal Church was filled for the first time by Rev. John M. Carlisle, assigned to this station for the ensuing year by the last Conference. Rev. Luther Wilson, who has accepted the pastorate of the Presbyterian Church at this place, has arrived, and occupied the pulpit of his church last Sunday. SAJLES-DAY. The following property was sold on Monday last?sales-day for January : By order of the Probate Judge, the lands of Jas. Thorn, deceased?310 acres ; bought by S. D. Carothers, at $4.05 per acre. By writs of fi. /a., the interest of R. L. Manning in a tract of laud; bought by A. F. Smith for $62.25. Lauds of J. W. Garner?66 acres; bought by W. B. Steele for $375. GIN HOUSE BURNT. We learn that on the 20th ultimo the gin - /n rr 1 I .1 r*M 1 house ot Mr. k. <j. JS.enaricK in tne oieei Creek neighborhood of Mecklenburg county, N. C., was destroyed by fire, which was originated by a box of matches passing through the gin. Mr. Kendrick lost seventeen bales of cotton, and three bales belonging to other parties were also destroyed, besides the gin and building, both of which were new, and valued at $2,000. From the same informant we learn that previous to the above fire, two other gins were burnt in the same county the present season, the result of matches being placed, either designedly or by carelessness, amongst the cotton. WARM WEATHER. The "oldest inhabitant" cannot recall the time when so warm a term of weather has visited this section as we have had for the past three weeks. Though there has been some fall of rain, the temperature has been remarkably mild?the thermometer rarely indicating a degree lower than 70. We are all prone to complain, "weather or no weatherand had we been favored with the cold snap that usually ushers in the new year, perhaps there would have been as much complaint on that score as we now have on account of "weather too warm for the season"?enervating to man, and disastrous to pork packed in the amnlce-hnnses of those who were the fortunate possessors of a few grunters. THE WINNSBORO NEWS. The Winnsboro News of the 1st instant contains the valedictory of R. Means Davis, Esq., who retires to accept a position on the staff of the Charleston News and Courier. Mr. John S. Reynolds succeeds Mr. Davis as editor of the Winnsboro News and the Fairfield Herald and makes his bow in a tasteful, timely and temperate salutatory. Mr. Reynolds has been long and favorably known as Professor of History and Be^les-Lettres in the King's Mountain Military School at this place, the duties of which position he discharged with great credit to himself and with honor to the School. As a writer for the press he is not without experience, such of his contributions as have met our eye bearing the impress of vigorous thought and graceful diction. In his new sphere we predict for him a brilliant future, and he has our best wishes for success and prosperity. CLUB-MAKERS. For the convenience of those who may wish to subscribe for the Enquirer through a club-maker, we give below a list of persons who are engaged in forming clubs. As other club-makers are reported their names will be added to the list: John L. Miller, John J. Good, A. E. Carroll, D. W. Mayes, Mrs. N. H. Mason, A. W. Parks, Mrs. S. R. Logan, T. G. Culp, W. M. Bovd. Miss J. Lou Brandon. " ?/ ' ' Joseph R. Howe, A. F. Lindsay, Brainerd McLure, S. L. Milling, R. L. Crook, J. L. Parker, Willie Ferguson, Miss Katie McCully, i L. George Grist, J. N. Roberts, W. P. Ferguson, M. L. Dickson, H. E. Johnson, Mrs. C. V. Williams, j Rev.T. J. Taylor, S. D. Simril, 1 Miss Rebecca Barnett, xVfrs. Mary C. Grier, J. C. Saunders, S. G> Brown, i A. J. Matthews, W. S. Garrison, Major Myles Smith, Capt. E. JR. Mills, T. J. Roach, John T. Grist, S. M. Roach, W. R. Davis, E. M. Faris, Dr. W. M. Meador, ! J. E. Craig. j ENDORSING GOv! CHAMBERLAIN. J A large assemblage of citizens of York county, irrespective of party or race, gathered in the Court House on Monday last, to give an expression of approval of the recent offi- j cial action of Governor Chamberlain upon 1 the tax bills and the judicial election. Col. | W. C. Beatty, representative from York, was j called to the chair, and W. J. Stephenson ap- i pointed secretary. : By request of the chairman, Maj. J. F., t Hart explained the purpose of the meeting to j f be simply a gatheriug of citizens of the coun- J ( * ? + kt.a Ift rD/Vtrfl I ^ I?y , U l Cflpcuuvc U1 ]/UHtiuai uiaoj bu avvvav* i j their approval or disapproval of the bold ac-! 1 tion of the Chief Executive of the State in re- j [ sisting legislative encroachments upon the 1 rights of all the people of the State. ( Frank Edwards, colored, County Commissioner, desired some further information, and wanted to know what it was Governor Cham- j 1 berlain had done that he was asked to approve.; c Col. Beatty, from the Chair, referred to the ? platform upon which the Governor was elected ; to his public addresses during the politi- T cal campaign, and to the fidelity with which j the promisesthen made had been fulfilled in bis official acts. He also stated that the legislature, although elected in part under a form platform, was not all in favor ofteform; that many?and almost a majority?of the Republican members were opposed to Governor Chamberlain's vigorous economy and upright administration; that many of these members wanted to make a little more money than this economy permitted, and were conseqently dissatisfied and rebellious. The Chairman also explained that the refusal of the Governor to issue commissions to two of the late Judges elect was based on legal grounds, and that the act was one of official duty as well as of high morality. Col. W. B. Allison then offered the resolutions, published in the Secretary's report of the proceedings, when J. Hannibal White, colored, Senator from York, opposed the resolutions. He said he had voted for W. J. Whipper and F. J. Moses for Judges in the late election, and was proud of it. In regard to Whipper, charges of corruption in the management of the sinking fund had been made against him, but he had never been tried for it. When he was tried and convicted it was time enough to denounce him. There were other men, he said, on the commission besides Whipper, and the audience no doubt knew who they were, without the speaker telling them. Whipper had defied these men to prosecute him. As to Whipper being a gambler, continued Senator White, that did not amount to much, as pretty much all the judges and lawyers he had met were gamblers. He was ready to endorse the Governor when he was right, and to oppose him when wrong. The Governor was not bis master, and he would permit no man to lead or dictate to him. He would vote against the resolutions. At the conclusion of Senator White's remarks, the question of adopting the resolu+>nno aa tmisxt af fliA onnntv. heintr nut. IUVUOj UC bUV 1VIVV W? ??v , J Q A , the chair was not able to determine the result. A rising vote was then taken, and the resolutions were declared adopted?the whites, with one exception only, voting in the affirmative, and nine-tenths of the colored people voting in the negative. During the meeting the hall of the Court room was well filled, and much interest was manifested in the object of the meeting. But for the influence of J. H. White over the colored portion of the audience, the meeting would, no doubt, have been entirely harmonious in its action. Correspondence of the Yorkville Enquirer. LETTER FROM FORT MILL. Fort Mill, S. C., Jan. 1,1876. At a meeting of Catawba Lodge, of A. F. M., on the 27th, the following officers were installed to serve the ensuing year: W. H. Stewart, W. M.; J. W. Ardrey, 8. W.; B. F. Powell, J. W. ; A. W. Parks, Secretary; Henry Mussey, Treasurer; J. M. Spratt, S. D.; R.S. Warren, J. D.; R. S. Wilson, J. M. Herman, Stewards ; T. J. Culp, Tiler. At a meeting of Fort Mill Grange, held ' ' " ?- *? -in tni8 aay, me ioj lowing omcere were iiiBiaiieu for the ensuing year : B. H. Massey, Master; T. G. Culp, Overseer; T. J. R. Belk, Lecturer ; Rev. J. M. Garrison, Chaplain; S. J. Orraand, Steward; A.S. White, Assistant Steward; J. C. Jones, Oate-Keeper. The committee appointed to award premiums to the members of this Grange entitled to receive the same, made the following report to-day: For the best garden, S. J. Ormand. For the best cultivated farm, A. S. White. For the best self-sustaining farm, Hugh Gelston. For the best acre of corn, T. C. Spratt For the best acre of cotton, B. H. Massey. For the best acre of wheat, J. M. Garrison. For the best acre of oats, T. B. Withers. For the best crop of hay, B. H. Massey. For the best crop of clover, J. M. White. For the best busnel of potatoes, B. H. Massey. For the best bushel of turnips, J. R. Harris. For the best crop of onions?100 bushels, S. J. Ormand. For the best set of mills and gins, 8. E. White. For the best double-foot plow, T. G. Culp. For the best team of mules, J. M. White. For the best pair match mules, HughGelston. For the best saddle horse, Dr. J. E. Massey. For the best harness horse, B. H. Massey. For the best brood mare, J. R. Harris. For the best stallion, A. C. Sutton. For the best bull, Smith Patterson. For the best milch cow, Dr. J. E. Massey. For the best flock of sheep, A. B. Springs. For the best flock of goats, B. H. Massey. For the best boar, J. R. Harris. For the best sow, T. B. Withers. For the best herd of hogs, Hugh Gelston. The committee appointed to make' the awards was composed of S. J. Ormand, T. G. Culp and J. R. Harris, and their report was adopted. Two accidents recently occurred near this place, on the C. C. & A. Railroad. On the 23rd ultimo two loaded freight cars became detatched from the train and rolled down an embankment. One of the care contained a package of friction matches which ignited, and the flame was rapidly communicated to a keg of powder which hastened the couflagraA'^*% AnAnr) nAntnnfa Hn nun, ucsuuYliic uaio anu tuui?uioi vu the 30th, near the same place, the train ran off the track, inflicting slight damage, however. T. G. C. For the Yorkvllle Enquirer. CHRISTMAS AT FORT MILL. Tirzah, S. C., Dec. 31, 1875. That we might enjoy a short respite from the cares of home, by special invitation we left for Fort Mill on the morning of the 24th, taking a circuitous route via Rock Hill. Tarrying in that sprightly town a short while, we resumed our |ourney in the direction of Moore's Ferry, which we soon reached; and after exhausting our patience, waiting for the tardy ferryman, that functionary at length appeared, and by him we were safely borne to the opposite shore. In the afternoon we arrived in Fort Mill, and divesting ourselves of our traveling habiliments and partaking of some refreshments, we were ready for any festive scenes that might be presented. Soon the town was all aglow with excitement, in view of the masquerade ball. The hour to which many had looked forward with eager anticipation arrived, and youthful hearts beat in anxious suspense for the dance. The hall was beautifully decorated with evergreens and winter (lowers, entwined over and around the walls, interspersed with appropriate mottoes, all brilliantly lighted up by an elegant chandelier suspended from the ceiling. The inasqueraders, in a variety of costumes, soon appeared upon the floor, and then "A hundred heart* beat rapidly, and when MuhIc nrone with lu voluptuous hwpII, Soft eye* looked love to eyes which spake again, And ail went merry an a marriage bell." Those en masque monopolized the dance for iwbile; but at length the costumes being dispensed with, all present had the opportunity givjn them of joining in the dance. Your correspondent, however, did not participate for want of ? partner, but was content to feast his eyes upon ;be gay dancers and fascinating beauties of the sail-room. Having enjoyed ourself until enjoynent ceased to be a pleasure, we returned to our *oom, where sweet sleep and pleasant dreams loon took possession of us. The next morning we were aroused from our (lumbers by the noise of fireworks, announcing ihat Christmas had come. The day dawned dark md gloomy, threatening rain ; yet a considerable luinuer of people had assembled in town, and vero in the height of their enjoyment, until sudlenly the cry of "Fire I" was sounded. Through he prompt action of the Hook and Ladder Com>any, and the timely aid of a colored bystander, ho fire was soon extinguished, with no further lamage than the loss of a few old Bhingles. Nothing further occurred to mar the festivities >f the day, until late in the afternoon, when a itreet fracas occurred. One of the combatants, lowever, doubtless calling to mind the old adage >f "he who fights and rnns away," Ac., fled presipitately and the row ended. Another fight, oclurring soon after, closed the pugilistic encouners of the day. Next morning being the Sabbath, every thing ; vore a different and more peaceful aspect than ; haracterlzed the day previous. We had the | ileasure of hearings splendid sermon, appropri- i ate to the commemoration of Christmas day, preached bv Rev. Mr. Mack, who is soon to take charge of tne Presbyterian Church at this place. Monday being the day for the installing of the .officers of the Masonic Lodge, by the invitation of friends, we had the pleusure of enjoying a sumptuous dinner given on the occasion, after which we repaired to the Hall to witness the installation ceremonies. This being over, those present, who had not been initiated into the mystic order, retired to the base-hall grounds and witnessed an exciting game of^this manly sport. The evening closed with a repetition of {he gaities of the ball-room of Christinas Eve, the gallant beaux and dazzliug beauties once more assembling for the merrv'danee. " ?'' Thus ended a season highly enjoyed and long to be remembered by many; and Tuesday morning, notwithstanding the inHeirfency* of the weather, we bid adieu to our friends, and were soon on our way through mud and slpsh, until dark overtook us. Calling a halt, we stopped with a friend for the night, and next morning were once more on the road for home; but on reaching a neighboring farm house, we were cordially in- ^ vited to stop and particulate with some social friends in a Christinas dinner, whioh invitation we accepted, prolonging our stay until next morning, when we made another start for home, arriving that day, and feeling considerably improved in mind and body by what we had seen and enjoyed. G. Correspondence of the Yorkville Enqnirer. LETTER FROM CHESTER. Chester, Jan. 3,1876. The Chester and Cheraw Railroad Company, through their representatives, J. A. Haseltine, President, and Col. J. D. Wylie, of Lancaster, applied, a few days ago, before Judge T. J. Mackey for a mandamus, instructing the County Commissioners of Chester to levy a tax to meet the interest on the bonds of the county of Chester, issued in aid of the Chester and Cheraw Railroad. This man dam us was asked for because of the peculiar phraseology of the act, a doubt waa felt by the County Commissioners whether it was their duty to make the levy. They did not doubt the validity of the obligation of the county of Chester to meet the interest on its bonds issued in aid of the Chester and Cheraw Railroad; but they entertained some doubt in regard to their duty in'the premises. So it was thought best by all parties concerned to obtain a solution of the difficulty from the Judge ^ of the Circuit, which was accordingly done. The mandamus was granted, requiring the County Commissioners to levy the tax. At a late meeting of the Master Masons of this place the following memV rs of the order were elected for the ensuing y^ a: J. B. McFadden, W. M.; J. S. Withers, & W.; J. D. Means, J. W.; N. B. Alexandetr, Secretqry, I. L. Gunhouse, Treasurer. The installation services have also been held, when the brethren elected were formally invested with the robes of office. At a late meeting of Chapter Masons the following members were elected for the ensuing year: J. J. McLure, H. P.; T. S. Mills, King; R. C. M. Alexander, o?'i.. t d jj? n zr . a ixr n.,?. otTioe , u. ju. mumuucu, vj. ju. , u. ??. vui tis, P. ; I. Heyman, jB. .4. (7.; J. H. Kaufman, (?. if. 3d V.; N. B. Simpson, <?. M. 2nd V.; I. Mclver, 0. if. 1st 7.; C. E. Cobb, Secretary; I. L. Gunhouse, Treasurer, and J. H. Crawford, Sentinel. On Thursday evening last the Masonic brethren had a grand jollification in the way -of a good supper, which was greatly enjoyed by. all present The entertainment differed 'from' that of last year, inasmuch as it was confined entirely to brethren of the order. I have been requested to state that the Deputy Grand Master of this Masonic District, Colonel A. Coward, of Yorkville, will meet the Masters of the various Lodges, at this place, on the 2nd TuesThe Rich riill Tournament came off, according to appointment, on the 23rd ultimo, and proved quite a success. The chivalric amusement was witnessed with pleasure by the large number of persons who were present. The first, prize was awarded to Mr. P. W. Hardin, Knight of Sandy River; the second, i~a t>? tu iur. v. o. \juuik| xxi 11^ ut ui uurowi , cuiu tuo third to Mr. V/B. McFadden, Knight of the Belles. The Queen of the occasion was Miss Laura Brown, of Rossville; her Maids of Honor were Miss Belle McFadden, of Lewisville, and Miss Nannie Hardin, of Chester. After the riding and crowning, the party adjourned to a building near by, where the mazy dance was begun, continued, and did not end until the close of the day. The holidays passed off quietly and pleasantly here. The young men gave a dance at the Cotton Hotel, which was a very enjovable affair. A considerable number of ladies graced the occasion with their presence, and looked as charmingly and danced as prettily as the sterner sex could desire. Oar neighboring town, Union, by the presence of two of her fair and attractive representatives, carried off the honors of the evening. The dancers displayed their pleasure in the amitaement by the lateness of the hour at which they ceased to trip the light fantastic toe.; In addition to the presence of youth and beauty, matrons, with their lords, attended, and looked with admiring eyes Upon the beautiftil and dazzling scene. Christmas day was principally celebrated at this place by the colored population, who appeared upon our streets in great numbers and in very happy spirits. For the most part their behavior was quite commendable. Still, there was one obstreperous fellow, who in consequence of au excessive indulgence in mean whisky, became so belligerent imd powerful in bis own estimation as to defy the 14 -In nnak/?k ' a now UUUJU1UOU puiiuc 1VIlb lO TZMJ\JUgu (IV ?**J that he was locked up until be bad cooled off. The whites were also happy oil: that blessed day, if their exuberance of feeling was not so demonstrative as that of their colored friends. Their happiness took shape in the form of an extension of the ordinary salutations of that day, in an exchange of presents, and lastly, but by no means least, in a very general and hearty enjoyment of that delightful beverage, egg-nog. There were some who, acting upon the principle that Christmas comes but once a year, imbibed rather freely and were slightly overcome. While good order and peace reigned in town, the county was not so happily blessed. Blackstocks and the vicinity were the scenes ! nf tvurx itn&rtnnata affairs nne nf which re suited in the killing of a colored man, named George Mercer, and the other, in the serious wounding of a colored man, named Leroy Finney. The latter difficulty occurred in the town of Blackstocks, on Christmas day, and was occasioned by Finney's speaking to a white man, named Matthews, in regard to his using his pistol in a negligent and1 reckless manner. Matthews, who was drinking at the time, upon hearing the objectionable remark; fired the pistol at Finney, who fell, seriously wounded in the head. Matthews immediately after the occurrence, fled, and has not yet been arrested. The difficulty, in which Mercer lost his life, took place within a short distance of Blackstocks, and the principal facts are briefly these: On the evening of the 27th ultimo a number of men and women, all colored, were assembled at a negro house, and .. were engaged in dancing. Stephen Young began to make a disturbance, and after being urged by George Mercer to stop it, and refusing to do so, was put out of the house. In a short time, being readmitted into the house, and seeking out George Mercer, he gave him a terrible cut with a knife in the region of the heart, producing almost instantaneous death. The horrible deed was perpetrated so silently ana yet so sureiy, tnat tne aance ceasea not, nor did the fiddler "break his tune" for some time after the commission of the foul crime. The negroes were wrought up to a high pitch of indignation, and had not Sheriff Walker arrived on the scene, they might have been the judge, jury and executioner of Stephen Young, who was arrested, lodged in jail, and will soon be tried upon the charge of murder. New Year's Day was greeted with a very warm welcome at this place. At the hour of twelve, on Friday night, the merry sounds of church bells and the roar, of artillery announced the delightful fact of the arrival of Centennial year. Judge T. J. Mackey was at the head of the firing party, aud when several salutes had been given in honor of the new year, was called upon for a speech, to which he heartily responded. The Judge joined in the chorus of denunciation of the Whipperand Moses outrage, which has been sounding from the national heart for the past