Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, January 06, 1876, Image 2
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.
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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