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She fJorfcviUe ^nquiw. YORKVILLiE, S. C.: THURSDAY MORNING, MAY 3, 1877. How to Order the Enquirer.?Write the name of the subscriber very plainly, give post-office, county and State in full, and send the amount of the subscription by draft or post-office money order, or enclose the money in a registered letter. Postage.?The Enquirer is delivered free of postage to all subscribers residing in York coun.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 where they receive the paper, are not liable for postage, it being prepaid at the post-office here, without additional charge to the subscriber. Watch the Figures.?The date on the "addresslabel" shows the time to which the subscription is paid.' If subscribers do not wish their papers discontinued, the date must be kept in advance. Cash.?It must be distinctly understood that our terms for subscription, advertising and jobwork, are cash in advance. THE GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE. The first message of Governor Hampton to the General Assembly, is published in another column. Like everything that he has spoken or written since he became the chosen standard bearer of the people of South Carolina, it is concise, temperate and marked with the sound practical sense so characteristic of its author. The various recommendations contained in the message will meet the approval of the people, of all classes and colors ; and to secure the relief, so urgently demanded, it is only necessary for the Legislature to act promptly and decisively upon those recommendations. Without capitulating the points made in the message, we ask for it an attentive perusal by all our readers. GEN. MICAH JENKINS. In another column of this issue, we copy, with pleasure, a letter to the Charleston Newt and Courier, signed "Co. K, P. S. S.the perusal of which, we know, will arouse the sympathies and interest of many of the readers of the Enquirer. On the long list of South Carolina's precious sacrifices in the late war, no name is more conspicuous for skillful soldiery, lofty courage and patriotic devotion, than that of Brig. Geo. M. Jenkins. In him, we of York, have a special interest. He was our own. It is now twelve years since he was borne a bleeding corpse from the battle's front and laid in an honored, but undistinguished, grave in Suramerville, S. C. These years have been too full of despondency, uncertainty and humiliation, for our people to give worthy expression to their appreciation of his merits. The dawn of a better time, however, is now upon us, and we should no longer delay. Illustrious deeds and heroism of every kind are important factors in a people's civilization, and we cannot, without injustice to ourselves and our posterity, permit any of those so fruitfully yielded by our desperate struggle to oinlr inf A aKI i niAn Oiua luvv vi/uvivu. We suggest, therefore, that the survivors of the famous brigade which bore bis name, at ooce inaugurate, in every township, such measures as will secure the means of erecting a monument worthy alike of him and of the people he so gallantly served. We feel sure that any well organized plan to effect this end, will be sustained by the generous cooperation of the best citizens of the whole State. Let the work, then, be begun, so that a fitting recognition of sacrifice may grace this first year of the new era which is to restore to U8 a land to love and die for. SOUTH CAROLINA NEWS. ? It is estimated that not less than eight hundred persons will attend the inauguration ball at Columbia this eveniug. ? "Honest" John Patterson arrived in Columbia last week. He promises that he will vote for the admission of Gen. M. C. Butler as United States Senator. ? The train on the Spartanburg and Asheville Railroad now runs over about thirteen miles of the road, and the work goes bravely on. ? Mr. Chamberlain's family have left Columbia, their destination being Washington. His household furniture has been shipped to * * it. _mi 11 trie same point, ana ne win iuhuw iu peisuu i as soon as be can settle his business matters ' in Columbia. ? The Republican State House officers have, after mature deliberation, determined to withdraw their claims to the respective positions lately occupied by them. This conclusion has been reached by them after 'several conferences among themselves. Each side will pay their own costs of proceedings in the Supreme Court. ? At a caucus of the Democratic members of both Houses of the Legislature, held one i night last week, it was determined that on unity, concentration and the strictest drawing of party lines, the safety of the party and the welfare of honest government depend. It was also agreed that caucuses, on all important matters, as a matter of necessity, will be held, and the members will sink personal feeling to the will of the majority. ? In the House of Representatives on the 26th ultimo, Mr. Aldrich offered a resolution, relative to the political prosecutions now pending in Aiken and Edgefield, which was adopted, that "his Excellency the Governor of South Carolina do communicate with his Excellency the President of the United States, and invoke his clemency to so direct the pow- > er and authority by law vested in the depart- j ment of justice, to have those political prose-1 cutions stopped, and that those held under j bond be allowed henceforth to go and be at I liberty." And also, that "should his Excel- J lency the President of the United States see ! fit to grant to all our citizens confined in Na-. tional prisons, under convictions upon similar charges, a full and free pardon, it will be regarded by the State as an evidence of good will, and, by all our people, as a harbinger of: peace, the fruits of which must inevitably be a closer union and a more perfect tranquility." ; ? MERE-MENTION. From the signs of the times, politics in : Georgia will become pretty lively before long. The question before the people is the calling a convention to amend the constitution of the State. The United States Government will take no official notice of the war between Russia and Turkey unless some question of | complaint arises. It is proposed in Wash- j ington to organize a regiment of Indians, with Spotted Tail as Colonel, to be paid and uniformed like regular soldiers. The President will hereafter hear no vocal appli-' cations for office. They must be made in writing. The Legislature of Louisiana, in joint session, on the 24th ultimo, elected Judge Spofford United States Senator. Two companies of soldiers have been ordered from JJorth Carolina, leaving only one company in i the State, at Fort Johnson. In Oregon it is against the law to sell a drink to a man who cannot show a license from the State to buy the same. We suppose next they will be advertising the names of the parties who get license. That beats the Virginia whisky bell punch. Rev. E. T. Baird, formerly secretary of the Presbyterian Board of Publication at Richmond, is a defaulter to the amount of $22,000, and has absconded. Diaz's Government in Mexico seems to secure peace and confidence throughout that country. There is nothing to change the opinion that the extra session will be called for June 4. The population of Maine has decreased sixteen thousand since the census in 1870. The falling off is largely due to emigration to the West. W. J. Black, a merchant of Charlotte, N. C., has gone into bankruptcy with liabilities amounting to $50,000. England and France will issue proclamations of neutrality in the war between Russia and Turkey. Judge King has been appointed Collector of Customs at New Orleans. He was an old line Whig, and a Union man during the war. A. H. Stephens appeared in the United States Supreme Court last Monday and argued a cause. Hon. Wm. G. Brownlow, died at his residence in Knoxville, Tennessee, last Sunday. A citizen of Kansas, named Dubois, claims to be one of a party who followed the Bender family when they left Kansas and killed them all. EDITORIAL INKLINGS. Louisiana Affairs. At 12 o'clock on the 24th, the troops were withdrawn from New Orleans, and embarked on a steamboat for the barracks. On the following day, the members of the Legislature, in a body headed by Gov. Nicholls, took uninterrupted possession of the StateHouse. Packard issued an address to the Republicans of Louisiana, closing as follows : "I therefore announce to you that I am compelled to abstain for the present from all active assertion of ray government. I waive none of my legal rights, but yield only to superior force. I am not wholly discouraged by the fact that, one by one, the Republican State governments of the South have been forced to succumb to force, fraud or policy. Louisiana, the first State rehabilitated after the war, is the last State whose government thus falls, and I believe it will be among the first to raise itself again to the plane of equal and honest representation. I advise that you maintain your party organization aud continue to battle for the rights of citizenship and free government. We strive for these and not for a man or men. It grieves me beyond expression that the heroic efforts you have made and the cruel suffering you nave undergone to maintain Republican principles in Louisiana, have had this bitter ending. To those who have so gallantly stood by me in the long contest we have passed through, I tender my heart-felt thanks. To all I counsel peace, patience, fortitude and a firm trust that eventually right and justice will prevail." S. B. Packard, Governor. The President's Policy. Secretary Evart3, in speaking recently of the President's policy, said that, under all reasonable contingencies, there were no grounds whatever for apprehension in the minds of the people of any section. He admitted that the Presideut might have with- 1 drawn the troops within twenty-four hours after his accession to office, but had he done so this would have accomplished the same result. The result of the apparent delay has been the bringing of order out of chaos and giving those States a lasting government. In the settlement of the controversy nothing was done except within the strict province of existing constitutional and statutory provisions. The Government found no necessity for recognizing either government under the Constitution. This right belonged to the Legislature in canvassing the votes for Governor. Complimenting the work of the President, the Secretary said that President Hayes had no desire for re-election, and, so far as he knew, none of the Cabinet had aspirations in that direction. Referring to the fears expressed that the President had left the colored man to the hands of a class inimical to his interests, Mr. Evarts said that Mr. Hayes believed the Southerners to be an honorable people, who would take especial pains to carry out their pledges in regard to the colored people, and that no apprehension existed in the mind of the President touching the future condition of affairs of the South. The President is reported as Baying that he does not see how Messrs. Wade. Blaine & Co., can give force to their opposition. He says they could not do it by thwarting any personal plans or prospects of his own, because he had none for them to thwart; they could not do it by defeating his nominations in the Senate, because he never would send any name to the Senate in whose conhrmation he had an interest beyond that inspired by his "lAtno oq f a fko rvAA/1 nf f Ko nnKlin gCUCiai Vicno (to uu tuv gvuu v* viiv service. He did not see that they could do anything beyond denounce his policy in speeches. Even if they could find a majority in the Senate opposed to his Southern policy, the Senate could not undo what had been done. It could not restore the troops to the State Houses, nor could it rehabilitate the governments which have vanished as soon as federal troops were withdrawn from their support. ? ? GEN. MICAH JENKINS. SHALL HIS LAST RESTING-PLACE REMAIN UNMARKED ? To the Editor of The Netcs and Courier : I was pleased to see your editoral on the revival of that old landmark of South Carolina, the "Citadel Academy." I sincerely hope the Alumni may be successful in their efforts. With this wish for the revivification of the Academy, allow me, through your valuable paper, to make a proposition concerning one i of its dead heroes?Gen. Micah Jenkins. Gen. Jenkins lived for the advancement of our interests, and died in defence of our principles. No mark of public appreciation of his services stands over his resting-place. Let those who were with him at "King's Mountain Military School" unite with those who fought with him on the fields of Virginia and elsewhere, and build up, on the green sward in i front of the Academy at Yorkville, a fitting ! monument to the memory of this Christian gentleman and brave soldier. I know that the citizens of Yorkville will go into this undertaking with a will. I also 1 know that the enterprise will have the cordial support of that gallant soldier and gentleman, j Col. Asbury Coward, to whom the grounds of the Academy now belong. Col. Coward was the life long friend and colaborer (at home and in the field) of Gen. Jenkins, and it is his dearest wish to see some public testimonial offered him. The friends and followers of Gen. Jenkins are scattered over the State, from the mountains to the sea. I humbly briug this matter before our people in order that the subject may be thoroughly digested and some plan set on foot to accomplish the desired object. With a central committee at Columbia and sub-committees in each couuty, the , i plans can be completed by the time the State 1 Fair meets next November. The press of the ; State are respectfully invited to give the above suggestions their consideration. Company K, P. S. S. 11 LOCAL AFFAIRS. new advertisements. H. F. Ad ickes?Cheaper Still?Calicoes?Summer Shawls?Cassimeres?White PantsStraw Hats?Ladies' Neck-Wear. Kennedy Bros. <fe Barron?Groceries and Dry Goods?Crockery?Glass Ware?Wooden Ware?Canned Goods?Tin Ware?Shuck Collars?Rice Flour. M. Strauss?New Arrivals. Smith <6 Roach?Bar-Room and Restaurant. Jefferys & Metts, Agents?Just Arrived 100 Sacks Navassa Guano. Bennett <k Moffatt, Chester, S. C.?Agricultural Depot. I. L. Gunhouse <fe Co., Chester?Another Groat Excitement. SENATOR WITHERSPOON. We are indebted to Senator Witherspoon for a pamphlet copy of the Governor's message, copies of the Journal of the Senate, and other favors received at his hands. INAUGURAL BALL. We return thanks to the managers for an invitation to the inaugural ball, in honor of his Excellency Governor Wade Hampton, on Thursday evening, 3rd instant. THE PICNIC LAST SATURDAY. The picnic season was duly inaugurated last Saturday, by quite a large number of ladies and gentlemen, who made an excursion Uir nail In Ron rrov Tlnm nn flip fl ifr Tj. Rfl.il vjj inn bv i^wnvvi A/I?U?| V? ?mw W. ?? ?- ? road. r ACCIDENTALLY SHOT HIMSELF. a Last Monday, John Lathem, living a few c miles south-west of town, while handling a pistol, accidentally discharged the weapon, 8 and the contents, which were small shot, en- c tered the leg, inflicting a painful, but not t dangerous wound. Dr. Harry Clawson was <; summoned, who extracted the shot and ren- c dered other necessary surgical attention to c relieve the sufferer. I . 8 LIST OF JURORS. i The following is a list of the petit jurors, r drawn to serve at the special terra of the Cir- ? cuit Court, to be held on the 15th instant: * White.?W. D. Gaston, J. W. Dobson, S. l E. Carroll, A. M. Black, J. V. McFadden, t M. R. Smith, S. J. Kimbrell, L. N. Culp, P. r W. Lindsay, Sen., J. W. Ardrey, R. H. Har- T ris, R. B. Kennedy, J. N. McGill, J. N. J O'Farrell, E.G. Feemster, W. Beatty Smith, ^ J. W. Y. Dickson, J. L. Adams, R. E. D. | Currence, D. T. Lessley, VV. T.Jackson, Jas. r M. M. Cain. ' t Colored,.?Joseph Erwin, Simon Swann, c Matt. Campbell, Alexander Jackson, Tony e Whitesides, Ben Galloway, Wilson McGill, x Wra. Adams, Allison Crawford, Robert King, ? Jefferson Ellis, Authony Lawrence, Martin ^ Armstrong, Wilson Wilson. c BRUTAL ACT. a On Friday afternoon last, Jim Houston, a u stalwart negro, some 25 or 30 years of age, t living on the plantation of Mr. Samuel Barron, in the vicinity of Tirzah church in this J county, whipped a child of his own color so 1 unmercifully that his life is despaired of. The victim of the fiend's brutality is the son of q Ed. Witherspoon, a neighbor, and over whom fi Houston has no legal right of control. The v little boy was at Houston's house, however, v by invitation, and on the evening in question t Houston sent him on some errand to Mr. ? Barron's house. Not making the haste that t, Houston desired, when the little boy, only 7 h or 8 years old, returned to the field where g Houston was at work, the latter tied the * child's arms around a tree and proceeded to u whip him, first, as the brute himself admits, .v using cedar limbs, and afterwards hickory j' withes, continuing the flagellation until the child was literally flayed from the crown of his head to the soles of his feet. Tk~ child c was then made walk to the house, where he re- ii mained uncared for until the next evening, r when word reached his father of the cruel J treatment he had received, and he was taken D home, and his body, a mass of sores, was p dressed. On Monday the child was brought 0 to town for medical treatment, and placed un- c der care of Dr. Alexander, who expresses c doubtastoits recovery. On application of the father, Trial Justice Lewis issued a war- c rant for the arrest of the fiend, and he was g promptly brought before that official on Mon- g day afternoon, and by him committed to jail b to await the result of the injuries inflicted li upon the child. * Houston appears to have no regrets for his ? barbarous act, speaking of it as though he had y performed a meritorious deed. While on his 0 way from the Court yard to the jail, he re- g ceived the execrations of men and women of b his own color, some of whom thought "Gov- I ernor Hampton wouldn't make much fuss Jl about it if they were to take the wretch out and give him a similar flogging to that which ^ he inflicted upon the child while a colored 0 woman remarked?"Yes, and if a white man g had whipped a negro that way, a regiment of I soldiers would have been sent here right off'!" P if UamU/ihUi* Ann ko rvnniaknrl ku ^ J3UL 11 9UUU uai uai 11* jr tail uu ^/uuiouvu civil process, we doubt not Houston will receive his desserts at the next term of the Cir- ? cuit Court. ?* c Correspondence of the Yorltville Enquirer, h LETTER FROM CHESTER. j Chester, April 30, 1877. i When my correspondence was closed last y Tuesday, the trial of the case of the State vs n Robert Stewart, colored, charged with grand v larceny, was progressing. The State was un- * able to make out its case against the defendant. It was proven that he was found in the stable of Mr. John Smith, with a bridle in h his haud, and iu the act of taking the horse ; u but the testimony failed to establish the fact h that he had taken the horse from the stable. r The offence was nothing more than trespass, ' but as the indictment was for grand larceny, j the jury was compelled to render a verdict of c not guilty. d In the afternoon the case of the State vs s; Carter Ross, colored, charged with grand lar- P ceny, was tried. The crime attributed to him Jj was complicity in the Btealing of Gen. W. A. Walker's horse. Pres Carter, colored, in ^ whose possession the horse was found at Lincolnton, testified that the defendant had a y conversation with him on Saturday evening ; o before the Sunday night the horse was stolen,! si and told him that if he (witness) would ride j ~ L T-Tnoff'a Rrirl r*a (anma nlono noQ r I t.i Ci UU1SO iu JLij an o jji lugu ^yvujv |/?mvv *jwm? ; ?. Dallas) he (defendant) would give him $10. ii The witness further testified that on Sunday , tl night the horse was provided by the defen- q dant, and that he, having missed the way, j w rode it to Lincolnton, instead of to Hyatt's a Bridge. The defendant, when placed upon ! o the stand, testified to his being at Shelby on j a the night the horse was stolen. His testimo-! ny was sustained by another witness, who tl swore to his being with the defendant at Shel-1 by at the time. Still there were other wit-, tl nesses who swore to seeing the defendant in tl Chester on the morning of the night the horse b wa3 stolen. With this conflicting evidence,1 ii the case was given to the jury. They were h some time in reaching a verdict, which was w that of guilty. The case of the State vs. Alfred Taylor, o colored, charged with the murder of James q Gill, colored, was then tried. The Solicitor 1 w appeared for the State; J. A. Bradley, Jr., Esq., and W. A. Sanders, Esq., for the de- b fendaut. The main facts of this unfortunate It affair were given in my correspondence at the h ime of its occurrence; so it is unnecessary o repeal them at the present time. The tesimony of the witnesses, both for the State ind the defendant, led to the belief that the tilliug was done in self-defence. The fact vas well established, that the deceased left lis work, went to the defendant, began a juarrel with him, and when the defendant emonstrated, drew and made several thrusts it him with a knife, compelling him, in selflefence, to draw his pistol and fire rhe fatal ihot The jury rendered a verdict of not juilty. The court convened at the usual hour on tVednesday morning. The grand jury prelented a true bill against Pres. Carter, colorid, charged with grand larceny. The case of he State rw. Peter Crawford, colored, charged vith burglary and larceny, was called for rial. The crime laid at the door of the defendant was stealing cotton from Mr. James iVilson. The principal witness for the State vaa a small negro boy, who was pusnea oy he defendant through the hole through vhich the band passes leading to the cotton oom of the gin house. After obtaining ac:es8 to this room, he unfastened the door, brough which the defendant entered, and hen tilled a bag with cotton which he carried iwaj and sold. This was the testimony which ed to the conviction of the accused. The lefendant was represented by J. A. Bradley, Fr., who managed the case well, notwithstandng its exceeding weakness. Pres. Carter, who was charged with com>licity in stealing Gen. Walker's horse, made i confession of his guilt, and asked the mercy if the court. The court reassembled in the afternoon, ind, as the Solicitor was unprepared to pro:eed with the sessions business, gave its atention for a short time to civil business, and hen adjourned. Before adjournment, W. A. Zanders, Esq., asked for a new trial in the :ase of Carter Ross, convicted of grand lar:eny, on the ground that important evidence iad been discovered in favor of his client, ince the trial of the case. The presiding Fudge refused to grant the motion, for the eason that the testimony establishing the ' * " 1 1 1.1 4. ;uill or JKOS8 was conclusive, anu couiu uui >e materially affected by other testimony. On Thursday morning the Court reassem>led at the usual hour. The case of the State ?. Charles Williams, colored, charged with urdering his child, was taken up for trial. The defendant was represented by John A. Bradley, Jr., Esq., and W. A. Sanders, Esq. The Solicitor appeared for the State. The >rominent points in connection with this afair have been given by me iu previous corespondence. The* line of defence was that he deceased child came to his death from Iropsy, and not from a severe whipping givn him by the defendant, as alleged by the fitnesses for the State. Dr. W. F. Strait md Mr. James Robertson, on whose place he defendant was living, both testified to the leceased being afflicted with dropsy. The lounsel for the defendant, Messrs. Bradley nd Sanders, conducted the case skillfully ,nd successfully. Their arguments in behalf f their client were convincing, and were atended by a verdict of acquittal by the jury. The trial of the case of the State vs. Drayon Peeler, engaged the attention of the court n the afternoon. The defendant was charged vith forging an order of G. H. Smith, in his wn favor, on G. W. McNeel, for some goods. ?he prosecuting witness, G. H. Smith, testiied positively to the forgery. His testimony ras corroborated by that of William Carter, ?ho had testified to an admission to him, by he defendant, that he (defendant) had perorated the forgery of the note. The counel for the defendant, S. J. Couch, Esq., staed,in his opening address to the jury, that ie would prove the falsity of the charge on the ;round that the defendant was unable to prlte. Yet when the defendant was placed ipon the stand, he admitted his ability to mte, and, in the presence of the court and ury, did write. The jury, after remaining a consultation for a considerable time, renlered a verdict of guilty. The grand jury made their report to the ourt. They recommended the naemorializng of the Legislature with reference to the epeal of the fence law. They also recommended the revoking of the charter, by the jegislature, incorporating the town of Chestiut Grove. Judge of Probate Dickey was resented for incompetency. The condition f the public offices aud institutions of the ounty was reported to be in a satisfactory ondition. On Friday morning, immediately after the onvening of the Court, the convicted crimiials, who had been brought into Court, were entenced by the presiding Judge. Dublin Shannon, and Abraru Barnes, convicted of nirglary and larceny?three years at hard abor in the State Penitentiary ; Peter Craword, convicted of burglary aud larceny?sevn years at hard labor in the Penitentiary; )rayton Peeler, convicted of forgery, who ?as recommended to the mercy of the Court? ne year in the Penitentiary ; Ira White, Joeph Ford, and Charles Smith, convicted of mrglary and larceny?three years in the ^nitentiary ; Carter Ross, convicted of grand arceny?seven years in the Penitentiary, and >res Carter, convicted of grand larceny?two ears in the Penitentiary; Sam White, conicted of burglary and larceny, on the motion f his attorney, W. A. Sanders, Esq., wa8 rauted a new trial by the presiding Judge n consideration of bis weakness of mind, the irobabilities are that his trial will be indefilitely postponed. The number of criminals onvicted is an evidence of the fitness of Soicitor Gaston for the position to which he 70s elected last November. After the sentencing of the prisoners the ase of the State vs Jerre T. Walker and Rouen Jeter, charged with trespass, was tried, r. J. Patterson, Esq., and J. A. Bradley, Jr. Csq., were the counsel for the defendants, 'he prosecuting witness was Dr. A. P. Wylie, ?ho charged the defendants with taking a lill band from his mil!. The jury found a erdict of not guilty. The Court adjourned ine die on Friday. The prisoners were taken to the Penitentiay on Saturday. D. I. Walker, who was arrested and placed a jail last week charged with issuing a fraudlent school certificate, has given bond, and een released from jail. He has tendered his esignation as Senator'irora tms county, rhich has been accepted. An election to 6)1 he vacancy will take place on the 15th of lay. Gen. W. A.'Walker is the peoples' hoice for this high position, and he will oubtless be nominated and elected. Not to peak of his popularity and ability, he took a rominent part in the Jate campaign, and fulp deserves to be rewarded with Senatorial onors. J. J. Hemphill, Esq., has been admitted to he House of Representatives as a member rora this county in the place of John Lee, ?ho held an United States office at the time f his election, and was thus ineligible to a eat in the Legislature. It was my delightful privilege and pleasure 0 spend the last two or three days with friends 1 the vicinity of Chestnut Grove. I visited his newly incorporated town, and found it uiet and orderly. It is a great happiness to withdraw from the excitement of town life, nd spend even a short time in the enjoyment f that sweet rest which the soul greatly needs nd earnestly desires. Dr. D. G. Anderson, a worthy citizen of his county, died last Monday. The work of laying cross ties and iron on he Chester and Lancaster railroad will begin tiia week at this point. A considerable Dinner of laborers are now employed in preparig the track. W. H. Hardin, Esq., with is accustomed energy, is pushing the work nth all possible rapidity. Mr. Geo. McNeel, who was recently elected neof our county commissioners, but had not ualified, departed this life at his residence, ithin a few miles of Chester, on yesterday. Mr. David Crosby, of the vicinity of Crosyville, also died on Sunday. He leaves a irge circle of friends and relatives to mourn is untimely death. Qui. GOVERNOR HAMPTON'S MESSAGE. Columbia, S. C., April 26, 1877. Oentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives : It is proper that I should, before entering into a discussion of the grave questions which will come before you, give the reasons that impelled me to call the General Assembly together at a time so unusual and inconvenient to its members. I recognize and appreciate fully the great personal sacrifices demanded of the members by the call which briugs them here, but the critical couditiou of public affairs and the welfare of the State made it imperative that I should invoke the aid of the legislative branch of the government to assist in the great work of reform before us, and I felt confident that the patriotism or tnose comprising this branch of the State government, would inspire them to meet, cheerfully, all sacrifices required for the interests of the State. Your presence proves that I have not been disappointed in this hope, and I cherish the additional hope that you will forget the animosities engendered by political strife, rise superior to the petty considerations of partisanship, and, devoting yourselves with patriotic zeal to the service of your State, that you will strive earnestly to restore its lost prosperity, to revive its wasted industries, to reform all abuses in its government, and to promote peace, harmony, good-will and justice among all classes and parties. To the accomplishment of these noble aims I pledge my constant, unwearied and earnest efforts, and in this patriotic work I invoke your aid, gentlemen of the Senate and House of Representatives, not alone as members of the General Assembly, but as patriots and Carolinians. THE ANOMALOUS CONDITION OF AFFAIRS during the past few months, while it has entailed the necessity of convening the General Assembly, has precluded rae from laying before this body such full and accurate information as is desirable, or making precise and definite recommendations on particular measures which will demand your attention. Circumstances with which you are all familiar have prevented my access to the books and records of the various departments oftheState government; aod hence I can neither speak authoritatively of the exact financial condition of the State, nor make such particular suggestions as, under the ordinary condition of public matters, it would have been ray pleasure, no less than my duty, to have done. At present I can, therefore, only call your attention in general terms to a few subjects which require immediate action on your part; and I must ask for your indulgence if I am unable to do more than to indicate the broad and comprehensive principles which, in my judgment, can give peace, stability and good government to our State. To the wisdom and patriotism of the General Assembly is committed the grave duty of bringing back to our people these inestimable blessings. The merit of success will belon? to vou. gentlemen, if " O ' o you succeed ; and to you will the responsibility attach if the hopes of your constituents are disappointed. OUR FINANCIAL CONDITION. The first as it is the most important subject to which your attention is invited, is that of the financial condition of the State. It is needless for me to say that this condition is deplorable; for it is shown by an empty treasury and a ruined credit, by stagnation in commercial circles and depression in agricultural enterprises, by public and personal poverty as widespread as lamentable. All efforts to bring about a better state of affairs will prove unavailing until the finances of the State are put in a healthy condition and the credit of the State established on the sound and honorable footing they once occupied ; but, in the meantime, there is an imperative necessity that the immediate needs of the State should be provided for, and in doing this the burden of taxation should be J made,as light as possible, for the resources of our people are well-nigh exhausted, ana ine season of the year at which the taxes will be called for is most unfortunate. THE PUBLIC DEBT. While it is the province of the House of Representatives to fix the amount of taxes requisite to meet the demands of the State, and the time and mode of their collection, I venture to offer some suggestions on these points for the consideration of the Legislature. It is due alike to the honor ana the credit of the State, as well as to its future prosperity, that there should be no question nor doubt as to our determination to meet every honest obligation of the State fairly and faithfully, but it is equally our duty to ascertain what are its honest liabilities. The suspicions which attach to a portion of the outstanding obligations of the State, and which, to a greater or less extent, affect the value of all, render it imperative that these obligations, whether funded or not, should be strictly scrutinized with a view of ascertaining which are valid and which are not. This should be a condition precedent to the payment of interest on any of the outstanding obligations of the State, whether in the shape of bonds or otherwise, and also to the further funding of any of the State indebtedness into the consolidation bonds authorised to be issued under the act of 1874 to reduce the volume of the public debt. A FINANCIAL COMMISSION. In order to effect this object in a mode sat " ? . LI iL- fii.4 J istactory ana equnaoie anae 10 toe ouue nuu to the public credit, I respectfully suggest tbe appointment of a commission, to consist of one member from each house of the Legisla' tare, the comptroller-general and the treasurer of the State, and three citizens of recognized financial ability, to whom the whole question of the financial condition of the State shall be referred, and under whose direction a thorough and complete investigation of the funded and floating indebtedness of the State shall be made, and who shall be empowered to require a registration before them, or before such officers as may be designated, of the consolidation bonds of the State. Obligations, the validity of which shall be thus ascertained, shall be certified in such form as tbe commission or the Legislature may prescribe; and the coupons on such bonds alone shall be receivable for taxes. The commission should also be charged with the duty of reporting to the General Assembly, at the next regular session, the precise character of all obligations of doubtful validity, or clearly fraudulent, with the specific facts or testimony upon which their conclusions are based. THE FUNDED DEBT. As all the records and books showing the amount of consolidation bonds now outstanding, with the nature of the securities on which j they were issued, have been withheld by the , late officials, I am unable to state, with any degree of accuracy, what portion of the pub1 lie debt has been converted into consolidation i bonds, and what portion remains to be funded. But from the best sources of information before me, I estimate tbe amount yet to be fuuded as about $3,000,000, which, at the rate established for funding, will require the issue of one million five hundred thousand dollars of consolidation bonds. Under the act of ! 1873, these bonds bear date of January 1st, 1865, and theannual tax provided by the act I for the payment of interest on the entire consolidated debt has been regularly levied every I year, and the amount unexpended for interest should be in the treasury to meet the past | due coupons of these bonds, as soon as issued.! FUNDING ARREARS OF INTEREST. I have no reason, however, to believe that there is any such unexpended balance available for this purpose, and if the conversion of | the debt into consolidation bonds continues as provided by the existing act. it will be necessary to provide by legislation for these arrears of interest. I suggest for your consideration the propriety of funding these arrears up to the time of conversion in new bonds, payable i at such time and under such conditions as in your judgment shall be equitable to the State and its creditors. THE REDUCTION OF EXPENSES. I cannot too earnestly urge upon you the necessity of reducing the expenses of every J department of the government to the most , economical state consistent with the dignity , and security of the State. You will find many offices which are not only expensive bat j useless; and others, which, while necessary, can be well filled for compensation much less , than is now paid. It is, I am sure, only necessary to invite your attention to this subject | to secure your wise and cordial cooperation ( in lightening the burdens which have so great- ( ly oppressed the energy and industry of our ( people. But after the most rigid reduction, the expenses of government, funds for the common schools, and to meet the interest on the public debt, must be provided; and this can only be done by a tax on the real and persoual property of the citizens. It is one 1 of our gravest difficulties that we have come 1 into control of the government after the pe- ' riod at which taxes can most easily be paid. Ours is essentially an agricultural community. Our products are harvested in the latter part of the year and sold in the earlier, and the 1 rule which has always obtained of calling for taxes in January and February had its orisrin. 1 ot in the arbitrary will of the Legislature, but was the natural outgrowth of an agricultural system. THE COLLECTION OF TAXES. The late political struggle has been protracted until the proceeds of the past year's crop have been exhausted, and the present crop is not sufficiently advanced to enable the farmer to realize anything upon it. Every available dollar of cash, or of credit, in the control of the farmer, is already applied to the growing crop, and the levy of a tax payable at an early day, would seriously embarrass not only the agricultural, but every other interest of the State. The money is not in the country. It could only be raised from loans to the farmer by bankers or merchants, and it is questionable if it could be raised even in this way. It is, therefore, iucumbent upon you, while reducing the tax to its minimum, to arrange for collection at such times and in such manner, as will lighten the burdens of the people as much as possible. A portion of the tax, absolutely necessary, could be called for in June, and the residue, which should be the larger portion, in October, when the proceeds of a part, at least, of the crop will be available for the payment of taxes. THE TEN PER CENT. CONTRIBUTION. By the resolutions of the House of Representatives, adopted at the last session, I was authorized to call for a contribution not exceeding twenty-five per cent, of the amount of taxes levied last year. Under this authority a call for a voluntary contribution of onetenth of the amount of the last tax was issued, and was responded to with an alacrity and a patriotic zeal most honorable to our people. As an evidence of their confidence in my administration, the response was as gratifying as it was unprecedented. With a view to the proper care and disbursement of this fand, I directed that all amounts collected should be placed in the hands of General Johnson Hagood, requesting him to serve asacting-comptroller-general and treasurer, and no appropriation has been made except upon his check countersigned by myself. His devotion to this work, his activity and his great financial ability have proved of incalculable assistance to me. The net receipts from contribution and from office fees amounted to $135,859.48, and the disbursements, as will appear by the books of Gen. Hagood's office, on account of the educational, penal and charitable institutions of the State, and for the legislative, executive and judicial departments of the government, amount to $76,771.09, leaving a cash balance on hand of $59,178.39. By the report of the late treasurer, dated October 31, 1876, there were in the treasury at that time $258,020.37, but what portion of this amount is now ou hand I am not aware. The use of these funds has been enjoined by the courts, and the officials in whose charge they are will, doubtless, account to the Legislature for them. In addition to the funds uamed, the phosphate royalty should yield from thirty to forty thousand dollars, and there will then be quite a large amount at the command of the Legislature, sufficient, 1 hope, to meet the demands of the State until a portion of the taxes is collected. : While on the subject of the finances, I beg to call your notice to THE BILLS OF THE BANK OF THE STATE, for this question presents a difficult problem. | There is a widespread belief that a considerable amount of these bills will be found missing from the treasury, having been reissued in place of being cancelled or destroyed. It is well, therefore, at this juncture, to cousider whether, or not, these bills should be receivable in payment of taxes. Before receiving ( them for the taxes, the most rigid investiga-1 , tion should be had, with the view of ascer- ! taining the amount for which the State is /iIaaJr linKln ork/) nkat nnrhnn ia tainfflll frith VilDOIIJ H?UI5 ou.l " f"' , fraud, in order that suitable provision may be ] made, at the next session of the Legislature, for the redemption of the former, and for the protection of the State against the latter. PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS. i I The penal, charitable and educational in- ' stitutions of the State demand, and doubtless 1 will receive, your careful consideration and 1 your fostering care. Every dictate of enlightened humanity, every precept of sound poli- 1 cy, require that these institutions should be well regulated, properly supported and ably 1 managed. But this should be done with a 1 strict regard to economy. They should be 1 made self-supporting, as far as possible, and ! I trust that some system may be devised by ' the Legislature by which, while placing the 1 public institutions of the State on a secure ' basis, will relieve the people of a large por- 1 tion of the heavy expenses their maintenance 1 now demands. With proper legislation, the labor of the convicts in the Penitentiary could I be made profitable, and I ask your attention 1 to this subject. The management of this in- < stitution, under the present superintendent, seems to me to be judicious, and be can, without doubt, give such valuable information as would tend to work out much needed reforma The charitable institutions will. likewise, I hope, receive at your hands the attention to which they are entitled. Reforms looking to a reduction of the expenses of supporting these charities can be made without impairing their usefulness, and without forgetting the claims that the unfortunate inmates of these institutions have upon the charity of the State. THE LUNATIC ASYLUM. In reference to the ?>unatic Asylum, I recommend the election or appointment of a board of regents, composed of citizeus of this county, the members of which are not to receive any compensation for their services. Motives of humanity will prompt worthy and competent men to undertako this praiseworthy duty, and they will fiud an ample reward iu its discharge. The expenses of this institution, as of the Penitentiary, have been materially redueed within the last few months, and, in accomplishing this end, the superintendent has given me his ready and efficient assistance. The two or three charitable insti- s tutions which have been supported since De- t nomKoi. ho fho fnndn rilnrpd in mv hands. are the institute for the deaf and dumb, and the orphan home for colored children. As the latter is a State charity, I felt it to be my * duty to supply its want until suitable provis- a ion could be made for it by the Legislature ; ? but I regard the outlay for its maintenance } as unnecessarily large. It should be reorganized, so as to make it conform to the straitened condition of our finances, as far as this can be done without defeating the objects of its creation, which in themselves are praiseworthy. 1 THE UNIVERSITY. t Of the condition of the University I am 1 unable to speak advisedly, as no communica- i < tion from the authorities of that institution, 11 and no call for assistance, baa been received by myself until within the lost few days, when the chairman of the faculty banded me his report, which I herewith transmit. While I fully recognize the importance of keeping up this institution, I am forced to the conclusion that the benefits it bestows, under the present system, are not commensurate with the expense it entails. To bring it up to a proper standard, it must undergo a complete reorganization, and I earnestly ask your attention to this subject, as of vital consequence. Such action can be taken at present as may be necessary to meet the immediate wants of the University, and subsequent legislation can, after mature deliberation, place the institution on the high ground it once occupied. FREE SCHOOLS. Akin to this subject is that of free schools. I earnestly ask that you will use every effort to establish such a system as will place the means of education within the reach of all classes in the State. The present system, as it has been administered, is a mere mockery, nn/4a? mkinK tka /thilrlran havA ItMn lffllMr* fectly taught, the teachers have been swindled out of their pay, and the money of the people has been squandered. There have been honorable exceptions to this rule, but they are rare. I have now before me a "teachers' pay certificate" to which the board of school trustees, consisting of three members, have each affixed his "cross mark" as his signature. As this paper is a striking illustration of the new system of public education inaugurated in the State, and is besides, a literary curiosity well worth preserving, it is transmitted for inspection. While such a disgraceful condition of things is allowed to exist, we shall hope in vain to see the work of education prosper. The time may be too limited at- this session to enable you to perfect a system which will meet the requirements of our whole people; but strch legislation can ~be had as will secure to the teach ere fair compensation for services already rendered, and will caity on public instruction until the the next regular session. We are bound alike by every consideration of true statesmanship and of good faith to keep up.ia the State such a system .of free schools as will place within the reach of every child, the poorest as well as the richest, black as well as white, the means of acqta'riiig an honest and honorable education, and to this end I shall most cordially second any efforts on the part of the Legislature. conclusion. I shall look with confident hope to joor aid, in carrying out the reforms and fulfilling the pledges to which we are solemnly committed. A great work, the greatest to which a patriotic people can be called, is before us, and a heavy responsibility rests upon us. We have to create anew a State, which ean of right demand and take the proud and honorable position she once held in the great sisterhood of this great Republic. We have to restore her credit, to bring back her good name, to develop her boundless resources; to heal her wounds, to secure equal and exact jastice to all her children, to establish >and maintain the supremacy of law* to diffine the blessings of education, and to strive to bind all classes of both races in the bonds of peace, fraternity and piety. I trust that we shall all devote ourselves to the attainment of those high aims, and I pray that Ood may, in His wisdom and His mercy, speedily crown onr efforts with success. .1 .. Wade Hampton, Governor. 1 THE BUSSO-TGBKISH WAB. . Russia has formally declared war against Turkey, and already has the clash of arms occurred. On the 12th of April, the Czar issued the following manifesto, which, however, was not promulgated until several days subseouent It explains the pretext for hostili 1 ? ties od the part of Russia : "Our faithful and beloved subjects: Knowing the stroDg interest we have constantly, felt in the destinies of the oppressed Christian population of Turkey, oar desire to ameliorate and assauge their lot has been shared by the whole Russian nation, which now shows itself ready to bear fresh sacrifices to alleviate the position of the Christians in the Balkan peninsula. The blood and property of oar faithful subjects have always been dear to as and our whole reign attests our constant solicitude to preserve to Russia the benefit of peace. This solicitude never failed to actuate us during the deplorable events which occurred in Herzegovina, Bosnia and Bulgaria. One subject, before all, was to effect amelioration in the position of the Christians in the East by means of pacific negotiations and in concert with the great European Powers, -oar allies and friends. For two years we have made incessant efforts to induce the Porte to effect such reforms as would protect the' Christians in Bosnia, Herzegovina and Bulgaria from the arbitrary measures of local authorities. The accomplishment of these re- . forms was absolutely stipulated by anterior engagements contracted by the Porte toward the whole of Europe, pur efforts, supported by diplomatic representation, made in common by the other Governments, have 'h'dt, however, attained their object The Porte has remained unshaken in its formal'refusal of any effective guarantee for the protection of its Christian subjects, and bas rejected the conclusion of .the; Constantinople conference. Wishing to essay every possible means of conciliation, in order to persuade the Porte, we proposed to the other Cabinets to drSlMi^- -? i special protocol, comprising the most essential conditions of the Constantinople conference, and.to invite the Turkish. Government to adhere to this international act which states the extreme limits of our peaceful demands. But our expectation was not fulfilled. The Porte did not defer to this unanimous demand of Christian Europe, and did Dot adhere to the conclusions of the protocol. Having exhausted pacific efforts, we are com* pelled by the haughty obstinancy of the Porte '.o proceed to more decisive aets, feeling that mr equity and our own dignity enjoin.jt. By her refusal, Turkey places us .under/ the necessity of having recourse to arms. Profoundly convinced of the justice of our cause, \ ind humbly committing ourselves to the ;race and help of the Most High, we make known to our faithful subjects that the moment, foreseen when we pronounced words to wnicn an Russia responded witb complete inanimity, has now arrived. We expressed ihe intention to act independently when we leemed it necessary, and when Russia's hon>r should demand it. : In now invoking the ilessing of God upon our valiant armies, we. jive the order to cross the Turkish frontier. (Signed) Alexander. ; After the promulgation of the Czar's _ nanifesto, the Sultan of Turkey issued the ^ 'ollowing proclamation to his army : ' "Russia has declared war. We\ are forced - | o take up arms. We have always wished >eace, listening to the advice of the Powers in I his respect, but Russia wants to destrpy our 1 ndependence, and so if Russia attacks us, >bd, who protects right and justice, will jrant ns victory. Our soldiers will defend with their blood, the country gained by their ancestors, and, with the help of God, mainxL - 2-J 1^ ' am me muepenaence or tne Usmanli. The ration will protect the wives and children of he soldiers, should it be necessary ; the Sulan will go to the army and raise the standird of the Kalifat and the Sultanat The sultan is ready to sacrifice his life for the lonor and independence of the country." On the 24th, the Russian forces commenced o nove, invading the frontier by land, the Oanube river beiDg the objective point On the 26th, the Russians were met by the rurks at Tchorukston, near the port of Baoura, on the eastern shore of the Black Sea, n which the Russians were defeated and lriven across the frontier with a loss of 2.000 nen. s