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frtaps and .f acts. ? Ephriam Huffman, colored, LaFayette BIythe, colored, and a white man named Owens, escaped from the Gaston, N. C., county jail one night last week. Huffman is charged with murder. He is a low, black negro, weighs 140 pounds and is 30 years old. ? In this bitter cold weather it seems strange to read that Capt. Watkins, of the Inman Line steamer C/ii-xtgo, which arrived in New York on Friday last, after a remarkably quick passage from Liverpool, says that his passage was like a summer trip throughout. ? At Richmond, Maine, thd sudden cold has caused the ice to jam and the Kennebec River is full of ice from five to ten feet thick for from seven to ten miles. There are thirteen ice houses there with a capacity of 550,000 tons, and thousands of laboring men dependent upon the ice industries for employment are waiting anxiously for the ice to be broken. ? The business failures occurring throughout the country during the last week reported to R. G. Dun & Co.'s mercantile agency number for the United States 316 and for Canada 20, total 336, being the largest aggregate for any week since January, 1885. The casualties are exeptionally numerous in the Southern States. ? On Tuesday eveing of last week, Burt Edwards, a notorious negro of Cleveland county, N. C., was shot and killed by Sheriff Hamrick, of that county. The sheriff attempted to arrest Edwards on a warrant charging him with burglary, and while re - ? sisting arrest, Edwards fired twice upon the officer, who in self defence then snot the negro dead. ? Governor Hoadley, of Ohio, was worth $500,000 when he went into politics. He retires with a good deal less money, but with considerably more experience. John Sherman, who went into politics with no money, and who could now retire at any time with one or two millions, is supposed to have more or less svmoathv for Hoadley. He has had some experience,"too. ? The Philadelphia Times thinks that the industrial growth in the South is no sudden or accidental affair. It is only the beginning of the wonderful advancement the South is about to make in adding to her own and the nation's wealth. Her surplus of a full hundred millions this year will fit her for more than doubling that surplus next year, and the next decade will witness the South closely pressing the North in every channel available for her industry. ? The^xecutive committee of the Prohibition party of Mississippi met at Jackson on the 5th inst., and a committee was appointed to draft a local option bill for legislative action, which will very much resemble that now in force in Georgia. Hon. C. H. Meade, of the National Temperance Association, of New York, will be invited to make a State canvass of the negroes in favor of prohibition, and a determined effort will be made to pass anti-liquor laws during this session of the Legislature. ? Easter will fall this year on the very latest day upon which it can possibly occur. Under the rule of the Council of Nice it was decreed that Easter should be observed on the Sunday after the full moon following March 21st, and that day falls this year upon the 25th of April. Its earliest possible date in any year is March 22nd. It is 152 years since Easter day has been this late in the season, and will not occur again upon the same day of the month until April, 1943. Ash Wednesday will fall this An fKft lAfh nf \fa UU blio 1VVU \JX HXUIVUI -Attorney-General Garland is giving much attention to the Federal Courts. In his annual report he gave a plan for relief. It is agreed that there must be some relief afforded. In the last Congress there were two bills looking to this end, and one of them was drawn by Judge David Davis. The delays are necessarily very great, and in some cases are so afflictive as to amount to a denial of justice. Mr. Garland would adorn the Supreme Bench as he does the office of Attorney-General. The Star was probably the first paper to suggest his name for the office he holds. It would be glad to see him appointed to the Supreme Court Bench. ? Every effort is still being made torecover the bodies of the twenty-six miners entombed last month in a coal mine at Nanticoke, Pa. The company is doing all in its power to get them, though the work is slow and hazardous. On Sunday they struck the bed of sand, and about one hundred car-loads were removed to the surface. From present indications, they will not reach the bodies of the victims under forty days. Extreme caution will have to be used when the fatal chambers are approached, as directly over them is the crevice in the earth and the culm bank pressure is likely to fill up the gangway as it did before. ?A Chattanooga dispatch of last Friday says: Another large party of negroes, numbering several hundred, passed through this city yesterday, en route from the Carolinas to Arkansas. The exodus of negroes from the Carolinas. Georgia and Alabama to the West is increasing each week. Fully one thousand have passed through this city in the past fortnight, and hundreds of others are making arrangements to leave as soon as possible. The movement is more general than ever, and is produced chiefly by back crops and the defective tenant system in this section of the South. The movement is beginning to be felt in the South and is attracting widespread attention. ? An Englisman tells how a parson in his country once made clear even to the dullest of his flock the difficulty of treading the straight and narrow path as contrasted with the descent on the wide highway leading in the other direction. Before he was well started in his discourse he ran down the pulpit stair and proceeded to suit the action to the word. "My brethren," he cried, "the road to Heaven is like this," and lying flat on the banister he began to pull himself up, hand over hand, as laboriously as a boy climbs a greased pole. At last he reached the top and got o.i his feet again, happy in his Christian victory. Then having taken breath, he exhorted his hearers to look at the road to Hell, doubled one leg under him and slid down the rail, in a half sitting posture, with a rapidity and grace that betrayed a juvenile familiarity with this route. ? A Union soldier living at Watertown, N. Y., who was badly wounded during the war and who draws a comfortable pension from the Government, having lately experienced a change of fortune and become independent, now proposes to give his pension to some needy Confederate. The letter making this proposition was addressed to a well known Confederate officer in Virginia, and the writer requested that the name of some "disabled Confederate soldier,, who is Eoor and needs help," should be given to im in order that he might carry his good intentions into effect at once. The incident has elicited kindly comment in vari ous quarters, ana is 01 especial interest as proving that the bitterness of spirit still manifested by some few of the Northern newspapers towards the ex-Confederate soldiers is not felt by the men who met them squarely and frequently on the field of battle. ? The trial of Hugh M. Brooks, alias Maxwell, charged with the murder of his traveling companion, A. M. Preller, and concealing his dead body in a trunk, leaving , it in a hotel in St Louis, Mo., is set for next month in the Criminal Court of St. Louis ; but a motion for a continuance will be made by the defence and the Court may grant it. This promises to be one of the x most notable trials in American criminal annals. Maxwell escaped from St. Louis, going by rail to San Francisco, whence he sailed to Auckland, where after several months he was arrested, having been intercepted by telegraph and cable, the dispatches, to reach Auckland, making the circuit of the globe. He was .promptly surrendered.by the Auckland authorities, and in charge of special officers sent from St. Louis, returned to that city last fall, since which time he has been in the city prison. The prosecution expects to have witnesses present from all parts of the globe. A woman with whom Maxwell boarded in San Francisco is to be brought from Hong Kong, China, where she went only a few weeks ago. She is expected to testify that Maxwell came near shooting her as she entered their room, under the impression that the door was being opened by an officer, and ! he told her that he had killed a man in a 1 : fight with three Germaus. The steward of the steamer Brittannia, on which Maxwell j and Preller came from England, is to be brought to St. Louis to testify for the prosecution. So is the Toronto photographer who took Preller's picture, and the Boston barber who cut Preller's wrist in dropping his razor. fj(irlmUc tfuquivev. YORKVILLE, S. V. : THURSDAY MORNING, JAN. 14, 18S6. CONGRESS. On Thursday, Congress adjourned until last Monday, when on reassembling the regular call of the States for the introduction of bills was proceeded with. This business, however, was comparatively light, as members had for the most part relieved their desks from bills which had accumulated during the early part of the session. The next business in regular order would be the call of committees for reports, but in view of their very recent appointment there is little expected from them in the next few days. The Senate Presidential bill may, however, be reported to the House, from the committee on that subject, in the early part of the week, in which event the discussion will consume several days, as many members have already expressed to the Speaker their desire to ventilate their views upon this subject. The committee on coinage, weights and measures will not organize for a few days, and as this committee is supposed to be evenly divided on the , silver question, it is not thought that any measures relating to the coinage of silver, either in the line of suspension or free coinage, or a compromise between radically opposite views, will be brought before the House until the committee shall have carefully considered all the various propositions. The programme of Senatorial intentions and possibilities for the week is longer than that of probabilities. The judiciary salary bill remains unfinished business in the Senate. The electoral count bill and the bankruptcy bill are to be brought up for consideration if the oportunity is found, and the Dakota bill may be pressed toward the end of the week if the printing of the accompanying report is then completed. Under ordinary circumstances any one of these measures would furnish material for a week's debate. But as the subjects were all elaborately discussed during the last Congress, the coming debate may be somewhat shortened. Several speeches on the silver question await opportunity for delivery. The Executive Calendar is understood to have only about fifty nominations upon it, and these comprise not more than one or two over which a contest is deemed probable. But it is understood that a considerable numberof nominations have been acted upon favorably by the committees, and are ready to be reported back as soon as opportunity is afforded. Senators express the wish to begin active work upon the nominations as soon as possible, and it is proba-a 1_ J.I 1_ ?:u U? Die mat inuen 01 uik ween win uc ucvuicu to this duty. THE HOUSE COMMITTEES. On Thursday last, Speaker Carlisle designated the various committees of the House. The Speaker exercised great care in his selections and his assignments are generally well received. A special dispatch to the Charleston News and Courier gives the following as the disposition of the South Carolina members: The South Carolina delegation appear highly pleased with their assignments, not| withstanding the fact that they were disappointed in their reasonable expectation that a State with so important a seaport as Charleston should not be represented on the rivers and harbors committee. Mr. Dibble is promoted to the chairmanship of the committee on public buildings and grounds, and thereby controls the appointment of a clerk at six dollars per day. He is also a member of the committee on the election of President and Vice-President, and as such will have ample opportunity to help along his constitutional amendment providing for a Second Vice-President. Mr. Hemphill's appointment on the committee on coinage, weights and measures was an agreeable surprise to his colleagues, as well as a deserved compliment to a promising and popular young statesman, lie is also a member of the committee on the District of Columbia, and therefore will be expected to devote about two hours daily to hearing the grievances of citizens. Aft. llnriMin ic awinrmid tlw? (lft)i fil:l<?p ntl the military committee, and henceforth ranks as a general. If he had been given an opportunity to make his own selection he probably would have chosen some other committee to serve on, but the military committee will have control of two annual appropriation bills, and is therefore one of the most important committees in the House. He is also a member of the commute in charge of the expenditures in the interior department. Mr. Tillman is assigned to the sixth place ! j on the committee of Pacific railways, and,! by the end of the session, may loom up as j an expert on railroad law, as he will prob- j ably have abundant opportunities in that direction. He also has a place on the committee in charge of the expenditures of the State department. Mr. Tillman might have been better pleased with different assignments, but he is too good a Democrat to kick over the traces, and therefore will work well in any harness. Mr. Perry, the new member, fared particularly well. It is not often that a beginner has two committees his first year. Nevertheless he is a member of the committee on war claims and also a member of the committee on Territories. Mr. Smalls will devide honors with his j | colleagues on the war claims committee. The Si ever Question.?Representative Hemphill, who has been made a member of the House committee on coinage, weights and measures, proposes to make a speech on thesilver question at the earliest opportunity. As to the compostion of the committee | { Mr. Hemphill, who favorsthe repeal or mod-1 I ification of the Bland bill, says that the sil- j ver matter will be taken up without preju- j : dice and thoroughly discussed before a bill is j framed. An effort will be made to harmon- j i ize present conflicting interests, but the! work will be up hill all the way through. On the other hand, Chairman Bland, of the I I coinage committee, is outspoken in the I j declaration that the committee was made j ! up in the interest of a suspension of silver j i coinage, and he further says that matters 1 have reached a crisis and he will at once I inaugurate a war on the Administration for ; the policy enunciated by President Clevei land in the last annual message to Congress; : that a bitter tight has been agreed upon by the silver men, and they will not be dis| suaded from their purpose, as a settlement ! is desired of this vexed question.? H'? shingj ton dispatch to the News and Courier. j Sectional Differences.?The people) of the North and South are much alike in j | some respects while in others they differ. Both have shooting affairs occasionally, but ! we observe that the newspapers when i speaking of difficulties in the North usual; ly say of a wounded man "he may die." In the South it is generally stated in a du; bious way "he may live." The difference is in the shooting.?(!rrenride News. Correspondence of the Yorkville Enquirer. ! J THE LAST LEGISLATURE. j j A SYXOPSTS OF THE ACTS OF O EXE It AC j [ IMPORTAXCE. j J. Black's S. Cm January 1).?I regret my j' inability to comply' with your request for a s letter for your last issue, on account of severe sickness, and am yet scarcely equal to the 1 task. c The following are the Acts passed at the ^ last session of the General Assembly which are of more or less general importance: ! | 1. "An Act to amend the law as to the sale , of real estate adjudged to be sold." This t Act provides that whenever real estate is I \ .. . j i.. i.? .,..1,1 1... ? oulo ! atJJUllgeu III Lie sum uj' <i ^uaotui, .iuvii omv. may take place by consent of the parties to ( the cause, in any county in which the ( court may direct, and confirms ail such sales < heretofore made and otherwise valid. 2. "An Act to amend sections(J97and 1005 c of the General Statutes relating to the ex- ( animation of teachers." This Act asarnend- ] ed provides that certificates from the Coun- ? ty Hoards of Examiners shall be valid for ( two years and may be renewed with or ( without examination at the discretion of j the Boards of Examiners, and further pro- i vides that no examination as to qualitica- ] tion shall be made of any applicant who , produces a diploma from any chartered ( college or university in this State, and who is of good moral character. t 3. "An Act to amend 2237 of the General { Statutes as amended December 24, 1883, re- s lating to the drawing of juries." This sec- i tion as amended requires that the Board of ? Juror Commissioners shall place in a special | box to be known as the tales box, the names i of one hundred and fifty persons qualified by law to serve as jurors who reside within ( seven miles of the Court House, to supply | deficiencies that may arise from any cause j during the sittiug of the Circuit Court. f 4. "An Act to direct the Comptroller j General to report the names of all persons, citizens of this State, who are dis- ? abled from earning a livelihood by reason ( of wounds and other disabilities incurred < during the late war between the States." } This Act was passed in order to ascertain . the number of Confederate soldiers who i mav have been rendered incapable of per- \ forming the labor necessary to earn a sup- < port, with a view to making some perma- | nent provision to help them along in the evening of their life, and to cheer the hearts . of these veteran heroes by an act which shows \ that their sufferings and privations in the ] service of theirState has not been forgotten. < To refuse whatever of assistance our State i may beabletogivethesecrippledand maimed soldiers would be an act of ingratitude j unworthy of us as a people. I 5. "An Act to amend Section 2487 General < Statutes, relating to stealing grain, &c., from the field." This Act amends the law so } that whoever shall steal from the field any < grain, cotton or vegetables, whether sever- , ed from the freehold or not, shall be deem- . ed guilty of felony, punishable by imprison- j ment for not more than five years, or by a j fine of not more than five hundred dollars. 0. Joint Resolution proposing an amend- J ment to Section 14, Article IX of the Constitution of the State provides that all is- < sues of State Bonds in the future shall run \ for fifty years. This proposed constitution- j al amendment will be submitted to the peo- j pie at the next general election for their } adoption or rejection. , 7. "An Act to utilize the labor of jail and < municipal convicts and to empower the . courts and municipal authorities to impose the punishment of labor within their re- < spective jurisdictions." This Actempow- j ers all courts and municipal authorities j which have, under existing laws, power to \ sentence convicts to imprisonment, to im- ( pose the condition of hard labor, and such < convicts, so sentenced for a period not ex- ] ceedingninety days,be required to perform j hard labor upon the public highways, bridg- ( es and other public works of the county or \ upon the streets or other public works of j the town in which the offence for which i thov !ipa spntenced was committed. The County Commissioners of each county have discretionary power as to whether or not these convicts shall be used as above provided in their respective counties. 8. "An Act to amend an Act entitled an Act to secure the rights of persons having an interest in lands forfeited for taxes. Approved, December 24th, 1888." This Act adds a proviso to Section 1 of the above named Act, that when the possible former owner of said lands cannot be found in the State, the service of the summons therein required may be made by publication, as now provided for the commencement of civil actions. 1). "An Act to prevent and punish the adulteration of food and drink and the sale of unfit and unwholesome articles of food and drink." This Act makes it a misdemeanor, punishable by fine and imprisonment, any person who shall knowingly offer for sale any adulterated or unwholesome food or drink, or who shall engage in the adulteration of the same. 10. "An Act relating to the time of holding Courts in the Sixth Circuit." The effect of this Act is to make the sessions of the Court for York county come on one week later. 11. "An Act to charter the town of Yorkville and to extend the expiring Charter for certain purposes." This Act was prepared by the town Council of Yorkville and sent to the York delegation. The Act refers to and is based upon a proposed general "Act to provide for ami regulate the incorporation of towns of more than one thousand inhabitants," which was then upon its passage through the General Assembly, and which met with the unanimous approval of both Houses; but by some means, in the hurry and rush of the last night's session of the Legislature, this general bill, although it had passed both houses and was enrolled, failed of ratification, thus leaving the Act rniitniTitior thn f?h?irfpr of thp tnu'n of York ville standing alone and referring in words to an Act which never had an existence. I hope, however, that the effect of this may not he to leave the Town Council without authority, or the town without a legal charter. I feel sure that no one of the delegation was to blame in the matter, as the mishap was one that could not have been reasonably expected; but is easily accounted for when you take into consideration the immense amount of labor required of the Clerks of the two Houses just before the closing of the session. 12. "An Act to provide for the completion of the main building of the State House." This Act appropriates seventyfive thousand dollars to continue the work on the State House, and will, according to the estimate of the architect, he sufficient to complete the main building and committee rooms, and for roofing, lighting and heating the building. 13. "An A< t to amend Section 2100 of the General Statutes in regard to actions by and against executors and administrators." This Act provides that no action shall he brought against any executor or administrator for the recovery of the debts J due by the testator or intestate until twelve months after the probate of will or grant of | administration. In the Act providing for certain changes j in the number and location of the voting ! precincts in the different counties oi tne j State, the only change made in York county j t is the establishment of a voting place at 11 Thompson's Mill, in Bethel township. % 14. "An Act to prescribe the priorities of 1 certain statutory liens." I suppose the ma- j \ jority of your readers are familiar with the j r text of this Act. It simply gives the land- I 1 lord a prior lien for his rent, whether the ' i contract for such rent be in writing and ; t recorded or not, the laborer to have the sec- j a ond lien, if in writing and recorded, and t that all other liens for agricultural supplies j r shall be paid next after the satisfaction of j cj the lien of the landlord. This Act has j been discussed by the press of the State more, probably, than any other passed by t the last Legislature. We do not agree with i those who think that it will work a hard- j t ship to those who have to buy their sup-It plies on credit. It may prevent some dis- t honest and irresponsible p .,ons from buy- t ing supplies on a lien, but we do not be- t lieve that it will operate to prevent any t tenant of good standing from getting cred- e it. We think, too, that it will bring the i i landlord and tenant into closer relations, e and into that condition of mutual depend- j s ence and concert which is so essential to the , t success of any kind of business. It will : a practically remove the merchant from the j i position, which under the abuse of the lien I i law heretofore, he has been able to occupy i a >et\veen the landlord and the tenant to the j njury of both the landlord and tenant, and o the detriment of the agricultural interest I >f the State. Then, again, I think it un- i ust that the farmer should be required to ncur the expense of having a written conract for rent and of having such contract j ecorded simply in order thatoutside parties shall have the means of ascertaining just1 ,vhat arrangements he and his tenants have nade for the cultivation and management )f his farm. We have four times in the Legislature, voted to repeal the Lien law >utright, thinking it a great drawback oour agricultural prosperity, but having )een each time defeated, we voted for this \ct, thinking it might in some way better he condition of all classes interested in arming. 15. "An Act to amend Section 101!) of the j jleneral Statutes, so as to change the time j >f closing the school accounts of the school listricts of a county." The effect of this \ct is to bring forward the balances of school funds, from the previous year to the hen current fiscal year on the 1st day of February in each year instead of the 30th of \pril as heretofore, thereby enabling the :ounty treasurers to apply this money to he payment of school certificates three nonths earlier than heretofore. This act ,vas passed at the suggestion of Treasurer .Veely, of York, an officer whose opinions >ve find are always highly valued by the rhief financial officer of the State. 1(5. "An Act to authorize Trial Justices :o issue warrants for search and seizure md for the arrest of suspected persons." It seems that although trial justices have always exorcised the authority of issuing search warrants, there was no law giving hem the power to do so, and this Act was passed giving them the authority. It provides that such wa'rrants shall issue only in aseof stolen goods, D^K^'must be supported jy oath of the party applying, specially desgnating the suspected place, the objects of search or seizure, and the persons suspected, md who are to be arrested. 17. "An Act to authorize the Adjutant md Inspector General to lend arms to schools )r colleges, the pupils of which are instructed in. military tactics." Under this Act my school or college as above can obtain irms for military drill from the State, upon jiving bond for their safe keeping and reurn. The State has quite, a number of unserviceable guns lying idle in the State arnory. 18. "A joint resolution proposing an intendment to Article II of the Constitution." This proposed amendment, if approved by the people at the next general election, will enable the General Assembly to re-apportion the representation in the I louse of Representatives without incurring [he expense of having a census taken by the State, by basing such re-apportionment m the United States census next preceding. 1!). "An Act to suppress the publication and circulation of obscene books, papers \nd pictures." This Act prohibits the importation, printing, selling or distributing, my book, pamphlet, ballad which isobscene, indecent or improper, or which tends manifestly to the corruption of the morals of youth. Italso applies to posters, show-bills, ?c., exhibited in any public place. 20. An Act to repeal Subdivision 23 of Section 160 of the General Statutes relating to the exemption of property from taxation." This Act repeals what is known as the law exempting manufactories from taxition for ten years. This repeal of course Joes not affect any manufactory already in operation, but will affect any that may hereifter be built. 21. "An Act "to regulate the fees of Physicians and Surgeons for testifying as experts in criminal cases." This act allows physicians and surgeons summoned to testify as experts before a coroner's jury, five dollars for each day's attendance as such witness and mileage in addition to the fees low allowed by law for post mortem examinations, and when summoned before a circuit court as a medical expert shall be entitled to receive ten dollars for each day, provided the circuit judge shall certify that the testimony of such expert is material. 22. "An Act to provide a stenographer for the Third, Fourth, Fifth and Sixth Judicial L'i rcuits." This Act provides that the Judge if our circuit shall appoint a stenographer who shall receive a of one thousand dollars, three hundred dollars of which is to be paid by the county of York. I deem t a duty I owe to myself to state that I roted against this Act, not so much on the merits of the Bill, as it may, as claimed by its idvocates, save more than the salary in the expenses of the courts by expediting the Dusiness, but upon the general and safe principle that unless a very strong reason .'an be shown it is unwise to increase the | number of offices. 23. "An Act to amend an Act entitled an Act authorizing trial justices to issue warrants for the enforcement of agricultural iens in certain cases and fix compensation [herefor." This Act adds two sections; one jiving any person whose crop may be seized, the right, upon entering into bond, in accordance with the provisions of law now )f force in regard to action for claim and ielivery of personal property, to recover immediate possession of the crops so seiz?d. The other section provides that the trial justice shall have the same fees as the Clerk of the Court in similar cases, uulthe constable's fees shall be the same as those of the Sheriff" in like cases. 24. "An Act to permit the sale of domes:ic wines manufactured in this State without icense." This Act permits any person to jell, in quantities not less than one quart, lomestic wine manufactured by such per;on from grapes or berries grown within this state, provided that such wines shall be !)ut up in bottles, casks or demijohns, and Jiat a label containing the name of the person manufacturing the same shall be placed upon each and every bottle of wine >o sold by them. 2"). "An Act to amend an Act entitled in Act to limit the age of pupils attending lie free public schools." This Act provides that no persons shall be entitled to he benefits of the free school fund, except hose between the ages of six and eighteen fears. 2(5. "An Act to authorize defendants in ictions to recover lands to set up a claim 'or improvements." This allows a claim o be set up by defendant who has made mprovements on lands, believing his title hereto to be good, for so much money as lie land has been increased in value in consequence of the improvement so made. 27. "An Act to amend Section 23!)8 of the jleneral Statutes relative to the enforcenent of agricultural liens." This Act retires that the affidavits and statements lsed to obtain a warrant of seizure as well is all proceedings, to?vacate any warrant of leizure, shall conform as nearly as may be, o the practice in regard to attachments inder the Code of Procedure. 28. "An act to permit persons in the state liable to road duty to pay a commutaion in lieu of working the roads." This \et permits any person to pay to the couny Treasurer the sum of two dollars annuillv in lieu of working the roads. The ounty commissioners to expend said moniy upon the roads whereon such person is iable to perform road duty. Six General Acts of Incorporation were >assed, which, it is thought, will save much ime and money in the future legislation : 1st. "An Act to provide for, and regulate he incorporation of towns of less than one housand inhabitants." 2. "An Act to prodde for and regulate the incorporation of lanks in this State." "An Act to provide for and regulate the incorporation of nanufacturing companies in this State." . "An Act to provide for and regulate the ncorporation of steain boat companies in his State." f>. "An Act to provide for .nd regulate the incorporation of Railroad ,'ompanies in this State." <> "An Act to egulate and provide for the incorporation if Building and Loan Associations in this hate." "An Act to prescibe and regulate the inroduction in the General Assembly of neasures relating to private interests and lu> conduct of the same in the progress hereof." This Act is intended to" relieve he General Assembly of a large amount of he labor which annually devolves upon hat body, in passing Acts of a private naure, such as charters for Railroads and othr companies, and in short any Bill which s not of a public nature. This Act reluires that all Bills of the above nature hall be based upon a petition setting forth he nature of the Legislation they desire, nd accompanied by a Bill properly drawn ip, and such Bill can only be introduced nto the Legislature through the appropritc committee. The necessity of some such action is apparent when we recall the fact that at the last session of the General Assembly eighty-one Acts and Joint Resolutions were passed, every one of which was of a private nature, and consumed much of the time that should have been devoted to matters which more properly pertained to the public welfare. The tax levy for all purposes in York county is 11 7-20 mills which is 1-10 mill less than last year. The time for payment of tax for the year 1SSG does not close until December, loth. The collection this year will be made on the assessment now going on, so that this year the assessment and collection will take place the same year. The assessment lor 18H4 win no taken as a basis for apportionment of school funds for the present school year. The foregoing synopsis is not accurately, but only approximately correct. The Journals of the last two days not having been published, I have been forced to rely in some measure upon memory and newspapers as to some of the Acts. Upon the whole, as will be seen, there was not a large number of important measures passed during the recent session, and the last Legislature was probably more remarkable for what they refused to do as for what they did. John* (J. Black. Correspondence of the Yorkville Enquirer. LETTER FROM CHESTER. Chester, January 11.?At the late public sale at this place the bidding for land was more spirited, and it brought somewhat better prices than at the previous sales-day. The I'endergrass land was sold in three tracts. One tract, consisting of 288 acres was bought by Mr. T. D. Cousar at $6 per acre. Another tract of 213 acres was bought by Air. G. T. Foote at $4 per acre. The third tract.of 21S acres was bought by Mr. J. J. McLiire at $4.25 per acre. The Atkinson land, consisting of 122 acres, was bought by Airs. Sarah Atkinson for $1,600. The surveying party of the North Carolina and Georgetown ltailroad Company were engaged a few days ago in surveying a route by Smith's Turnout. If this route is selected, our town will not be on the line of the road. This will be a calamity to Chester. Mrs. David Anderson and Mrs. Ainzi TrlnLU bnth nf this eniintv. died on last Wednesday. They were both in feeble health for a long time previous to their death. Mrs. Anderson was a daughter of Mr. Ephraim Abel, and had only been married two or three years. The Legion of Honor of this place gave a supper at Nicholson's Hotel on last Wednesday evening. The festive board was spread with an abundance of good things, which were enjoyed to the fullest extent. The occasion was enlivened with remarks of a pleasant and humorous character. Messrs. W. A. Sanders, F.T. Morgan, J. II. Buchanan, S. P. Hamilton, W. S. Austin, M. B. Capps, M. Adelsheim, and Gen. K. M. Law, of Yorkville, were called and happily responded. Snow fell for several hours at this place on last Friday morning. The ground was covered with snow to the depth of three inches. On Friday night the wind blew with great violence, and the weather was intensely cold. The following were elected officers of the Masonic Lodge at this place for the ensuing year: J. W. Parker, W. M.; J. A. Blake, S. W.; C. Warren, J. W.; J. L. Chambers, Treasurer; I. N. Cross, Sec.; Joseph Lindsay, S. D.; I. McD. Hood, J.I). The following were elected officers of the Knights of Honor for the ensuing year: J. K. Marshall, Dictator; John Mclver, Vice Dictator; Dr. O. J. Bond, Assistant Dictator; W. I). Knox, Reporter; J. W. Parker, Financial Reporter; E. T. Atkinson, Chaplain ; W. T. D. Cousar, Treasurer; J. L. Wood, Guide; W. M. Corkill, Guardian; R. Strieker, Sentinel. J. II. Buchanan, Past Dictator. The following were elected officers of the Legion of Honor: T. M. Sanders, Commander ; E. P. Moore, Vice Commander ; J. W. Rothrock, Past Commander; A. Stim khuler, Collector; Henry Samuels, Secretary.; T. II. Woods, Treasurer; John M. McIver Jr., Guide; F. M. Roosen, Chaplain; A. Ferguson, Warden; M. Adelshumer, Sentry; Joseph Lindsay, Orator. Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Graham, of our town, buried a child last Friday. An old colored man, Wash McLure, was found dead yesterday morning. Though he has been very feeble for a long time, the intensely cold weather hastened his death. The ground is covered with snow. The cold is intense. A severer spell of weather has not been felt here for many years. The election for intendant and wardens of our town will be held the 1th of this month. All voters are required to register ton days before the election. m. -/ A Golden Wedding.?On the 5th day of the present month Col. Cadwallader Jones and his wife celebrated their golden wedding. The occasion was one of great interest and pleasure to their large family circle. Accordingly a gathering of their children and grandchildren was only natural. The following members of the family were present: Iredell Jones and wife, Allen Jones and wife, Johnstone Jones and wife, of North Carolina, Wilie Jones of Columbia, T. C. Robertson and wife of Columbia, H. P. Jones, J. 8. Coles and wife of Alabama, together with thrirteen grandchildren. After a family meeting and greeting, dinner was announced, and life affords but few occasions of more genuine happiness than was experienced at the festive board. The bride and groom of half a century, seated at their table, surrounded by a happy group of children and grandchildren, made a grand and beautiful scene. The groom bowed his venerable head and said an appropriate grace, as follows: "We thank God that we have lived to see this day and for all the blessings attending it." A full-grown turkey, fattened for this event, received an |important share of attention, until a toast of congratulations was offered by the bride. This was followed by an appropriate toast to the old chieftain, who responded with a "bumper." The health of the absent was also drank. These consisted of only two members, viz.: Mrs George Erwin and Cadwallader Jones, Jr., of Alabama'. Many presents, consisting principally of gold coin, were given the aged couple, and a feeling of happiness and thankfulness pervaded the entire family group which is seldom experienced in life. The scene will long be cherished in the memory of all who witnessed it. To Iredell Jones, the eldest of the children present, was accorded the honor of cutting the bridal cake?a large "black cake" with the ngures "icwu-jrvHrtastefully wrought in the decorations. One circumstance of special interest is the fact that during the long married life of Col. and Mrs. Jones, there has been but one death to mourn in their immediate family, and we arc sure the community will join us in expressing the hope that their future may he as free from sorrow as their past, and that the venerable couple may live to celebrate their diamond wedding.?Hock Jfitr Herald, Jan. 7. Railroad Notes.?During the holidays little work was done on the railroads in course of construction from Shelby, nearly all the hands having been given a holiday. Now, however, all have gone to work again and construction goes forward rapidly. Col. J. T. Drown, of Brown & Lee, who have a six mile contract on the Atlantic and North Western, arrived on Wednesday and is giving his personal attention to the work, which has heretofore been under the sole supervision of Mr. Lee. The forces of these and other contractors on the road are now larger than ever before. The Carolina Central has finished all the work which the company will itself do atthistime. Only about 1,800 feet remains to be leveled. Messrs. Wright & Co. are still working. The field engineering corps of the Atlantic and North Western is now ivnrtincr nhnuf nillfi miles below Yoi'kville and that of the Carolina Central is preparing to run a preliminary line to Spartanburg. On December U!), Major John F. Jones went home to spend the holidays. While away he was in Boston and consulted with Mr. A. B. Harris, president of the Massachusetts and Southern Construction Company. The prospects of the Company are still as bright as ever. Major Jones returned to Shelby on Tuesday. Col. Johnson, who has been in Boston for several weeks, is expected arrive in the South durtng the latter part of the week.?Shelby New Era, (!///. j LOCAL AFFAIES. NEW ADVKI'.I'ISEMI ATS. IT. F. Adiokes' Grand Central Fancy and Dry Goods Establishment. I T. M. Dobson it Co.?Don't Forget. W. C. Latimer?To All Parties Indebted To Me. j Latta Brothers?Hardware. M. Strauss?Ready-Made Clothing and Trunks. Riddle A- Pegram?Headquarters. .1. W. Dobson?^>0.00 Reward. John C. Kuykendal?Notified by Postal Card. J.W. P. Hope,.Administrator?Notice. .1. W. P. Hope it Co.?Pay Up. Kennedy Bros. Sc. Barron?Shot Gun Cartridges. OUIl PREMIUM BUGGY. Club makers for the Enquirkk, or others in! terested, are informed that the splendid buggy, j which we offer as a first premium, can now be j seen in tho buggy and carriage repository of j Mr. Frank K. Smith. EXAMINATION OP TEACHERS. The examination of applicants for certificates to teach in the public schools of York county was conducted by the County School Commissioner in the Court House on last Thursday and Friday. There were several applicants, and the county board of examiners is now engaged in inspecting the examination papers. DEATH OF WALTER H. BEARD. Mr. Walter IT. Beard, a native, and until last February a citizen of this town, died in Birmingham, Alabama, on lMondav#afternoon, last, of typhoid fever, aged 21 years. He was a son of tho late A. W. Beard, of this place, and a brother of Mr. Horace H. Beard, the railroad agent here. The deceased started South last February, and at the time of his death was employed as a telegraph operator in Birmingham. His remains were brought home and his funeral will take place at the Methodist church to-day. SUDJU^N DEATH. On Tuesday of last week, Mr. Joseph Smith, aged about (W years, died suddenly while on his way from McDill's store, at Hickory Drove, to his homo, three-fourths of a mile distant. He left the store about 12 o'clock noon, to return to his house, taking a by-path which led to it. An hour after he left the store, a white lad who was hunting, found him lying in the path unable to walk. He requested the boy to go to the store for assistance, which he did, a number of persons hastening to his relief. An effort was made to imt liim to lii? linnip. but before this could be ac eomplished lie died on the way. His death is attributed to heart disease. CHURCH NOTICES. King's Mountain Mission?ltev. L. A. Johnson, Pastor. Services at King's Mountain Chapel, next Sunday, at 11 A. M. Methodist Episcopal?Rev. W. \V. Daniel, Pastor. Services every Sunday at 11 A. M., and 7 P. M. Sunday-school at 3 P. M. every Sunday. Prayer-meeting Wednesdays at 7 P. M, Associate Reformed Presbyterian?Rev. J. C. Calloway, Pastor. Services at 7 P. M. next Sunday. Sunday-school at 3.30 P. M. Baptist?Rev. J. 10. Covington, Pastor. Services at II A M., next Sunday, at Unidh Church, and at? P. M., in Yorkville. Sunday-school at 3 P.M. Praver-meeting on Thursday evening, this week. THE TOWN YORKVILLE. As will be seen by reference to the synopsis of Acts of the Legislature, written by Senator Black for this week's issue of the Enquirkr, the general Act to which the Act rechartering the town of Yorkville referred for the powers and privileges conferred upon the said town, failed of ratification. But it is understood that the Town Council, upon due consideration, have delincd to dissolve, and have resolved to continue to exercise the functions of a Town Council under such implied powers as the law gives to them by virtue of an express provision in the new Act of incorporation, that they are to hold over until their successors shall be elected and qualify. THE UNION* PRAYER MEETl.MiS. Tlie union prayer meetings noted in our last issue were continued Wednesday and Thursday nights of last week. On Wednesday night services were conducted in the Baptist church by Rev. J. C. Galloway on the subject recommended b}' the international committee as a theme for one discourse of the series, viz.: Family Worship. Tlis sermon was based upon the words, "Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old ho will not depart therefrom." On Thursday night the series was closed with services at the Methodist church by Rev. W. W. Daniel, the pastor, who delivered a very impressive sermon founded on the text, "And let us not weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not." CHESTER WORKING. At a meeting held in Chester a few days ago, a committee was appointed to takesteps to procure the passage of the contemplated and projected Georgetown and North Carolina Railroad through that town. Major Julius Mills was appointed on behalf of the committee to particularly look after the matter. His report is published in the Chester papers of last week. He says that the object of his efforts was the committee's instructions "to induce the officers of the Georgetown and North Carolina Railroad Company to locate its line from Rossville by Chester to Wilkesburg." He then states that he had received no written reply from the Massachusetts and Southern Construction Company to the proposition of a subscription of ?100,000 to the project, further than an intimation that the amount was not enough. He then sums up his conclusions as follows: "I have made myself satisfied that this company, in possession of the charter and organization of the Georgetown and North Carolina Railroad Company, lias ample means in its hand or at its back to construct the road. I am also confident that it means to, and will construct the road on some line, from Black's to Camden and Sumter. I am sure that the company means business, and it is left for the taxpayers and people of Chester county to say at once whether or not a railroad after the style and equipments of the Air-Line Railroad shall pass around Chester. Our people are constantly calling for foreign capital to build up our waste places. Here is a company otiering to build fifty miles of railroad in our county which will cost at least five hundred thousand dollars, and locate property to be taxed for that amount, aside from the increased valuation of othor property along its line, and the increased facilities for pleasure and business. I respectfully suggest to your body to take such steps as you think best, by calling a public meeting of your own, as will, in your opinion, best promote the work to secure a further conference with the oflicersof the Massachusetts and Southern Con struction Compony. COLD WEATHER. The coldest weather known in this section since December, 1880, is now upon us. On Friday last snow fell to the depth of four inches, which was succeeded by clear weather and a rapid descent of the mercury, until Monday morning, when it marked the coldest period of 41._ ' ..." lil'lntl* '/fll'll atlllost IIIU II LXV.L-, > kf.. ' uvn>vv.> , ? phcre clear. Throughout theStateand the entire South the weather has been of unusual severity, while in the North and West the snowfall has been very great, with intense cold. As indicating the severity of the weather throughout the country, we print the following statement showing the range of the thermometer in the cities named, on Saturday last: Lynchburg Id above Chattanooga 15 below Austin 10 above Laredo, Tex 8 below Palestine, Tex Zero Orange, Tex 12 above Richmond, Va 22 above Knoxville 2 below Omaha 2.'! below Fort Riley, Kansas 25 below New Orleans 11) above Harrisburg, Penn 10 above Macon, Ga 12 above Kansas City 15 below Mobile .* 11 above Richmond, Ind 18 above Montgomery 5.4 above Washington, I). C 10 above Birmingham Zero Chicago > above Res Moines 25 below St. Paul 18 below Minnedosa, Manitoba 52 below Winnepeg 14 below Jacksonville 10 above Pensacola hi above Charleston 20 above | Atlanta Zero We recall the 1st day of January, 1871, as the coldest day here within our recollection. We have no record of the thermometer on that day, but we know that ice was formed 2 inches in thickness, an unusual occurrence in this section, and Broad River was frozen over for the lirst time within 57 years previous. At Chicago the : thermometer indicated 10 degress below zero, while last Saturday it was 0 degrees above. On Christmas day, 1880, a cold wave began, which reached the worst point of its severity here on the 20th, when the thermometer indicated 8 decrees below zero, and between these dates snow fell to the depth of h inches. The present cold snap commenced breaking about noon on Tuesday, though as yet there is but a slight abatement in the temperature, the thermometer indicating i? degrees above zero yesterday morning. BannnnBnu CoriTsiMiniUwe of I hi* York vi lie Enquirer. LETTER FROM ltOCK HILL. Roc k Hill, S. C'., January 11.?For the last three days we have been having some of the coldest weather we have had in a number of years, anfl the business of our town has been considerably affected. Only those people from the country who were compelled to come to town came, and the town people remained at their homes. The salesmen and business men were grouped around, the fire-place or stove, trying to inavv. wn omuruu)' aumc ui tnu j uuu^ pcupie were out sleigh riding, and they seemed to be the only ones who were enjoying the cold weather. Col. Cadwallader Jones and his estimable wife celebrated their golden wedding on last Tuesday, with all of their children excepting two?Mr. Cadwallader Jones, Jr., and Mrs. George Erwin, who live in Alabama. During the fifty years of their married life they have lost only one child, an infant, and now have nine living children. Col. Jones' father and mother lived to celebrate their golden wedding. Xot only the members of the Methodist Church, but the whole community are very much pleased with lie v. J. C. Kilgo, who at the last Annual Conference was assigned to the Hock Hill circuit. He is a hard worker and a most excellent preacher. The stock of goods of Ivy & Fewell was sold at public auction on Saturday last and purchased by Mr. R. T. Fewell for $8,310. I learn that in the conduct of the business Mr. B. M. Fewell will be associated with Mr. It. T. Fewell. Most of the schools in our town will be opened to-day. As yet we have been unable to learn who will be the successor of the late J. M. Ivy as school trustee for this district. Several names have been suggested, but it is difficult to name one who will accept so lucrative a position. Mr. W. M. Frew has been drawn as a grand juror in the U. S. Circuit Court, to be held in Greenville next month. He seems to be popular as a juror, having served as petit juror at the last term of York Circuit Court. An election is being held in this place to-day for I.itendant and Wardens. There are three tickets in the field, the great interest being as to who shall succeed as town marshal. Some of our merchants have taken liens for supplies. In all cases they require the landowner to endorse the same. Hal. SOUTH CAROLINA NEWS. ? The name of Gilbert Hollow, in Lexington county, has been changed by act of the Legislature to Lewiedale. ? W. 13. Williams, for many years a prominent cotton factor of Charleston, fell dead on the street last Saturday afternoon of heart disease. He was in the 72nd year of his age. ? Ninety Six township, in Abbeville county, has voted a subscription of live per cent, of the taxable property of the township in aid of a narrow gauge railroad from Greenville to Ninety Six. ? The man who wanted the lien law repealed can have it all his own way now. lie can control labor if he will mortgage his homestead and risk the hands he employs to make his crop. ? The Columbia Register makes the statement that the South Carolina Railroad has been purchased by the Richmond and Danville system, though the truth of the rumor is denied by those professing to know the facts. ? It is now stated that the party who went to the jail at Winnsboro had no purpose to iujure the prisoners, Ben Dubose and his son, but that it was inteuded simply to obtain a statement from the prisoners. There was and is no excitement. ? The South Carolina State Missionary Board of the Baptist church has appointed for this year forty missionaries whose, labors will extend into twenty-four counties. It is proposed to expend about $9,000 in State Missionary work during the year. ? In Aiken on Sunday last, when all the different congregations were at their respective churches, the alarm of fire was sounded. Four stores on Main street were totally destroyed before the flames were subdued. Loss $38,400, on which there is about $18,000 insurance. ? Several of the northern boarders at Aiken distinguished themselves on Sunday night by attending a colored church there and disturbing the services so by laughing and scattering matcn heads ior people to tread on that the minister was compelled to dismiss the congregatiqu. ?Spartanburg Ileralfl: The Chief officers of the Air-Line road passed over the track last week measuring up side tracks and getting ready for the change of gauge which will be made the present year. They have also adopted a new system of book keeping along the line similar to that used on the western roads. ? Walter Stroud, a blacksmith 25 years old, was married on December 29th to a daughter of Kobt. L. Wade, of Williston, in this State. The couple started for Mississippi, but Stroud deserted his wife at Sharon, Ga., and left her there friendless aud penniless. lie has not been heard from since. ? Orangeburg Times: Jim Williams, a thrifty colored man, living near St. Matthews, became discouraged at the failure of crops last year and took a notion about the middle of December to emigrate West. He went to Arkansas and stayed exactly one week, when he came back fully satisfied that South Carolina suited him better than that country. He says that the houses out there are not as good as his horse stable. Dr. Woodrow at Augusta.?Dr. Woodrow went over to Augusta on Tuesday night to appear before the .Presbytery, to answer the charge of heresy, which it was understood, would be at last formally made against him. When Presbytery met on Wednesday morning and Dr. Woodrow appeared to confront his accusers, it was found that the Secretary of the Synod had failed to transmit the papers in the case down to the Presbytery, and of course there was no indictment upon which the court could act. An effort was made to procure an adjourned session, which failed, and the case goes over again until the next regular meeting of the Presbytery in April, unless a special session of the body can be procured before. So this vexatious issue bids fair to be perpetuated, to the great damage of the Master's cause, both within and without the Presbyterian Church.?Columbia Register, Friday. Fi re at Black's.?The citizens at Black's were startled on last Wednesday afternoon about 2 o'clock by the cry of lire and in a few moments flames were seen issuing from the town platform upon which cotton was placed before being weighed. There were 115 bales of cotton on the platform at the time, but by the almost super-human exertions of the citizens, all but 3:1 bales were saved. The loss on these will amount to about $1,300, upon which there is no insurance as none of the buyers carried policies upon the town platform. The principal losers are Messrs. 1). 1). Gaston, Black & Carpenter, J. W. Rhyneand Cherokee Falls Manufacturing Company. Of these, Mr. D. D. Gaston loses about $175 and the others smaller sums.?Shelby New Era, G//j. Edmunds' Mormox Bill.?Whatever may be the fate of Senator Edmunds' last Mormon bill, the country has cause to be gratified at the evidences of morality which its discussson brought forth in the Senate. It is not often that there is an opportunity to arrive at the real truth as to the religious sentiments of the Senate, and it is a great relief to know that pious spirits are there and will come forth when events scratch deej) enough for them.?New York World. The Liquor Question in Congress.? Congress will be called upon to deal with the liquor question this winter. There are over 1,000 places in Washington where liquor is sold, and the revenue commissioners of the district call upon the law-makers to reduce the number and put up the tax.