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$bc forhriUe inquirer. YORKVILLE, S. ('. iC' THURSDAY MORNING, MAY 6,1886. THE RAILROAD SUBSCRIPTIONS. On Wednesday, the 28th ultimo, Col. R. A. Johnson, General Manager of the Massachusetts and Southern Construction Company, and Agent for the Charleston, Cincinnati and Chicago Railroad Company, met the County Commissioners of York, together with the representatives of York, Ebenezer and Catawba townships, for the purpose of selecting a depository for the bonds of the above mentioned townships, and Bullock's T?;irn*. oitl nf fho nrnnnQPfl Viucriv auu i/ivau jlv* v v* j hi oiu v* v**v/ railroad through this county. The subscriptions for each township were formally made by the County Commissioners, as agents of the townships, in the following sums: York, ?75,000; Ebenezer, $18,000 ; Catawba, ?75,000; Bullock's Creek, ?32,000; Broad River, ?24,000. Tho Boston Safe Deposit and Trust Company was then agreed upon as the agent in whose hands to deposit the bonds, which are to be delivered to the Construction Company on compliance with the conditions upon which the several subscriptions were voted. Bullock's Creek and Broad River were not represented by citizens of those townp ships, as were York, Ebenezerand Catawba. Col. Johnson, as agent of the Construction Company, accepted the subscriptions of York, Ebenezer and Catawba townships, submitting a written acceptance of each subscription, the following being a copy of the acceptance of York, which in its terms is precisely the same as the memoranda accepting the subscriptions of Ebenezer and Catawba: Yokkville, S. C., April 28, 1886. To the Board of County Commissioners of York County:?Please take notice that the Charleston, Cincinnati and Chicago Railroad Company hereby accepts the proposed subscription of York township of the sum of seventy-live thousand dollars in bonds voted by said township on the 15th day of March, 1886," agreeably to the terms upon which said subscription was made as stated in the notice published in that behalf, with the further condition now fixed by the Board that the interest upon said bonds shall be payable annually upon tlie 1st of January of each year. R. A. Johnson, x General Manager of the Massachusetts and Southern Construction Company, and Agent for the Charleston, Cincinnati "and Chicago Railroad Company. Colonel Johnson, however, left Yorkville on Thursday without formally accepting the subscriptions of Bullock's Creek and Broad River townships, giving the County Commissioners no satisfactory reason for so doing. At a meeting of the Board of County Commissioners on Monday last, the local attorney of the Southern Construction Company was served with a notice that if the subscriptions of Bullock's Creek and Broad River townships were not accepted by the Company on or before the next meeting of the County Commissioners, on the 17th instant, that the subscriptions of these two townships would be revoked. On last Tuesday Col. Johnson met a committee of the citizens of Bullock's Creek and made certain propositions to them in reference to accepting the subscription of that township, but the terms or conditions offered were not accepted by the delegates from Bullock's Creek, and no further action has yet been taken. FARMERS' CONVENTION. We yield a large portion of our space this week to the proceedings of the Farmers' Convention held in Columbia on last Thurday and Friday, our condensation-being made from the reports as published in the Charleston News and Courier, and the Columbia Register and including all that relates to the proceedings proper. The Convention was composed of a large body of influential and representative men, engaged in agricultural pursuits, and the deliberations of that body were confined, as nearly as could he, perhaps, to questions pertaining to the welfare of the farming interests; but the difficulty of stating the grievances of farmers, real or imaginary, without associating them ~~ with the administration of the State government and constitutional questions, is apparent in many of the resolutions offered and adopted almost without dissension. For instance the proposition to call a Constitutional Convention, and the demand for a repeal of the lien law are questions belonging properly to the body poltic, and while the farmers may claim that a Constitutional Convention is necessary to correct some of the alleged evils of the fundamental law, yet the advisability of calling such a convention for the purposes assigned may be wisely doubted. The total, unqualified and absolute repeal of the lien law is demanded. Of course this demand is made by typical farmers?owners of the soil?who, viewing the subject through their own glasses, see only disaster to farming interests so long as means is afforded to the poor man of obtaining credit; but we warn our agricultural friends that whatever may be their pretentions or wishes as to the disintegration of the Democratic party, that so soon as this lawis repealed and the homestead law modified as demanded by the Convention, that a new party will take the place of that now controlling the destinies of the State. We do not wish to see that time arrive, nor do we believe those who participated in the Convention desire a carnival of demagogy such as would inevitably ensue, and the warning should be raised in time. The "Tillman Resolutions," which are really the germ of the proceedings, were evidently prepared with care and forethought, and while there is in them little to condemn, they embody much which if practically realized would redound to the interest of the agricultural community, and consequently to the general welfare of the State. THE EPISCOPAL CHIRCH. On account of the absence of the rector of the | .Church of the Good Shepherd, who officiated in : Lancaster on Easter, no services were held in the former Church on that day. The services here on last Sunday, however,,were in celebration of the day, on which occasion the church was decorated with flowers of Spring, the floral offerings ?viA?n Ai?KA?.oto on/1 mnro tnatpfull v strronf?* UUIII^ UIV4 O ClttUVl '.?wv u?*\# v, ? 0 od than ever before. A wealth of llowers was displayed and so arranged as to produce a most pleasing effect. The communion table was tastefully set off with dowers, and on each side of the chancel was a large floral cross. The central figure in front of the chancel consisted of a large mound covered with ivy, moss and llowers, and placed in the recesses were a large number of Easter eggs, dyed in all conceivable shades and so arranged as to be especially captivating to the little children, among whom they were afterwards distributed. A garland of evergreen, wrought in exquisite shape, was suspended in j front of the chancel, extending from the floor to the ceiling, and in the centre of the garland, extending across thechancel, werethe words, "I am He that was dead and livetli." "Alleluia." On the wall to the right of the chancel were the words, "Holy, Holy, Holy," and to the left, the inscription, "Christ is risen." The reading desk and baptismal founts were also handsomely decorated with evergreens and stands of tlowers, among thenx several luxuriant calla lilies. The walls were also wreathed, and in the centre of the vestibule was a large cross covered with evergreens and flowers. Miss Mary Lou Coward presided at the organ, and the music rendered by the choir consisted of choice selections appropriate to the festivity of a risen Christ. Two services were conducted by the rector, Rev. (J. A. Ottmann, the discourses in the morning and afternoon being founded on the words, "He is risen." BISHOP MOORE. Rt. Rev. Bishop J. J. Moore, D. L>., of the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, preached an instructive sermon in the church of that denomination in this place on last Sunday night. His discourse was founded on Matthew, I 524:14?"And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world, for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." A ! general invitation was extended to the white people to attend the service, and quite a number were present. The romantic history of the early j life of Bishop Moore, published in the Enqi irer a few months ago, created a desire on the part of many to hear him. He is venerable in j yeais, and an earnest and intelligent minister.; As Bishop he presides over the districts of' Michigan and Canada, Alleghenny, and South Carolina and Florida, and his otlicial duties require him to travel all the time. As the name of his church implies it is camposed entirely of colored people, and includes a large membership. On Tuesday night Bishop Moore delivered an interesting lecture in the church, choosing for his subject, "Ancient Jerusalem." CHURCH NOTICES. Associate Reformed Presbyterian?Rev. J. C. Galloway, Pastor. Services at Tirzah next Sun- j day. Preaching in the church at Yorkyille this (Thursday) evening atSo'clock. Sunday-school at 4 P. M. Presbyterian?Rev. T. R. English, Pastor. Services at 10.30 in the morning and at 8 in the evening. Missionary-meeting Thursday at 8 P. M. Sunday-school at 3 P. M. Preaching at Tempieton's School House Sunday evening at 4 o'clock. Episcopal?Rev. G. A. Ottmann, Rector. Services at 10.30 A. M., and 4 P. M. Sunday-school at 3 P. M. Baptist?Rev. J. E. Covington, Pastor. Services in the church at Yorkville next Sunday at 11 A. M. Sunday-school at 0.45 A. M. Prayermeeting Wednesday night at 8 P. M. Methodist Episcopal?Rev. W. W. Daniel, Pastor. Services every Sunday at 11 A. M., and 8 P. M. Sunday-school at 3.30 P. M. every Sunday. Prayer-meeting Wednesdays at 8 P. M. King's Mountain Mission?Rev. L. A. Johnson, Pastor. Services at Philadelphia Church next Sunday at'11 o'clock A. M., and at Shannon's School House at 4 P. M. / JEFFERSON DAVIS. The^vapon to Jefferson Davis last week on the occasion of his visit to Montgomery, Atlanta, Macon and Savannah, seems to have badly frightened some of our good friends in the North, notably a few of the more jealous loyalists of Albany, who saw in the movement a general uprising of the South, and called an indignation meeting to protest against permitting Mr. Davis to go at large. Mr. Davis has been in retirement and seclusion for a long time, and though denied the rights of citizenship by the United States government, he has the right to respond to calls made by his friends on such occasions as that which brought him to Montgomery, and our people have the right to extend him such invitations. The timid portion of the northern people need not become alarmed. Mr. Davis is only the ghost of the rebellion, harmless to perpetrate mischief, and recognizes that the war ended in 18(15, a fact which some persons seem not yet to have learned. The people of the South are in the Union to stay, even if they do occasionally effervesce on the public appearance of an <dd Confederate leader. .. PERSONAL MENTION. Rev. W. Meek McElwee, a native of this county, and about the year 1840 a resident of Yorkville, is now on a visit to friends and kindred in this county. During his stay in Yorkville he was the guest of Mr. W. M. Kennedy. Mr. MeElwee is pastor of the Presbyterian church at Rockbridge Bath, Va. Mrs. Fannie Lathan, wife of Dr. Lathau, is visiting her relatives in this place. Mrs. Louisa Davies, widow of the late Thomas Davies, has returned to Yorkville, after an absence of several years, to make this her future home. Judge Witherspoon is now presiding on the First Circuit, having opened Court in Orangeburg on last Monday. THE ROANOKE RAILROAD. A public meeting was held at Union Court House on the 26th ultimo, in which a resolution was.adopted requesting the corporators of the Charlotte, Anderson and Atlanta Railroad Company to proceed to organize the Company, and the proposition is made for the corporators to meet in Yorkville at an early day. This is the proposed road from Roanoke City, Va., to Atlanta, Ga., of which one of the routes spoken of is via Charlotte, Yorkville, Union and Laurens. The York corporators will hold a meeting in Yorkville on Thursday next for the purpose of arranging for the meeting proposed by tae Union corporators. j C. C. HABEXICHT. V Attention is directed to the advertisement of C. C. Habenicht, of Columbia, dealer in liquors, wines beer and ice. This is a house of established reputation, and Mr. Habenicht can be relied upon by those wishing goods in this line. Correspondence of the Yorkville Enquirer. LETTER FROM CHESTER. Chester, May 3.?Jane Anderson, colored, attempted to commit suicide on last Tuesday by means of chloroform. Prompt medical assistance resulted in saving her life. She is a pupil of Kev. Mr. Loomis' school. The cause of the suicidal attempt is not known. Mr. J. A. McGarlty, of this county, died on last Tuesday, of pneumonia. His mother and aunt died only a few weeks ago of the same disease. His father was also sick f Liiioa TViq wse at 1IUI11 uic miuic vauoc. xiiv mi.iuj t.uw %?v one time in a most distressing condition. With every member sick their wants were supplied by kind neighbors. Mr. John Lee, the last survivor in this county of the war of 1812, died a few days ago. He was 94 years of age at the time of his death. A splendid rain on last Wednesday night put an end to the dry spell. It was particularly needed by wheat and oats. The agricultural outlook at present is quite promising. Mr. Hubert (Jill, of the neighborhood of Lewis' Turnout, had a narrow escape a few days ago. While plowing, a black cloud appeared and threatening rain, he decided to take shelter under a tree close by. When within a few feet of the tree there was a vivid flash of lightning and the tree was struck. Had he reached the tree before the stroke, he wonld doubtless have been killed. \ Mr. T. C. Allen, of this county, who is <6 years of age, has killed seventy-five wild turkeys in the course of his life. Is there a reader of the Enqi.ikkk who can beat this? While on the interesting subject of hunting, it may be well to state the wonderful exploit of another Chester man. Mr. Levi Carter, in twelve shots, killed two wild turkeys and nine squirrels. Our delegates to the Farmers'Convention were well pleased with the meeting. They are generally of the opinion that with : united action on the part of the farmers, j not only their own welfare will be promoted, but also that of the people of the whole State. The principle grievance of the farmers is high taxation. They earnestly believe that the taxes can be reduced without injury to any department of the State government. They advocate a general reduction of salaries, and many favor a wiping out of the Agricultural department and such changes in the educational institutions as would save considerable money to the State. Their idea is to elect men to the Legislature who will carry out their wishes regardless of the oppositition of Charleston lawyers, and the iaea is a splendid one. Providence Church (colored) in this coun ty, was destroyed by fire on last Thursday night. The fire was doubtless the work of an incendiary. The edifice destroyed was built in a great measure by the assistance of the whites in the neighborhood. Mrs. Knox, mother of our Seool Commiser, died on last Saturday. Mr. David Moftitt, of our town, is very low. He cannot live very long. The late rains have put the farmers in good spirits in regard their crops. Jt is earnestly hoped that the seasons will be such as to keep them in the same mind. m. ? ? A Family Treasure.?Webster's Unabridged is a great treasure in a family, and fathers and mothers cannot afford to bring up their children without it. /low to buy it. ! "Every Farmer should give his sons two or j three square rods of ground, well prepared, i with the avails of which they may buy it. \ Every Mechanic should put a receiving box j in some conspicuous place in the house, to j catch the stray pennies for the like purpose." j Matss. Life /loaf. ? Bethel, colored, church in Columbia, in I which there has been a great deal of dissension recently, was the scene of a bloody encountre between the opposing factions on Saturday night, the light being for possession of the building. Two colored men were wounded, one seriously. ? The Charlotte, Columbia and Augusta, and the Greenville Railroad and their connections, and the Carolina Central, have been leased to the Richmond and Danville syndicate. THE FARMERS IN COUNCIL. A GRAND GATHERING OF CAROLINA'S 1IUS1i AND MEN. A Harmonious Convention lasting two Days? , Deliberations ol' the Farmers in Couucil? [ Resolutions Adopted?Addresses by Gran- 1 ger Lipscomb and Governor Thompson. ; FIRST DAY'S PROCEEDINGS. MORNING SESSION. The State Convention of Farmers, called j to meet in Columbia on Thursday last, was i attended by about three hundred delegates, j every county in the State except George- j town being represented. The Convention j was composed largely of middle-aged and elderly men, though several of the dele- j gates were of the younger generation, and among them were a dozen of the members of the last Legislature, two or three lawyers, about a dozen doctors, three or four editors and quite a number who combine merchandising with farming. It is fair to conclude that all the professional men in the Convention, not excepting even the editors, are identified with the farming interests of the I State. """ i" A /ym/iiilfiipol Tfie convention was uciu m ^nuuituiui Hall, nearly every seat in which was occupied long before the hour advertised for the proceedings to begin. Promptly a112 o'clock Capt. Tillman entered and was greeted with rounds of applause. He walked up direct to the platform and ascending it, without any preliminaries called the Convention to order and proceeded to read from manuscript a lengthy address setting forth the objects and purposes of the Convention and the causes which led to the calling of a meeting of representative farmers of the State at the present time. His address occupied an hour in its delivery, and as we shall print it in full next week, a synopsis here is deemed unnecessary. At the conclusion of the address Capt. Tillman said that the next business in order would be the election of temporary officers of the Convention and asked that some member would make the nominations. J)r. W. H. Timmennan, of Edgefield, then presented the following list, agreed upon by the committee, and on motion the gentlemen were unanimously elected: Chairman?James E. Tindall, of Clarendon ; Vice-Presidents?First District, W. T. Brooker, Lexington ; Second District, \V. J. Talbert, Edgefield; Third District, J. A. Sligh, Newberry; Fourth District, M. L. Donaldson,Greenville; Fifth District, J. II. Hardin, Chester; Sixth District, E. L. Stackhouse, Marion; Seventh District, George Tupper,Colleton, Secretaries?O. F. Cheatham, Edgefield; Thos. W. Holloway, Newberry. The C'hairappointed Messrs. Timmerman, Stackhouse and Thomas a committee to inform the Chairman of his election, and they retired and soon returned conducting Mr. Tindall to the platform. Mr. Tindall briefly tendered his thanks for the honor, throwing himself upon the kind consideration of the body for any shortcomings during the brief period of his tempary Presidency of the convention. * 1 ' ' ? A ?- ~ ?- f lie recognized mat we aie m 111C uauoi- | tion state in South Carolina as to our laws and industries, and it was the duty of the farmer to endeavor to heal the causes which had produced or accelerated the evils under which they labored, and to examine into all things which would either retard our progress or advance our interests. The first thing to be done was to see that the farmers of the State were thoroughly organized, for without it nothing would be accomplished. They would be without the knowledge of the wrongs under which they suffer, or the power to redress them if known. They should realize that the farmers in the Legislature were but a mob without unity of interests. The grandest of all civilizations was that which was built upon the social country life of an intelligent and virtuous people. It would be only necessary for this intelligent body to announce their wishes, and there would be found no party iu the State who would have the temerity to stand in the way of their enforcement. The chairman then ordered the roll of counties to be called, and as each was called the Chairman presented a list to the Secretaries. A committee of one from each county, nominated from me noor, wtis raised to examine credentials and report the delegates to the convention. The Convention then, at 1.30, took a recess until 3 P. M. AFTERNOON* SESSION. On the reassembling of the Convention, the committee on credentials not having appeared to make their report, B. It. Tillman offered a resolution that Hon. A. P. Butler, Commissioner of Agriculture, and Hon. J. N. Lipscomb, Master of State Grange, be invited to take part in the deliberations without the right to vote. Carried. Mr. Allen, of Spartanburg, moved that Governor Thompson be invited to address the convention some time during its session. The motion being seconded, Mr. Allen said he thought that if such an invitation should be extended to the Governor it would lend dignity to the proceedings, and expressed the hope that his motion would prevail. This motion was opposed by Mr. Evans, of Chesterfield, who did not favor introducing prominent persons to the Convention whose presence would be calculated to overshadow the real object before the body. The motion was put and lost. Mr. Williamson, of Sumter, moved a reconsideration, and this motion gave rise to a somewhat acrimonions discussion, Mr. Williamson and others contending that a refusal to entertain Mr. Allen's motion was an indignity to the chief executive of the State and would act as a stigma upon the farmers which they could not wipe out. The discussion was somewhat prolonged, when the Chair ruled that the body being yet unorganized the question could be entertained no further. It was then moved and carried to hear the report of the committee on credentials, and the report was submitted by Mr. Clarkson, the chairman. Of the delegates the following were reported from York: Benjamin H. Massey, Frank II. Brown, Iredell Jones, J. Ernest Lowry, John R. London, Robert E. Guthrie. On motion the report was received as correct and the committee discharged,and a motion was also put and carried that the temporary officers be made permanent. At this point of the proceedings the Chair announced that he felt constrained to put the question as to inviting Gov. Thompson to address the Convention at some convenient time, and he hoped that some member would submit a motion to that effect. Mr. Donaldson, of Greenville, made the motion and it was unanimously adopted. Air. Talbert, of Edgefield, offered the following preamble and resolutions which were unanimously adopted as expressing the general platform of the Convention: Whereas the farmers' movement has been stigmatized by some as antagonistic to the interest of other porofessions: and whereas, it has been said by others that said movement has for its object thecreat ingof anew party ana injecting nuu uur body politic false issues, &c.; therefore be it resolved, 1st. That we, the members of this convention, assert and reassert that our object is not at all to antagonize the well being of any other profession or professions whatsoever. 2nd. That we recognize the right of all citizens to hold conventions and consult together for Jhe good of their respective callings, and claim for ourselves only the same right in assembling to-day. 3rd. That we recognize and realize the fact that our State has good patriotic and useful men in all avocations of life, and we invoke the aid of all such to assist us in advancing the interest of the whole State. 4th. That we solemnly avow our object is not to create any new party or to bring about any dissensions or trouble in the Democratic party, but simply to unite the farmers of the State for the prompt'->n and protection of their interests, and i bring about any reforms in the administration of the State government that may result advantageously to the tillers of the soil in common with every other class of citizens in South Carolina and the United States. ">th. That while we are not here as a political body to arraign the State administration or any branch thereof, we claim the right to discuss any question in regard thereto which may effect our interests as an agri cultural people, and to demand our rights < as taxpayers. 11 Oth. That wo do not claim this country j < as the farmers', the lawyers', the mechan- i ics' or anybody else's alone, but as ouu country, to be governed for the mutual ben- 1 efit of ail. 1 On motion a committee on resolutions < was selected, one from each county, to 1 whom all resolutions were to be referred. 11 York was represented on this committee!) by Iredell Jones. 'A number of resolutions were then sub-: j mitted as follows : ! i Prince, of Anderson?Against planting ! cotton exclusively, and utilizing the woods, ] minerals, etc. i Timmerman, of Edgefield?Declaring for I a Constitutional Convention, life term for i the Judiciary, repeal of the lien law, abol- ] ishing useless offices, farmers' college, re- ( organization of the Board of Agriculture, < tne election 10 oe given ion i-uuvcuuuu ui farmers of the State. .< Clinkscales, of Anderson?Permanent ] farmers'organization; one delegate for each i Congressional District to he appointed to draft rules of organization and report to this convention. ' \ Sligh, of Newberry?Fee bill of lawyers for reference to be reformed. < Hollingsworth, of Pickens?Memorial- 1 izing the Legislature to reduce the home- I stead exemption to $100 realty and $50 per- i sonalty; the lien law repealed; all ex- i penses of counties reduced in proportion to 1 amount of money made by the farmer; tuition fees to be charged in the South Carolina College. i Guignard, of Aiken?Sustaining the South Carolina College with optional tu- ] ition fees; convention of farmers of the . Southern States to prevent speculation in < cotton futures. i Tompkins, of Edgefield?Calling atten- t tion of the Legislature to the disparity in the assessed valuation of horses in the dif- i ferent counties. ] Col. J. N. Lipscomb, Master of the State < Grange, and Secretary of State, who was i in the hall, was invited to address the meet- < ing. . i Responding to the call, he said "This is one of the most important meetings ever held in the State, and it is for the members to use it for their weal or their woe.) This is a State that is gradually growing rich and prosperous, but are our producers growing rich? It does not follow that because a State produces so many millions of bales of cotton that the producers grow rich. ?We are now j reaping the fruits of the legislation of a centurv aero. The whole tendency of State and ' Federal legislation in the past has been to ' enact local and special laws for the benefit i of certain classe.s, not looking after the in- i terests of the citizens at large. It is for you ' to diagnose the situation, study the cause < and find out what is the matter and what i you want and then seek your remedy J One i member of your body has proposed a reso- I lution that provoked laughter. It has re- ' ference to gambling on future contracts. The subject, however, is an important one. ' IIow can you make money on 8,000,000 ' bales of cotton when 80,000,000 bales are i sold before you put your 8,000,000 bales in ] the ground ? How can you expect to make 9 cents cotton with a dollar and a quarter < corn? They say corn can be raised in this State at a cost of 15 cents per bushel, butcotton is not made in South Carolina on lo-centcorn. < It is made on dollar corn. I tell you, be cautious and careful. If you have to sell your ' cotton before it is in the ground, you can- ! not expect to make money out of it. ( Find t out what you want and then ask for it, and < then you will get it whether the Legislature i is made up of farmers or not. It will do you < no good to have representation in the Legis- ' lature unless you find out what you want and ' demand it. N As to the Agricultural bureau i I say that if there is an institution in the i State that the farmers ought to be able to manage, it is that bureau. You ought to i have an agricultural college, too, independ- i ent oi any otner eaucauouai luamunuu.? A voice?"On the debris of the South 1 Carolina College?" The speaker, very emphatically?"Xo, Sir! I am an alumnus of that institution. I was educated there and I love and venerate it, and have an abiding faith in it. I am a farmer, and the very fact that I was educated there enables me to say that it does not fill the bill for a farmers' college. Call on the Legislature to build a college that will fill the bill without disturbing a brick of the old college." The same voice?"We can't do both." The speaker?"Well, that remains to be seen. We can found this college without tearing down the other. It can be done." A voice?"But it won't be done." Mr. Lipscomb?"Well, we will see about that. It is a question of time, and it will take you and me some little time to decide. I thank you for this privilege. I have spo- t ken at random, as I know the value of a i farmer's time at this season. God speed you in your mission ! At the conclusion of Col. Lipscomb's < speech the Convention took a recess until 8 o'clock. ' NIGIIT SESSION. I The Convention was called to order at < 8 P. M. 1 Mr. Stackhouse, of Marion, introduced a i resolution recommending to farmers and others interested in the welfare of the State to elect members of the Legislature pledged to reduce expenses by reducing the number i of offices and officers; also a reduction of i af* nAiinfi? l salaries oue mini; a. icuucuun ui u/umj expenses; and a reduction of fees now allow- : ed by law. Capt. Tillman offered a series of resolu- < tions which he prefaced by denying that he i is an enemy to the South Carolina College, though he characterized the Military Acad- ] emy as a dude factory, and insisted that the < education of farmers should be committed to farmers, not lawyers. His resolutions < were referred and subsequently adopted. < They appear in this report in the order of the proceedings in which they were taken i up. Resolutions were offered by Mr. Jones, of Edgefield, on the subject of planting more i grain and products for home consumption. Also, favoring a Constitutional Convention. The resolution also declares that the Far- ' mers' Convention stood on the platform of the Democratic party, eschewing politics, ' excepting as connected with the interests of ?' the farmers. G. W. Shell, of Laurens, introduced a 1 resolution of inquiry as to the payment of fees -to attorneys i n a eertain case prosecuted by the State against certain mining companies. < By Mr. Woodson, of Aiken, recommending: 1st. That the present road law be ' changed so as to allow the payment of one dollar commutation aaKl that prisoners in < the county jails be put to work on the roads I lid. That the common schools he improved < and kept open six months in the year. 3d. < That Congress be asked to amend the civil 1 ?>rvirr? laws so as to crive to the highest ] graduate of any public3school an appointment ; also to create the office of secretary of agriculture, who shall have a seat but no vote in the House of Representatives; also to provide for the delivery of all mail matter in country districts where the population is twenty to the square mile at the houses, and finally to increase the number of United States Judges so that the business of the United States Courts may be expedited. All the foregoing resolutions were referred. The Committee on Resolutions reported back the preamble and resolution on organization of Farmers' Convention offered by Mr. Clinkscales, of Anderson, with recommendation that they be adopted. The following is the preamble and resolution : Whereas, The agricultural interests of the State demand protection, development and advancement, and to accomplish an end so desirable; therefore, Resolved, That in the opinion of this con- J vention, there should be a permanent far-1 mers' organization. I Resolved, That one delegate from each | Congressional District be appointed a committee whose duty it shall be to draft rules | and regulations for the government of said orgainzation, and the same be reported to tiiis convention as early as practicable. The recommendation of the committee was adopted, and the Chair appointed the following committee under the resolution: Messrs. Stackhouse, Tillman, Bradley, Dargan, Massey, Duncan and Donaldson. The'same committee reported the following resolutions by Mr. Sligh, of Newberry, with the recommendation that they be adopted: Whereas, the fee bill in existence in this State, regulating the costs of plaintiff and Jefendant attorneys, appertaining to the number of references in the settlement of ?states is liable to be abused, to the detriment of helpless citizens, therefore, be it Resolved, That in thesenseof this convention that said fee bill should be so amended, by limiting the number of references to ho charged for, to such an extent as will free it from the liability of unjust abuses, and at the same time will expedite the settlement Df estates. Resolved, That this convention most respectfully refer this matter to the consideration of the next General Assembly of this State, with the hope that wise and just legislation may betaken thereon. Mr. Sligh supported his resolution in a forcible speech. lie said he had endeavorsd to secure the legislation indicated at the last session of the Legislature and had failed but he believed that the endorsement of this convention would carry an influence which would be respected by that body and secure the correction of the flagrant wrong practiced under the existing fee bill. The resolution was adopted. The following resolutions offered by Dr. 1). C.Tompkins, of Edgefield, were also reported by the committee and adopted : Whereas in the report of the Comptroller Cieneral, it is stated that some of the counties return their taxable property at figures far below others, some of the counties returning horses at from $48 to $">o and others returning them from $90 to $100; therefore, be it Resolved, That the attention of the next Legislature be called to this discrepancy and a remedy provided. Thr> <T>nvpntion was entertained with the reading of a paper by Mr. Hawthorne, of Abbeville, which covered a wide range of subjects and furnished much merriment to the convention in the absence of anything else for consideration. Col. D. P. Duncan was invited to address the convention, and, taking the platform, he made one of his characteristic ringing speeches in harmony with the conservative utterances made in the convention. The speech was applauded to the echo, and at its close a motion to adjourn until 0 A. M. Friday was made and prevailed. Second Day's Proceedings. MORNINO SKSSION. The Convention met promptly at!) o'clock Friday morning. A number of resolutions on various subjects were ottered and referred. Several resolutions reported favorably by the committee were then taken up for consideration. They recommend an amendment to the road law allowing $1 as a commutation for road duty; that prisoners in the jails be worked on the public roads; the creation of an officer to be known as Secretary of Agriculture, who shall have a seat in General Assembly; making certain suggestions as to the improvement of the postal regulations in this State. Mr. Shell, of Laurens, from the committee to whom had been referred the resolutions respecting the employment of attorneys to prosecute suits against certain phos l- - * ~ nnmnnninc mndri o lcnorfh V TPHOrt And [JIIU IC tJUIIl I'LXli i\;o uiuuv 1? iv..b..v g was discharged from further consideration of the subject. The following resolutions introduced by Mr. Prince, and reported favorably by the committee, were then taken up: Whereas, there exists a general depression of the farming interests throughout the southern States; and whereas, this depression is not confined to the agricultural interests, but prevades every interest and is felt more sensibly by the agricultural interests only because they are in a position to offer the least resistance to the pressure; and whereas, this condition is not so much the result of bad legislation or unwise administration, but is directly traceable to our unwise system of raising all cotton and buying everything we use in foreign markets; and whereas, the remedy is largely with the farmers themselves, by abandoning this hurtful system and diversifying farm interests, and instead of one, to have half a score of money crops, and instead of buying everything in distant markets, to buy as little as possible, and that little in home market; and whereas, our section abounds in iron and coal fields, having a forestry surpassed by none in the Union, many water powers sufficient to run the machinery of the world : and whereas, the development and utilization of these varied and vast resources would add hundreds of thousands to our population and millions to our taxable property, thereby rendering the payment of our bonds a mere form instead of a burden : and whereas, on account of the timidity and sensitiveness of capitalists in entering upon fields of investment, the de velopment ana utilization 01 mcac IC3UUIces cannot be obtained without the encourEigment and fostering care of the State; therefore, be it resolved, First. That we urge upon the farmers of the State to lessen the annual acreage in cotton and turn their attention largely to the cultivation (along with cotton) of tobacco, fruits, melons, all the grains and all the grasses that enter into the forage of the country, and become producers of what they consume, instead of buyers, and to give their attention to the raising of stock. Second. That we heartily urge upon our farmers a closer connection and sympathy with our State Agricultural Department, and make the monthly journal of the department a means of correspondence with each other, by communicating through it advice, suggestions and experimental facts, and thus co-operate with the Commissioner Df Agriculture in making that department all that it should be. Third. That we urge upon our State government the prime importance of encouragiug by wise, liberal and judicious legislation, the home manufacture of raw and crude materials, the speedy development of our manufacturing interests, thereby creating home markets for all our productions, and for the crude materials which nature has bestowed upon us with such lavish hands, centupling our populations and taxable property, and making us a great and prosperous and independent people. After some discussion the report of the committee was adopted by a rising vote. The committee which had been appointed to wait on the Governor and invite him to address the convention announced that he was awaiting the pleasure of the convention. The consideration of pending business was suspended on motion and the Governor was escorted to the platform amid the vociferous greetings of the convention. Addressing the convention, Governor Thompson said: No call could have come to him more unexpectedly and yet more gratefully than that to address this assemblage of the farmers of the State. It was unexpected, liecause he had no reason to believe that, with the very limited acquaintance which he had with' practical farming, he would he expected to speak to or advise with them, ind his judgment advised him that he could host respond to their kind invitation by not wasting the valuable time which belonged to the practical dnties of the convention. He was sure that the gentlemen whom ho saw before liim had come here not to promote the interest of farmers alone, but jf the whole people, and in such an effort he could pledge the hearty and earnest support if all the professions and all the people of the .State. It was but comparatively of a recent late that agriculture had emerged from the rude methods and brought to its aid the principles of science, but it should he remembered that South Carolina was among ;he first States of the Union to form an Agricultural Society, and the farmers of the State to-day owed it to themselves and they should for the honor of the State, keep time to the march of the farmers if the world in their grand advance. This convention will have accomplished i great work if it aroused the farmers of the State to a conception of their own true needs and advise in reference to the measures for their improvement. lie had not sympathized with the fears 3.xpressed in some quarters that evil would esult from this convention, for he knew that the men who had so gallantly sustain3d the lienor of their State on bloody ields and in times of even greater trials :ould well be entrusted with her welfare now. The deep interest which he felt in ;he purposes and aims expressed and the <indness of his reception had almost tempt?d him to forget his promise not to make hem a speech, but he would content himself vith expressing the hope that the meeting .vould result in good to all the interests of lie whole people of South Carolina. The J Governor spoke with evident feeling, and his earnest remarks waked an echo in the \ ! convention which made itself heard in the ; rounds of applause during its progress and j at its close. < When the Governor took his seat Mr. i Tillman rose in his place and said he was !; glad of the opportunity to stamp out a lie j which had obtained currency concerning him, and whose echo had been even heart! on the tloor of the convention. He had been credited with charging "misrule and < robbery on the oflicers of the State goveminent." It was claimed that the otfen- ; i sive terms were to be found in a letter of | j his to the A'cirs and Courier but the refer- 1 once and the application had been misun- j 1 derstood, as would be clearly seen by a ref- i jerence to the letter. The terms were in- h j tended to apply not to the officers, but to ] I a ring of politicians which was believed by | nearly everybody to exist. As to the "robbery," he maintained that ' it was fully sustained by the action of the i last J..egisiature in perpetuating uie nun ; law?a system of as damnable robbery as \ was ever fastened upon a people. 1 The Committee on Resolutions having 1 reported favorably on the series of resolutions submitted by Mr. Tillman on Thursday, they were taken up for consideration, and are as follows: Whereas Congress, by the act of July 2, 1862, appropriated certain land scrip to the several States on condition that the proceeds of the sale of the same should become a fund, the interest 011 which should be used to sustain an agricultural and mechanical college for the education of the industrial classes in each State accepting said donation; and whereas South Carolina accepted this fund and entered into a contract with the United States to carry out in good faith the conditions of said trust, but has failed to do so; and whereas the languishing agricultural interests of the State are in sore need of an institution which shall furnish a more practical and scientific training at less cost to those who desire to follow farming than can now be obtained, while at the same time mapping out the system which must be adopted to save our lands and redeem our agriculture; and whereas a practical knowledge of the mechanic arts among our own people must be had before we can hope for that diversity of pursuits and introduction of manufacturing so necessary to the prosperity of our agrirulture by giving a market for other farm products besides cotton. Therefore be it resolved: 1. That we respectfully urge the Legislature to establish as soon as possible a real ocrrimiltiirii 1 nnil mpphnniral collcce. Sena rate and distinct from the South Carolina College, and modeled alter those of Michigan and Mississippi, which have stood the test of time and are acknowledged to be the best of their kind in the United States. ? Rewired, That the control and management of said agricultural and mechanical college should be given to the Board of Agriculture, which shall locate the same at the most elligible site- they can secure, after advertising for bids from the several counties. 3. Rewired, That experimental stations should be established at and in connection with said agricultural and mechanical college, the same to be under the charge of its faculty. 4. Rewired, That we memorialize Congress and beg it to pass the bill introduced by Mr. Hatch, and now pending, which appropriates.?15,000 annually to each State for this purpose, and that we ask our Senators and Congressmen to use all legitimate means to secure its passage. 5. Resolved, That we protest against this money, if it shall be appropriated, being received by the present Trustees of the South Carolina College. Their actions in the past show them to be disbelievers in industrial education. Moreover, if we are to have an agricultural college at all, every dollar spent in the agricultural annex at Columbia is so much wasted; and while we are willing to concede to these gentlemen honesty of purpose and pure intent, we do not acknowledge that lawyers and professional men are the proper ones to control an agricultural college and experimental station, any more than we claim that farmers ought to be chosen as Judges in our Courts. We do not admit that the legal fraternity possesses a monopoly of the brains and education in this State, and we want each shoemaker to stick to his own last. / rPKnf i r? Hi of. niir iicrri Oi iiwvtcctt) JL licit IU Uiuvi vnuv \/u? cultural administration may be divorced as far as possible from politics and politicians, in order that the men best qualified to perform these important duties be selected by those most competent to judge, in order that we may secure a board of agriculture at once efficient, zealous and representative, who know our needs and will try to supply them, we urge that instead of being chosen by the Legislature they be elected by a farmers' convention composed of 'delegates from each county agricultural society, which shall meet annually in November of each year at Columbia for the purpose. This convention ought to also take into consideration all matters of legislation affecting our agricultural interests and make such recommendations to the Legislature about the same as they may deem proper. This board of agriculture should consist of ten, five elected annually; they should have the power to elect their own executive officer or Secretary, whose duties would correspond with those of our present commissioner, and their duties would be the same as the law imposes on our present Board, while, in addition, they would have control of the agricultural college and experimental stations, and should, by means of farmers' institutes, &c., build up and keep alive the several county societies and farmers' clubs. 7. Jfaiolred, That in order to obtain the necessary funds to sustain the agricultural college after the State shall have given enough to buy the farm and erect the necessary buildings, we recommend that the privilege tax on the sale of fertilizers be doubled. The board would then get an increase of over $50,000 per year, and this, with the $5,700 from the land scrip fund, would, we think, be enough to support the college, inspect the fertilizers and hold farmers' institutes without additional taxation, except a small indirect tax on guano, which the farmers will willingly pay to be guaranteed against fraud. 8. Resolved, That the inspection of fertilizers is now defective and unsatisfactory and no adequate punishment for frauds: Provided, We therefore urge such additional legislation as will secure the needed protection without imposing unnecessary restraint upon the manufacture and sale of fertilizers. Cotton seed meal, whether sold as stock food or a fertilizer, should be inspected and adulterations punished. Stock owners will not mind the additional charge, to he sure of a wholesome and pure article. t). Resolved, That the Citadel Academy as a military school be abolished, and that so much of the money now appropriated to its use as may be needed shall be given to the j South Carolina College at Columbia, so as ' to make it a first class institution for the i training of youth. ! 10. Resolved, That the State owes it to her daughters to provide an institution for their liberal and practical education?a { school where they can be taught not only to ' adorn a drawing room but be fitted to per- J form the duties of life and become breadwinners if need be. A commonwealth J which does not train its future mothers can 1 never hope to achieve any high place in the civilization of to-day, and both justice and wisdom demand that our girls should have J an equal chance with our boys. We recom- ' mend that such a school be opened at the ! Citadel in place of the military institute now in operation there, and that it be liberally supported by the State. We appeal to the women of South Carolina, who feel ! the deficiencies of their own training and J have seen the utter helplessness of their sisters when left to their own resources, to : aid in establishing an industrial college for , fnmolo? in nnr State like that at Columbus. Mississippi. If they cannot secure that prohibition which would banish alcohol, they can help to banish that prohibition, ignorance, which now bars their sex in this State from all occupations except sewing, teaching and working in factories. 11. Resolved, That a committee of seven, one from each Congressional District, he appointed by the Chair, who will draft the memorial mentioned in these resolutions and forward the same to our own representatives at Washington, and that the said committee shall prepare bills and have the same introduced in the next General Assembly, carrying out the spirit and purpose of these resolutions. Furthermore, that said . committee shall goto Columbia when the Legislature meets and make such presentation of facts-and arguments as will help secure their passage. The resolutions were considered seriatim ind adopted; some of them however eliciting considerable discussion, and after their idoption as a whole, the Convention took a recess until 3 P. M. A FT K R NOON S ESS ION. The Convention re-assembled at 3 P. M., Mr. Talbert, of Edgefield, occupying the ihair. A number of resolutions from the committee were taken up and disposed of. Resolution of Mr. Hawthorne that it is the sense of this Farmers' Convention of South Carolina assembled, that the nomination of all State officers and Congressmen should be committed directly to the peoi ? A .1 |)ie ill primary uiuuuuus. auujiicu. Mr. 8tackhou.se?Resolved, That this convention recommend to the farmers and all others in the State who faver a closer economy in government, that they elect members of the Legislature and of the State government pledged to reduce the expenses to the lowest point that will secure efficiency in the administration. Adopted. A resolution by Mr. W. D. Evins, of Marlboro, declaring that much of the depression and suffering was to be attributed to the extravagance, living above their means, imprudence and indolence of the farmers, was laid on the table. The resolution for apointing a committee to investigate the financial offices of the State with a view to discovering the causes of wastefulness and mal-appropriation was reported back from the committee with the statement that there was no ground for the charges implied in the resolution and that no committee he appointed. The following resolutions, introduced by the committee, were adopted : Resolved, That the present Constitution of the State does not meet the requirements and conditions of our people, and in some respects is burdensome and oppressive. We therefore urge the legislature to call a Constitutional Convention at the earliest practicable day to give us an organic law suited to our wants. Resolved, The Lien Law has, in our opinion, been most pernicious in its effect on the agricultural interest of the State, entitling people in debt, encouraging extravagance, undermining that sturdy independence and self reliance so necessary to the preservation of the high morale of any people, and we recommend its repeal. Resolved, We believe the independence and efficiency of our judiciary would be increased by making their tenure of office during good behavior up to 80 years. Resolved, We believe that a Legislature anxious to be economical can lessen taxation by abolishing useless offices and manyminor expenses, which in the aggregate amount to many thousands of dollars The Committee on Permanent Organization recommends that an organization be formed to be known as the "The Agricultural Association of South Carolinathat the members of this association shall consist of delegates by the County Associations on the basis of the representation of each in the General Assembly of the State, said delegates to be elected on salesday in October, and to hold office for one year or till their successors are elected, the first meeting of the association to meet in Columbia on the second Tuesday in November. But the committee respectfully submits that they have not sufficient time during the sitting of the convention to draft rules and regulations for the government of said association, as they deem that a matter of too much importance to be hastily drafted, and they respectfully recommend that the President of this convention appoint a committee of seven, one from each Congressional District, to draft rules and regulations for the government of said association, to be submitted to the first meeting of the State association. The committee further recommends that the delegations in the convention from the counties that have no organizations take steps looking to the formation of such organizations so that all the counties may be represented next November. E. T. Stack house, for Committee. The following was offered as an amendment to the above: . That an Executive Committee of oiie from each county be appointed by the President at his leisure, who shall take the necessary steps to organize the farmersof their respecitve counties, continuing the present agitation tiJl after the next election, so as to seT n/wtfilnf IIMA lt>h IIM II OOfHtT Allf Alll* tuit* il jic^maiuic w111v.11 >yiu vaitj vuv uut course as expressed in this convention. Mr. Sligh, of Newberry, offered the following resolution, which was adopted: Resolved, as the sense of this convention, That consistent with the actual necessities of the government, wisely and economically administed; that, as far as possible, raw material and the prime necessaries of life and important industries ought to be admitted free of duty; and that our Congressmen be requested to use their best efforts, at all times and on all occasions, to secure the modification, in this sense, of our present most unjust and burdensome tariff. Mr. .Donalson, of Greenville, offered the following, which were adopted: Whereas, The reports of the ComptrollerGeneral show a most -unequal and unjust distribution of the burthens of taxation, through a want of proper equalization of the property of the State, both real and personal ; and whereas, it is also shown that a large per centum of the property of the State is not returned for taxation, and that the property returned for taxation, and is not assessed at its market value, thus depriving the State of her just revenues, and increasing the burthens of those who honestly pay their taxes; and whereas, the burthens of taxation are being annually increased by the steadily increasing amount of the lands forfeited to the State for non-payment of taxes, and now amounting to 912,S70 acres, upon which there is $355,111 due; and which land, while nominally the property of the State, and paying no taxes, remains in possession of the owners, who continue to enjoy its possession and profits; and whereas, these and many other evils are attributable, in part, at least, to a defective system of taxation ; therefore, be it Jlesolved, That the taxpayers of the State have a right to demand of the Legislature such amendments to the present tax laws as will correct the delects compnunea 01. That it is the sense of this convention that the laws of the State should be so amended as to effect particularly the following results, to wit: A fuller and complete return of personal property; a more correct valuation of all property, real and personal ; such an equalization of the valuation of property as will fix the assessed value and the selling price throughout the State upon an equal basis, and throw upon each county only its just proportion of taxes; and such a disposition of the forfeited lands of the State as will secure the taxes due on them jind restore them to the tax books, as well as provide a remedy for this evil in the future. 3. That until our people take more interest in and acquire more knowledge of the duties of this most important department of the government they will not realize the necessity of recommending for apppointment as Auditors and Treasurers only men specially fitted by education and experience for the work required of thein ; that we believe that the failure on the part' of the Legislature to correct the defects above cited, notwithstanding our State officers have regularly called attention to them, is due in a large measure to ignorance, not only of the law, but of the whole machinery of the tax system, and, as voters as well as taxpayers, we call upon avery member-elect of the Legislature to inform himself upon the subject and to de vote sufficient time to asiuuy 01 ine amy 01 Auditors and Treasurers as will enable him to discuss intelligently all questions of tax law and to suggest needed remedies. Mr. A. E. Jones, of Edgefield, offered the following, which were adopted : Whereas, We believethatthe present impoverished condition of the farmers of the state are attributable to the following caus?s: First, an idea of the profits of cotton rops; second, a ruinoussystem of tenantry ; third, a ruinous system of farming without are for the preservation of the fertility of the soil; fourth, a careless and willful giving away of hard-earned money for worthless commercial fertilizers; fifth, the shameful neglect of raising the necessary supplies for home consumption; sixth, the careless ind unbusinesslike manner of managing finances and contracting debts; seventh, the great want of practicable fellowship