Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

Below is the OCR text representation for this newspapers page. It is also available as plain text as well as XML.

I' J OBBUaBM . JIS^& '*£«« rc ^ ’.si M ! y ' h\ ^V/ / i 1 X I fflpsss* '-ii i-ji-'Tsm-aBss vr r.-^ao', CHARLES E. R. RRAYTON, STana^er. AIKEN 8. 0., TUESDAY, JULY 20,1886. VOLUME 5.—NUMBER 40. »■—_ ttr jZj*?— '•: tXKrsr.zrsLjL^ W1PING0UT A BLOOD STAIN ABARSWEMiJUKY ACQUITS MIHS CONNKI UY OF MUKUSK. .The Friji<»ncr a Wry Handsome Woman—The Testimony <or t!te State Complete, but Has no FfTcct Upon the Jury—The Vcrdhrl a Cause of General Rejoicing—The Judge Shakes Hands with Miss Connelly. New* and Courier. Babnwku., V. H., July. 14.—-The 'Courthouse at this place never per haps in all its history held so large an as&eiublage as that which gathered Jiere to-day to witness thoproceedings jin I he case of the htate against Miss Jt. Emma Couneliy, who was arraign ed yesterday for the murder of John Hteedly. on the 4th ol July, at Huut- jer’s Chapel. The fact is that the na ture of the case was ope that would al most inevitably attract an unusual degree of public attention, and main ly for.two reasons: First, the rarity /rif the commission of homicide by a woman, and second, because it was understood that the developments of case would bring out some revelations that would amount to a social sensa tion. There was, too, ilbmething pe culiarly sad and tragic in the circuni- gtances that led up to the affair in the /juiet Sunday-school room of Hunter’s jChapel on the morning of the.killing. Mr. Steedly, the murdered man, was a life-long friend, an admirer, a lover ,bf Miss Connelly. In fact they had been engaged to be married when un toward events sent the accepted lover to his grave. Just what was the .character and quality of tire causes of the enstraugement and separation by death of the two can never be brought but under the rules governing the in troduction of testimony in trials for homicide. Those who came to the Courthouse jto-day expecting to hear Miss Connel ly tell her story—as a great many people believed it—were sadly disap pointed. But the tremendous crowd John A. Steedly; that his death was caused by a pistol-shot wound. He said that he was at Hunter’s Chapel on the daj r of the tragedy. The first he knew of it Ire heard the report of a pistol in the church, and he immedi ately turned round to see what it was. As he looked up he saw Steedly run-I paper to prove Never saw anything back about her. Knew Steedly’s character. The Court interrupted the witness and held that he could not testify as to the moral character of .the deceas ed. The witness was handed another ning towards the door, and saw Miss Connelly snap the pistol at him. Her father and the witness than went up to the prisoner and took the pistol away r from her. Steedly, as he ran, fell out of the church door. The wit ness, did not examine the wound, but i hand-writing, which he said was John Steedly’s The prosecution objected to its in troduction. It was handed to the Judge, who said that it was irrelevant and incompetent as it was simply de famatory of Miss Connelly and proved nothing as to the real issue before the knew that Steedly lived only about Court. three minutes after he was shot. Cross-examined. Saw Steedly when he came into the church and sat down. Did not notice when Mbs Connelly came in. Saw her only when she snap ped the pistol at Steedly after the first shot was fired. The witness is a trial justice, and Miss Connelly self in his charge at once. The defence then put up the follow ing witnesses, all to proved the gener al good chaHIcter of Miss Connelly, Dr. J. I>. Black, Sr.: Resides in the lower part of the county. Knew Miss Connelly since she was a little girl. Was the family physician for put her-! nearly twenty years. Never heard Steedly! anything against Miss Connelly’s had a pistol on the morning of the character until now. staid from the beginning to the end of the evidence waiting to hear or to de rive even by implication what was the the report of the pistol just as soon as Vm.o t,r f ile homicide or murder. Miss Connelly came up behind Steed- killing, but did not draw it that wit ness saw. Couldn’t say that Stee<ll} r saw in.the habit of carrying a pistol. [At this point in the testimony the fatal pistol was produced and shown to tiie witness. He recognized it ns the one that Miss Connolly used, and knew that it had been formerly’in the possession of Mr. Lawton Connelly, the father ef the prisoner at the bar.] Continuing, the witness said: “When Miss Connelly put herself in my charge 1 turned her over to Smoak, a constable, and as she was going off she remarked‘that the pis tol was still cocked.’ ” Jacob Reutz said that he was at Hunter’s Chapel on Sunday, July 4. He saw Miss Connelly come into the church and walked up the aisle to a seat at the.back of John Steedly. He heard the pistol shot and saw^Steedly rise, look at Miss Connelly and walk towards the door. He saw the pistol in Miss Connelly’s hand after the first shot. Sftw it presented at Steedly,. but it waa not fired the second time. Don’t know why; heard no sound of its snapping. Steedly went out of the church door, down the steps and -fell and died in a few minutes. He heard true cause of the homicide or murder, as it is variously termed. In the rd within the Courthouse were triends of the deceased iner at the bar. Lid auy little has ?rturbable during the ppectl Connelly came up ly. Did not see her fire. Steedly was sitting down when shot and was facing the pulpit. He was shot in the back. Cross-examined: The witness said that he thought Mias Connelly was between the seats when she fired. The witness stated that he was a deacon at unter’s Chapel (Baptist). Miss Con- y was a member of ^>h Hun arts pro file e pris- TouTMed by her immediate relatives, room. She was arraigned ?rday. Ordinarily this is terri ble ordeal, and in the of case Miss Con nelly it would have been a severe test to conceal any emotion, if it existed. Sut those who watched her intently, plmost with painful attention, aver ^hat there was not the slightest trace of feeling exhibited during the reading of £he indictment charging her with the deliberate murder of her old friend, oousin and sweetheart. However that • inay be, she was cool and as calm this morning as if her convictions were strong to the eflect that her action and her story when toM would carry with them her complete vindication before the Court and the public aud tbe final tribunal. Miss Connelly came into court this pnorning at half-past 9 o’clock accom panied by her father, brother and her two sisters. She did not occupy the dock, but was shown to a seat im- piediately in front of the railing and to the left of her attorneys. A PICTUHE OF THE FKISOXER. Miss Connell is a tall, fine-looking brunette about twenty-one or twenty- two years of age. Her hair is dark glossy, and is worn low down on a smooth and intellectual forehead. JJer eyes are brown aud lustous, With long drooping lashes; her face . somewhat round aud full, but exquis itely proportioned, and her complex ion is ordinarily pale, but was to-day slightly flushed from the oppressive atmosphere of the Court-room. She was attired in a well-fitting white pique dress, trimmed with lace, and and a high lace collar with gold orna ment. Her hat was of yellow straw, jtrimmed with cream satin ribbons and decorated with ostrich tips. A “beauty” veil aud black lace inits completed her costume. In her lap was lying a small hand-satchel, and she had in her hand, never laying it aside, a fun which she frou^ time to time used with the semblance at least of utter unconsciousness. .She was subject, of course, to the gaze of near ly every person in the Court-room, hut she sat entirely unmoved through out the trial. THECQUKT AND JURY. The case was tried before Judge Wallace, fudge Aldrich sitting with the presiding officer during the great er part of the proceedings. For Miss ^Connelly appeared Messrs. Skinner & Williams, the State being represented by Solicitor Murphy, who was assist ed by Messrs. James E. Davis and W. R. Kelly. There was but little difficulty in the selection of a jury. There were thir teen objections by the defence and two by the State. The jury when empan elled was constituted as follows, all the jurymen being white men: T Heard, Foreman, H K Clllatt, J W Bates, L J ilunz M J Yarn, W Fail, SB Creech, J F Fulken- in, J M Breland, (i C Beat, Win 1, J II Lancaster. HB ritSTUdOMY FOR THE STATE. iu testimony fur the prosecution as follows: B. Hunter testified that he knew t, Sunuiiy-School. Steedly was- not a member of that church, but he fre quently attended services there. James Carter, a witness for the prosecution, said that he was present ami heard the pistol fired during the services. Knew that Miss Connelly fired the shot. Ho, saw Miss Connel ly come up the aisle in the direction of the pulpit. Steedly was sitting near and looking towards the pulpit. She then advanced and shot him from the rea*?. After he was shot he raised up and made towards the door. Wit ness saw nothing further. Cross-examined: He was looking at her when she entered. Saw her come up the aisle and turn to the left , passing Morton Hunter, and then fired. She was near the ailse, near e end of the bench. Held the pis- 1 in her right hand. Steedly did not look towards her. That is, witness didn’t see him look up. He walked towards the door at a common gait. There was a great deal of confusion among the women and children. About the time ef the shooting there was no one between her and Steedly. She snapped the pistol twice after she fired the first time. Dr. J. F. Baggett is a physician and surgeon: Knew nothing of Steed ly, hut examined his body at Hufi- tcr’s Chapel on the morning Julyo. Found a bullet mark on the body, up on the upper left side of the trunk above the blade bone. It ranged through the chest to a position about two inches from the navel. It was such a wound as would produce death. Cross-examined: The ball enter ed about the left shoulder-blade and ranged downwards. Witness cut out the ball and examined it. Didn’t think it met with any resistance, The course of the bail would be governed almost entirely by the position in which the pistol was held at the mo ment of the firing. Considering the direction of the ball, the pistol must have been held by n person standing behind the deceased. The above testimony was all that was produced for the State. TESTIMONY FOR THE DEFENCE. Tlie first witness put up bv the de fence was J. F. Cooke. Witness said he knew Steedly well aud was intimately associated with him. Has seen a great deal of his hand-writing ami would recognize it. [Witness was handed a paper which he recognized as the hand-writing of John Steedly.] Cross-examination waived. William McPhall: Lives in Barn well County, lower portion. Knew Miss Connolly for fifteen years Knew her general character to be good. Cross-examination waived. D. O. Hunter: Lived near Hunter’s Chapel, and knew Miss Connelly well. Had know her for a good many years. Nfcver knew anything against her. Her character was good as far as he knew. Would say that her general character was good. Jesso Carter: Lives in Barnwell County. Knew Miss Connelly for two years. Her character was good as a general thing. Knew it to be general ly good. J. B. Hunter: Knew Miss Connel ly for all her life. Knew her general character to be good. B. P. Thompson: Was a resident of Barnwell County, and knew Miss Connelly all her life. Knew hergen- eracter to be good. THE PRISONER’S STATEMENT. • After the above establishment of Miss Connelly’s good character she was put upon the stand. Every ear was strained to hear what she might have to say, and every eye was fixed intent ly upon her. Her color was perhaos just tyittleheightened by the peculiarity of her position,but oth erwise she was, as heretofore, quiet calm, deliberate and unruffled. There was not the slightest indication of the tremor of a lip or the drooping of u glance. She looked straight and fearlessly out with confidence, and to say wRh a vidence was agreaP^^ppoint to the crowd iu the Courthouse. All that her lawyers intended her to say was ruled out by the Court. The object of the defence was evidently to get Miss Connelly to testify tq the con tents of certau letters said to have been written by Steedly,but the solic itor objected to this mode of proced ure. On tlie contents of these letters Miss Connelly expected apparently to base her vindication. The letters, however, were not ad missible, and Miss Connelly’s defence may be summed up in the first few questions and answers in her evidence as follows. Q. “You are charged with going to Hunter’s Church on Sunday, July 4, and shooting Mr. John A. Steedly— that is the charge against you. Will you tell tiie Court and jury why you did so, aud why you went there?” A. “Because he slandered me.” Q. “Had you known of his slan dering you before that morning.” A. “Yes, sir.” Q. “How did you derive that knowledge?” A. “Well, I saw some letters that he had written.” Q. “Did you see those letters before that Sunday morning?” A. “Yes, sir.” Q. “How long before?” A. “I saw them on Friday before.” Q. Who showed you the letter?” A. “My brother Thomas.” Q. “Who was the letter written about?” The Solicitor: “I object.” Q. “What were your relations with Steedly. Where you engaged to him?” A. “Yes, sir.” (J. “When you heard about these slanders what did yon do?” A. “I gave him back his ring.” Q. “You discarded him?” A. “Ves. sir.” Q. “Did he subsequently make any application or effort to be restored to you again?” A. “Yes, sir.” [Question aud answer objected to as irrelevant and immaterial.] And that was the whole substance of tbe prisoner’s testimony. She never was allowed to go beyond the state ment that she saw a letter and the shootiitg was its direct result. Mr. Thomas Connelly was then put up and proved that he had shown his sister a letter on the Friday before the killing; and had some conversation with her about it. J. B. Hunter was then recalled to to thy jury. He was followed by Mr. Skinner for the defence, who was sue- j ceetled by Mr. Williams. The clos- j ing argument in the case was made j by Solicitor Murphy, after which | Judge Wallace delivered a short but concise charge on the various degrees of homicide. The case was given to the jury at about 4 p. m. For some reason that did not ap pear on the face of the testimony the general feeling was that the defend ant would be acquitted. The jury re mained in their room only twenty- five minutes and came out, having agreed upon a verdict of “Not Guilty” The announcement was received with a murmur of subdued applause, im mediately after the discharge of the jury Miss Connelly received a popular ovation. The crowd that ^as in the rear of the Court-room rushed through the railing gates aud over the railing itself and in a few minutes the late prisoner was completely surrounded and hidden from view. It was a kind of public reception. She was en gaged in receiving congratulations and handshaking for fully five min utes. It was plain that the majority in the Court-room sympathized with her from the opening of the trial. Once only throughout tho day she lost her self-possession. The crowd was so dense that she was obliged to retire through the Judge’s room. Judge Wallace was in his seat. As she was about to pass she stopped aud hesitat ed. Then blushing she impulsively stretched out her hand, wnich, the Judge receiving shook cordially, and she passed out, and that was the end of the Hunter’s .Chapel tragedy. Mr. Williams made for her a splen did defence. During his remarkably clear and logical argument he regret ted that there were not many more such women in South Carolina. The sentiment struck the keynote of the audience, which broke out into ap plause, which was promptly checked by the Court. The triafof Miss Connelly conclud ed tlie criminal busiues of the term. GOVERNORS FAREWELL HON. HUGH 8. THOMPSON FORM AL.!. Y RESIGNS HiS TRUST. What I>o We Want? Zaifrens Advertiser. No one has, so far as we have been able to see or liear, been so unreason able as to question the propriety of any class of citizens giving a free and bold expression of opinion as to their par ticular grievances and also suggesting a remedy. This is a right which will neverbe denied free American citizens, so long as a vestige of true Democracy remains. The Agricultural interest is the mqat important and powerful in Sou —ii «>i * j Wi ■ «b ift y'vsac are framed\o protect this interest, so far as it can be done without injury to olliers. The legislature is mindful of tiie importance of this class, and if there is a law in existence which is detrimental to the interest of farmers, Us existence is due to a misconception of that interest. Men who make the laws may differ as to what measures are necessary, hut it is a base injus tice and not supported by facts, to as sert tiiat any legislature since 1876 has sought to place burdens on this class of citizens. A voiee from an intelli gent body of representative farmers will always bq heeded, and justly so. But in all seriousness, we submit that it behooves" every man who has his own and his neighbor’s good at heart, to consider well what utterances go forth to the world as the voice of the farmers of South Carolina. A move ment to ascertain the evils of the day and tlie remedy, is right. But does it follow, without discussion, that we must undergo the hazard and expense of a constitution? Have the farmer agreed that the Agricultural depart ment of our State University cannot be made a suitable place for the train ing of young farmers, without build- inga separate anddistinctAgricultural College ? Have the farmers, as a unit, agreed that this is now the time to de mand a repeal of the lien law? Have they decided toplace the electionof one State officer in the hands of one class and deny other citizeos a voice? Are they satisfied that the citadel shall be turned into a female college? All these things have been recommended by a State Convention of farmers. The idea goes forth to the world that the farmers have agreed upon them, and although various clubs in Laurens county have adopted them, we ven ture to say, that if each separate reso lution could lie brought before them now, and discussed, at least half would be rejected. Let us not pin our faith to any man, but do our own thinking. Let the farmers of the State discu-s among themselves, let the press, the politi cians, let every man have a voice in the discussion, and rest assured that whatever is best will hardly be done at the ballot box. Ceremonies Incident to His Surrender and Governor Sheppard’s Assump tion, of the Gubernatorial OfHce— Congratulations tor Roth Gentle men—Governor Sheppard's Procla mation. New* and Courier, \Qlh. At noon to-day Governor Thomp son relinquished to his constitutional successor. Lieu tenant Governor Shep pard, tlie high office which for nearly four years he has held with honor to himself and the State. The ceremo ny was very brief and simple, but it was as imposing as if it had been in terwoven wiJLh pomp and display. All the doors aud windows of the room were open, and a light breeze flickered through it, moderating the heat. There were assembled inform ally, to witness the ceremony, Col. Coward, superintendent of education, Railroad Commissioner Bonham, At torney-General Miles, Comptroller- General Stoney, Mayor Rhett, Col. Lipscomb, superintendent of the Pen itentiary, State Treasurer Richardson, State Chemist Chazal, Cel. Butler, comiqissioner of agriculture, Secreta ry of State Lipscomb, President McBryde, of the South Carolina Col lege, Col. 4. 0. Haskell, Gen. Rudolph Seigling, Assistant Attorney-General Bachman, Col. R. D. Goodwyn, Col. F. W. McMastcr and other friends of Governor Thompson and ot his suc cessor. By request of the Governor the clerks of the State departments had also assembled to see him out of office. Governor Thompson, Lieu tenant Governor Sheppard and Chief Justice Simpt^u were in tbe room be fore thq assembling of the party. Messrs. Thompson and Sheppard chat ted with their friends until the city bell struck twelve. At this signal they walked to the qovth end of the chamber and took positions by the Governor’s desk, facing the spectators who were arj^nged around the room. Chief Justice Simpson stood near him. Turning ttf.Mr. Sheppard the retiring Governor said: “Governor Sheppard: I have the honor to hand you this, communication, inform ing youtTiatk l have this day filed with tl)e secretary of the State my resignation the office of Governor of South CaoKina.” Governor Shep pard receivoAthe letter, which was enclosed in envelope, and without rea^BTit* bowed to his pre- to Chief Jus- State of South Carolina,” as appears by his resignation now on file in the office of the secretary of State. Now, therefore, I John C. Sheppard do proclaim, that, by virtue of tbe provisions of Article III, Section 9, of the Constitution of the State, I have this day taken the oath of office as “the Governor of the State of South Carolina,” and have entered upon the discharge of the duties thereof. In testimony whereof, I have here unto set my hand and caused the great seal of the State to be affixed, at Columbia, this 10th day of July, A. D. 1886, and in the one hundred and elev enth year of the Independence of the United States of America. JohnC. Sheppard. By the Governor: Jas.N. Lipscomb, Secretary of State. In addition to taking tho oath ver bally, Governor Sheppard subscribed to it in a printed form, and it was at tested by the Chief Justice. Governor Thompson’s last official act was to sign the commission ©f Mr. L. D. Childs, of Columbia, as captain of the Richland Volunteer Rifle Company. Governor Sheppard’s first official act was to sign the com mission of E. J. Lewith. of Charles ton County, as a notary public. He remained in his office during the usual office hours. Solicitor Bonham paid him the first official visit of his ad ministration. Mr. Henry T. Thompson, a sou of the retiring Governor, and for many month’s his private secretary, will be retained by Governor Sheppard in the position he has filled so admirably. Governor Sheppard will not bring his family to Columbia for the present, but will stay at tho Grand Central Hotel. Ex-Governor Thompson expects to leave for Washington to-morrow at 1.32 B. M., if the condition of a sick child will warrant bis doing so. His family will remain in the Executive Mansion for the present, and will probably not followliim to Washing ton until October. Shortly after Governor Sheppard’s accession to office the Columbia Fly ing Artillery took a gun into the State House grounds and complimented the new Chief Magistrate with a series of booming congratulations. For Attorney-General. / Georgetown Enquirer. We publish this morning an article from the^ c o 1 u m The Aiken Recorder paying served trll/ute to the high charaS 5 PROMPTLY AT II IS POST, FEARFUL TURK IN CONY U IjSION OF NA- NEW ZEALAND. GOV. THOMPSON ASSUMES THE DUTIES OF HIS NEW POSI TION. he a I am office.” according! niation bei As soon GovernorTt banjL mom ceiving th officers and Governor Tho; to-morrow ft those preseu bidding him their best W, Washington, informally s persed and returned to hi The follow! lease 'the oath of was administered sual form, thq affir- m on a small Bible. »had been done Ex- i warmly shook the >r and wished il administration, ipson was the next ilatious, aud in a few Governor was re wishes of the ids present. As Ex- ipson proposes to leave Washington maqy of took the occasion of >d-bye and expressing for his success in Lfter half an hour thus it, the spectators dis- i-Goveruor Thompson residence. The solicitor objected to its introduc show tlie good faith of MissConnelly in turn. Judge Wallace desired to bear argu ment as to its admissibility or non-ad missibility, aud the jury were directed to withdraw during tlfi; argument. [The paper handed the witness was the original manuscript of the card which was published in the News and Courier by Steedly a few days after the horsewhipph'g aiTuir. A fter liear- j *:ig argument on tho admi-sii;i!i:y of 'tbe paper Judge WuUitco ruled it out.] Tho witness Cooke, resuming, said he knew 1 he defendant, Miss Coiinel- ley. Knew her„:ibout two years. Liv ed in iter neighborhood, about half a tuilc off. Knew ter to be gl»*xl her general oharae- as far as he knew. not endeavoring to escape from a trial. Mr. *D. J. Rowe and tSheriff Peoples were also put up for the same purpose which, the prosecution having noih- •ing iu reply, closed tha evidence in the ease. Mr. Williams, for the defence, stat ed that lie would he glad if tlie Court would adjourn and allow him time to collect authorities toshnwthnt the let ters, w .*., which he had attempted to introduce were fairly admissible an a part of the evidence. Judge Wallace said that lie had already ruled on that point, and that if he had been error the defence won id have their proper remedy by ap)>cal. Immediately thereafter Mr. James kJ. Davis opened the case for the State A lady living iu Doubury, Conn., left a bowl of milk standing on the pantry shelf. Out came a mouse and spied a cool drink of the delicious beverage. Unfortunately for the lit tle feaster it fell into the flowing bowl Now, to die from the flowing bowl the mousie felt would be a disgrace. But the question was to sink or swim. The mouse immedi ately put on its thinking cap and began to churn the milk by swing back aud forth. In a couple of minutes the butter eame, and then the smart mouse stood upon it and jump ed out upon the shelf, but with quan t ities of the butter sticking to its paws, for she tracked it all about the clean pantry. This mouse story of churn- ; ing butter, which n a true one isa j great witness in favor of tiie honesty of the milkman, for if it had been as poor in quality as some milk the mouse would have drowned. By a Japanese process seaweed is made into a paper so transparent that it nmy be substituted for window glass. are the official papers connected with the transfer of tlie office. The resignation of Governor Thompson wa^flled with the secreta ry of State at a quarter to 12 o’clock to-day: ^ the resignation. State South Carolina, ) Executive Chamber, }■ Columbia, 8. C., July 10,1886.) Having beeri*appointed by the Pres ident of the United States an assis tant Secretary of the Treasury, and having accepted said office, I do here by resign the office of “The Governor of the State of South Carolina.” Sugh S. Thompson. the farewell letter. Columbia, S. C., July 10, 1886.— My Dear Sir: It becomes mv duty to inform you that. I have this day re signed as Governor of South Carolina. Permit me to express the hope that your administration of the office of Governor, which thus devolves upon you, will meetTully your desires and the expectations of the people of the State. ^ In severing the officiaQfrelations which for nearly four years have brought me into constant intercourse with the other State officers, I desire to (express myvhigh appreciation of their uniform courtesy to me ind of the zeal, intelligence and fidelity with which they have discharged their du ties. To them is largely due whatever measure of success lias been attained in the effort to secure a wise, just and efficient administration of the State Government. With profound gratitude to the peo ple of South Carolina for the confi dence they have reposed iu me, and for the lioLors* they have conferred upon me; witiurhe earnest hope, that harmony may prevail in all the coun cils of the State, and that peace, prosperity and happiness may abound throughout this Commonwealth. I have the honor to be, very respect fully your obedient servant, Hugh S. Thompson. To Ljg Excetlbncy John C. Shep pard, Governor of South Carolina. Governor Siwppard upon assuming office, issued the following PROCLAMATION I State of South Carolina,) Executive Committee. • f Whereas, the Honorable Hugh S. Thompson haqf vacated and resigned the office of Governor of the chard/Ven Miles, torney-General of the warmly advocating his re-no tion. From the days of ’76 to the present time this high office has been ^ adorned *>y profound learning, splen did forensic powers, stainless purity and unselfish patriotism. Conner, You mans, Miles—what a galaxy of namesl Aud this Illustrious record has been sustained by none with great er ability, fidelity 9nd distinctiqn than by the courtly aud polished gentleman who now graces the office. To great legal erudition he has ad ded the most conscientious and labo rious performance of every duty. His devotion to the State has been no less conspicuous than the indefatigable zeal with which he has protected her interests; and the incorruptible in tegrity of his official course has no parallel save in the unblemished pu rity of his private life. Modest and unassuming, courteous and high- minded, the State has no servant more’faithful, no citizen more loyal, no lawyer more splendidly equipped for the discharge of the delicate and responsible duties of this office. By common consent, he stands in the front rank of his profession as an able advocate and a wise and judi cious counsellor. It would be a misfortune if the un reasoning demand for a “clean sweep” and a “new deal” should deprive the State of his services. He has work to do which none can do better than he and few as well. That it will be per formed with honor to himself and ad vantage to South Carolina none can doubt who have observed his brilliant and masterly conduct of the litigation involving the validity of the Blue Ridge bonds, which resulted iu a sav ing to the State of nearly two million dollars and placed her finances on a securer foundation than at any time since tbe Radical regime. Without disparagement to the other distin guished gentleman who have been mentioned as his successors, we think that Mr. Miles deserves a re-nomina tion and we feel assured that his fel low-citizens will testify to their recog nition of his eminent qualifications, as well as to their regard for the in terests of the State, by giving it to him. Now is tlie time to emulate the ex ample of the noble cucumber. The cucumber is always cooj because it does not allow itself to boome excit ed. The very expression “keep cool” is derived from contempiution of the demeanor of the cucumber; for while men and animals are worrying them selves about how to get cool, the cu cumber simply keeps cool. It never goes scurrying around setting itself on fire looking for a cool place, but settles right down where it is, content with the shade of a single leaf, and ccolly smiles upon all the world with serene and refreshing placidity. Taking the Oath a» Assistant Secreta ry of the Treasury—Cordially Wcl coined by his Co-Workers in the Dr- partment—A Visit to the President. New* and Courier. Washington, July 12.—Ex-Gov ernor Thompson arrived here this morning on the early train fiom Col umbia. ile proceeded to the residence of Comptroller Trenholm, and after breakfast accompanied tlie latter to the treasury department. He imme diately called upon Actiug Secretary Fairchild and announced himself ready to take possession of his new of fice. The departmental notary was summoned, and in the presence of Messrs. Fairchild and Trenholm the new assistant secretary took the oath of office. Tliis formality over, Assis tant Secretary Thompson went over to the White House, paid his icspects to the President and informed him that he was prepared to enter upon his duties at once. The usual courtesies were exchanged, after which Gover nor Thompson returned to the treas ury department and occupied himself until noon, receiving informally the congratulations of friends in the de partment. At 12 o’clock he was in formed that his office was open to him, and the bureau officers and chiefs of divisions were reatjy tq be presented to him. Some thoughtful person had placed a beautiful bouquet of flowers upon his desk and the room was filled with their fragrance. Mr. Fairchild stoo<) by the side of the n^w assistant secretary and Chief Clerk Youmans made tjie introduc tions. All prominent departmental officials were present,and many subor dinates also presented themselves for introduction. Governor Thompson at once created a favorable impression up on his official associates by his pleasant and cmutcQus manners. As he and Fairchild stood side by side a veteran bureau chief remarked: “That is a splendid team, both about the same size. I like the new secretary’s ap pearance; he stands squarely upon his feet aud looks you straight in the eye. He seems to have alf the qualifications of a suc cessful executive officer.” Your cor respondent heard similar expressions of opinion on all sides and our late overnor’g introduction into the ; - V- .v ■ Earthquake Shocks of Great Severity Follow Each Other in Rapid Succes sion—A Whole Ranae of Mountains Suddenly Converted into 13lazing' Volcanoes. San Francisco, July 12.—Further details of the earthquakes in New Zea land state that the most violent dis turbances were felt in the neigh bo rr hood of Rotona. The severity of the shocks led many jieople to believe that the island would sink into the soa. Tlie sensatiqn experienced is said to have been fearful bj beyond description. Im mediately after the first shock tlie in habitants rushed frantically iu all di rections. Whci» Jbe second shock came the entire countrj for miles around was [lit up by a glare from a volcano which liad suddenly bugst in to activity. The scene was as grand os it was aw ful. Huge volumes of smoke, illumlna- uated with flames, simultaneously burst forth from a range of mountains over sixty miles in length, and above the smoke could bp seen huge masses of fire resembling meteors rushing through the sky. The natives who had escaped death gathered in groups and, filled with abject terror, held re ligious services. But when another shock would cause the earth to trem ble they would fall on their faces to the ground quivering with fear. As soon as the news of the fearful occurence was received at Auckland a Government agent made immediate preparations to go to tho relief of the suffering people. Wagons were char tered and filled with provisions and clothes. Johnson, the Government agent, on his arrival at Rotona sent back the following account: “Tiie scene among tlie mountains ns viewed from the Wairora road is terribly grand. Flashes of lightning peals of thunder and shocks of earth quake are incessant, while dust is fall ing iu heavy showers. In addition to these inconveniences the roads throughout the entire country arc cov ered with blue clay mud, ejected from the volcano. All vegetation is de stroyed and the aspect of the country is entirely changed. Blue Lake and Lake Rotakakahi have been trans form into mud baths. The outlet of the latter lake is blocked up.and the bridges which cross the lower end are covered with mud. Nearly all the- buildings tljat I have noticed are crush el in by falling mud. At this piacuj Snow’* TcmporanceHall(ind two] . '• r by 1 to perforin, ed with the morrow he work of his office. United States Marshal arrived here to-day, called hither letter from Senator Butler. CHANCES OF MARSHAL BOYKIN’S COM firsTation. Boykin's nomination has been pend ing before the judiciary committee for several months, and all attempts on the part of Senators Hampton and Butler to secure action have been met with evasive statements from Senator Edmunds who appears to be conducting the business of the com mittee single-handed. Senator Butler has frequently applied to other mem bers of the cqjnmittee for information aud invariably he has been referred to Senator Edmunds. A few days ago in reply to Senator Butler’s Inquiry, Senator Edmunds stated that he was unable to obtain certain information from the treasury department relative to Mr, Boykin’s accounts, and as soon as the desired information was forth coming the committee would be ready to proceed. Mr. Boykin to-day went to tbe treasury department and ex plained the situation to the satisfac tion of Comptroller Durham, and sul - sequently went to the Capitol aud had an interview with Senator Ed munds, which threw new light upon the subject. It is said that Mr. Boykin convinced Senator Edmunds that instead of being in debt to tbe Government the latter was actually in debt to him several hundred dollars. .’hioh arrived at The< ero Cro** wi on June 1, reports having felt at sea the effects of tbe disturbances. On the morning of Jupe 10, the day fol lowing the earthquakes, he exper ienced a downfall of dust. From 5 to 10 a. m. there was complete dark ness and balls of fire were oontiuual- ly playing around ti#p mastheads. A terrible gale suddenly sprung up a id carried all his canvass away before it could be taken in. The men were un able to stand the blinding showers of dust and the vessel was put about and stood away to the north, but it was not until 11 o’clock of the day foilow- ing that the dust was left behind. Re ports sl^owthat earthquakes general ly prevailed at a)il points in New Zea land during tlje same period. A petition is being circulated in Au gusta for tbe pardon of Geo. T. Jack- son, tlie defaulting president of the Enterprise cotton mills, who was con victed and sentenced to six years iu the penitentiary. Jackson was sent to the “Old Town Plantation” where convicts are employed. It is stated that he soon will die or • become in sane. PORT ROYAL COALING SECTION. Senator Butler to-day introduced an amendment to the deficiency biil to appropriate $4,000 to complete the sheds at the coaling station at Port Royal. Two Candidates Resort to Tlieir Fists—A Speaker Driven from tiie Stand. A lively fight occurred in London, July 10, at the depot of the Great Western Railroad at Warminster a market town of Vv’itts County, be tween Lord Thynne, the Conservative candidate for the western division of Wiltshire, and Mr. G. W. Fuller. The gentlemen met at the station, and af ter the interchange of some uncom plimentary remarks his lordship lost ids temper and denounced Mr. Fuller as a liar. Fuller in turn applied the same epithet to Lord Thynne, and the latter struck Fuller a stinging blow in the face, which was returned with vigor. The combatants then went at it like two old time members of the pugilistic fraternity. Both were badly used up. Earlier in the evening Mr. P. J. O’Brien, the Parncdlite member for the Northern division of Tipperary, while delivering a'specch at Wurmin- ii-ter in support of Mr. Fuller, was roughly handled. No sooner had he begun speaking than the crowd began shouting and yelling iu a bewildering way. and completely drowning the voice of the speaker.. Mr. O’Brien aud Mr. Fuller’s friends hud to fly. They were pelted with all sorts of missiles and were besieged until mid night iu the house of a Liberal. 'v&m mm --Ski A Queer Proceeding. • . Spartanburg Herald. Recently the members of the Legis lature from Sumter met in the office qf Joseph H. Earle, in the town of - Sumter, $pd unanimously recom mended tq Governor Thompson that Col. Jas. D. Graham be appointed Clerk of Court vice W. H. Cuttino, deceased. The Governor was notified of this action, but all Sumter was set by the ears on Wednesday when tho Governor soup to Col. Earle a letter received from Col. J. J. Dargan, stat ing that Col. Graham had presided at - Radical meetings, had held offices un der several Radical Governors, was a drunkard totally unfit for any office of honor or trust, but was useful only to spoil politicians. When the letter was received $ meeting of the citizens was called and resolutions were pass ed declaring that Colonel Graham has been and still is a self-sacrificing, hard working Deraqcrat and deservedly one of the mos£ popular men in tho county. -The resolutions were for warded to the Governor, and Colonel Graham has been appointed clerk. Mr. Dargan is the brilliant hut erratic young apostle of free trade. Sumter has stood by him, but even Sumter must now feel and admit that ho is off his mental balance. Our New Governor. Register. Governor Sheppard comes among u i to the discharge of the high trust of Governor ot South Carolina not as a ' stranger. He is no novice in the af fairs of the State. He has been in public life from the time that the State rallied to redemption without intermission. He has presided over both House and Assembly witlidis tinguished success, and if any man in the Slate is familiar with all the af fairs of the Commonwealth, he should be. The Slate then nisy feel fully satis fied that she will find’ in the new Qov ernor all that a good, fair and equal le discharge of duty may mean. Governor Sheppard 1 o!ds a high trust, aud we believe be willi it sans peur ct ean* reproche.