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.

Wednesday Morning, Jan'ry 29. THE HONGBEL COHVEHTIOH. Tho proceedings of an assemblage known as tbe Reconstruction Convention, now sitting in Charles? ton, if published in our columns, would exclude all other matter, and hence we can only promise our readers to give them a bird's eye view of the Radi? cal concern. We have carefully examined the pro? ceedings, from day to day, since our last issue. Apart from the appointment of the Standing Com? mittees on the various p*rts of the proposed Con? stitution, and which we will charitably infer are at work upon their respective portions of the struc? ture, the prime object of the Convention has not been alluded to. The pay of members, measures of relief to debtors, re-modeling the Judiciary and -.abolition of the District Courts, the Division of Pickens District, and abuse of the respectable whites of the State for participation in rebellion so-called, have been the principal themes upon which the eloquence and fervor of the negro ora? tors and mean whitea have "been expended. Tho first few days of the session indicated more conser? vatism among the negro delegates than was dis? played by pretended white men; but, under the leadership of a black delegate from Charleston, the ' negro majority seems determined to ignore moder? ation and justice, 'and "let loose the dogs of war' upon everything opposed to Radicalism. ThiB is strictly in keeping with the course pursued by other Conventions now assembled under the Re? construction Acts of Congress. As the thing pro? gresses, members wax warm and grow insolent, and snap and snarl at everybody manifesting op? position to-their revolutionary measures. We say this is the experience in other Stales, and we have never thought.tbai South Carolina would prove au exception. Therefore, the -efhite people may ex? pect . to be abused and denounced, and can look forward to nothing favorable to their interests, or the lasting good of the entire people. Wo say em? phatically, tnat our people must not expect concilia? tion and justice at the hands of this mongrel con? cern. Their object is to obtain control of the State, and so direct affairs as to place the negro perma? nently in the ascendancy. Bat we will hare abun? dant opportunities to do justice lo this hybrid af? fair, and have only sounded a note of warning against our peopje trusting the apparent degree ?f fairness some of the measures possess. The division of Pickens Disfict will likely be ac? complished. At least, such are the present indi? cations, although there is some opposition. There is no difficulty about this Convention put? ting its hands into the 8tate Treasury. The ex? ample of Georgia is not emulated, and her Jenkins finds himself alone in opposition to these piraticaj forays upon the people's money. The question of relief has occupied much of the time of tho Convention. The famous Tom Robert? son, ot Columbia, who didn't fight any duel at Kewberry last fall, made a written harangue against the proposed measure of relief, and the next day was properly rebuked by Wnir-pek, ne? gro delegate from Beaufort, who seems to be the intellectual giant of the whole concern. The de? bates on this subject have not been devoid of in? terest and will likely serve the purpose of develop? ing the true feelings of the majority in reference to their subsequent action. Cp to last uccotints, the discussion was continued. In order that our readers may clearly comprehend the proposed measures of relief, the preamble and resolution's before the Convention are appended. The follow? ing was introduced by F. J. Mosr.s, jr., of Sumter. referred to the Executive Committee, and by that Committee reported to tho Convention : Wheeeas, forced sales of property under legal processes, at the present unpropitious period, nlien cotton is so much depreciated in vaiue, the daily necessaries of life so high, and the whole country in such an unsettled condition, that the entire planting interest is endangered, as well as almost every'other solid interest in the State, depriving the planters of the power to continue preparations* for their cro'ps, and nearly all the laborers in the country of their homes, and the means of obtaining provisions for their daily subsistence ; and. where? as, the general destitution that must inevitably ensue, can result in benefit only to a small class o"f persons, who live by speculating on the ruiu of others; therefore be it Resolved, That we the representatives of the peo? ple of South Carolina in constitutional Convention assembled, do hereby respectfully, but earnestly petition Brevet Major-Gencr.nl Ed. R.S. Cunby commanding Second Military District, in order to afford this Convention the necessary time in which to mature proper measures of relief for the people ofthe State, to su.spet;J tor three mouths any exc cutiou or other legal processes under any judgment or decree rendered by the Courts of this State, for a 1 debt or debts contracted prior to the 80th of June, I860. Resolved, That the President of the Convention be requested to forward at the earliest practicable moment a certified copy of this preamblo aud reso? lutions to Brevet Major-General E. R. S. Canby. P. S.?By last night's mail, we learn that the above resolutions passed on Saturday by a vote of 67 ayeB, 52 nays. Tho Convention, on Monday, was engaged in considering the report of the Finance Committee, which recommends levying^ special tax to defray the expenses of the Conveution and preserve the credit ofthe State, and that the pay of members be nice dollars a day and twenty cents mileage, pay? able in bills receivable of the State. The disputch further states that considerable ex? citement followed the adjournment, growing out of an assault upon the reporter of the Mercury, by a son of Collector Mackey, President of the Con? vention, on account of an abusive article in that paper. NEW BOOS. uThe Grayjacktls, and how they Lived, Fought and Died for Dixey, urilh Incidents and Sketches of Life in the Confederacy," is the title of a handsome vol? ume just issued by Jones Bbotheks & Co., Atlan? ta, Ga. There is a certain portion of tho War that will never go into the regular histories, nor be embodied in romance or poetry, which is a very real part of it, and will, if preserved, convey to succeeding generations a better idea of the spirit of the conflict than many dry reports or careful narratives of events, and this part may be called the gossip, the fun, the pathos of the War. This illustrates the character of the leaders, the humor of the soldicrB, the devotion of women, the bravery of men, the pluck of our heroes, the romance and hardship* of the service. From the beginning of the war. the author has been engaged in collecting all the an? ecdotes connected with or illustrative of it, and has grouped and classified them under appropriate heads, and in a very attractive form. The book's contents includes reminiscences of camp, picket, spy, scout, bivouac, siege, and bat? tlefield, with thrilling feats of bravery, wit, drol? lery, comical and ludicrous adveutures, etc., etc. Amusement as well as instruction may be found in every page, as graphic detail, brilliant wit, and authentic history, are skillfully interwoven in this work of literary art. It is just such a volume as wiil find numerous purchasers, and just such a one as persons seekiug to act as book ag?nts ghould add to ikeix Hot. 'LOCAL AND STATE NEWS. Red Cnoss Mabe.?When we adopted the cosh 1 system, it was with the firm intention to adhere j strictly to the requirements of that system, and al j low no puper to be sent longer than the time paid I for. Thisplan was rigidly pursued until within a ! Bhort time past, and we. have only deviated there j from when solicited by persons to wait for a few j weeks until they sold cotton or other produce. Having departed from the rule in a few instances, we are more than ever satisfied that there is only one legitimate plan of receiving and continuing subscriptions. Therefore, all interested will take notice that the red cross-mark signifies that the time paid for either has or is about to expire. Those persons who have asked indulgence for a brief period are likewise notified that the red cross-mark will be made upon their papers until the 1st of February, and unless I hey renew their subscrip? tions by that time, we shall strike off their names, without exception. We are too poverty-stricken 1 to send papers unless they are paid for in advance, and while wishing to retain the good will and pa? tronage of all our friends, we cannot afford to sac? rifice so much in their behalf. We have to pay cash for everything, and iu order to keep even with the world, we must adhere to the cash system. Rbxembbb.?When you leave homo next Monday, to bring along enough money to pay the printer. If you are not coming to the Court House on Sale day, send what you owe by your neighbor. Per? sona indebted for subscription or advertising will oonfer a speeial favor by heeding this advice. Internal Revenue.?Deputy Collector Cobtj gives notice that he will ait tend at this place on to? morrow and Friday, to afford a last opportunity for the payment of taxes due. Convention Itesis.?The Charleston Mercury publishes every day, in addition to the proceedings, sketches of the delegates, their antecedents, &c. We promiiie our readers the sketch of the Anderson delegation, when it appears. From all we can gather from the published re? port, the average talcni of the Convention is more marked among the leading negroes than among Oje mean whites who have shown their teeth. The Anderson delegation has been conspicuously quiet, with the exception of Dr. Newton J. Newell. Ho has been on the floor a half dozen times or more, and generally manages to blurt out some? thing. A specimen of his oratory is given by the Mercury, which we publish in another place. Dur? ing the debate respecting that paper, (alluded to last week,) Doctor N. made a motion, including the profound remark, that the Mercury "be left to the temperature of the atmosphere." What he meant, no one knows, but it is proof positive that the good people of Anderson may rely upon his being beard. Some of our exchanges designate this affair as the Charleston Convention. We are not disposed to grumble at the appellation, and cheerfully ac? cord to Charleston, or any other seaport, all the honor of the occasion. We learn, through private sources, that a few delegates are stopping at the Mills House, the ma? jority of the whites at the Pavilion, and the colored element scattered promiscuously. Leap Y eae.?dt ia rather late in the day, to be caUing attention to the fact that this is Bissextile or leap year, but we have been reminded by a pretty miss, with rosy cheeks and laughing eyes, that ahe had not seen any mention of it in the In? telligencer, and she was expectiug the editor to do honor to the privileges of the fair sex. Surmising that the aforesaid beauty has serious irtemions against some of our bachelor friends, we have de? termined tu caution that forlorn class of humanity, that they may be prepared to undergo the torture of having the daughters of Eve proposing for their hands and hearts. Keep shy of them, gentlemen ! They will usurp your glorious privileges and re? strict your freedom, encroach upon your dearest idols and destroy the peaceful habits of your lives. 1 By this we mean, that they will not allow you to wear buttonless shirts, nor soiled pantaloons; keep you happily engaged of an evening, instead of wearing life away in solitude ; become the gentle monitor of all pure and noble action, and bauish trom your hearts the greed of selfishness; and fi? nally, metamorphose you into a decent, respectable gentleman, worthy citizen and respected member of society. This is the danger, meisseurs, and we give you solemn warning not to allow one of the dear, fascinating creatures to ensnare you during the present year. Newspateks.?Whitneb Stjcmbs, Esq., a young lawyer, and son of the late Dr. Svmmes, of the Pendleton Messenger, has taken charge of the edi? torial department of the Keowce Courier. We could not extend to him a more complimentary welcome than to wish that his career may be crowned with the success of his honored father. Robert Vouno, a practical printer and worthy gentloman, succeeds to the proprietorship of the paper. All hands have our cordial greetiug. The Columbia Phoenix has been reduced in size, but not iu interest. Friend Selby continues to give the freshest and latest news, and is undoubt? edly a fixture. What has become of the Charleston News? This eecms to be a general complaint among country ex? changes, and we must add our grievance to the rest. The Savannah Advertiser, too, must be "put? ting on airs." It was enlarged and improved about the first of this month, and after sending a few specimen copies, withdrew its radiant countenance. We are after yuu, Ned, and intend to have the Ad? vertiser, if we pay for it. Send along your bill. The Suinter Watchman comes to this office sctui occasioually. What is the matter ? Changed His Rase.?Our friend, Wm. M. Os nonxE", whose location "On the Bay" is from "the time whereof memory of man runneth not to the contrary," has changed his base, and is now snug jy encouccd in the Benson House, where he is pre? pared, with accommodations for man and beast, to entertain the public iu superb style. Wo will guarantee a good return for the money invested, whenever our friends patronize this old and well known House. A new copartnership is also advertised, in which Mr. Osbokxk has associated with him, in the mer? cantile line, En. E. Keese, a young gentleman fa? vorably known to the community. They have opened a general assortment of goods in the Corner of the Benson House, and will be pleased to wait upon friends and customers. Lust's Natures.?We are indebted to Judge Mi'uRAT, of this town, for a wonderful curiosity in the vegetable kingdom, in the form of a Turnip, having the combined appearance of the turtle and elephant. This singular specimen grew upon the plantation of V. 0. Stoweub, E-sq., of Hart County, Geo., and wu arc informed that a couple of gentlc | men in that vicinity arrested its progress some two hundred yards from the turnip patch, evidently endeavoring to make its escape from the indigna? tion of the other animals. Wc do not vouch for this, however; only "tell the tale as'twas told us." The rare production is on exhibition at this office, und oaa be f?r a few days, frue of charge. i Tue Little Cobpobax.?This is one of the moat spirited periodicals for the young published in tbe United States, and we can most heartily commend it to the youth of our land. The January number is the first of volume sixth. Now is a good time to subscribe. One Dollar per annum. Address Al? fred L. Sewell, Chicago, 111. Tho Pennsylvania Teacher says : "The Little Corporal is thc most entertaining publication for the young that we have ever examined. We cannot see how it possi? bly can have a superior, or if it could have, how the young folks could possibly wish for anything better." Charleston Hotel.?The advertisement of this first-class Hotel appears elsewhere, and we take pleasure in commending the house to our friends everywhere. Tho new lessee, Maj. Horrach. is a kind, accommodating and polite host, while our friend of ye olden time, Charlie Miller, con? tinues at his post. A recent sojourn at the Charles? ton Hotel convinced us that the reputation long since established will bo maintained under the new regime. SiGif or ms Goldek Mortar.?The advertise? ment of Joun J. Baker apprises the public where pure drugs and medicines may be had, and we take pleasure in recommending tho establishment to all persons in need of pills and nostrums, and other things usually kept in a first-class drug house. Mr. Baker is polite and accommodating, and will cheerfully devote his time for the especial benefit of customers. New Name.?The Charleston Mercury has aptly styled the Radical-Negro Convention as tho "Great Ringed-Streaked-and-Striped." The sketches and incidents published by the Mercury are rich and racy. We publish a few of them in this issue. -?,-_ INCIDENTS OF THE EINGED-STREAZED-AND 8TRIPED CONVENTION. Accustomed to Wait ox Themlelves.?The motion to have three messengers appointed for the convention by the chairman, seemed to strike some of the members as an unusual and uncalled for luxury. J. J. Wright, delegate from Beaufort, but an cx-mctubcr of the United States Colored Troop, and a pure blooded negro, expressed his opinion on the subject plainly, and said he could not see the use of so many messengers to wait on the conven? tion, when most of the members had been brought up to wait on themselves. * This truth was applauded by'some, and hissed by a few. The "Poor White" as a Legislator.?So far the worst spirit displayed in the convention has been exhibited by the mean native whites of Caro? lina, several of whom, genuine specimens, tall, gawky, coarse, have been sent from the upper dis? tricts who apparently embittered by thc vanity of their life-long attempt to lift themselves to the standard of decent men, seem anxious now to drag down all decent men to their own level. Indica? tions of the most virulent hostility to everything associated with the Carolina of the past prevail among them, and wc predict that it will be difficult for thc more enlightened among the negro mem? bers to restrain their excesses. Loyal method of saying "as long as the sun shines." "As long as the celestial luminary traverses the firmamental space."?Extract from thc speech of Dr. N. J. Nevell, of Anderson. O.nk Thousand Dollars a Dav.?In thc course of thc debate on inviting Governor Orr to address the convention, one of the delegates announced the painful fact that their proceedings cost one thou? sand dollars per day, and that, as discussing whether Orr should address the convention or not would probably take half a day, and listening to his address another half a day, this precious speech of his Excellency would probably cost one thou sand dollars. 1 Committee ox Si'ellino.?As we are not al? lowed a voice on the floor we would suggest, through this medium, tho appointment of a com? mittee on spelling, for the revision of all written matter. A glance at a few of thc resolutions offered by various members discloses so many crthograpi cal outrages as to leave no doubt of the necessity of such a committee. A loyal and patriotic assem? bly will see to it that thc national language is pre? served in its purity. It is intolerable that the sovereign people, for the first time, according to Mackey, represented in this State by a properly constituted body, should bc designated by aDy such word as lij?eeple." Ring-Streakei>-axi>-Striped Dictionary.?One of the white delegates from Berkeley, in oppposing the ordinance against the district courts, said that it was out of the power of the convention to do anything except frame a constitution ti b?ch must be submitted to thc peoplo of thc State for their "acccptancy or refectance." A little colored delegate from Charleston, and another of thc same complexion from Georgetown, were earnest in their appoals to the klGcntlcmcns of thc Convention." tlie delegate last alluded to did not deny (hat there was about thc district courts much that was ^'condemnatory." A bluck delegate explaining himself on the same subject said "I consist that thc matter be roferred to thc proper committee." Confed?rate Title Recognized.?Yesterday Major C. D. Melton, who, to thc best of our infor? mation, owes that title to thc position which he held in the Confederate service, was invited as Major C. D. Melton, together with Major D. T. Corbin, who owes his title to the position he held in the United Slates volunteer forces, to assist the convention with their counsel and advice. - JSS"" Thc following brief announcement has occa? sioned much sadness among the numerous friends and acquaintances of thc accomplished lady whose sympathy with thc "gray jackets" had endeared her to the people of the South : Died, in New York city, on the Gth inst., Mns. James Runu, (formerly Mus. Craig,) daughter of thc late Alonzo Church, of Athens, Ga., for moro than a ijuarler of a century President of the Uni? versity of Georgia. ? Tbc La Crosse Democrat states the following fact : "It may not be generally known, but it is a fact nevertheless, that in lb<M the same pen that wrote thc Chicago plutform on which McClellan refused to stand, also wrote McClellan's letter accepting the nomination and kicking thc platform to pieces, in order to catch thc war and thc anti-war Demo? crats." ? The Democratic Conventions of Ohio, Indiana and West Yirginia havo declared in favor of Hon. George H. Peudleton of Ohio, as tbe next Demo? cratic candidate for President. He is also thc choice of the Democrats of Western Pennsylvania. ? Judge Trigg, of tho United States District Court for 'Tennessee, has pronounced the law en? franchising the blacks in that State null and void. ? Judge Thurman, an able Democrat, was elected United States Senator, on thc 14th, by the j Ohio Legislature. j For the Anderson Intelligencer. IHVOLTffiTAEY BANKRUPTCY. Mb. Euitob : At your request I have prepared a compendious statement of the Law in relation to Involuntary Bankruptcy, which, I trust, will not be unprofitable to those who may be pleased to ex? amine it. We are not a commercial people in this part of the State, and, therefore, the law as it is, has not been heretofore extensively resorted to as a measure of relief from the indebtedness which burdens our people. The prevailing opinion among them seems to be, that the design of the Act was simply to afford re? lief to such insolvent persons as might see proper to i.pply for the benefit of its provisions, which is termed Voluntary Bankruptcy ; but there is also what is called Involuntary Bankruptcy, and it is to this branch of the subject that I have confined the abstract of authorities. The law is too volumi? nous to be examined, or understood, except by lawyers, who have the time to devote to it3 study ; and it is in the hope that some information of a valuable nature may be presented in a readable form, that I have attempted to comply with your request. The 39th Section of the Act provides "that any person residing and owing debts as aforesaid, who, after tho passage of this Act, shall depart from the State, District, or Torrltory, of which he is an in? habitant, with intent to defraud his creditors, or, being absent, shall, with such intent, remain ab? sent ; or shall conceal himself to avoid the service of legal process in any action for the recovery of a debt or demand provable under this Act; or shall conceal or remove any of his property to avoid its being attached, taken, or sequestered on legal process- or shall make any assignment, gift, sale, conveyance, or transfer of his estate, property, rights, or credits, either within the United States or elsewhere, with intent to delay, defraud, or hin? der his creditors; or who has been arrested aud held in custody under or by virtue of mesne pro? cess of execution, issued out of any court of any State, District, or Territory, within which such debtor resides or has property, founded upon a de? mand in its nature provable against a bankrupt's estate under this Act, and for a sum exceeding one hundred dollars, and such process is remaining iu force and not discharged by payment, or in any other manner provided by the law of such Sute, District, or Territory applicable thereto, for a pe? riod of seven days; or has been actually impris? oned for more than seven days in a civil action, founded on contract, for the sura of one hundred dollars or upwards ; or who, being bankrupt or in? solvent, or in contemplation of bankruptcy or in? solvency, shall make any payment, gilt, grant, sale, couveyauce, or transfer of money, or other property, estate, rights, or credits, or give any warrant to confess judgment,.or procure or suffer his property to be taken ou legal process, with in? tent to give a preference to one or more of his creditors, or to any person or persons who are or may be liable for him as indorscrs, bail, sureties, or otherwise, or with the intent, by such disposi? tion of his property, to defeat or delay tbe opera? tion of this Act; or who, being a banker, mer? chant, or trader, has fraudulently stopped or sus? pended aud not resumed payment of his commer? cial paper, within a period of fourteen days, shall be deemed to have committed an act of bankrupt? cy, and subject to the conditions hereinafter pre? scribed, shall be adjudged a bankrupt, ou the pe? tition of one or more of his creditors, the aggre? gate of whose debts provable under this Act amount to at least two hundred and fifty dollars, provided such petition is brought within six months after the act of bankruptcy ahull lmve been com? mitted. And if such person shall be adjudged a bankrupt, the assignee may recover back the mon? ey or other property bo paid, conveyed, sold, as? signed, or transferred contrary to this Act, provi? ded the person receiving such payment or convey? ance had reasonable cause to believe that a fraud on this Act was intended, or that the debtor was insolvent; and such creditor shall not be allowed to prove his debt in bankruptcy." Many of the above Acts of Bankruptcy arc pe? nal in their operation, subjecting the bankrupt, upon conviction, to punishment by imprisonment, with or without hard labor, for a terra not exceed? ing three years. In order to force a debtor into bankruptcy, it must be observed, that the creditor must apply by petition for an adjudication within sixinonths from the commission of the act of bank? ruptcy. As the object of this communication is lo show the creditor what are bis rights under the law, and to enable the debtor, who docs not desire to be forced into bankruptcy, to avoid the commission of any of those acts w*hich would subject him to t:ic provisions of the law, it may be well to notice some of ihe decisions which have been made touch? ing acts of bankruptcy. As no extended notice can be taken of them, only those will be mention? ed which are of ordinary occurrence, aud are cal? culated to show the nature and character of the Act. Thus, a departure from the State, or remain? ing out of the State, being absent, with intent to lie? fen t or delay creditors, is strong evidence of au intention to defraud creditors within the meaning of the Act. So, if a party, having committed a crime, leaves the State, the law will infer such in? tention ; and a voluntary departure for the short? est time, with such intent, will be sufficient. Much less than leaving the State will make him rcsonsi ble for an act of bankruptcy?as when a deb:or goes to a neighbor's house, and conceals himself, to avoid arrest, and returns home as soon as the officer is gone;, or, when being applied to by his creditor for payment, he leaves his house under pretence of getting money, which he fails to do. So, whero the debtor sells and conveys his proper? ty, and is afterwards permitted to remain in pos? session ; or, where he sells it at an undervaluation, and the creditor has notice, from the nature of the transaction, that a fraud on creditors is intended, such sale is an act of bankruptcy. So in this State, where a debtor conveyed his property to his mother, just before the term of Court at which several judgments were rendered against him, and there was no proof of any consideration, except the evidence of the debtor, it was held to le a fraud on creditors, and it is, therefore, an act of bankruptcy. It may be important to take particular notice of what arc deemed to be fraudulent preferences to creditors, and which arc not of uiil'rcquent occur? rence. A debtor in this State has been allowed to prefer one creditor to another, and a transfer by him of part of his property to a creditor,', in consideration of a pre-existing debt, would, no doubt, be held to be valid ; but, by this Act, if such preference were given by the debtor volunta? rily, and without any threat, or pressure, on the part of the creditor, and in contemplation of bank? ruptcy or insolvency, and the creditor had reason? able cause to believe that the bankrupt was at the lime insolvent, such transaction is declared to be fraudulent, and void, because it is calculated to do- | feat tho Baukrupl Act, which contemplates an j equal distribution of the bankrupt's estate among , his creditors. Therefore, a confession of judg? ment by a debtor, iu contemplation ot bankruptcy, in order to prefer one creditor lo the general cred? itors, is a fraudulent preference within Ihe Act, i and the judgment entered on such coufession is | void, and no lien Attaches under it. There is rea- j son to charge collusion between the debtor and the creditor, by which the latter is enabled to obtain | judgment, earlier than he could have done in a due j course of law, and which course, if adopted, 1 would have enabled other creditors to institute ? proceedings, and come in "Pari passu" with the ! preferred creditor. Such judgment, or preference, : in fraud of the Act, can only be set aside in the : Court where the proceeding in bankruptcy are in- : stituted. And there can be very little doubt that I a voluntary assignment by a debtor, when insol Tent, to trustees, for the benefit of all his credi? tors, even when made in the best faith, would be an act of bankruptcy, if designed to prevent a distribution of his property under the Bankrupt Law, and this for reasons which have been previ? ously given. These instances of acts of bank? ruptcy might be almost indefinitely extended, but those given are sufficient to show the extent of good faith required at the hands of the debtor, who asks to be relieved under the Act, from the burden of his indebtedness. His conduct is at all times subject to the scrutiny of his creditors, and by committing one act of bankruptcy, he may, at any time in six months after its commission, be forced by any creditor, whose demaud amounts to ?250, and is provable, into bankruptcy. If, upon the trial, he be adjudged a bankrupt, hi3 assignees may recover back the property con? veyed, assigned or transferred by him in violation of the Act. In the 33d Section, it is provided that no debtor shall be discharged under proceedings in bankruptcy, commenced after one year from the 30th of June, 18?7, whose assets do not pay fifty per centum of the claims agaiust his estate, with? out the written consent of a majority in number, and value, of his creditors, to be filed in the case at the time of the application for a discharge. The objects of the law are stated to be, the dis? charge of the honest, but unfortunate debtor, upon the complete surrender of bis property to his cred? itors, on the one hand, and the protection of the creditor against the fraudulent practices, and dis? honest couduct of his debtor on the other ; and if this communication shall in any way benefit those who arc interested, I shall be amply repaid for my trouble in preparing it. *** -o SCENE IN THE HOUSE ON THE PASSAGE OF THE NEW RECONSTRUCTION BILL. The Washington correspondent of the Baltimore Gazelle thus "describes the scene enacted in the House of Representatives on the 20th inst., upon the passage of the new Reconstruction bill. The questions propounded to the author of this "infa mous"_measurc clearly demonstrate the character of the legislation itself, while the historic interest of the sccue cannot fail to beget attention : The scene in the House of Representatives to? day has beeu one of much more than usual inter? est. The fact being known that the House would come to u final vote on the Reconstruction Bill, the galleries were packed with excited spectators, the immense northern gallery being filled almost ex? clusively with American citizens of African de? scent?who, as the scene was viewed from your correspondent's desk, furnished a dark background to the whole picture. The Foreign Diplomatic Corps exhibited a deep interest in the proceedings, and the western gallery, set apart for their espe? cial accommodation, was also well tilled. On tbe floor of the Hall, Senators and Cabinet Ministers and army officers crowded, all seemingly anxious to witness the final proceedings of the House of Representatives on this startling and fearful metis ure of legislation?pronounced by Mr. Wood, "the most infamous act, of the many infamous acts of this infamous Congress." Just before Mr. Bingham, of Ohio, who report? ed the bill, rose to close the debate, his colleague, Mr. Carey (Republican), propounded to him four questions, saying that upon the satisfactory char? acter of Mr. Bingham's replies would depend his (Carey's) vote on tue pending bill. These ques? tions were?lrt. If General Grant should fail or refuse to execute this law, or should execute it in a despotic and cruel manner, to what tribunal would he be responsible for his non-feasance or malfeasance? 2d. As by the terms of the bill the President cannot interfere, can the General be tried by a court-martial, and if so, who cau order, and wiio shall constitute the Court'' 3d. Not be? ing a civil officer, cau he be impeached, and if so. by whom, and before what tribunal ? 4th. If he cannot be arraigned before any earthly tribunal, is he not made an absolute despot t These four inquiries, so simple in their oat tire, fell with decided effect upon the Radical side of the Hall, ami immediately Butler, Schenck, Bout well and others, rushed over to Bingham's desk to prompt him in his rep'iefl ; but that gentleman deemed it more prudent, not to answer, and at once called the previous question, thus not only mop? ping debate, but cutting off Ben. Butler's amend? ment, which he so strenuously endeavored to get before the House, and which was intended to pass the Slate Governments of the South into the hands of the negro Conventions. These four inquiries by Mr. Carey should be published far and wide. They were propounded by a Republican, and were not answered by Mr. Ringham. They tell the whole story of to-day's proceedings in a few words, and words which cannot be misunderstood. ?? It may not be generally known that a letter can now be sent to Europe for twelve cents. g/jje HTnrfecfs. AucfSTA, Jan. "7.?Cotton advanced; sales 013 bales?middling 16.} to 16f. Charleston, Jan. 27.?Cotton quiet and un? changed: sales 3')0 bales?middling 17} to 17A. New York, Jan. 27.?Cotton firmer, at 1S\ to IS.}?li tter extreme rates : sales 3,500 bales. Bclton Lodge, No. ?, A.*. F.\ M.\, U. D. A REGULAR COMMUNICATION OF BELTON LODGE will be held in the Lodge Room at Bclton, S. C, on THURSDAY, February 1908, at 10 o'clock A. M. Brethren will tako due notice and govern themselves accordingly. By order of the Wl\ M.\ WARREN D. WILKES, Sec. Jan 3, 18G8 29 New Advertisements. LAST NOTICE. ALL persons indebted to the Estate of Samuel It. McElroy, dee'd, must come and make payment by the 15th February. After that lime their Notes will be in the hands of an officer for collection. THOMAS DICKSON, Adm'r. MARY M. McELROY, Admt'x. Jan 29, 18(38 3 2 2* NOTICE. LOST or mislaid, a NOTE given by James Russell, principal. James Stuart and Alexander Prcssly, sureties, for $14.72, payable in specie. Said Note was given 11th day of December, lStiG, and due twelve months alter date. All persons are fore warnod against trading for said Note. JOHN CUNNINGHAM. Jan 29, 1808 52 2 STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, A nrDEJtSO^ DISTRICT. WHEREAS, W. T. Clark has applied to me for Let? ters of Administration on the Estate of Jacob Cruui er, deceased : These are therefore to cite and admonish all and singular the kindred and creditors of said deceased to be and appear at my office on the 12lh day of February. 18U8, to show cause, if any they can, why said Administration should not be granted. ROBERT J UN KIN, o.a.d. Jan. 29, ISliS 32 2 STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, In Equity?Anderson. John Wilson and Mai hew Brazeale vs. Elkanah C. Cobh and wife Sarah Cobb, Win. M. Cooley, ct al.? Petition for Relief, ,\-c. IT appearing to my satisfacfion that Elkanah C. Cobb, one of the Defendants in this case resides beyond the limits of this State. On motion of A. T. Broylcs, Pro. Pets., Ordered, That he do appear and plead, answer or demur to said Petition within forty days from the date of the first publication hereof, or a decree pro coufesso will be entered of record against him. W. W. HUMPHREYS, c.k.a.u. Commissioner's Office, "l Jan. 29. 1808. j 22?5 TAXES ! TAXES ! ! FOR 1867. I AVI LL attend the following places for thc pur pose of Assessing and Collecting Taxes for tho year 18G7 : Cray tourilie, Monday, February ll. Uonea Path, " Calhoun, " 13? Williauiston, " 15. Belton, " 16 Storeville, Monday, " 18. Tucker's, " 1Q Moffattsville, " 20. Holland's Store, " 21. McClinton's, " 22. Gilmer's, " 23. Brown's Muster Ground, " 25. Townville, " 26. Pendleton, " 27. Eaton's, " 28. Craig's, eve. same day. Centreville, March 1. Shearer's, eve. same day. Orrville, Monday, " 4. White Plains, " 5. Long's Store, *' 6. Slabtown, " 7. Wilson's & Carpenter's Store, 8, And at Anderson C. H. from the 8th to th? 25th, when my books will be closed. Real Estate.?25 cts. ou $100. Buggies, Carriages. Gold and Silver Plate, Watches, Jewelry and Pianos?SI on every $100. Articles Manufactured?$2 on every S1O0. On Gross Incomes from employments, faculties and professions?$2.50 ou every $100. On Gross Income from salaries, rents and mon? eys at interest?$1 on every $100. On Hotels, Restaurants?$2 on every $100. Capitation Tax?$1 between the ages of 21 ? 60. Oa Bogs?$1. Road Tax?25 per cent, on Geueril Tax Poor Tax?37 " " " Public Buildings?12 per cent, on General Tax. S. E. MOORE, X. C. Jan 20, 1308 32 NOTICE ! LEE'S MILL, Ajjdkusox District, 1 January 20, 1868. / THE citizens of the surrounding country ar? re? spectfully informed that my Wheat and Corn Mills Are in successful operation. They are turning out a superior article, both of Meal and Flour. The usual toll of the country is charged, and cus? tomers will have their wants promptly attended to hy a civil and attentive Miller. Thankful (or the large patronage already bestowed, a continuance of thu same is solicited. ALSO, Tha-t I ara now potting up a complete sett of machinery for t'as CLEANING OF F-IC" ?ad BA KL ET. The Rice will be received in the :jrraw or threshed. If brought ia tbr:^hcd cu:, a charge of twenty per cent, will be u:a?ie for cleaning and assorting it, the Mill rot?iuir.g the olfal. Tho charge for threshiug will ho us usual for other grain. Should any person wish to procure Se?d Rice, [ will furnish them a superior article at cc/.f price, charging nothing fer mj scrvic-s. The highest market prico paid in cash or b?.rter for Corn, Wheat, Rough Rice, Barley, or oth?r grain. THOS. B. LEE. Jr. Jan 20, 1S68 32 lm BENSON HOUSE, ANDERSON, S. C. THE undersigned has tftt-en charge of tbdabove well-known Kor^l, and is prepared to accommodate the traveling puhiic in the very best style, and on the most reasonable terms. Tho table will be sup? plied with everything the market alfords, and eve? ry attention given to resd-r >;uv.-ts comfortable. Siables are attached to the House, and Horses will be carefully attended to. WM. M. OSBORNE. ?ST?w Firm ! C0SNEE OF TH2 BENSON E0U3E. The undersigned have formed a copartnership under the name and style OSBORNE & KEESE In the mercantile business, and will keep constant? ly on hand a general assortment of Dry Goods, Groceries, &c. The senior partner returns thanks for the liberal patronage heretorore extended to him, and respectfully solicits a continuance of rho same tor thc new ti rm. WM. M. OSBORNE, EDWIN E. KEESE. ? Jan 25, 1868 32 AGENTS WANTED FOR THE Gray ?Jackets, How they Lived, Fought and Died for Dixie, with Incidents and Sketches of Life in the Confederacy, Comprising Narratives of Personal Adventure, Army Life. Naval Adventure, Home Life. Partisan Daring. Life in the Camp, Fisld and Hospital, to? gether with the Song?, Ballads, Anecdotes and Humorous Incidents of the War for Southern In? dependence. The Valiant and Brave Heated, thc Picturesque and Dramatic, the Witty and Marvelous, the Ten? der and Pathetic, and the whole Panorama of the War arc here thrillingly portrayed iu a masterly manner, at euee historical and romani ic, render? ing it the most ample, unique, brilliant and reada? ble book that the war has called fort?. Amusement as well as instruct ion may be found in every page, as graphic detail, brilliant wit, and authentic history, arc skilltilly interwoven iu this work of literary ari. Send for our Circulars and see our terms, and a full description of thc work. Ad? dress JONES BROTHERS & CO., Jan 2'J, 1868 ,S2 Atlanta, Ga. Charleston Hotei, THE undersigned respectfully informs his friends and the travelling public, he has taken charge of the above well-known FIRST CLASS HOTEL, and refurnished aud refitted it, in all its depart? ments. The celebrated ARTESIAN WATER B VTHS HOT, COLD and SHOWER, at all hours. Coaches run to and from all Railroads and Steamers, with attentive Porters. Thc patronage of the travelling public is respectfully solicited.0 J. P. HORBACH. Agent, Jan20,lS68 32 Proprietor. ?. S. Internal Revenue Deputy Collector's Office, 3rd District South Carolina, Picken* C. //., Jan. 13, 1S68. THE undersigned will attend at Anderson C. H. on Thursday and Friday, th'- :30th and :ilst inst., I for the purpose of completing the collections dan I for Internal Revenue for Anderson. Those failing ! to make payments ?u those days will be dealt with according to law. J. W. COBB, Deputy Collecto. Jan 17, 1768 First and Last Notice. ALL persons knowing themselves indebted to ; me will come forward and pay up, as I am nced ? ing the money. Return Dav is close at hand. WM. M. OSBORNE. 1 Jarf29,1868 32 S