Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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An Independent Family Journal?Devoted to Politics, Literature and General Intelligence. HOTT & CO., Proprietors. ANDERSON, S. 0. THURSDAY, MAY 6, 1869. VOLUME 4.---N?. 45. POTSY BLUE. Mr. John Wall was known far and near as one of the most responsible men, not only in Rich? mond, but in the entire South. He was a merchant, doing a large business; had accumulated great wealth, and was respected ac? cordingly. He always said that his word was the same as his bond, and those who transacted business with him said the same thing. He once had a wife, but she died, leaving him three children. These, one by one, were stricken down by the hand of death, and he was left in the world without family or relations. His wife's maiden sister offered her services to keep house for him. The offer was accepted, and she took charge of his key-basket. The key-basket is an institution peculiar to the State of Virginia. To describe it would be as great a task as describing the different bonnets of the present day. The housekeeper always keeps it in sight. If she goes into the cellar, she takes it with her; if she goes to the smoke-house, the basket goes also; if she goes out in the yard to feed the chickens, she carries it on her back. In Virginia, the housekeeper and key-basket are inseparable. The reasou is natural. All rooms, closets or cellars, which have anything in them, are locked, and the keys carefully placed in the basket; and a good housekeeper would be as apt to go to bed without looking the doors and seeing the keys safely in her basket, as a Wall street banker to go to his home leaving his money out, vault open, and back-door unlocked. This locking of doors is necessary, on account of the little negroes or ??chaps;" who dip into the sugar bowl, drink the cream on the table, or fill their pockets with cakes from the store-room?hence the necessity of the key-basket. Old Virginia customs are fast passing away. I suppose the key-basket will soan be a thing of the past. Our mothers will then have lost a faithful friend and companion, and will look in vain for this object of j their tender regard. They will sigh when think? ing of the pleasant institutions and customs, swept away in the onward march of events. Mr. Wall had his counting-room and warehouse on Carey street, while his residence was on Frank? lin. His family consisted of himself, Miss Helen Moon (his sister-in-law,) and ''Turk," a New? foundland dog, together with several servants. Mr. Wall always read the morning paper before getting out of bed. He liked to lie in bed and read, and ti e dog had been taught to carry the pa? per to him. Turk loved his master, and always licked the band which was extended to greet him in the morning. This dog was very large?even larger than most dogs of the same breed. His hair was silky and black as night. The most striking features were his eyes. They were large, soft, intelligent, and at times almost spoke It was impossible to look into his eyes and not say, "Poor fellow." Mr. Wall, Just previous to his introduction to the reader, had noticed (hat Turk had a habit of going out of the room as soon as he delivered the paper, and would not be sccu any more until about breakfast-time. The dog had been doing so for a couple of month?; but, as he never got into any mischief, and always made his appearance at the breakfast-table, nothing was said about it. "One morning, Mr. Wall nwokc very early, and, feeling no inclination to sleep longer, put ou his dressing-gown, nui took a seat at the front win? dow. He noticed Turk lying on the front steps, watch? ing very intently in a certain direction. He very natura!!} turned his eyes in the same direction, but, seeing nothing unusual, again looked at the dog. who seemed as much interested as ever. This anxiety of Turk excited his curiosity, and to he determined to watch. After sitting some time observing the dog, he noticed a little boy coming down the street, with ? bundle of papers under his arm, leaving one here and there at different houses. The dog also seemed to notice this boy for he kept his eyes Steadily Upon him. As the boy drew near to Mr. Wall's house, he gave a peculiar whistle, which the dog immediately answered by jumping aud run? ning to him. The boy opened his arms, at the Same time dropping nil his papers, and the dog laid his large head on the little fellow's shoulder. Mr. Wall saw the little arms clasped around the dog's neck, and saw, or fancied he saw, the boy hiss Turk. And this was not all The boy pulled a dry crumb out of his pocket, and Turk seemed to relish it very much, though he would have turned up his nose tit the like if offered at home. How sweet is a dry crumb when given by the hand of one whom we love! The boy picked up the papers, got on the dog's back and rode to Mr. Wall's steps. ??Turk," said little Polsy Blue, (for such was the boy's name,) as he jumped off the dog's back, "do you know I love you a heap?" he gave the dog an? other hug. "Yes, sir; old teller, you are the only p*r;ori I know that cares two cents for me; and if Mr. Wall was to iock you up, so I could'nt see you, I dun'no what I would do?'.?pec I'd get sick." Turk looked up in his face, as much as to s*y?> '?You need'nt be afraid, my little friend." ??Now, Turk," continued the boy, "I'll ring the IjelJ. &nd you fake the paper in, and I'll wail, for you at the corner. Stir your stumps, old idler, or I'll leave you behind." j?otsy Blue started off, whistling cheerfully, and the dog went into tho houso when a servant oponed the door. Mr. Wall gat, locking at the spot where ho last saw the dog and the boy together. He didn't, hear Turk come into the room, and didn't nolipp tfyo dog's look of astonishment at finding his master out of bed. He only had <"-n indistinct recollection pi some large black object walking into (tie room, dropping a newspaper on his lap, licking his hand, and then disappearing. Mr. Wall went to his breakfast in a very oon femplative mind. It might be said, with truth, (hat dog and newspaper-boy filled his mind to a great extent. He sat looking at the plate, taking little notice of the steaming coffee and smoking cakes before him. He did not notice his sister-in-law; didn't hear her "Good morning," as she took her seat at the table. Miss Helen waited for him to say or do some? thing; and, as he remained quiet, she took it for granted that he was sick, and needed nursing? which means medicine. He didn't look sick, and it occurred to her (such thoughts always occur to housekeepers,) that he didn't like his breakfast; and so she determined to give him his choice for dinner. "Mr. Wall," said she, "what do you want for dinner to-day? A roast, saddle of mutton, fish, chicken, or what?" "I reckon so," he replied, still gazing at his plate. Miss Helen thought this a very satisfactory an? swer, and made up her mind to have dinner ac? cording to her own notion. She was now satisfied that he was sick. "Are you feeling unwell to-day?" i>he asked,? "If you have no appetite, I think you had better take some tansy bitters; it is a splendid remedy. Now, some people like some cherry bark; but I always did believe tansy the best?William, bring in some hot cakes?which would you prefer, Mr. Wall?tansy or cherry?" "What! for my dinner?" said Mr. Wall, evident? ly replying to the question "about dinner. "What in the world do I want with tansy or cherry bark? You said something about chickens; do you intend to make chicken salad with tansy?" "What in the world are you talking about, Mr. Wall?" said Miss Helen, fully impressed with the idea that her brother-in-law was not only sick, but had actually lost his tenses. "I asked if you didn't need something to give you an appetite?' "Well, well, that is funny," he replied, laugh? ing; "I heard you say something, and yet I couldn't tell what you did say. All right now; and, to prove my appetite has not left me, I'll do justice to your cakes and coffee." After Mr. Wall had finished his breakfast, and gone to the store, Miss Helen still sat at the table. She was thinking. ??Ah, these men!" she said, not aware that she was speaking?"ah, ther.e men! always thinking about wives. Mr. Wall has no doubt decided to marry again. I suppose my duty will be at an end, and I can then return to my old home. I do trust that he won't marry some giddy, foolish girl. But widows are such-" "Miss Helen, please let me too1* de tablc-clofT outen de room." The dining-room servant prevented Miss Moon's saying all she intended. Mr. Wall had some curious notions, and, indeed, was a curious man in some respects. One morning, Miss Helen informed him that the pew rent at church was due, and ought tobe paid "Of course it must be paid," he replied, "but I don't see why preachers shouldn't work during the week, as well as other folk*. If .hey are obliged to preach, then let them do it on Sundays. I believe the whole pack to be nothing better than licensed beggars. Just as soon as I give for one thing, they arc after me for another; and then they bore me to death about going to church,?as if I bad nothing else to do on Sundays! I have sometimes thought that I would quit going, and see what effect that would have. I would be will? ing to double my subscription, if they would only let me alone about going to church. I don't feel like going out on Sunday, and 1 don't intend to do it. I honestly believe there would be more moral? ity in the world. If people would give as much to purposes of charity as they give to support l?>.7.y preachers. It disgusts me to hear them 'Brother Wall' me when they want money." It was said'al thecommenccment of this story that Mr. Wall was a responsible man. He was also a very moral man. He never lasted any intoxica ling liquor, and never made a false statement know? ingly. From the remark above, it will be seen that his ideas of religion were not of the best character He loved morality, but cared nothing for religion. He always gave to the church when asked, but never attended preaching. He wa.3 one of that class of men called lovers of moralily. Such men are often believed to be Christians, and it is not strange, because they have many qualities which we love to admire hi Christians. Alas! they pos? sess but the shadow. Some people think that strict morality is all that will be required, when called to give an account of deeds done in the body. Mr. Wall belonged to this class. Miss Helen Moon was a Christian?kind, gentle, and affectionate; trying to do her duty, notwith? standing the slander which those around her took so much plenBtirc in circulating. As soon as she took charge of Mr. Wall's house the people said she intended to marry him. It is true that such things have happened, and proba? bly may happen every day. Yet this gives the world no right to slander the innocent. Miss Helen was once young and beautiful, and had her admirers. She once loved a young man, who, being poor, was not good enough to marry a rich Moon. He worked hard to secure a legal ed? ucation; toiled night and day, and was finally ad? mitted to the bar* Weakness from starvation; loss of sleep, and anxiety for his success, brought on a fever, and ere he reached the goal of his ambi lion he was followed by mourning friends to his last earthly resting place. She did not object to his poverty, but her fami? ly did?and the family alwnys has its own way in such matters. She was no longer the bright laughing girl of other days; but a widowed woman, only waiting for the messenger to call her to another world, .there to meet her loved nnd lost. Look around you, and see all those people who are termed by the thoughtless, old maids and old bachelors. They loved once?love yet. No human being is single from choice. God did nof. intend jf^ to be so. Men and women were weje made to lovo fjod and each other. Those who remain single have been unfortunate. They did not flit from flower !o flowpr, sipping the sweets from fresh young lips; but remained stead? fast and firm to the first loved objeot. Loving ! blindly, and being single, is tho proof of devotion. Some loved without a return, while others havo watered with their tears the green sod where sleep the forms of loved ones. And though they may at times appear selfish and disagreeable, yet is I there a living spot in each heart which retains the I memory of some clear one?loved and lost. Then speak kindly of such. Try to lighten the load which presses so heavily on the bruised heart. Do not add anguish to anguish; but, with a charity like that of the Great Healer of all wounds, let your hearts beat in sympathy and love for them. Habit is a curious thing. Mr. Wall got iu the habit of going to his window every morning to watch his dog and the paper? boy. He would wait patiently until the boy would come, the dog bring up his paper, and ttien watch them as long as they were in sight. He noticed that the dog actually assisted in delivering the pa? pers. He would take a paper in his mouth, run across the street, and leave it at the right house. This habit of watching the boy and dog grew upon him, just as any other would. At night he longed for the break of day. There was something fascinating in this love of the dog for the stranger boy. In the spring of 18?, Mr. Wa'.l was called to New York. He expected to be gone a week. The morning that he started, he went to his window as usual and took a farewell look at the little paper-boy. When he arrived in New York, he found that it would take him at least three weeks to attend to his affairs. At the end of that time he started for home. He had made up his mind, if the boy was what he believed him to be, to either take him to his store and give him a mercantile education, or adopt and educate him as his son. When he reached home, he found Turk lying out on tiie front step. It didn't seem like the same dog which he bad seen only a few weeks before. Turk did not raise his head on the approach of his mister, but merely gave a slight wag of the tail in answer to the 'affectionate greeting, "Poor old boy." "William, what is the matter with Turk?" asked Mr. Wall of a servant. "Deed, I dun'no, Mass'r John; he done bin gwinc on that way for mor'n a week. Missis thunk him bin pizen'd; but I doesn't think so. 'cause he dun died long 'go if he had. Nobody don't dislike de dog, 'cepin' some of dem po' white trash what comes 'roun' yah begging; sometimes he won't let'm on de lot." "Well you must try and do something for him; I wouldn't lose him for anything iu the world." Mr. Wall then went to his store, and remained until late in the afternoon. He thought of Potsy several limes during the day. As he had been up all the previous night, he retired early. He got up the next morning and went to the window, in? tending to speak to the paper-boy. He Waited some time, and, at last, an old negro man came along with the papers. "Boy!" he called to him. "Yes, sah," answered the negro briskly, and at the same lime rolling his eyes up ut the window. "Are you the paper-carrier ?" "Yes, sah, 1 is." Very emphatic on the word '?is'.' "Well, where is the little white boy who has been carrying them for some time?" "I 'spec you means Potsy Blue. You sec, mass'r. I got sick au' I gub 'im de job o' lotiu' wile 1 couldn't 'ten to de bisnis. l'se bin 'bout now some ten days or forfni't. You see, moss'r, I tuck down wid de fever, an' war sick wid dat goiu' on eight weeks: an' wen I war'bout gittiu' well o' dat, I tuck down wid de ager. I shuck, an' shuck, an' shuck 'till de ehuckin' got mosc 'dicalous, an' I like to shuck mose to der*. And deu I gut de rum'tix, an' 'tween the fever, ager, au' rum'tiz, I 'bout gwine an' gub up de gose, an' I?" "Hold on, boy! 1 am sorry for your sickness, and glad that you arc well again, but I want to know something nbout this boy. What do you call him ?" "He name Potsy Blue. Moss'r. I war jes' gwine to tole you 'bout dat same boy wen you stopt me. You see, dai I libs out on Fouth street, near de grabcya'd, 'scusc mefursayin' 'tain't no good place to lib nutlier. Las' fall. I tuck sick an' laid in dc bed 'bout a weck, fo' de ole ooman 'seuted to Ben' fur dc doctor. Wen he did come, he tole me I had de fever, an' right bad, too. So I told de ole ooman she better git Potsy, de boy wat you axed 'bout, to go an' toie de papers 'round wile l'se sick. So she went an' got 'im, an' dat'sde way he cum to be totin' 'em. Well, l'se sick longer 'en 1 'spee'ed, an' Potsy kep' on totin' till 'bout a fort? ni'l 'go, an' I bin out eber bince." "1 sec," thought Mr. Wall, "there is no use try? ing to tind out anything from this stupid negro. I'e has but one idea?that lie has been sick. If I ask about the boy I will have to hear it all over again?'fever, 'ager,' rum'tiz,' and probably what medicine he took, and the effect of each dose in? cluded. There is one thing certain ; L must find that boy. I feel a greater interest in him now than ever before." "Boy," he said, speaking to the negro, "do you know where my store is?" "Yes, sah ; cou's 1 does ; Moss'r John Wall's sto' down ou-" "Well, I wish?but, never mind; can't you come around here to-night ? I want to see you, but haven't time now. Come to that door and ring the bell:" Mr. Wall poiuted to the door of his office or, rather, sitting-room. "Ail right, moss'r; I'll be dar." The "boy" went on his journey, humming a fa? vorite Southern melody, no doubt thiukingofa bright silver half dollar which he expected to gel from "Moss'r John Wall." Mr. Wall got ready for his breakfast and the du? ties of the day. In the evening, after tea, Mr. Wall sat quietly in his office, smoking a cigar. This sitiing-room, or office was built on the west side of the house, ilic front door opening on I lie front street . Mr. Wall had this addition put up alter he bought ihe house. Te make it more convenient, a blind stairway led to his chamber. On the evening in question, Mr. Wnll was sit? ting, or rather leaning, back, with his feet retiring on a convenient s'ool, enjoying a fragrant cigar. His eyes were clascij, and the smoke, its it issued from his mouth, cur|ud nn,d gracefully twisted if self over his head and around the room. Tho lamp on hi* table threw a soft light in every direc? tion. Mr. Wall was evidently thinking. His features j were constantly changing. From time to time he I gare expression to his thoughts. "I am now getting along In years, and, beside j Helen, hare no one on earth to call me relation, true, she is hot a relation, but she has e'er been like a sister." In a few minutes he spoke again. "It must be pleasant to bare a sister, though I never-had one. I don't suppose I would be so lonely if I bad a sister in the house with me. Strange, how some families appear to die. My grandfather had four sobs' and two daughters. ?They and their children are dead, and I am alone, the last of my father's five children." He appeared so sad, and his voice trembled as he spoke of his family. In a few moments, another change came over his features. "Ah, me ! there is one satisfaction when a body has no relations. If he dies and leaves property, he has nobody to curse him for not leaving them his wealth. He is also relieved from the visits of that detestable class of kinfolks?cousins. It nauseates me to hear people cousining each other. If I never thank God for anything else, I do most sincerely thank Him that I have nobody to cousin j me. Wo Virginians are a peculiar people in this respect. If an individual takes up the idea that another ought to be kin to him, he immediately calls him cousin. I suppose some one will turn I up who is a descendant of some branch of my family, previous to the discovery of America, and I will then be 'Cousin John.' " He smoked awhile without speaking. His thoughts took another direction. "I suppose that negro will be here some time to? night, if he hasn't forgotten what I told him. Why should I trouble myself about this boy, Potsy Blue? What a name! I don't think the boy ever had a mother; she surely wouldn't have given such an unchristian nam?. Potsy Blue! He must 'change it." The bell rang at this moment, and to the "come in" of Mr. Wall the paper carrier of the morning inched in, hat in hand, bowing and scraping. "Gome in and shut the door," said Mr. Wall. "Yas, sab," replied the negro man. "What's your name, boy V asked Mr. Wall. "Buck White, sah, at yo' sahvis." "Well, Buck, take that chair. I wantyou to an? swer my questions, and please don't tell me about your sickness, for I kuow all about that. Do you know Potsy Blue, and all about him ?" ??Yas, moss'r, dat I does; Potsy is-" "Hold on. Where does he live?" "As fur dat," said Buck, scratching his head, "I hardly spec' he lib uowhar; fur you see he jis' lib whar 'eber he can." "How is that ? Has he no fathcr or mother to take care of him ?" "Oh, no, sah; ef he eber had no fader nor mud der, day dun deadlong'go; 'cause, you sec, he bin libin' wid ole Mike Murdy, doin' all kinds ob jobs. Ole Mike's a good ole man, but mighty po.' an' so he couldn't do much for Potsy. Mike drives a cart, and Potsy holpcd took car' de boss, an' so Mike guv' him a home?dat is, a place to sleep in de shed whar de boss stays." "Well, Buck, how does Potsy make a living?? is he honest ?" "Honest! Why, mosa'r, honest ain't nuffiu ! He's de mos' ligisist boy I eber seed ! He does all kinds ob little jobs?sells papers, ati' sometimes holps me tote mine. 1 trus>' Palsy all de tiino." "Well, Buck, I want you to go and send Potsy down here too see me-" *;Docs you want' im to-night?" "Yes ; right away. Tell him he will find me in this room, and tell him Turk wants tgs?c him, too. Here, Buck, is a dollar for you, and if you want anything let me know." "Yas, sah," said Buck, backiug out of the door, and holding his dollar carefully. When he got out of the door he seemed to re? member that he hadn't returned thanks for the money. Mr. Wall, who was preparing to write some let? ters, heard the door open, saw a black head for a moment, and heard a v?ice say : "I'd much 'blceged fur dat dollar!" The door closed, and Mr. Wall was alone. He lighted a fresh cigar, and commenced writing his letters. He had been thus engaged fur some lime, when he was startled by the bell ringiug violently. The ringer didn't wail for an invitation, but rushed into the room. "Moss'r!" exclaimed Buck White, almost out of breath, "de boy done gone?nowhar to be foun'! Ole Mike say he went wid cap'n ob de C'lumbis to New York." Buck dropped into a chair, almost exhausted. "What is all this you are telling me, Buck ? The boy can't be found?gone off to New York?old Mike, aud what else?" "Yes, sah, dat'sjis1 it. I went to ole Mike's an' ax'd fur de boy, an' he I ole me Potsy gone 'bout ten days ; dat some cap'n had look him, an dal dey say he didn't spec' to come back no mo'; so I come back tj tell you he wouldn't be yah to night!" Mr. Wall sprang lo his feet, and Buck started toward the door. He didn't appear to relish Mr. Wall's action. "Too bad?too bad I" said Mr. Wall, as he took his seal again. He leaned his face on his hands and remained perfectly silent for a few moments. "1 would give five hundred dollars if thai, boy was here this minute!" Mr. Wall didn't address this Inst remark to Buck, and indeed he only appeared to be giving expres? sion to his thoughts, apparently unaware of the presence of another. Another did hear it, and the effect was peculiar. Buck's under-lip dropped, carrying the jaw with it, and his eyes opened wider aud wider, until it seem? ed be lo atrial between mouth and eyes which could open the widest. There was no comparative in this case?it was entirely superlative. Mr. Wall raised his head and gazed at nothing, apparently unaware that Buck was in the room. Buck, however, didn't forget this important fact. His eyes and mouth gradually returned to their usual dimensions. "Jes' lo think," he mumbled, "dat boy wuff five bun'cd ilnllis ! W'y me an' do ole ooman could bought a house fur dat money ! I jes' like to catch dat boy ! I's a notion to try an' fin' 'im." "Buck!" "Yes, sah," replied the boy, quickly. "Buck," said Mr. Wall, "if you will find out whore PotBy has gone I'll give you ten dollars, and if you will bring him back to me I will give you twenty. You may go now, but look around, and let me know as soon as you learn anything about him." Buck bid Mr. Wall good night and left the house. As he walked toward home he couldn't keep from talking aloud. ?'I wonder wat Moss'r John wants wid dat boy. A man don't want nobody' ceptin' for suffin'; an' den be gwine to pay me twenty dollis to fin' 'im. Ef de boy war blank he wouldu't be wuff mo' 'en dat." After going a short distance he stopped at a lamp-post and leaned against it. He was evident? ly trying to solve a problem. "1 spec' dat boy's stole suffin', an' dat's jes wot de trouble's 'bout. I know one thing?dat boy ain't stole nuffin' roore'n I has. Ef Potsy's a rogue. I nin't black! Ef he has bin stealin', I ain't gwine to bring 'im back, 'cause de boy always helped me when he could. Dat boy got mo' 'lig ion dan Moss'r John, an' t bound Moss'r John ncber stole nuffin'. I'll jes' fin' out wat de boy done 'fore I tries to git 'im, an' den I'll know weder da gwine to hurt 'im." This seemed to be a satisfactory solution, and so Buck went home. (CONCLUDED NEXT WEEK.) -?> Agicultural Convention. second day's rnOCEEDIXGS. The convention was called to order by the Pres? ident, at 9 o'clock, Thursday morning. W. M. Lawton, Esq., Chairman of the Commit sce on Manufactures, submitted the following, which was adopted: The Committee on Manufactures, to whom was referred the vuluable and instructive paper which was read yesterday by its author, Col. J. B. Pal mor, before and by invitation of this convention, setting forth the importance of a more general system of manufacturing in the cotton States, as well as the profits to be derived from investments in cotton mills especially, have been fully im? pressed with its clear and concise illustrations, and recommend its publication, add that it be re? corded on the minutes of this association. Your committee cannot but flatter themselves, from the spirit manifested in this assembly of the practical intelligence of the State, that the views set forth by Colonel Painter will attract the earn? est attention of the people of South Carolina, and lead thorn to regard the establishment of manu? factories in every section of the South as vitally associated with agricuUure, and to redound to their welfare and future prosperity. To grow our own cotton, the best in staple and quality produced, and to convert the same into yarns and fabrics for export, certainly appears to be the policy and the hope of the South, il lessons of wisdom be taken from the past. Col. J. P. Thomas offered the following resolu? tion, which was adopted: Resolved, That Colonel Palmer be requested to lay his valuable paper on manufacture? before the convention to be held in Memphis, and to which he is a delegate. A. A.Gilbert, Esq., offered the following, which was adopted: Resolved, That a standing committee, to consist of five members, shall be appointed by the Presi? dent, whose duty it shall be to open and keep up a correspondence with influential persons in Ger? many, Prance, England arid other countries of Europe, on the subject of immigration. Committee on Immigration and Labor.?T. S. Boinest, j. P. Reed, T. B. Clarkson, W. G. Hin son, J. II. Brooks. The following resolutions Were introduced and adopted : By Col. J. S. Richardson, of Sumtcr: That it be referred to the Committee on Immigration and La? bor to devise and report a plan whereby the vari? ous sections of the State may avail themselves of the advantages and benefits of the Ncwbcrry Im? migration Society. That all applications for membership in this so? ciety should be addressed to Col. D. Wyatt Aikeu, Secretary of the South Carolina Agricultural and Mechanical Society, Cokesbury, S. C. who shall report all such applications to the Executive Com? mittee; and all funds for membership should be sent to Col. R. J. Gage, Treasurer, Union, S. C. By J. M. Baxter, Esq.: That aCommitte of Five be appointed to investigate the practicability of making sugar and refiucd syrup from the sorgho cane. That a Committee of Five be appointed to Inves? tigate the practicability of making sugar and re? fined syrup from the sorgho cane, as represented by the process of the Southern Sorgho Company, of Louisville, Kentucky, or from any other mate? rial grown within our State, and that said commit? tee go to Greenville, S. C, and examine the works I of W. P. PassmoiT, acting general agent for South j Carolina, and report the result of the investigation through the Columbia and Charleston papers, and to this society. Committee to be appointed by the chair. By A. B. Woodruff, Ese,: That the various Coun? ty agricultural societies of the State be requested to appoint committees to canvass their respective Counties in the interest of the State Agricultural and Mechanic's Society, and procure members to the same. Col. J. P. Thomas: That all voting be done by Counties according to their representation in the popular branch of the Legislature. That the Presidents of regular agricultural so? cieties be invited to take scats on the floor. That the subject of scientific and practical agri? cultural education is among the most important to which the attention of this society should be di? rected, and that the Committee on Education be directed to prepare and report to the next meeting such a scheme on this subject as may be deemed proper and effective. T. S. Boinest. Esq., Chairman of the Committee on Labor and Immigration, submitted the follow? ing: The Committee, to whom was assigned the duty of reporting upon the subject of labor and immi? gration, beg leave to submit the following paper, as the result of their deliberations: There can be no concealment of the fact that we are living under a new and altered condition of affairs, and though there be an honest difference of opinion among our citizens as to whether this new system be to the ndvantage, or prejudicial to the interests of tho country und the development of the resources of the State, interest and duty alike demand that we face existing facts in COa formity with their stern demands. No question is perhaps more important to all the material interests of the State than that of la? bor, for Without it, of what avail will be all the improvements in mechanics, arts and agriculture. Under that ancient regime, when the old Palmetto State enjoyed a flood-tide of prosperity, there was an organization and an efficiency which crowned eur agricultureal efforts with commensurate suc? cess; but our altered circumstances demand an al I tared basis of operations. That labor is now in'a I lcrge measure disorganized and unreliable, and it \ a ay be, in part, attributed to the mistakes of the agriculturists themselves, in making the laborer a partner in the results ef his labors, as well as his suddenly'altered condition and the miserable in? fluence of wily politicians; what remains to ns must be made available to the greatest possible ex? tent, and what is then wanting to supply the de? mand must be brought to us from the over-crowd? ed domains of Europe, whose bands are already now extended to generous and hospitable Ameri? ca, asking among us a home and a country. Your committee deem it important to the avail? ability and organization of the present class of la? borers upon whom we are, in the main, now de? pendent, that there should be, as far as possible, a uniformity of usage in the matte/ of compensation to the laborer, and ah equitable and just fulfilment of all contracts. As your committee have adverted to the fac1 that the present supply of labor is inadequate to the demand, the query arises, how this difficulty is co be met ? and the answer is, by the introduc? tion of immigrants from abroad: The practical success of this remedy is fully established by ref? erence to what has been already accomplished by the Immigration Society of Newberry, which, with a capital of a few hundred dollars, a board of un salaried officers, (save their agent,) only a twelve? month's existence, and without a State appropria? tion to back her, has already introduced near 800 immigrants into her own and surrounding Counties, and is now arranging for a much more extensive introduction of laborers during the ensuing season. The laborers she has introduced are, With very few exceptions, giving universal satisfaction to their employers, and the greater the increase in the number of employees introduced, the more will tbey be contented and pleased; and when once you have gathered together on Carolina's soil the first few thousand of these skilled and able-bodied la? borers, you will have formed a nucleous which you will have no difficulty in gatherings to an indefi? nite extent, a thrifty, industrious and honest class of laborers. To accomplish this desirable end will require a concentration of effort?a union of all the friends of this measure around one common centre. The Newberry Society is organized and Working sue* cessfully ; it has facilities which perhaps no other organization can, for a long time, if ever, secure, and it is highly desirable that some arrangement be made by which the operations of that society could be made available to all those portions of the State adapted to the introduction of foreign labor, a desideratum which the wisdom and influence of this convention might, With no great difficulty, se? cure. The Convention took a reeess from half-past 1 until 4 P. M. The following resolutions Were adopted t By Col. J. P. Thomas: Whereas, it is deemed important to put this eociety into effective opera? tion at an early period, and at once to place before its members an object practical and substantial; be it, therefore, Resolved, That the Executive Committee be au? thorized and directed to proceed to raise the nec? essary funds, by subscription or otherwise, for tho purpose of erecting, on the Fair Grounds, in this city, the buildings necessary for the annual fairs of the society. Resolved, That the first annual Fair of the Agri? cultural and Mechanical Society of South Carolina, be held in Columbia, on the 2d Wednesday of No? vember next, and that the Executive Committee be requested to make all necessary arrangements to this end. By John S. Richardson Jr., Esq.: That a roll for life and annual membership in the South Caro? lina Agricultural and .Mechanical Society be now opened by the,Secretary, and the delegates present be requested to enroll themselves as members. That the chairmen of the various delegations be requested to act as a committee to solicit and ob? tain members to this society, and, to report the names and funds of all persons desirous of becom? ing members to the Secretary. By Gen. James Chestnut: That a Committee of Five be appointed, to whom shall be referred the subject of fencing ; and that the said committee be charged wkh the preparation of some plan on that subject, to be submitted to the society at its next meeting. The following gentlemen were nominated for^ho Executive CfSnmittee, and, the nomination after? wards ratified: Hon. John Townsend, R. A. Griffin, Esq., Hon. W. S. Henery, E. Mclntosh, Esq., Col. J. B. Palmer and Col. J. P. Thomas. N The Committee on Constitution and By-Laws submitted a lengthy report, which was adopted. The following committees were appointed : On Commercial Fertdisers.?John S. Green, T. Wannamaker, and Maj. Thomas Davis. Improved and Labor-Saving Agricultural lmplc nsente.?John B. Moore, W. S. Henery, Wm. Glaze, On Cotton.?John. P. Kinard, R. A. McCaslan, E. H. Bowling. On Corn.?Dr. J. W. Parker, Theo. Long, P. S. Felder. Stock Raieing.?R. S. Porcher, T. W. Holloway, R. A. Griffin. Pisciculture.?1. W. Woodward, Geo. B. McOants, H. L. Elliott. Dee Culture.?Dr. Turnipsecd, J. H. Kinsler, Dr. McKinley. On ihe Subject of Immigration.?A. A. Gilbert, P. T. Haskell, J. A. Furman, J. M. Baxter, W. T. Boinest. To Consider Subject of Fencing.?James Chestnut, J. D. Moore. John McRae, A. M. Aiken, W. II; Trcscott, J. R. Pope. To visit Sorgum Works in Greenville and to In vesligate Bee Culture.?J. P. Moore, T. Q. Donald? son. L. Williams. D W. Aiken, B. Z. Hem don. Rice.?N. Hey ward, R. Izard, B. Sanders, Dr. A. Foster, J. R. Sparkraan. The President was requested to vacate the Chair, and Col. J. P. Thomas was appoiuted Chairman pro tern. A resolution of thanks to the President was then unanimously adopted. Gen Hago?dlhen resumed his seat, and the resolution was presented; to which he responded in a feeling manner, when the Convention adjouned em* die.