University of South Carolina Libraries
tJmutt Jntcllijenccr - - ?xtvu ANDERSON, S. C, THURSDAY, MAY 18, 1871. PROCEEDINGS OF THE TAX-PAYEBSf CONVENTION. SECOND DAY. The Convention assembled at: 12 M., Hon. W. D. Porter in the. Chair. The following -named delegates were , art nounced as having registered their names: Eershaiv county, William M, Shannon; Bichland county. D. H. Chamberlain ; Charles.-. . ton county, W.. B. Smith; Lexington county, P. S. Lewks; Chesterfield county, A. M. Lowry: Clarendon conuty, John. L. Manning, John P. Richardson, James E. TindaU ; Fairfield coun? ty. John Bratton : T. W. Woodward: Sumter county, John :B. Moore, F. H. Kennedy,\ Williamsburg county, David Epps; Abbeville j county, Armistead Burt and B. Z. Herndon ; Anderson county, James A. Hoyt; Edgefield. county, M..L. Bonham; Pickens county, W..E. Holcombe, D. F. Bradley; Oconee county, J. A. DoyieV.Wra- & Keitt. ? The minutes of yesterday's proceedinga "were then read and confirmed. t < Under a suspension of the rules, Mr. Gary introduced the following resolution which was adopted: Resolved, That W. D. Simpson, of Ander? son ; C. H. Suber, of Newberrv; A. D. Good-: *wyn, of Orangeburg, and W. H. Trescott, of Greenviile-be invited to seats upon the floor of the- Convention, and to participate in the deliberations. Mr. Chesnut, from the Executive Commit? tee, reported-upon the resolutions of Mr. War ley in relation to the administration of justice, recommending that the same do pass. * The report was adopted and the resolutions agreed to. The Committee of Eleven, under t'Jie fourth resolution of'thi Board of Trade, and the Committee - on !.he Suffrage'?-Laws were not ready to report. Call of counties -i MriAJdrlchVol' Barnwell, introduce the fol? lowing resolution?, which were referred to the Executive Committee: Resolved, Than the Executive Committee, with the President, shall have it in charge to protect the interest represented by this Con? ventionin the interval of adjournmen t, to keep in viewihe current legislation of the Legisla? ture, and'to-'call the Convention together at such time as they may deem expedient. ResohecL That a committee of five be ap? pointed by the Executive Committee, to pre? pare a truthful and condensed report- of the condition of the State now and since the war, and that-the same be printed and distributed. - Mt. Simons, of Charleston, introduced the following, which was referred to the Executive Committee: Resolved, That a committee of five be ap? pointed to confer with the Governor in relation to the postponement of the collection of taxes, to be raised in November ensuing, and report upon the same to this Convention.. Mr.'Wallace? of Richland. introduced the following' preamble and resolutions, which were referred to the Executive Committee: Whereas, crimes hitherto unknown in South Carolina, viz. embezzlement of public funds, and bribery in the Legislature, have become so flagrant as to mtke the Government of the State a bye-word and reproach .in the eyes of the civilized world, committed as they have been almost openly in the presence of the Exe? cutive of the State and of the Attorney Gen? eral, whose duty it is to see that all offenders are brought to punishment And whereas, these violations of law on the part of those oc? cupying high places in the Government, com? mitted almost openly; and with impunity, be? get a spirit of lawlessness throughout the State. Resolved, That the Attorney General be in? structed to ferret out and prosecute all such offenders, and that a Committee of Five, mem? bers of this Convention, be appointed by the chair, to aid that officer in the discharge of his duty. Mr. A. B. Woodruff, of Spartanburg county, introduced the following, which was referred to the Executive Committee: Resolved, That it be referred to the Com? mittee of Eleven, to report on the propriety of proposing some plan, through the Governor, or otherwise, by which the Jav? requiring all official notices to be published in certain papers; be repealed, of so modified as to re? move said requisition. Mr. Smart, of Beaufort, offered the follow? ing, which was referred to the Executive Com? mittee: Whereas, Recognizing our obligations as delegates of the people of this State, in volun? tary convention assembled, to adopt such measures, as in our judgment, be mo3t condu? cive to social harmony, mutual co-operation in, and support ot* the government, and confi? dence in the financial condition of the State; receiving and excepting in good faith the as? surances of his Excellency, that he <4will ren? der any aid in his power to facilitate such object," and that "any plan which this Con? vention may adopt, consistent with our system of free government, will deserve the earliest attention and support of the-General Assem? bly :" appreciating his suggestion as to the proper ana most effective remedy for the exist? ing evils, to yis: <;to secure for the State the services of citizens whose experience and per? sonal character would furnish a sufficient guar? antee for wise legislation and judicious expen? diture of the public funds ;" be it, therefore, Resolved, ? That the Executive Committee of this Convention b?, and they are hereby re? quested to nominate a committee to consist of not less than five, nor more than ten compe? tent persons, who shall make and cause to be made, a thorough investigation of all the lia? bilities of this State. Resolved, 2. That bis Excellency the Gov? ernor be, and he is hereby requested to render any aid in bis power to the accomplishment of his object, and as an important agency exists in the city of New York, a visit to which would en? tail much expense on the members of this committee, this aid be extended to embrace transportation of the committee. Resolved, 3. The officers of the various de? partments be, and are hereby requested to give to the Committee access to all sources of infor? mation within their power. Resolved, 4. That the Executive Committee be continuous in its organization, subject to the call of his Excellency and its chairman. Resolved, 5. In addition to the duties here? inbefore provided for, the members of this Committee (the Executive Committee) shall, by conference and communicatiou with his Ex? cellency the Governor, whenever by him de? sired, assist him to secure the services of citi? zens to fill the various offices of State and County, whose experience and personal char? acter will furnish a guarantee for wise admin? istration, and thereby secure the proper confi? dence of the tax-payers and other good citi? zens. Resolved, 6. That we are opposed to repu? diation, and hope that the result of the arrangement herein provided, will be to secure the prompt payment of all lawful obligations. Provided, however, that we distinctly reserve the right to farther action on this point, until after the rejiorts herein contemplated are made. Mr. Wilson, of Georgetown, introduced the following, ,which was referred.to 1he Executive Committee: . Resolved. That it be referred to the Execu? tive Committee:to report some plan by which the. necessary expenses of this Convention shall be provided for. . Mr. ChesnuU, from the Executive Commit tee, asked leave for that committee to sit dur? ing 1;.,the,,reg;ilar .session of .the Convention. Granted.. Mr. Wilson moved that the Convention take a recess until 4 o'clock. Mr. Wallace-suggested that.as this was the day;of the decoration of the Confederate sol? diers" graves;,, the motion be.amended to take a recess. until 7 P. M.. which was agreed to, and the...Convention then adjourned to that hour., NIGHT SESSION. Mr; Wariey introduced the following resolu? tion, which was. referred, with all others, to the Executive Committee : ? Resolved, That this Convention, representing the-t&x-payers of the State of South Carolina, and authorized to speak .for them, solemnly declare the iutention of the people to resist by all la'vful means the payment of any debt here? after contracted by the present State govern? ment, or by any subsequent government, in which the property-holders of the State are not represented. Mr. Simons introduced the following reso? lution: Resolved, That this Convention of the Prop? erty-holders-and. Tax-payers of the State of South Carolina, do hereby deem.it our duty to declare that the. bauds heretofore issued, with? out legal sauction. and the so-called sterling loan, or auv other bonds or obligations here? after, issued, purporting to be under, and by virtue of (he authority of ??3 State, as at pres? ent constituted, will not be held binding on us, and thai we recommend to the people of the State in every manner and at.all times, to resist the payment thereof or -the enforcement of any tax to pay the same, by all legitimate meaus within our power. Resolved. That we deem it our duty to warn all persons not to re-nave,, by way of purchase, loan or otherwise, any bond or obligation hereafter-issued purporting to bind the proper? ty or pledge -the credit of the State, and that all such bonds or- obligations be held null and void, as having been issued corwptly, improvi dently, and for fraudulent purposes, and in derogation of the rights of that portion.of the people of this State upon who 11 the public burdens are made to rest. Resolved, That a committee a? five be ap? pointed to investigate and report a plan to re? store the credit of the State, and ,o confer with the representative;, of the Fire Loan securities of the. State, which have been practically re? pudiated by the State authorities, with a view to repair the damage to the good faith and honor of the State, by influencing an early li? quidation of these obligations. Mr. Adams introduced the following pream? ble and resolutions: Whereas, taxation without adequate repre? sentation is an anamoly in a true Republican government; and, whereas, the tax-payers of the State of South Carolina are now laboring under the intolerable burdens arising from non representation in the legislative councils of the State, be it, therefore, Resolved by the delegates of the Tax? payers of South Carolina, in Convention assembled, That they recommend to His Ex? cellency the Governor a suspension of the col? lection of taxes for the year 1871 until the ad? journment of the next session of the Legisla? ture. Resolved, 2. That it is the sense of this Con? vention that the necessities of the tax-payers of the State of South Carolina imperatively re? quire such suspension. Mr. J. P. Thomas, of Richland, on behalf of the Executive Committee, to whom was re? ferred the question of the expediency of the cumulative system of voting, or .such system as will protect the right of minorities, asked leave to make the following report: The means of protecting the rights of mi? norities in representative forms of government has, for a long period, engaged the attention of thoughtful minds. In Europe, as well as in this country, this question has been fully dis? cussed, and a satisfactory solution anxiously sought. So defective is the system of mere majority rule, so flagrant are the abuses to which it is liable, that the necessity for its modifica? tion strikes with force every impartial observer. It is obvious that the needs of good govern? ment require that some effective organism be devised for the protection of minorities. Your committee deem it unnecessary to enter upon an analysis of the several schemes of proportional representation that have been suggested. Enough to say that, in their judgment, the plan of cumulative voting best accomplishes the end in view?best makes representation co-extensive with the whole body of the electors. This plan obtains wherever there is no more than one officer to be selected, it gives the elector as many votes as there are persons to be chosen, and allows him to bestow his votes upon the whole num? ber or to concentrate them upon any number less than the whole. The effect of this system is to give to each political interest in a com? munity a representation proportionate to its numerical strength. Under its opera? tion the true office of suffrage, which is to col? lect the sense of the whole community, will be subserved. There is effected neither ex? clusive representation of the majority; nor ex? clusive representation of the minority; but pro? portional representation. The proposition is, that the cumulative system secures through a general representation, all the interests in the political body. To illustrate the system, under the present electoral system of the State, in a commuuity of two hundred voters, one hundred and one elect representatives, say four, for the entire body. That is, out of two hundred voters, one hundred and one im? pose their representatives upon the minority of ninety-nine. The ninety-nine have no repre? sentatives ; are virtually disfranchised. Now, under the operation of the cumulative system of voting, assuming that the same com? munity, the two hundred, are equally divided politically, the representation would be equally divided. It may be mathematically stated thus?1,000 voters, are to 500 voters as two to one. Under the operation of such a system, each party would, of necessity, calculate its strength in advance, and seek to elect only the number proportionate to its numerical strength. For instance, in a certain community, let us assume that there are 5,000 Democrats and 9.000 Republican voters, and that there are three persons to be elected. The 5,000 Demo? crats have 15,000 votes. The 9,000 Republi? cans have 27,000 votes. If the Democrats wore to attempt to elect ull their representa? tives, they could give each only 5,000 votes, which would result in their securing no repre? sentative, as the "Republicans being able to give each of their candidates 9,000 votes, would elect them all. On the other hand, if the Republicans were to attempt to elect all their representatives, they could give each only 9,000 votes, which would result in the defeat of one, as the Democrats could cumulate their 15,000 votes upon one candidate, and thus elect him. 1 he effect would be that each party would, of necessity, cnlculate its strength, and there would result a propor tional representation. In the case stated the 5,000 Democrats would secure one representa? tive, and the 9,000 Republicans two represen? tatives. This is the principle of proportional representation by means 01 the cumulative sys? tem. Your committee desiring to confine them? selves to general propositions, propose to re? frain from further details. Your committee are gratified to state that this system of cumulative voting, which is des? tined to play so important a part in the devel? opment of popular rule', has already been put in operation, ''proposed, explained, and advocated," in the first instauce, by James Garth Marshall, a subject of the crown of Gre at Bri? tain. This plan has been championed by ex Senator Buckalew, of this country; haa been incorporated in the revised Constitution of Illi? nois, and has been put upon its trial in a Penn? sylvania town. Recently, the subject has at? tracted universal interest in the Sooth. In our own State it has been received with great favor, and lifted above the plane of political partyism. Your committee are of the opinion.that, ab? stractly considered, proportional representa? tion is a great govermental principle, a wise, just measure 01 reform^ ana one absolutely necessary to make unlimited suffrage consist? ent with peace, order and security. It enters the political body as a saving, a conserving element. It comes to leaven the lump of , democracy, and to give essence of genuine republicanism, which is, briefly stated, thorough and . genuine representation. But it propor? tional representation be an admirable system in any government founded upon the popular will, your committee holds that the plan is pe? culiarly applicable to- such a condition of so? ciety as this State now presents. Your committee do not affirm that this would cure all the diseases of the body politic. But they may, without extravagance, suggest that the system of proportional representation, if adopted by those who wield the numerical power, would alleviate many of the evils inci? dent to our present abnormal condition, would to a large extent tranquilize public apprehen? sions, would moderate the spirit of political convulsion, and tend to bring about in this State all the peace that we can reasonably hope . to attain. Your committee are aware of the fact that this measure of electoral reform, if it shall be promptly realized by us, must come from the dominant party of the State. Whether it will come or not, we cannot decide. In either event, the minority in South Carolina, put forth their claim in this behalf. It is their right. Should it be denied, the responsibility must rest upon those who use thus the power that the present gives. Should it be tendered, it will doubtless produce the fruits of justice, and wMen the circle of peace. This much we may add: Since it is the natare of majorities to change, it may be well for the dominant party to consider whether the adop? tion of proportional representation may not for them, be the best, policy for the future, as well as the highest wisdom for the present. Mr. Thomas spoke substantially as follows, in support of the measure : No extraordinary credit was to be given to the Cummittee in connection with the presen? tation of the report. As the report itself inti mated, the subject was no new one. Both in Europe and in this country, every thoughtful man has had his mind turned to the subject of cumulative voting. The matter is of great importance to the people of the State of South Carolina. The Convention had assembled un? der the inspiration of a great public sentiment; great abuses in the State Government had been the cause of calling the Convention into life, and specific remedies were to be proposed for j specific evils. In South Carolina, there are two races, who have between them a strong line of demarka tion. Some seemed to imagine that that there was a political millenium not far distant. The speaker did not look forward to any such time. Whilst he recognized the fact that such a line of demarkation did exist, he was still of the opinion that under influences of proper spirit, it was possible for the two races to live together in a condition of comparative peace, and to attain to a comparatively permanent peace. And if that condition is to be attained, if any understanding is to exist between the two races, each race must be prepared to plant it? self upon the foundation of justice and right. Is it in our power, peaceably, to solve that vexed problem with which we have to deal ? Under the influence of proportional represen? tation or cumulative voting, I believe it possi? ble to secure a large measure of success, and a large degree of peace. Mr. Thomas was not unmindful of the race to which he belonged. He addressed himself to the country, not in the character of a sup? pliant, but in the spirit of a future conqueror, laying down the terms under which his race should live in peace in South Carolina. He had never had any fear as to the ultimate re? sult in South Carolina. I con here affirm, that if I should at this moment wield the power of this Government, I would use it impartially, and without distinction. Sonic of the people of South Carolina have endured much under the present regime ; and now, sir, not only do I pronounce the reconstruction of South Caro? lina a failure, but the very architects pronounce it a failure, and the temple is about to fall down about their ears. If we desire to recon? struct the work of reconstruction, we must adopt a Hue of policy, such as is recommended in the report. Ex-Governor John L. Manning, then moved to lay the report of the Committee on the table. Mr. Trenholm, of Charleston, asked that the motion be withdrawn to afford him an op? portunity to make a few remarks upon the re? port, which was done. SPEECH OF HOX. GE0. JL. TREXHOLM. Mr. Trenholm, of Charleston, said: The principle of universal suffrage is one which commends itself to the intellect of every right-minded man, and to which statesmen in all countries have opposed themselves in vain. The principle of uuiversal suffrage lies at the foundation of every true Republican Govern? ment. It is not against the principle of uni? versal suffrage, that we have met to re? monstrate against grievous complaint, it is against the unequal application of that princi? ple. And what, sir, are the inequalities of that principle? It is no new principle advo? cated by this Committee. In that great coun? try which has produced that great system of Anglo-Saxon laws of which we boast, and in which originated the principles of freedom: in England, sir, that aristocracy of wealth and education, they have been compelled to admit the justice of this principle and to. incorporate it in their Government. In the year 1870, an effort was made to re? turn to the old manner of voting. Gladstone and Bright united in opposition to any repeal of the existing laws. What was \hc motive that induced tfiose who held the supremacv of power to give a representation to the minority? It was not misunderstood by the public; it was because the majority saw that the princi? ple of universal suffrage were destined to be carried into effect, that the time would come when those who ruled the country would find, per hups, that they were themselves in the minority. And, sir, ? 'int do we see in our own country? We must not, shut our eyes to the fact that we I have passed through a great revolution. If there is a name above any other name that wa* revered of Republicans, it was that of Mr. Lin? coln. And what do we see in the State from which Mr. Lincoln came. When the govern? ment ofthat State was very little better than it is in our State, a convention was called to de? vise some means for the getting rid of the exis? ting evils. They determined upon the adaption of the principle of givinga representative lothe minority, and this was carried by a majority of one hundred thousand votes. Here, sir. is not only an example to us, bot an authority to many. I hope there will be no difference of opinion in this State. I have the honor 3o snare with you, Mr. Chairman, the responsi? bility of a representative of 1he Chamber of Commerce of Charleston, a bo?dy in whom the people of the city of Charleston are willing to confide, and I feel myself constrained; if not instructed, to conduct myself wish great moder? ation. Looking at the other side of the question, I saw that fthe Republican party ?f the North, which had been the war party which had car? ried the country triumphantly through the war which threatened the destruction o? this Union, was destined to become the Nacaonal party. We must not close our eyes to such facts ; it would be childlike and weak to do so. Sup 6ose, sir, npon the close of this war, that the epublican party of the North, having secured .to themselves successes desired, had; been dis? possessed of power; and, sir, they would have been dispossessed of power had tiey not es? tablished universal suffrage at the South. The only salvation of the Republican party at the North was the establishment of universal suffrage at the South. Had this- not come about, every white man at the South joining, as he would have joined, the Democratic party of the South, the latter party would h*ve oeen in the majority. What has taken place, however, is precisely what ought to have taken place, nor is it any reproach. The people of the South stood up like men during the war for principle. An Jot slavery, they be&ved that it was an institution founded by the Author of all good, for wise and good purposes^ Pious and good men entertained that belief^ and feeling a high responsibility, they struggled against the , sentiment of the world. And, sir, when that same Providence comes in an unexpected hour, in an unexpected manner, relieving us from our charges, the people of the State ac? quiesce in the decree of Providence. No man believes that the restoration of slaves in this country is possible or desirable. If such a thing were possible, and it was put now to a vote of this Convention, not a voice-, in my opinion, would be raised for it. We are in the march of intelligence. The senti? ment of the civilized world goes to establish universal freedom as the birth-right of every man. We must, and we shall acquiesce in that principle. But, sir, when we relinquish the Srinciples for which so many have bled and ied. can we not call upon and summon to our assistance, the citizens of a Stute, who surely will sustain us in what we now do. I have Sreat confidence in the strength of justice. I o not coincide with the opinions of those who do not trust the opinion of the North. I have always solicited the confidence of those people, even if they were enemies. In conclusion, I would advise you not to abandon in despair the benefits of the soil, and your constitutional rights. Let us cultivate this rich and noble soil that has given to us so much of abundance in the past and promises so much for the future. The motion to lay upon the table was then renewed, when General Gary asked that reasons be given for making the motion. Ex Governor Manning, who made the motion, then spoke as follows: SPEECH OF J. L. MAXK1KG. I suppose that no man is more illy prepared to discuss this point than I am this evening: but, having strong convictions. I will do so. The question seems to me, sir, to consist in this : Whether we, by this cumulative voting, shall be confined to one-third the power to which we are entitled. I. for one, am willing to bind myself by no such obligation. The history of the world shows us that the modify? ing influences of intelligence have their effects. This settlement of the question by the commit? tee prevents any further discussion. To think that the people who controlled the Government of South Carolina from the time when it first became a colony?to think that they are to be confined to this one point, is a thought that seems to me is abhorrent to the mind of every enlightened man. It is a sort of declaration of weakness to the other element to ask them to yield their influence to control one-third of the State. The true interest, sir, of the people of South Carolina is to enlighten the whole re? presentative mind in the State to enact laws for the benefit of the whole people. Whenever you restrict the mind of the individual people, you restrict the Uberties of the laud. It is by the homogeneous elements of the whole State only that the State can be formed. When you confine the action of a citizen by incorporation or restrict it bv other means, you restrict the right of will and the right of action. The prin? ciples of human liberty are just as free, sir, as the air of God's heaven. A compromise ! No sir: There is a better voice to appeal to, and that is the voice of the world. Give us justice, sir, and equal laws, and you will have citizens who will obey the laws. I say for one, that of all the law-abid? ing people of the United States, this has been the most. It is the mal administration of the laws that gives us all the trouble. There is no qualification to the sentiments I make. I will never compromise my rights as a whole for an integral part, let others modify their sentiments as they choose. Give us equal laws, and we would have proper representation ; then will we have justice throughout the land, and every man may sit down under his own vine and fig tree. General M. W. Gary defended the report of the committee- in the following remarks: SPEECH OF M. W. GARY. I suppose it is expected that I should as a member of the Committee give the views that influenced my mind in bringing the resolutions before the Convention. What is the cause that has brought us together? Why have the wise men of the State assembled from all parts of it? It is because the taxes are so excessive that we are unable to pay them. The Govern? ment has passed into the hands, not of Radicals or Republicans, but of thieves and robbers. We have then assembled to take counsel against the squandering of public moneys, and the abuse of the power placed in the hands of public officers. We have assembled not as partiziuis, but as representatives .of the tax-payers of the State. Now, how will you reach the evil ? We must modily the present election laws. Any? body who examines them must see that they were.ensjgted in the interest of fraud. There is a majority of 30,000 against us in this State. How are we to reach that majority. I am as far from surrendering my rights as any mem? ber of this Convention, but I have always held that a half loaf is better than none. I never have believed in universal suffrage, and I don't believe that any man can lay his hand on his heart, and say that he believes in it, ex? cept demagogues, who lead parties for personal aggrandizement. If we can by any system of voting secure a representation of the minority in the Legislature, it seems that we ought to do it. I don't propose to refer to the past Irevolution, or past politics ; I do not think it becomes us 1o disturb the past. The people of the North don't understand the spirit of the people of the South. There was a time when we did not welcome a Yan? kee^ because we thought he was an aboli tionriit: we had those differences, and preju? dices against the Xorth. But now it is differ? ent. The people of the North are labonog unde.- a mistake. They say thai the opposition we feel to the preseat government is because they are Republicans, xvb sir; st is because of corruption of government. When men take money out of our yockets wfoen we have not got it, when they confiscate ow lands, it is time we should- be heard When awy attempt is made to piauect our rigjif??to strike-back as {would a brute?they cry o?Jt that we are- waging j war against c&c- General Government*. Are ? they not plundering us under-the formu of the few? I submit that we are nor here in opposition to the General Government.- I am glad to-see? the spirit of the letter of the Attorney Geseral of this: State. If the Goveruor and" Atterney General mean what they say they do, it will be an entering wedge to the-system: of cntnola tive-voting. I regret that I have-been-be? trayed into these remarks. I must acknor?? edge-1 never knew anything about cumulative voting, until I heardi ir here- fron Mir: Ihomaev I only take a plain practicable view of the sub? ject. Such, gentlemen, are my views, and I give tihem for what tSey- are wortk MR. CAXNWS SPEECHL Mr. Cannon said: I fear we ? have misunderstood Che- reasons for v!uch we have assembled. We- do not come-here in opposition to- any government. United States or State-. We do- aotr oppose any party. I acknowledge the reconstruction actSy and for one, intend, to obey thenii, as the law. of the land. Let us look about and try to discover if there be-evils. We are-here to see if fraud does exist. I am glad to- see-that the assistance of State officials is tendered; us. I hope that the account of this Convention will I correct many false impressions that ha.ve gone ? abroad throughout the State: I regret that there should be violence in any portion of ! the State, and I hope that the members will j use all their influence- to-preserve the public j peace. More time ns needed to examine into : t?s system of cumulative voting. I, therefore, ' ?ove that the resolutions be referred to the j Executive Committee. Mr. Warley proposed that when: their guns \ were cocked and loaded, they skould g;o off. S If they had had a specimen of the-kind of dis- I cussion they were going to have, he wanLed to hear no more of it. He moved to lay the mo? tion of Mr. CaQBon on the table. The motion was withdrawn, the Chair rul? ing that it was not proper to refer the rejwrt of one standing committee to another standing committee. General Chesnut then addressed the Cliair in favor of the report, requesting that it be re- ? read, which was done. MR. CHAMBERLAIN'S SPEECH. At the conclusion of the reading of the re? port, Mr. Chamberlain arose and spoke, in sub? stance, as follows: I had hoped to address the Convention at some length upon this subject. I feel, how? ever, that I can better forward the good of this Convention by confining myself to a very few remarks. We are here, if we are honest in the declara? tions we have made, assembled as citizens of the State, not as members of political parties, which divide the State or nation, but simply to look to the common interest of the State whose name and fame we all profess to cherish. My position, as every one must be aware, is a pe? culiar and, I may add, iu mauy of its features, a trying one, because I am appearing here to? night in this Convention, which represents a Earty to which I do not belong; and I leave ehind me those who are my associates. I have to say to those who sit around me, that I am here in honesty only to save our common peace and welfare : and I have to say to those who have taunted me, because I am here, neither they uor any one else can read me out of any party to which I choose to ally myself. Pardon me if I say hma Republican?and it is because I choose to vindicate the decency of republicanism, that I say it. Now lying at the foundation of this movement I see something that shall again place the con? trol of public affairs in South Carolina in the hands ot those who represented its interests in times past. I confess there is something that moves me in the idea that the voice of the op? position in South Carolina shall be again heard within the walls of her Legislature. [Ap? plause.] I am, in its proper sphere, a partisan. It is necessary to introduce into that which controls the Legislature of South Carolina to-day, some modifying influence. In looking about for some device, without violence to the funda? mental principles upon which government rests, that should bring to us relief from these grievances, I have fixed upon this system which is so ably presented in the report of your com? mittee. -Gentlemen of the Convention, that system is right'irr ?ts Republicanism, in its justice, and in theory. It takes nothing from the rights of the majority and leaves thc-ui all they now have. It gives them a dominating control-, but does not give them the absolute disposition of the government of the State. It is no new thing, that the presence of one honest man puts to flight a band of robbers. [Applause.] I am talking of general truths, I am casting reflec? tions on no man, or set of men. ? Take this system of cumulative voting, you take nothing from the rights of the majority, while- you place in the lower house about forty seven men who will be, if you are true to your interests, your most valued citizens. Then bad legislation will cease, and good legislation be? gin. Is it not fair? Is it not generous in us to grant this ? If we grant it, it is simply justice; simply right. It is right in principle. In its immediate result you are relieved from present grievances, and pointed to lasting prosperity in tuture. I say to you. give us, who have some? thing to do with making this practicable, some? thing we can take back to our own political asso? ciates. Will not this Convention, by a unani? mous vote, strengthen us who desire to do what in us lies? No greater object, no higher aim could animate any body of men. VIOLATION'S OK I-VWS. Mr. Chestnut from the Executive Commit? tee made the following report: The Executive Committee to whom was re? ferred the resolution of Mr. D. H. Chamber? lain, of Richland county, directing the said committee "to inquire into the alleged violence now prevailing iu the several counties of the State, and to report upon a plan for the execu? tion of the laws against such violence, and the better protection of all our citizens in their lives and propertv throughout the State/' ask leave to report, they have considered the sub? ject with the deliberation its importance de? mands. They have learned with regret, that violence has prevailed to a greater or lesser extent in several counties. But they feel bound to say with much satisfaction that in by far the larger number of the counties of the State, not a single instance of such violence has occurred. Cad government, corruption in high place, set the example of moral decadence and disre? gard of inw, which was too readily followed by those upon whom the laws are intended tb operate. Your committee are constrained to believe that larcenies and incendiarism prac? ticed by ignorant, deluded and bad men, sug? gested in many instances, and encouraged by a clas* much worse and more responsible, were among the initial causes of the first cases of violence. Afterwards, it appears there fol? lowed instances of corporeal punishments, and homicides perpetrates by unknown persons upon citizens, and even of a few officials of the goverumenr, who seem to- have'become obnoxi? ous to man? in the communities wherein they I lived, on account of supposed injustice, fraud 5 and- oppression. These s?e lamentable truths, ?which the ctyrranittee feel called oft u-nerprivo ?ally to deplete* and conderw. "i our Comr??see believe that an effectaal remedy for the?*-evils will be found in grjwf government, the ?emoval of a?' dishonest, irs connpetent, and irsd'men from office; and' the appcflitment thereto of men, nematter of what party, who are heuest aud competent, and who feel tie obligations- which officiaJ station siouldi impose, and who will promptly and: faithfully execu'ie-the lawsi Mr. Chesnut. als**reported frota the same Comniibtee, as follc*v*: COI.I.ECT?N OF TAXES. The Executive Committee, to whomiwas re? ferred-a ^resolution t?-appoint a committee of five to confer with tlte Governor, as-to the postponement of the collection of taxes} beg: leave-to report that thw have considered, the same, and. recommend; That the resolution do pass. EXPESBBS. Also. The Executive Committee; to- whom was referred a resolution to- report a plan, to provide for the- necessary, expenses- of this Convention, keg. leave tc>report that they hare jconsidered the- same,, and. recommence, that i each, delegate deposit wiiL the clerk the sum. ; of five dollars f?rthat purpose; ! POWERS OF TBE- EXECUTIVE COMMUTE*. I Mr. Smait, from-the Executive Commttee, reported as follows: The Executive Committee to whom was- re? ferred the reschuion presiding that the Exe? cutive Commirase, with the President of this Convention, sfcoll. have h in. charge- to- protect she interest represenred: by this Contention during the intesval of adjournment^ to keepin. *iew Hie current legislatjon, and to call the Convention together at such time as thay ?ink. proper, beg leave to-report, that they have had. the same undec consideration, and recommend its adoption. TAX AT ley -is-VD REPRESENTATION. Mr. Aldrich. from th* Executive Committee; reported as follows-: The Executive Committee, to whom, veas re? ferred the grievances of taxation without repre? sentation in the taxing body, and to suggest a remedy for the ?Esting evil, beg leave to re? port, that the present political and financial condition of South Carolina is a forcible and melancholy illustration of the evils resulting from taxation without representatioo. The judicial investigations lately had in the United States Court for this District, prove beyond controversy that astounding frauds- were prac? ticed in the late election, and demonstrate the necessity of a remedy. The theory of the Con stitution is, that the people shall be fully and fairly represented, and promise is made in that instrument to protect minorities. Thus, in the House of Representatives, the whole body of the people is represented, and the majority rules. In the Senate, the States are repre? sented, and the smallest State has an equal vote with the largest State. The one is intend? ed to be a check on the other. While the war lasted, passion took the place of reason, tho States represented in the Senate set aside the Constitution, forgot their sovereignty, and blindly followed the lead of conquest. 1 Since the war, the States that struggled for what they supposed was a constitutional right, have not been represented, their Senators have not been natives, or, if natives, not representative men, so that the check of the States, as represented in the Senate, has been entirely lost, and, of course, all legislation has been partisan, sec? tional and vindictive., The same feature which characterized the congressional legislation was incorporated into our State government. The Parish system which existed in our State Constitution before the war, operated as a check upon the legisla? tion of the majority. The new Constitution of '65 and '08 abolished that conservative ele? ment. Under the Constitution of '65 it is pos? sible no evil could have resulted, because in? telligence and property were equally repre? sented, and all the voters belonged to the same caste. Under the Constitution of '68, how? ever, a new element was brought into the voting power?men of a different race and caste, uneducated slaves just emancipated, an impressible people whose passions and preju? dices could be easily excited, were suddenly clothed with the elective franchise, and made not only a power but the Controlling power iu the State. Considering our condition then, the result was inevitable. The newly enfranchised were not only jealous of their acquired liberty, but suspicious of the feeling and intentions of their late owners. They were ignorant of political affairs, totally uninstructed in the science of government, and naturally turned to the men who had flocked here as birds of prey, and who are generally known as carpet baggers. It was equally uatur.il for the native, respectable and intelligent white people, who had heretofore controlled affairs.to feel a supreme disgust, and to hold themselves aloof from this mass of ig? norance and vice. It must also he remembered, that all the gentlemen in the State, of experience, patriot* ism and virtue were laboring under the politi? cal disabilities of the reconstruction acts, which prevented them from taking part in legislative proceedings. But time and its heal? ing influences has shown to the colored people that the white people have no disposition to deprive them of any of their rights, civil or political, that have been conferred on them. It has proved to the white people that the col? ored citizens, generally, feel no enmity against them: are not disposed to oppress them, and are willing, if not anxious, to avail themselves of their learning, experience, virtue and pa? triotism. It has also proved to the adven? turers who mav be inclu ded under the general terms of carpet-baggers and scnllawags, white and colored, that the eyes of the native colored people are open to their selfishness and rapacity. Having arrived at this conclusion, the ques? tion is, how can we avail ourselves ot its power of this native element and get rid of the bad iufluence which has heretofore controlled it. using the colored people as mere voting chattels to plunder and ruin this devoted State. They need and desire the virtue, intel? ligence and experience of the native white people. The white people cannot maintain the ancieut virtue, dignity and honor of this old State, unless the native colored people will co-operate with them. The corruption of the State government is notorious; bribes are openly offered to and received by Senators and Representatives: high officials are engaged in speculating iu the stocks and bonds of the State. All these great crimes are being perpe? trated freely here, in the capitol, and there has not been the first prosecution commenced to prevent them. In a word, the ancient honor of the proud old State, is lost and gone. Every white mau and every colored man who is a native South Carolinian, muSt deplore this disgraceful and humiliating condition. Your committee believe that is ripe to meet this evil, save this i therefore propose the following That we recommend to the LegiaU sage of an election law, by wi" tav-paying voters will have a proj presentation in the Legislature of the 90,000 voters who pay no tax? tion so just, reasonable and consciij not fail to recommend itself favor right-micded citizen. OBJECTS OF CONVENTION AND NE The Executive Committee, to ferred the paper presented by' Dudley, of Marlboro, beg leave r^co report, that the paper has receivtofc* consideration of the committee.thor. amerced, and iu its amended for ported to the Convention, with i aation that it do pass. The following is the paper a i ferred to by the committee: The de-legates to the Tax-payers* sow met, ao<i sitting in Columbia, Ina, desiring to be fully ?nderst j fel tow-citizensof the State, and of States-, declare: 1. That they meditate no resis ever to-the Govern usent of the and intend im respect tbereo:. themeelm a* peaceful and lsw^ zens-. 2. That vre-regard the iures-as- finalities-,- and recognize- \ tion of the- established laws of 1' 3. That we-look to-time and _ ties only for the solution of any < now or'may hereafter exist in i tion of the-publ3c-affairs of tins i entertain the hope that all tbe modification s that may be desired j nection, will be effected by rh*> _ of an: enlightened public - opinion* ?i. That the- exigencies of the from) the- people other efforts tha ed. co: promote the- success of as their ?rue- interests- consisting: na good citizens of any aud all parti e fng the-welfare-ef every section and all classes of the- people. 5. That certain measures c essential to-tbe peace and State; that: prominent among* The adoption, by the Le| T method of 'voting, which wil sentariooi therein of a minority i 2. Retrenchment in the State Government by abolisE?ng that car* he dispensed with, rtduc ries of public officers, and vi ecanorxty hi the ad min is trat loo departments of the Government. 3. Thai the public debt shall s ed; and that His Excellent requested to prevent if pos negotiation, of the bonds autl of the Legislature, " to creaft State of South Carolina, to M Sterling Funded Debt." 4. To> be relieved from pfl ta;es. in. one year, as is nowf provided by law. 5.. To have the various offiol by competent and trustwo? as to secure the prompt andj of the laws, instead ot the nf of selecting them from tb'. without regard to their quafil 6. Such an amendment of to elections by the people as will pi from fraud either in the control or \ the ballots. 7. That the pay and mileege of d tbe Legislature be reduced to thelirJ ing previous to the adoption of ? I Constitution ; aud the duration of i j of that body be made to conform lute necessities for legislation, i Believing that the principles i really actuate the great majority of it is the purpose ot this Conventid the ends above indicated, and sucf dred measures, as may appear nf after, by such peaceful and legitim, comport with the duty of good citij not otherwise. The whole of the foregoing weipj special order for the next meeting The Convention then adjourn? day at 12 m. THIRD DAY. The Convention was called too by the President, Hon. W. D. B The minutes of Wednesday w< and adopted. . ? [The following named reports tive Committee ou the vario named will be found in another Report of the Executive on e Convention, was read and ado/ Report of the same commiPr' without representation, was re^? The special order was suspe/ was granted on the request of 1 the Committee of Eleven to sit? sion. Report of the Executive Comt resolution regarding violence iu j ties of the State, was read and a Report of the same commit power to the Executive Couimi scnible the Convention at such mav deem expedient, was read a Report of the same committee was read and adopted. Report of the same committ jects of the . Convention, was read - ' - ^XPORW OF COMMITTEE Mr. Chesnut. of the Executivi asked leave to be discharged from ration of certain financial resolut'' having been referred, in other the Executive Committee. Leave! and the resolutions referred to t Committee. Mr. Schriven, from the Commifj tions and Suffrage Laws, reported' and asked* that the same be Executive Committee, which wai] stating as a reason for this, mit'ee, it was_ apprehended, wool manent committee: The following is the report of Committee: The Committee on Election Laws, to whom was referred the re ihe expediency of memoralizing t; for the repeal or modification o election laws of South Carolina, report (concisely) that they have gS ject the earnest consideration whii"* tance demands. The Committee the present mode of couuting t fruitful aud original source of p troubles, creating distrust in the abiding citizens on account of the custodians of the ballot-box to de the intent and sovereign rights of Recent developments and convie officials at Charleston, in the Court, after patient, laborious a trial, confirm the apprehensions tious of the citizens as to the a< curity for the future purity of th Your committee are familiar witf vative conduct of the elections a of the ballot under the old laws Parties of any political com] sured of the honest res " 1