Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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JAS. A. HOYT, E. B. MURRAY, Editors. THURSDAY MORNING, FEH. I0th, 1876. APPORTIONMENT OF REPKE NTA TI7ES. Senator Cochran sends us a copy of the bill introduced by him to apportion the representation of the several counties, in .^accordance with the requirement of the State constitution, and .which passed the Senate last week. The bill was intro? duced on the 26th of November, and has been delayed for the reason that the "average" legislator in Columbia is al? ways tardy in recognizing any duty im? posed by the. Constitution, which is not likely to confer benefit upon "the party." We urged this measure upon the General Assembly elected in 1870, as it was the duty of that body to make a now appor? tionment under the census of that year, but the prevailing stupidity and contu? macy of that brilliant era in our political history did not allow -the consideration of a plain obligation imposed by the Consti? tution. Anderson County was then enti? tled to an additional representative in the Legislature, and this act of justice to the people does not come along too soon. Better late than never, however, and we trust the House of Representatives will not further delay a measure right in it? self and dictated by the organic law of the State. The new apportionment will divide the representation as follows: Abbeville, 5; Aiken, 4; Anderson, 4; Barn well, 5; Beaufort, 6; Charleston, 17; Chester, 3; Chesterfield, 2; Claren? don,- 2; Oolleton, 5; Darlington, 4; Edgefield, 5; Fairheld, 3; Georgetown, 2 ; Greenville, 4; Horry, 2; Kerehaw, 3; Lancaster, 2; Laurens, 3; Lexington, 2; Marion, 4; Marlboro, 2; Newberry, 8; Oconee, 2; Orangeburg, 5 ; Pickens, 2; Richland, 5; Spartanhurg, 4; Sumter, 4; Union, 3; Williamsburg, 3; York, 4. THE DEMOCRACY RE-OBGANIZED. The meeting of delegates from the va? rious Democratic Clubs on Monday last pointed unmistakably to the temper and spirit of the people of Anderson. They are in favor of a thorough, efficient and compact organization, and every refer? ence made by speakers to the agency of the Democratic party being relied upon for the redemption of the State was warmly applauded. It is quite evident that the people of this County are doue with coalition, compromise and conces? sion, for they have sorely repented of the mistaken confidence heretofore reposed by them in the promises of Radical poli? ticians. This is a movement of the peo? ple to regain their rights, and hurl from power unscrupulous, designing and art? ful men, whose sins in the past against virtue, integrity and liberty cannot be atoned for except in one way. Such men as have ruled the State for the last eight years, and all who desire to perpetuate the Republican party with its disgraceful record, must be made to stand aside, and give place to the honest, fearless and just representatives of an outraged and op? pressed people, whose motives are higher than mere party advantage! It is a movement in the interests of civilization, for the vain expectation that a corrupt, ignorant and debased constituency will secure the blessings of good government, even under the guidance of educated and astute politicians, cannot longer deceive the most unwary! The necessity exists in South Carolina that the virtue, intel? ligence and wealth of her citizens should arise in their might, and put an end to the monstrous iniquities heaped upon the entire population, with firm reliance upon the justice nnd rectitude of their de? mands. Anderson County believes that there is no alternative in this emergency, except to depend upon a cordial, united and patriotic effort of the Democracy to re? gain the power which has been so shame? fully abused by the Republicans in all these weary, protracted and desolate years. Her prompt and vigorous organ? ization appeals to the State with peculiar force, and her citizens are waiting to hear a response from the seaboard to i:he mountains 1 MORE GERRYMANDERING. The Legislature seems determined to circumvent the law of Congress in regard to the arrangement of Congressional Dis? tricts, notwithstanding the probable re? buke awaiting them for former exhibi? tions of the same spirit. A bill has pass? ed the House of Representatives re-dis? tricting the State as follows: First District?Georgetown, Williams burg, Darlington, Marlboro, Marion, Horry, Chesterfield and Sumter. Popu? lation, 138,430. Second District^-Charleston, Orange burg and Clarendon. Population 119, 766. ? Third Disirictr?Richland, Newberry, Abbeville, Laurens, Anderson, Pickens, Oconee and Lexington. Population 155,307. Fourth District?Greenville, Spartan burg, Union, York, Chester, Fairfield, Kershaw and Lancaster. Population 154120 Fifth District?Colleton, Beaufort, Barnwell, Edgefield and Aiken. Popu? lation 137,571?. It will be seen that this arrangement only diffeni from the existing plan by placing Lexington in the Third District, which makes up the "contiguous territo? ry" demanded by the act of Congress. But the law requires the Legislature to ' form these districts as "nearly as possible of equal population," and the figures at? tached plainly show that not much at? tention has been given to this feature of the law, which will make the contem? plated arrangement as vulnerable and liable to objection as the present one. An accurate division of the State into five districts, upon the basis of popula? tion alone, would give to each district a population of 141,120. The law requir e conformity to this basis "nearly as possi? ble." A glance at the figures will satisfy any sane man, not only that the spirit and meaning of the law is perverted, but that the perversion is intentional. At the risk of casting pearls before swine, we will suggest as a starting point that the old Fifth Congressional District be reconstructed, composed of Anderson, Oconee, Pickens, Greenville, Spartan burg and Union, which has a total popu? lation of 141,864?within a few hundred of the actual number were the State equally divided, It Is the mountain dis? trict, with a homogenous population, and until the advent of "modern reformers," it was represented by men of vigorous in tellects and unblemished reputations. Such would be the case once again, and because the Radicals appreciate this fact, it is impossible that an arrangement so just and feasible can be made. FOOD FOR REFLECTION. Governor Chamberlain's letter to Sena? tor Morton, which we published last week, deserves the attention of our whole people, and especially of that portion of them who profess to be Democrats and yet desire a coalition with him. We im? agine it will serve as an invaluable source of consolation for his Democratic admi? rers to read in the public prints through? out the United States what is thought of them and their principles by the man they seem determined to idolize, even at the sacrifice of almost every principle that has been heretofore held as sacred and dear to them. Although they have never omitted a single opportunity to be lather the Governor with praises so ful? some as to disgust every person except themselves; although they have repeated? ly declared their fealty to him, and with reckless haste pledged their support in a heedless and unnecessary manner; al? though they have manifested a leniency and magnanimity, unparalleled in the ac? tion of any people who maintain their self-respect, in forgiving the past career of the Governor, which has assisted in j producing the present evils from which we are suffering, and although they are kind enough now to ignore his glaring heresies in political faith, and take with childlike confidence and simplicity his fine promises and pretty speeches as equivalent to noble and patriotic deeds ; yet he reciprocates none of their respect and devotion and friendly feeling, and does not hesitate to express to the world the contempt he feels at heart for the Democrats of South Carolina who are willing to become his parasites, thereby ignoring the teachings of the past and trampling upon every inheritance that was great or good or grand in the social or political fabric of our once glorious but now oppressed and plundered Pal? metto State. This letter tells to the world some plain truths which cannot prove very palatable to those whose whole energies have been devoted to an uncalled for and extreme adulation of Governor Chamberlain. To say the least of it, no Democrat with sufficient intelli? gence to comprehend the letter can have any other than a feeling of indignation at the unprovoked and insulting attack the Governor has made upon the Demo? crats of this State at a time when large numbers of them were lustily sounding his praises. As soon as he learns that his Republicanisn is questioned he in? dulges in writing for publication such a satire upon the Democrats in this State as must be keenly felt by those Demo? crats who have become the trumpeters of his reforms, which have so far consisted in smooth speeches and well written mes? sages. He boasts that he has never asked the Democrats to praise him, and say6, had there been anything to ask of them he would have asked them not to praise him; but he says they do praise him and he cannot help it. This of it? self does not exhibit a very high appre? ciation of the compliments from the new friends whom he has so completely duped, but we imagine his Democratic courtiers will find even less consolation in these sentences of his letter: "Low taxes are popular, even with Democrats. Compe? tent officers are preferred to incompetent ones, even by South Carolina Democrats. Honest expenditures of public moneys are acceptable to Democrats even." After indulging this contemptuous and satirical vein at the expense of Democrats gen? erally, and South Carolina Democrats in particular, in which he intimates that they arc more opposed to low taxes, com? petent officers and honest expenditures of public monies than any other party, he gives a few facts and statements which leave no doubt that he is a genuine Re? publican. He declares that he wishes to make South Carolina and keep her as safely Republican as Vermont or Iowa, and that he "wants to see South Carolina remain a Republican State." According to the Governor's own statement he is laboring to perpetuate Republicanism on South Carolina, and is endeavoring to "persuade the people of this State that such things as these judicial elections will be undone, and never by possibility be repeated," in order to protect the Repub? lican party from "overwhelming, hope? less and deserved defeat and infamy." Willk?r people support his administra? tion when he declares this? If so then they cannot deny that they are cham? pions of Republicanism, and are assisting to continue the Republican party in pow? er. He openly boasts that there are fewer Democrats in power under his ap j pointment than there has been at any time since reconstruction, and claims merit for this evidence of his party fealty. Can true and high-toned Democrats praise and support him ? But this is not all. Not satisfied with these slurs and insults to the Democrats, as if he wished to place a graceful cap upon the climax of these evidences of his adherence to Republicanism, he adds, "I am a Repub? lican of just as many years standing as I have seen years of discretion. I have no tendency to any other party; no associa? tion, no sympathy with any other party." Now who that is a Carolinian by birth and inheritance?that has been reared in the school of honor and principle in poli? tics as taught by our Calhouns, Pinck neys, Lowndes, Haynes and McDuffies? can consent to dishonor their teachings by degrading themselves so much as to rally around the political standard of the man who has printed upon his banner every principle of Republicanism, even to an undisguised hatred and contempt for Democrats, and an open advocacy of miscegenation in our State University, which means eventually social equality and a miscegenation of races in our State. For our part we cannot see how Demo? crats can find anything to command their admiration or support in a man who thus ignores and insults them. This letter, however, was in all proba? bility not written with a view of having any influence in our State aflairs,.but for the purpose of promoting the Governor's chances to gratify his ambition in nation? al politics. It has for some time past been understood that he would like the nomination for Vice-President from the Republicans, and the writing of this let? ter was pi ^sibly induced by a desire to further this ambition. The laudation of Morton, who is known to be the Soulh's most bitter enemy, was never induced by any regard for this section of our coun? try, but, Mephistophelcs like, was prompted by purely selfish and personal motives on the part of Governor Cham? berlain, lie knew the letter would be published throughout the United States, and would give him great prominence as a reformer. It was but a link in the chain, and may bo the explanation of the Governor's refusal to commission Moses and Whipper. The plot has worked ex? cellently so far, and shows Governor Chamberlain to be a most adroit political strategist. He will doubtless arrange all differences with his party in clue time to receive the vote of this State for the nom? ination, and, if so, his prospects for suc? cess are very good, in which event, we venture the assertion, that he will give himself no further trouble about reform in this State. BLUE RIDGE RAILROAD. The protracted litigation in regard to the Blue Ridge Railroad seems finally de? termined, as Judge Bryan has decided that the bondholders are entitled to re? ceive the proceeds of the sale made in 1874, under the deed of trust or mortgage of the 20th of April, 1854, after deduct ting the costs of the sale. This places the property in the hands of the bond? holders, and op' ns Lhe way for the com? mittee appointed at Kuoxvillc to begin negotiations for the organization of a new company for the ownership and manage? ment of the entire line from Andersen to Knoxville. This committee is expected to make a report at the adjourned meet? ing of the Convention at this place on the 30th of March, and we trust that s uffi? cient progress will be mado to warrant the belief that such negotiations will re? sult in a practical movement for the re? sumption o/ work at an earl)' day upon the Blue Ridge Railroad. A distinguish? ed gentleman writing from Knoxville t:> the editor, of the Walhalla Courier gives the information that the Cincinnati Southern Railroad is making inquiries in regard to the Blue Ridge route across the mountains, and he expresses .he opinion that, if the condition of the Blue Ridge Railroad was made known at Cincinnati, the Southern Railroad Company, or capi? talists at that place, would undertake to complete the Blue Ridge Railroad. OUR COLUMBIA CORRESPONDENCE. Columbia, S. C, Feb. 7,1876. Dear Editors: Events of great moment are still transpiring in the capitol, and though some of them may indicate a thorough change of sentiment, and con? sequently a better administration, still it would require a gift of prophecy to fore? see and tell the coming events. Politics, at all times and in all countries, are very uncertain ; but in this State and at this period, this is especially the case, for the dominant party here is guided by but one idea, and that is, the Radical party must succeed at any hazard. For this purpose they have tried to prevent the Legislature from adjourning sine die, but simply to take a reecss, to be called to? gether by one-third the members. This has, I think, fallen through, and the next plan they adopted was to change the Election Law so as to put the elections absolutely under the control of the Leg? islature, by depriving the Governor of appointing the managers of elections; but this bill, which was gotten up by the wisest of the Rads, came suddenly to an ignominious death, by having the enact? ing words of the bill stricken out on the first reading. There is, however, some cause for this apprehension, and Ihis cause has its origin in Anderson County more than anywhere else in the State, and that cause is the rising up and union of the white people against corruption and ignorance. They have gone to the end of their row on that policy, for they behqjd with fear and trembling the union and determination of the better people of the State, and they are now trying to quiet them by a pretended reform spirit, which they are showing, not from princi? ple, but fjrom fear. As was stated by your correspondent in last week's issue, the Appropriation bill for this year exceeded the tax levy some two hundred thousand dollars, and yet the State tax was eleven mills. Does this look much like reform ? The re? sponsibility, however, does not rest with the lower house, as it made the levy in accordance with a reduced salary bill which it passed last year, and which the Senate has refused up to this time to pass. If the Senate will pass it, the tax levy need not exceed seven mills per annum. The enactment of an Usury Law has caused more general debate and interest than any other bill that has been intro? duced this session, and we have been hammering away on it for the past week in the Houso, and it is not yet passed, though it will most probable pass as soon as the Legislature reassembles. All the Conservatives, except eight, are for it, most of these being interested in banks and banking. When this goes into effect I hope business will wear a brighter as? pect, for the bill allows ten per cent, un? der special agreement, and that is as much or more than money will make in? vested in any business, after taking out expenses, taxes, &c. Leslie introduced a resolution in the House, the other day, to have a comra.it ' tee of Democrats appointed to examine into the Land Commissioner's office du? ring the time he held the position. So Elliott appointed Gen. Wallaco, Chan? cellor Johnson and Col. Livingston. They proceeded to exaraine Leslie, when he inquired if they proposed to examine anything but one point. They answered that they would. He then said his reso? lution only contemplated one point, and he would not swear as to any other one. So they reported back that Leslie object? ed to a thorough examination. This Leslie denied most bitterly, but they cornered him. As one of the committee said, it was not their fault "if Leslie went for wool but got sheared." So to try and bully through it, he said he was willing to have it examined into. Gen. Wallace was excused, and J. L. Orr was appointed in his stead, and if Leslie has not covered up his tracks better than most rogues do, I think he will be sick before that committee gets through his case. While we are on the corruption ques? tion, I guess I had better give you a de? scription of the predicament J. Douglas Robcrston, a representative of Beaufort, is in. Lost winter n commission was se? lected to secure an uniform system of school text books for the State. Robert? son, as chairman of the Committee on Education in the House, was on that commission. During the summer he took upon himself to go North and see the publishers of the different school books. He went to see all the principal ones, and represented himself as the most influential Republican in South Carolina, and said he could have their books adopted by the commission if they would make his nephew their agent, and allow him twenty per cent, on the books sold, besides paying all expenses ; that he would use his official position to force the books into the schools, and that he would work for the books, but could not tako the agency in his own name, &c, showing fraud of the most glaring na? ture. Now, this twenty per cent, would have paid only twenty-five thousand dol? lars per annum! A very nice little ar? rangement, don't you think? Fortu? nately it was found out before the books were finally adopted, and Gov. Chamber? lain and Hi L. Shrewsbcrry, members of that commission, were appointed a sub commission to examine into the charges. So they wrote letters to all the houses with which Robertson had been dealing, and got veiy full answers, among others, four or live of Robertson's own letters, which convict him conclusively. It was by the commission referred to the House of Repr?sentatives, and by the House to the Committee on Privileges and Elec? tions. After waiting a month trying to get Robertson before them, they sum? moned him peremptorily, examined into the matter, and found him guilty by a vote of five to two. The next day the chairman of the Committee did not re? port to the House, but for some reason called another meeting to reconsider the vole. Mr. Orr, one of the committee, finding this out, made known the report to the newspaper reporters, to prevent them going back on their former conclu? sion, and this in a measure thwarted them, to the great disgust of some of the com? mittee. The Speaker of the House said it was reprehensible to speak of anything that took place in the committee before it was made public. Mr. Orr replied that the committee had prepared a re? port, and he did not think they would stultify themselves by going back on it, but if it was wrong he stood entirely re? sponsible for it. It remains to be seen what the Houfc will do with'one of its members who has been guilty of open propositions of fraud and corruption, and he convicted by a committee of that House. One of the letters to the com? missioners from a publisher expresses the proper idea in the following way: "If the South Carolina Legislature will do its duty, Robertson will be relegated to that obscurity from which he should never have emerged." The Tax Levy for 1876-77 has been placed before the Housie by the Ways and Means Committee at eight and one fourth mills on the dollar for all State taxes, and the two Bonanzas. You are no doubt surprised that the Committee, styled "Nine Radical Raecals" by the News and Courier, should have come out this strong for lower taxes, but the secret is not in their reformed intentions, but that Gov. Chamberlain went before them the day before they reported it, and in an hour and a half speech laid down the law to them, and said it should not be more. He whipped them in, as this is election year, and a small tax is necessa? ry to keep the people from boiling over. But, alas I they won't pass the Appropri? ation bill until the election is over, and there may be three or four hundred thou? sand dollars deficiency for the next year. If tEey arc in earnest let them pass both now! whipper's speech expunged from the journal. After a decent man sits in the South Carolina Legislature a while, he loses that feeling of being damaged by hear? ing ignorant and indecent talk on the floor of the House, but the oldest stagers could not help feeling somewhat degra? ded after listening to the fight between Whipper and Elliott on the 4th instant. Whipper charged Elliott with taking privileges which he denied to others, and various other things which were not very complimentary, so Elliott retaliated. He said he could not call Whipper a fool, but he was certainly acting the part of the knave 1 That the world had already stamped him with the word Ingrate, but he would stamp upon his forehead, (with chalk, I suppose, as ink wouldn't show,) in burning letters, Falsifier 1 and he would prove it, &c, ?&c. A nigger fight at a corn-s'tiucking would not beat it. Whipper's speech was expunged from the Journals of the House by a vote of 66 to 17. I would like to tell you something mere about the fight which Chamberlain hau waged against these fellows, but I have beon too long. Suffice it to say, that the worst of them have surrendered to him, "foot, horse and dragoons," and he is master of the situation, with Grant at his back. The Radicals arc playing reform as the election approaches, so they are go? ing to sacrifice somebody to appease pub? lic opinion. Who it will be don't appear yet, though Judge Montgomery Moses, (one of the iuimaculate trio of South Carolina's Jew Judges,) is going to be impeached for the slight fault of a Judge stealing. Is it not ridiculous ? But the old fellow is poor and friendless, and it is radical nature to pouuee on that class first. T. J. Mackey says the whole Mo? ses name will be made to flee to the wil? derness before South Carolina will be safe. It is reported that Ex-Gov. Moses and Whipper will either resign or be kicked out of office in the next ten days. The Legislature will probably adjourn about the 16th of February. J. L. 0. ? Dr. J. W. Vandivcr, of Buncombe Co., N. C, sa}'stho Republicans of North Carolina aro entitled to full credit for standing square up to ono assertion mado during the political campaign some time ago, which was that "it a railroad was ever built to Ashevillo it would be done by the Republicans." Dr. Vandivor says this is now beinfr practically demonstra? ted, for Col. Duncan has contracted with tho authorities for a large number of convicts from tho North Carolina Peni? tentiary, and ono hundred and fifty of them aro now at work grading the Spar tanburg and Aahovillo Railroad. ? Jefferson Davis has just lost a suit for $70,000 in a court nt Vicksburg, Miss. Tho ox-President put in a claim for that amount against his brother's estate, and the court decided against him. DEMOCRATIC AWAKENING! Anderson County in the Tau of Organ? ization. The delegates from the various IDemc* cratic Clubs recently organized in Ander? son County met in the Court House on Monday last, 7th inst., for the purpose of electing a County Chairman and a Cen? tral Executive Committtee. The meet? ing was called to order by James A. Hoyt, Esq., who had been appointed by the State Central Executive Committee to organize the Democracy in this Coun? ty, and who briefly explained the objects of the meeting. On motion, Dr, W. C. Brown and John B. Sitton, Esq., were requested to act as Secretaries. The enrollment of delegates was the next business in order, when it was ascer? tained that tho following Democratic Clubs were represented: Anderson?Joh:a B. Moore, E. B. Mur? ray, N. K. Sullivan, A. J. Watt and James Wilson. Honea Path?R. N. Wright, M. C. Parker, D. S. McOullough, Robert Cura mings and Joel Kay. Williamston?Dr. John Wilson, Maj. Geo. W. Anderson, Dr. H. I. Epting, W. i F. Owen, Dr. B. F. Brown and Hugh Mahnffey. Belton?Q. W. McGee, W. 0. Brown, L. W. Kay, G. P. Brownlee, C. M. Wil? liams, J. D. Pinscn and M. Breazeale. Broadaxoay?L. E. Campbell, J. 3. Carpenter, J. W. Prevost, Joshua Hol? land, T. W. Martin, Joseph B. Moore, S. M. Geer and Thos.'Erskine. Martin's?J. D. Alewine, E. Ambrose, S. J. Emerson, J. S. Gasaway and Rob? ert Parker. ' ?Pendleton?J. B. Sitton, W.- H. D. Gaillard and T. S. Crayton. Qarvin?Maj. R. F. Simpson and T. P. Glenn. Hopewell?M. B. Williams, B. C. Mar? tin, L. D. Stringer, R. H. Anderson, H. Tucker, W. C. Martin, S. L. Martin and Ira L. Mosely. Brushy Creek?-J. Jamison, T. H. Rus? sell, I. W. Pickeiis, S. G. Williamu and W. G. Smith. Hunter's Spring?T. B. Lee, John Ea kew, K. Breazeale, John Brown aid J. Belton Watson. ? Centreville Mills?A. B. Bowden, J. L. Jolly and W. C. Hale. Sandy Springs-W. W. Russell, R. M. Burns, W. D. Garrison, J. B. Adger, jr., and R. B. Brock. Fork?D. L. Cox, T. B. Palmer, John C. Gantt, G. W. Bdaret and F. E. Harri? son. Bock Mills?B. Frank Crayton, T. H. Anderson, S. 0. Humphreys and J. A. McLesky. Savannah?Reuben BurriB, P. K. Nor ris and S. W. Williford. Dark Corner?J. T. Barnes, Dr. A. G. Cook, D. E. Carlisle, J. L. Bryant and Johnson Hall. Flat Rock?Silas McD. Hall. Each Club was requested to give the number of members now enrolled, and the aggregate amounted to twelve hun? dred ! Only a few of the Clubs hare held more than one meeting, and generally upon short notice. On motion, Hon. R. W. Simpson and Hon. James L. Orr were invited to seats upon the floor of the Convention. The chair announced that it was proper for the Convention to go into an election for County Chairman, and that nomina? tions were in order. Mr. James A. Hoyt was nominated for the position, and upon motion, he was elected by acclama? tion. In accepting the position, Mi'. Hoyt returned his thanks for the honor conferred and the confidence manifested by the delegates, and pledged his most earnest efforts to advance the cause of Democracy with every energy of his na? ture. On motion of Mr. E. B. Murray, tho Convention decided to elect three Vies Chairmen, which resulted in the choice of Messrs. John B. Moore, M. C. Parker and J. B. Sitton by acclamation. On motion, an Executive Committee was elected, consisting of one member from each Democratic Club, to wit: Anderson?E. B. Murray. Honea Path?D. S. McCullough. Williamston?Dr. John Wilson. Belton?Dr. W. C. Brown. Broadaway?L. E. Campbell. Martin?E. Ambrose. Pendleton?W. H. D. Gaillard. Garvin?J. P. Glenn. Hopewell?B. 0. Martin. Brushy Creek?T. H. Russell. Hunter's Spring?J. Belton Watson. Centreville Mills?R. W. Reeves. Sandy Springs?W. W. Russell. Fork?F. E. Harrison. Rock Mills?S. C. Humphreys. Savannah?Reuben Burriss. Dark Corner?James T. Barnes. It was subsequently agreed that each Democratic Club now or hereafter to be organized shall be entitled to a member upon the Central Executive Committee. E. B. Murray, Esq., submitted the fol? lowing preamble and resolutions, which were unanimously adopted: Wheb-eas, the State of South Carolins, has been subjected to a government for the last eight years which, in oppression,, corruption, extravagance and incompe? tence, beggars deecription; And Where? as, the people of this State have within that period tried appeals to the honor and intelligence and patriotism of the dominant power without receiving any other recognition of their appeah and re? peated offers of compromise than insults and renewed oppressions; And Where? as, this endurance of our political evils has long since ceased to be a virtue, and the infamies of our government and the insults and oppressions to which the property holders a.nd intelligence of our State have been subjected by the rule of corrupt adventure* and unprincipled na? tives, who control the unsuspecting and untutored masses of the newly enfran? chised voters of our State for the purpose of promoting their selfish and, in many instances, seditious purposes ; And Whereas, there are critical periods in the existence of States and governments when all honest men are called upon to forego every consideration except the one grand object of promoting the public good by every nier.ns within their power; Akd Whereas, we recognize the pres? ent as such an occasion as must command the co-operation and union of all true Carolinians and patriots within our State;. Therefore, be it Resolved, That we, tho representatives of tho Democrats of Andcreon.^G?unty, favor an immediate and {.borough organi? zation of tho Democratic party 'for the State of South Carolina; and every Coun? ty and Town-hip therein, m raj fe .. Resolved, That we favor and earnestly recommend a vigorous and determined canvass for National, State and County nominees of the Democratic party. Resolved, That we favor making no further efforts to-.compromise with the Republican party, as all attempts at coa? lition only tend to demoralize and disin? tegrate the Democratic party of our State; but-that we favor-a firm -adherence to the great principles of our party, and insist that none but true and tried Democrats be selected to bear our standards in the coming canvass. Resolved, That we, with confidence and cordiality, invite and urgo all honest men and patriots, irrespective of color or pre? vious party affiliations, to join in this or? ganization for the purpose of wresting our State from the hauds and control of the party and the men who have so op? pressed our citizens, robbed our treasury and insulted and- trampled upon our honor as a people and as individuals. Mr. L. E. Campbell, from the Broada way Club, stated that his delegation were instructed to urge upon the Convention the propriety of nominating candidates by the plan of primary elections, in' lieu of the convention system. After an ani? mated discussion, it was Resolved, That the various Democratic Clubs be requested within the next nine? ty days to indicate their preferences to the County Chairman, whether nomina? tions should be made by primary elec? tions or otherwise. It was moved and adopted that in all conventions of the Democratic party each Club'shall, be entitled to one delegate for twenty-fire members or under, and an additional delegate for each additional twenty-five members. This motion was afterwards1 reconsidered, and the ratio of representation was referred to the Cen? tral Executive Committee, with power to act Hon. B. W. Simpson was invited to address the Convention, which he did in a spirited and eloquent manner, giving an interesting res ume of recent events in the Legislature, and urging it as a duty upon the people to persevere in their effort* to wrest the State from ignoble hands; and not to allow themselves deceived by ap? pearances of reformation within the ranks of the Republican party. It was much regretted that Hon.* James L. Orr had retired, as many of the dele? gates were anxious to hear his views upon political topics. The business was dispatched with rapidity and earnestness, and the dele? gates manifested the' deepest interest in the proceedings. The sentiment of the meeting was strongly in favor of trusting alone to the power of the Democracy in the ensuing campaign, and to ignore all coalitions and compromises. TOWNSHIP MEETINGS. According to previous announcement, the citizens of Williamston township met at Williamston on Saturday,' the 5th of Feb? ruary, for the purpose of organizing a Dem? ocratic Club. On motion, Dr. John Wilson was called to the Chair, and. Jas. IL Games requested to act as. Secretary. After a few forcible and pointed remarks by the Chair? man, a motion was made by Dr. B. F. Brown to appoint a committee to nominate permanent officers for the Club,' which mo? tion prevailed, and the Chairman'appointed the following person a, viz: B. P. Brown, H. I. Epting, Hugh Mahafifey, J. D. King and Wm. Seawright. The committee re? ported the following names,. which were unanimously elected: President, Dr. John Wilson; Vice Presidents, John D. King and B. F. Brown; Secretary, W. A. McCorkle; Corresponding Secretary, H. L Epting; Treasurer, James H. Gaines. On motion, the Ohairmain appointed the following per? sons as delegates to represent this Club in the County Convention at Anderson on Monday next, February 7th: B. F. Brown, W. If. Owen, H. Mahafley, H. L Epting, G. W. Anderson. On motion of Dr. Mc? Corkle, the Chairman was added to the list. On motion, the Chairman appointed W. A. McCoikle, G. W. Anderton; C. E. Horton, W. P. Cannon, Robert Hodges a committee to draft o. constitution and by-laws for the Club. On .motion, the Chairman appointed J. D. King, 8. T. Richardson, Hugh Mahaf fey, W. T. Owen, Janjes H. Gaines, A, J, Bradley, H. t Epting, N. C. Dacus, B. F. Brown Executive Committee. At this stage of the meeting, Dr. Epting was requested to address the meeting, to which he responded' in an address which was patriotic and ur? gent in behalf of an honest and economical government At the close of Dr. Epting'* speech an opportunity was extended for persons to enroll their names as mem? bers of the Club, when one hundred and four persons came forward and enrolled their names. The following resolution was then adopted r Resolved, That the proceedings of this meeting be published in the Anderson Intel? ligencer and Greenville Daily News. On motion it was requested that Dr. Bp ting's address be also published with the proceedings in the Anderson IntelHyencer. The meeting then adjourned to meet on Saturday, the 19th of February,-at William? ston at two o'clock p. m. . .. JOHN WILSON, Chra'n. James H. Gainbs, Sec. The following is Dr. Epting's address: Fellow-Citizbss : You have selected me to make some remarks upon this- occasion, which was not altogether unexpected to me. Lot me assure you that no greater honor could have been bestowed upon me, nor upon any one, not even in the days when the patriotic sons of South Carolins, assisted in establishing the true principles of De? mocracy, and freed themselves from the yoke of the British Lion?a grievance that was insignificant compared to the political oppression that has burdened us for the last eight or nine years. I as well as many of you hare taken little or no interest in the political affaire of our country since the close of the lato war, which I fear has tended to produce all of the political corruption that now exists. But we have assembled here to-day for the purpose of establishing tho pure principles of Democracy, the only moans by which the citizens of South' Caro? lina can ever restore to themselves their honest and just rights, and if we are succss ful we will soon be enabled to enjoy many of the political privileges bestowed upon us by our ancestors. We must not be discour? aged by our past rorerecs, nor because we have represented heretofore the minority only, but we should look forward to the future rays of light that are*dawning upon us, and remember that a little band of zeal? ous spirits constitute the forlom hope of every enterprise, whether political, religious or social, and their hands, their heads and their hearts bear the burden that ought to be shared by all. If there had been none zealous, every good enterprise, every good cause in the world's history would have failed, and we, the citizens of South Caro? lina, to-day would not hare the privilege of enjoying the pure principles of Christianity or the teachings of morality, nor would we ever have enjoyed the degree of honesty and happiness that txisted in our country twen? ty years ago. If there ever was a time in our country's history?in the history of South Carolina?it is now, it is to-day, that we iihould endeavor to imitate the patriotism of our fathers who gave birth to our coun? try ; and we should look back more than two thousand years ago, and remember the little band of Spartans who taught the vain despot of Persia, to respect their unexampled courage and to regret a victory obtained over a littlo band of heroes. If we expect our efforts to be successful in the course that we arev here to-day to represent, we must work on earnestly and djjigently, uninflu? enced by the indifference of others, undaun? ted by difficulties.and animated by the good - iit we know that our cause possesses; then, .and only then, will we be enabled to root gap the strong-holds of evil, and forever re? move every Testige of dishonesty and cor- . ? ruption. , If.we work together earnestly and in a spirit of 1 mmahify and justice, we will ultimately he enabled to behold the future with glory, honor and prosperity, but if there is no unity of action in our ranks, and we are divided among ourselves, dishonesty will continue to, exist, joiisrulejy?ljp.QnUuuo to revel in* our land, and our posterity, too, must witness an unending career of dishon? est and corrupt government; ' My friends, we must not continue in office ?orpowcrrTior-pewnlt 1t "to he" done, a'pa'rty in whose mouths government means brigan? dage?means theft?under whose rule no honesty and justice can ever be had. The sternal laws of justice, the interests of hu? manity, the pure principles of Christianity inJ the justice of morality, call for the aboli? tion at once of the dishonesty, the infamy and vice of those in power, who are to-day violating every principle of purity, and de? luding the majesty of honesty, truth and virtue. We should no longer continue in power a party who has no right to govern us, and who has burdened us with taxes unheard of in the history of any country. No patriotic people are willing to submit .to bad government when in the hands of their equals; yet we, the natural born citi? zens of South Carolina, the sons of patriotic sires, whose ancestors were the true type of patriotism, have continued .to submit to the government of venal strangers and lgno runouses, who are offensive to every honest man, and who are a.disgrace to any civilized people. We have reached a period in our country's history when every honest man should come forward .and declare his will? ingness to submit no longer to the intrigues of political parties and to the unjust monop? oly of all power,:,but should endeavor, to aisist us in combining ourselves, our ener? gies, our labors and our efforts against the thieves and robbers who are now sitting in the legislative halls once occupied by the most noble and honorable of South Caroli? na's sons. It is impossible for a people who aie politically oppressed ever to reap the fruits of their own industry or to communi? cate to their posterity the blessings-of secu? rity, happiness. and comforts that they de? sire. Therefore, let all those who wish honest government stand firm and united as one man from the mountains to the sea? board, from the Savannah to the North Carolina line, and with one voice crying, honesty, honesty ! justice, justice 1 and the victory is ours, it is on the sftde of honesty and virtue; and in the same spirit proclaim to all those who will not assist us in estab? lishing honesty and justice, "Traitor to your country, your race and to posterity." Fellow-citizens, I tell yon that nothing bat an out and out thoroughly organized I emocratic organization will ever secure to all the citizens of South Carolina their hon? et and just rights. No conservative element o r combination will ever accomplish any good for us. Some of our leading citizens have endeavored to create a reform party, o: au independent party, or -a conservative party, but none of these, touch at the root o' the matter, and only mean as they existed in the past that a- horde of scoundrels and ignorant negroes and whites shall continue to hold the reins of our State government. They mean that insolent and ignorant op? pressors shall continue to refuse us the political rights that even adecent despotism secures to its subjects. We want no reform at; the hands of the party in power. We oily want' our gbvemment controlled by honest and just men, and by those who have the legitimate right to control it. Our State govern m .t is to-day in the hands of carpet? baggers and unprincipled men, who have no interest .in the. future wellfare, and future prosperity of its citizens, whose principles are hostile to every 'honest man in America. In every republican country, the source of all power, is the people; hence, in the midst of the existing corruption it may be necessa? ry for us to make'every sacrifice? in-order to re-establish the true principles of Democracy and-to carry out its ends, Its aims and its purpos&r. But in spite of its enemies and the rears of its pretended friends, the day is rapidly approaching when it will effectually restore* honest and just legislation. It is to be regretted that some of our leading and most influential citizens?at least so consid? ered?have deserted honesty and justice, and have fallen into .line with dishonesty and corruption; one by one they hare, de? serted the honest people of South Carolina, and for pecuniary considerations only, as no honor could be attached to the judiciary or any other office in the State of South Caro? li i a under the present party in power. .Now, if there is one spark, of patriotism lurking in our system, we must and will determine' that' dishonesty shall no longer hover around us; that misrule shall no long? er exist, but that we, as citizens of South Carolina, will immftate the virtue, honesty, vp. or and patriotism of-our fathers. It is a duty that we owo to ourselves and-to our posterity, hot to allow our State government to remain longer in 'the -hands of political demagogues and office-seekers, whose sole object is plunder, and who represent their interests only to' the detriment of outs. According to previous announcement, a nu.nber of the citizens of Martin township met at Cliukscales' Mills on Saturday, 5th ins taut, to organize a Democratic Club. On motion," Jerry M. Browne was called to the Chair, and Geo. M. McDavid requested to act as Secretary. Oh motion' of James A. Drake, a committee of five was appointed to nominate permanent officers, who sub? mitted the following nominations: Presi? dent, Jerry M. Browne; Vice Presidents, Robert Parker and James Adams; Record? ing . Secretary and Treasurer, George M. McDavid; Corresponding Secretary, C. C Riiid; Executive Committee, James S. Gas saway, John D. Alewyne, James A. Drake, R. G. Kay, E. Ambrose, Reuben Cliukscales and T. L. Clinkscales, Sr. The articles pub? lished in the Anderson Intelligencer were read and adopted as the constitution of this Club,, which will hereafter be known as "Martin Township Democratic Club."? R<!gular meetings will be held on the 3rd Saturday of each month at one o'clock p. m. J. M. Browne, Robert Parker, J. S. Emer? son, T. L. ("flinkscales, Sr., E. Ambrose, J. S. Gassawsy and B. P. Driver were ap? pointed as Delegates to attend the meeting of the County Democratic Convention, to be held at Anderson C. H. on the 7th im t. . After the completion of the organization, the President introduced Mr. E. B. Murray,, of Anderson, who addressed the meeting, and for nearly an hour entertained his hearers with appropriate and eloquent re? marks upon the necessity" of a thorough organization of the Democratic party, and the formation of Democratic clubs in every township, in which every honest voter should feel an interest and become a mem? ber, assuring them that by a. united effort defeat was impossible. Fifty-two names were enrolled. It is the determination of the Executive Committee that every voter in this township shall have the opportunity of enrolling, and from present indications it in hoped every white voter in the township will become an active member of this or some convenient Club. The thanks of this Club are. due, and are hereby tendered our young friend, E. B. Murray, for the address and assistance ren? dered on the occasion^ ' On motion, it was ordered that the Secre? tary be requested to furnish a copy of the proceedings for publication in the Anderson Intelligencer. The Club then adjourned to meet again at the time of the regular meet? ing. J. M. BROWNE, President. Geo. M. McDavid, Secretary. Pursuant to a call made through the col? umns of the Intelligencer, a small number of the- citizens of the vicinity of Centreville Mills met at that place on Saturday, the 29th ulti mo, to organize a club for the further ancii of the Democratic party. There being only, a small number present, a temporary organization was effected with A. B. Bowden as Chairman and S. Newton Browne as Sec? retary. The meeting to-day was called to order by A. B. Bowden, who explained the objects of the meeting in a brief manner, and requested all who were in sympathy with the Democrats, and whose names were not enrolled to come forward and enroll at once, whereupon all present, with the ex? ception of a few who wanted "to see furder," promptly enrolled their names as members of 'this club, aggregating about twenty names. The meeting then went into an election for officers, with the following re suit: President, A. B. Bowdcn; Vice Presi? dents, R. W. Reef es and Jasper Heinbrec; Recording Secretary and Treasurer, Jolui L. Jolly; Correspondbag Secretary, S. New? ton Browne. The constitution aa recom? mended in the Intelligencer of the 27th Jan? uary, was adopted as follows: In blank in Art. 1, Insert "Centreville;" in blank in Art. 5, insert "'first." Article 7 was changed in last words so as to read, "within the bounds of this Club," instead of "within the town? ship." The President appointed as the Ex? ecutive Committee, W. T. McGill, Jasper Kerubree, W. L. Bryson, J. Andrew Reeves and P. A.-Jbnes. ' On rhollbn", AT B." Bow den, W C. Halt and Thos. Hutddson were appointed delegates to attend the Conven? tion to be held at Anderson C. H., Febrnary 7th, 1870. Jt was ordered that the Secretary purchase a book in which to record the pro. ceedingof meetings,'and that lie furnish a copy of these proceedings to the Anderson Intelligencer for publication. No eulogistic resolutions nor pledges of support to an? other than the regular nominees of the Democratic party were offered by this Club. On motion, adjourned to meet the first Sat? urday in March at 2 o'clock at. this place. A. B. BO WD EN, President. John L. Jolly, Secretary. . R According to previous announcement, the citizens of Savannah township met at Hol? land's Store to organize a Democratic Club. The meeting being called to order, Mr. Reu? ben Burriss was called to the Chair, and T. J. Holland requested to act as Secretary. The Chairman explained the object of the meeting in a few brief and explicit remarks, and declared the meeting ready for business. On motion of T. J. Holland, the Constitu? tion as recommended in the Anderson Iniel ligencer was adopted as the constitution of the Club, and the next meeting be fixed at Holland's Store on the second Saturday in each month at one o'clock p. sou The Club then went into an election for permanent officers, which resulted as follows: Presi? dent, Reuben Burriss; Vice Presidents, Rev. D. L. Whit taker and A. L, Sanders'; Corres? ponding Secretary, A. M. Holland* Secreta? ry and Treasurer, T. J. Holland ; Executive Committee, Levi Burriss, J. C. Winter, Wm. Hardin, D. H. Sadler and E. J. Bade. On motion, it was resolved to elect delegates to the County Democratic Convention, which resulted as follows: 8. W. WiUiford, J. A. Montgomery, Reuben Burriss, P. K. Norris, Dr. A. E. Thompson and A. S. McClinton. Citizens present then'enrolled their name as members of the Club. On motion, the proceedings of this meeting was requested to be published in the Anderson papers. The meeting then adjourned to meet the second Saturday in February. REUBEN BURRISS, President. T J. Holland, Secretary. According to previous notice, the dtrJens of Hope-rail township met at Hopewell Church on January 29th, to organize a Dem? ocratic Club. The .meeting was called to order, and on motion Capt. M. B. Williams was called to the Chair, and A. M. Guy ton requested to act as Secretary. The Chair? man in a few well-timed remarks stated the objects of the meeting, and then declared it ready for business, when fifty two persons came forward and enrolled their names aa members of the Club. The election ef offi? cers was then proceeded with, and resulted as follows: Capt. M B. Wilhams, President; L. D. Stringer, A. M. NeaL, Vice President!: A. M. Guyton, Secretary; W/?.Neal, Cor? responding Secretary. The Executive Com? mittee was then appointed, consisting of the following persons, viz B. C. Martin, R. H. Anderson,.D. Owens, Silas Kay and8. M. Martin. The following delegates were then appointed to attend th e County Convention, which meets at Ander jon C. H. on February 7th: Capt. M. B. Wi'.liama, L. D. Stringer, Harrison Tucker,, I. L. Moseley, R..H. An? derson, B. C. Martin and W. C. Martin. The constitution recommended In the Intel ligencer was read and adopted.'' On motion, the meeting then adjourned to meet at Tucker's Mill on th; second Saturday in this month. All are :' nvited to attend. M. B. WILLIAMS, President. . A aros M. Gfytoit, Secretary. The Pendleton Democratic Crab-met to? day, Saturday, 5th of February, pursuant to adjournment, this being the regular monthly meeting. The President-took the Chair,' and declared the meeting ready for business. On motion, John B. Sitton, W. H. D. Gail lard and Thos. 8. Crwoon were elected dele* gates to the County Democratic Convention, to be held at Anderson C. H. on' the 7th inst. On motion, the time of meeting waa changed from the first to the so son d Satur? day of each month. On motion, it- was resolved that the Anderson papers he reques? ted to publish the proceedings of this meet* ing. The Club then adjourned. GEO. SEABORN, President. Thos. 8. Csavtok, Secretary. At a meeting of th; citizens of the Dark Corner, held on Satin-day, 29th January, a Democratic Club was organized, known as "Dark Corner Democratic Club," with the following officers: President, Dr. 7. H. Beid* Vice President, Capt. L. Buchanan; Secre? tary, J. A..Gray; Executive Committee, Capt. J. T. Barnes, Dr. A. G. Cook, D. E. Carlisle, J. L. Briant and Johnson HalL There were ninety-seven names enrolled as members. %uMish,m ? piaUr? Can buy direct of the Marafron f*.vx>r*AJe Usnra. "The ANSON HARDY CUTTING MACHINES are the best and cheapest hw priced macblnemade, nod have a national repetition for utility and du? rability."?(The FJectro-tj per, Chicago.) The ANSON HARDY PAPER COTTER Is by fax the best machine which can be obtained for a less price than one handred dollars. It Is of great strength. "These machines bare always taken the highest stand. It la the only machine to which is applied the patent Mo-able Cutting Board. This de -ice b as a reputation of itself; by It, the cutting board can be Instantly and accurately moved, so that a perfect cut Is Insured. This is a very important point in this machine, and one that la possessed by no other. It greatly reduces the labor of preparation In work? ing the paper backward and forward. We cannot too strongly, recommend the advantages of this pat? ent movable board. It la worth the price of thla machine, and purchasers should fully understand how highly it la to be valued."?(Rowell'a ACo.'s Montblr Reporter and Printer's Gazette.) The LATEST DIPRC VED HARDY CARD CUTTER is pronounced tlie most dbiiusle Caan Clttkr In the market, for the general ueea of a printing office. The well-known RUGHLEB CARD CUTTKB with my latest improvements, 1? stiU preferred by many printers, and holds its favoritism over other machines. 49* None genuine but these having my fall ad? dress lettered In the castings. 9* Newspapers in want of advertising, from, first parties, should send for my circular proposal. ANSON HARDY. AUBURN DALE, MASS. I win buy of thoie that boy of m* ' Feb 10,1876 SO 6m STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA. Anderson County. By W. W. Humphreys, Esq., Pro. Judge. WHEREAS, Joanh Elrod'haa made suit to me to grant him letters of Ad? ministration, on the Estate and effects of S. L W. Elrod, deceased. These are therefore to cite and admon? ish all kindred and creditors of tho said 8. L. W. Elrod, dee'd, to be and ap? pear before me in Court of Probate, to be held at Anderson. Court House, on Friday, February 25, 1876, after publica? tion hereof, to shew cause, If any they have, why the said administration should not be granted. Given under my hand, this 2nd day of Fobrunry, 1876. W. W. HUMPHREYS, J. P. Feb 2, 1876 _30 2? THE ANSOII HARDY COMMISSION HOUSE. Orders for every description of Eastern Manufactures and Importations, Promptly filled, strictly upon commis? sion. Send for circulars. ANSON HARDY, AUBURNDALE, MASS. Feb 10,1876 30 6m