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TUE GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE. Gentlemen of the Senate and House of Rep? resentatives : In discharging the duty of addressing the General Assembly, imposed on me by the Constitution, it seems eminently appropriate that I should begin by con? gratulating its members upon the auspi? cious circumstances under which they reassemble. Tho post year has been u memorable one. Twelve months ogo we witnessed a condition of things which threatened the existence of republican institutions un? der oar ancient system of constitutional government. The whole country was convulsed by a national political contest, which assumed such portentous shape that every patriot dreaded, as its fearful < result, civil war. Amid the throes and ?the perils of this convulsion, the gov ?SBxsment of whioh yon constitute a part ?"whs placed in power by the people of the State. Encompassed by dangers as novel as they were startling, we looked in vain to history for the light to guide us which experience alone can give. The repre? sentatives of tho people, ohpsen as their rulers, were called on to fulfill as high duties and to assume as grave responsi? bilities as have ever been imposed on men. No hnman wisdom could have brought us safely through the danger that beset us on all sides, and we should -reverently give thanks to Him who alone has wrought this great deliverance. Our State is rehabilitated; peace prevails throughout her borders; the laws are im? partially enlorced and fully respected; good will -between all classes is rapidly obliterating the animosities of the past; health blesses our people, and the labors ot our husbandmen have been crowned with abundant harvests. We surely hove cause, for profound gratitude for the blessings which have been so lavishly bestowed on us; but while it becomes us to acknowledge these gratefully, we should bear in mind that their continu? ance depends on the condition of our proving worthy of them. The first step in this direction is for us to observe, in perfect good faith, tbe pledges made dur? ing the canvass which resulted in our success. Upon this point, I feel well as? sured that the conservative and thought? ful people of the State are thorough? ly united, and that their representatives will be found in full accord with them. With impartial justice in the administra? tion of the laws, with the recognition of the perfect equality .of all citizens under those laws, with the assurance of pro? tection to all in their rights of person and property, and with just, liberal and wholesome legislation, we may look, with assured confidence, to an era of peace and prosperity in our State. This con? summation, so ardently desired by every patriot, is to bo brought about mainly by the labors of tbe General Assembly, and I rely confidently on the wisdom, the discretion and the patriotism which will direct and shape the ensuing legis? lation. Grave questions of public pol? icy, upon which will depend, in a large measure, the future destiny of the State, will demand your attention, and will re? ceive, I am sure, your most earnest con? sideration. First in importance is the financial condition of the State, for until this is satisfactorily settled all hopes of return? ing prosperity will prove delusive. The credit of the State must be re? stored to, and maintained at, its ancient high character, before we can make good our promises of reform, or can expect her to take the proud position she once held, and to which it should bo our highest duty and our noblest ambition to restore her. This objeot can, I feel convinced, be accomplished by this Gen? eral Assembly without imposing upon our impoverished people an onerous burthen. As a commission was appoint? ed by the Legislature at its last session to consider this subject, it wouldbe pre premature, if not indelicate, in me to make any specific recommendations in advance of their report, and I venture now only to express the hope that under no circumstances will repudiation, direct or indirect, be countenanced. Repudi? ation would bring inevitable disaster and would entail indelible disgrace. The public debt can surely be so adjusted that, while tho welfare of the State is carefully guarded, the rights of creditors shall not be violated or impaired. The very fact that a State can exercise powers in questions of this nature against which no remedy exists, should make its Legis? lature doubly careful of the interests of creditors whose sole protection is in the honor of their debtors. An ardent de? sire to see tho credit of the State main? tained and her faith untarnished is my sole reason for presenting these views; and with tho hope thet they will meet the approval of the Legislature and of the patriotic; people of the State, I leave this vital matter to you, who are the proper custodians of tbe welfare and the honor of this commonwealth. In con? nection with the publio debt, I venture to make a suggestion for your considera? tion. Unless some provision is made to meet the obligations of the State when they fall due, we shall be subjected to great embarrassment, and perhaps loss, ns the State will be forced to issue ne?> bonds in order to take up tho outstand? ing ones. This system of borrowing to pay our debts will hamper our people and may impair the credit of our State. There are grave objections to a sinking fond, the strongest of which is, that it may be diverted, under emergencies, from its legitimate purpose. To guard against this contingency, and at the same timo to provide for the gradual payment of the public debt, I ad vise that a special annual tax of one-half mill be ltivied, tbe proceeds of which shall be placed in the hands of the Treasnrer of the State, who shall be directed to buy in the bonds of the State annually to the extent of the fund so raised. It will be readily seen how profitable to the State such a plan would be while the bonds are be? low par. Tho proceeds of such a tax as has been indicated could at the present time retire bonds to the amount of S100, 0U0, realizing to tho State a profit of twenty-live or thirty per cent. The pub? lic debt could be gradually but surely reduced, while the burthen of paying it in this manner would full lightly on the tax? payers. I merely suggest such a syst em, leaving its practicability and its details to the wisdom and experience of tho General Assembly. Another subject of vital consequence to our material prosperity, to whioh I beg to call your attention, is that of the free schools. The Superintendent of "Education, in bis annual report gives not only tbe result of bis labors during tbo post year, but makes suggestions worthy of your grave consideration. Owing to circumstances with which you are familiar, the facilities for the educa? tion of our people have not boen, as yet, what we desired and expected them to be. "We must not forget that among tho pledges of reform made by us there is none to which we are more solemnly committed than that of placing within the reach of all classes the means of edu? cation. I earnestly invoke your favora? ble action on this fiubleot, and I trust that you will be able to mature somo system which, while benefitting the scholars, will secure prompt payment to the teachers. Many of these latter, after discharging their duties faithfully, now hold claims against the State, which should at once be paid. I recommend tbe ratification of the constitutional amendment regarding the tax to support free schools, adopted by the voters at the lost election. From the fnnds which will thus bo provided, together with those arising from the poll tax, oar schools can be put on a footing of use? fulness. The late professors of the Univerity were not paid in full when that institution was closed, and I suggest that provision be made to pay the claims held by them. My attention has been called to the fact that there are also portions of the sala? ries of Professors Reynolds, Eivers and the late Dr. LaBorde, of the old faculty, still unpaid, and it appears to me emi? nently proper that whatever amounts may be due to these gentlemen, or their representatives, should be paid. These claims can be examined by a committee appointed by the Legislature, and a re? port embracing the facts can bo submit? ted to that body for its final action. The daughters of Professor LaBorde request me to transmit to the General Assembly a memorial on this subject, and I take groat pleasure in doing so, commending it to your favorable consideration. The action of the General Assembly at the last session contemplated the re? opening of the university as a school for the white youth of the State, and the establishment of a similar institution for the Hick. This plan strikes me as wise and well-considered, and I recommend that such measures bo taken at tho pres? ent session as may be necessary for its successful inauguration. It will, of course, be impossible to put these uni? versities or colleges in complete working order at once, but such legislation to that end oon now be had as will lay a securo foundation for them. They can gradually be built np until they are able to offer to the youth of the State every educational advantage to be found else? where. In no mode can the f?nds con? tributed by the people of the State be more judiciously, more wisely or more profitably expended than by giring to their children cheap and ample means of acquiring knowledge. Ignorance is the faithful parent of crime, and if we hope to suppress the latter we must first eradicate tho former. The reports of the officers of the penal and charitable institutions will give you all necessary information as to the con? dition and wants of these institutions Though they have been managed well during the post year, under the circum? stances surrounding them, and at a ma? terial redaction in expense, many changes are necessary to bring them up to the proper standard. Improvements in them are called for and are justified even in an economical point of view, for if these institutions are put upon a proper footing they can be made self supporting to a great extent, if not in fall. This is more particularly the cose with the penitentiary, and it is very de? sirable that the convict labor should be utilized, instead of being, as it now is, a burthen on the honest people of the State. The superintendent has recently visited many of the penal institutions in the country, and he has thus acquired much valuable information, whioh has been laid before the directors. I sug? gest that there should be five instead of three directors of the penitentiary, to be elected by the Legislature. In my opinion, the same mode should be adopted as to the Begents of the Lunatic Asylum, und I respectfully reoommend the change proposed in the manner of filling theso responsible positions, as I think that whenever officers of State in? stitutions are to be chosen the selection of them should be in the hands of the General Assembly and not of tho Execu? tive. The reports of tbe various officers of the State government will give full in? formation as to all matters pertaining to the different departments, und these re? ports will receive, us they merit, your careful consideration I am sure. The oxhibit made is eminently satisfactory, as it shows that substantial progress has been made in the march of retrenchment and reform. The taxes lovied at your lost session havo been very generally paid, though payment fell due at n time not only un? usual, but unpropitioas. In view of this fact, and the additional one that in many cases the proceeds of the crops had been expended before the call for taxes was issued, I recommend that you ex? tend such measures of relief to delin? quent tax payers as in your discretion may seem proper. Besides these tax payers, (whose poverty has prevented payment of the taxes of the last fiscal year,) there aro many in the State who are in arrears for several years past. In many instances, the lands of theso parties have boen forfeited and they are thus deprived of their only means of livelihood. It you could udopt such measures as would securo the payment of last year's taxes in tho cases of these unfortunate citizens, relioving them of past indebtedness on account of taxes and restoring tho forfeited lands, it would bo an act not only of humanity, but, I think, of wisdom. A new spirit of hope would be infused into our peo? ple and they would devote themselves to tho task of repairing their shattered for? tunes with renewed zoal and energy. In doing this, they would necessarily in? crease the wealth of tho State and pro? mote its prosperity. Some of our citi? zens have paid taxes to officials who claimed authority to collect under the lato administration, and, though that claim was illegal, many of our colored population, through ignorance and credulity, have been made the victims of it. These cases appeal strongly to our sympathies, and, in the exeroise cf a liberal and magnanimous policy, tho General Assembly could well provide Jhftt ol] who liqvyo paid taxes ?hall be entitled to credit for suck payments. Action of this sort would show that wo prefer to be governed in mutters of this tharacter by tbe rnles of equity rather than by the technicalities of the law. - Among the reforms which I regard as important is the abrogation of the sys? tem, which has obtained here to a cer? tain extent, of special legislation. Great abuses occasionally spring from this mode of legislation, and it adds mate? rially to the legislative expenses. Most of the States have experienced the ill effects of it, and in many of them it is prohibited by constitntional enactments. All legislation should be, as far as possi? ble, general in its character, placing all persons and all interests on an equal footing. A communication has been addressed to me by Messrs. Calvo <fc Fatten, in referenco to the public printing, which is herewith transmitted for your con? sideration. The request made by these gentlemen seems a very reasonable one, and I hope that you may find it expedi? ent to grant it. Associate Justice Wright, of the Su? preme bench, has tendered his resigna? tion, to take effect on the first of Decem? ber next, and I havo accepted it A vacancy has occurred also among tho Gircnit Judges, by the resignation of L. 0. Northrop, Judge of tho Seventh Cir? cuit. The various committees appointed by the General Assembly during its last session, while discharging their respon? sible and arduous duties, found that no appropriation had been made to defray their expenses, and I took the responsi? bility of advancing to them, from my contingent fund, such sums as were necessary to enable them to prosecute their labors. This outlay will explain why the amount charged against this fund in the Comptroller General's report is so large. To avoid the recurrence of such a condition of things, I advise that there should hereafter be two contingent funds?one a State fund, to meet any demands for which no specific appro? priation has been made, but which have been authorized by the Legislature; and the other the contingent fund proper of the Governor. Should this suggestion be adopted, S?.OOO'would bo amply suf? ficient for tbe latter. Permit me, gentlemen of the General Assembly, in closing this communica? tion, to express the heartfelt hope that your deliberations may be marked by harmony and wisdom; that your nets may redound to your own honor and to the* lasting welfare of our State, and that you may live to see her crowned with all the blessings which can be bestowed by a merciful God on a free, enlightened, prosperous and happy commonwealth. Wade Hampton, Governor. South Carolina Legislature. Wednesday, November 2S, 1877. SENATE. The Senate met at 12 M., Lieutenant Governor Simpson in the chair. Tho roll was called and a quornm found to be present The journal of yesterday's session was read, until a motion was made that the further reading be dispensed with, which was adopted. Mr. Taft snbmitted the presentment of the grand jury of Charleston County, which was appropriately referred. Mr. Kinsler presented the petition of E. C. Labordo und others in reference to claim for salary due to the lute Professor LaBorde, which was referred to the Committee on Claims. Mr. Meetze presented memorial of the Baring Bros., London, in reference to fire loan bonds. Referred. Mr. Walker submitted report of. the commission appointed to investigate the past indebtedness of Chester County. Referred to Finance Committee. Mr. Coker submitted presentment of tbe grand jury of Darlington, and also resolutions of citizens of Society Hill, in relation to the escape of certain prisoners from the penitentiary sentenced from Darlington County. Referred to the Committee on the Penitentiary. Mr. Meetze gave notice of a bill to amend an act entitled "An act to charter the Columbia and Augusta Railroad," and also to amend an act to charter the Char? lotte and South Carolina Railroad. Mr. Witherspoon gavo notice of a bill to amend an act to provide for the ap? pointment of an inspector of phosphates. Mr. Meetze moved that all matters contained on tho calendar, exoept the concurrent resolution to go into an elec? tion for Circuit Judge, bo recommitted to the appropriate committees. Adopted. The concurrent resolution to elect a Judge of the Seventh Circuit, to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of Hon. L. C. Northrop, was then taken up. Mr. Cannon moved to lay tho resolution on tho table, which motion was lost. On motion of Mr. Cochran, the concur? rent resolution was made the special order for Friday next, at 1 o'clock. Mr. Jeter offered a resolution that when the Senate adjourns it will be to mt'et again on Friday next. Adopted. Mr. Cochran submitted the report of the special joint investigating commit? tee, uppointed at the extra session, to investigate concerning any improper or illegal use of the public funds or credit of the State, and investigate the election of Senator Patterson in ltsV2, and certain other matters. The report was ordered to be printed. , Tho Senate then took a recess until 1 o'clock P. M., at which time the Pri vnte Secretary of tho Governor, Wade If. Manning, Esq., was announced, and presented the annual message of his Excellency tho Governor. Tho message was read, and on motion of Mr. Gary, the various recommendations of the Gov? ernor were referred to the appropriate committees, together with tho accom? panying papors. Mr. Crittenden suggested tho follow? ing changes of tho choirmon of the several committees of tho Senate, in con? sequent of recent vaoancies, to wit: Claims?G. Cannon vice 8. Green. Education?J. H. Kinsler vice H. J. Maxwell. Judiciary?II. A. Meetze nice B. B. Whittemoro. Incorporations?11. E. B?nen r?ea H. C. Corwin. Finance?M. W. Gary eiceW. B. Na;.h. Mines and Mining?P. J. Counts vice H. J. Maxwell. Privileges and Electif uh?T. U. Jeter vice B. F. Whittemore. Publio Buildings?A, P. Butler < ice S. Green._( Railroads?G. Cannon vice S. A. S trails. Contingent Accounts?L D. Wither spoon vice F. A. Clinton. County Officers and Offices?1*. G. Howard rice J. D. Warley. Penitentiary?R. P. Todd vice H. C. Corwin. Legislative Library?W. C. Coker vice J. D. Warley. The above nominations were placed before the Senate, the roll was called, and resulted as follows: Ayes, 25; nayB, 0. Mr. Crittenden then made the follow? ing nominations for members of com? mittees, to supply recent vacancies, to wit: Agricnltnre?J. H. Kinsler vice S. E. Gaillard. Claims?C. S. McCall vice H. J. Max? well. Charitable Institutions?W. C. Coker vice S. E. GoillaTd. Engrossed Bills?CL S. McCall vice S. E. Gaillard. Judiciary?I. D. Witherspoon vice S. A. Swails; W. A. Walker vice H. A. Meetze, elected chairman. Finance?J. R. Cochran vice P.. F. Whi.ttemore; W. C. Coker vice S. E. Gaillard. Military?J. H. Kinsler vice W. B. Nash; W. A. Walker rice J. D. Warloy. Printing?J. C. Maxwell vice J. I}. Warley. Privileges and Elections?R. E. Bowen vice 13. A. Swails; Bruce H. Williams rice T. B, Jeter. Eailroads?B. P. Todd viced. Cannon, elected chairman; W. A. Walker vice W. E. Johnson; W. C. Coker vice B. F. Whittemore. Contingent Accounts?W. C. Coker vie/ S. Green; C. S. McCall rice 1.1). Wither spooti, elected chairman. The roll was called, and the election resulted as fotlows: Ayes, 26; nays, ?. Mr. Cannon moved to go into an elec? tion for President pro tern., and nomi? nated Hon. T. B. Jeter, of Union, who was chosen by a unanimous voto. Mr. Jeter appeared at the doskand was sworn into office. Mr. Cannon also moved to go into one election for clerk of the Sonate, and nominated Col. T. Stobo Farrow, of Spartaabnrg, who was also elected unanimously. Col. Furrow took the oath and immediately entered upon the duties of his offico. A concurrent resolution from the Houso of Representatives authorizing and requesting the Comptroller General to postpone the salo of delinquent lands to a period not later than the first Mon? day in January next, when in his judg? ment it was deemed advisable, was agreed to. Mr. Cochran offered the following con? current resolution, which was adopted. Whereas, at the special session of the General Assembly, an act was passed on titled "An act to farther reduce aud reg? ulate tho number of oflicors, attaohees and laborers of the General Assembly, and to regulate tho manner of appropri? ating the same," and whereas some doubt exists as to the true intent and meaning of the act; be it, therefore, Resolved, by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring, that the question as to whether or not officers and attachees shall be elected during tbe present session be referred to the Judi? ciary Committees of the Senate and House of Bepresentatives jointly, and that they report as soon as practicable. On motion of Mr. Meetze, the Senate adjnnrned. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. The House met nt 12 M, and the pro? ceedings were opened with prayer by Rev. E. J. Meynardie, D. D. Tho reading of tho journal was dis? pensed with. Mr. Aldricb, from the Judiciary Com? mittee, reported unfavorably on a bill to declare valid the recording of certain conveyances without the endorsement of County Auditors, for the reason that there was an act in existence which pro? vided for the same purposo; also unfavor? ably on a bill to prohibit the service of State officers upon boards of commission and public committes; also, unfavorably on a bill to amend section 47:1, chapter 24, title 15, 2d part of the code. The above bills were rejected. Mr. Dibble, from the joint investigat? ing committee on public frauds and the election of J. J. Patterson to the United States Sonate, submittod a report, which, on motion of Mr. Sheppard, was laid on the table and ordered to be printed. Mr. Connor gave notice of a bill to amend section 1 of an act to amend sec? tions 55 and GC, chapter 120, revised stat? utes, relative to liens on crops. Mr. Hood gave notice of a bill to amend an act to provide for the appoint? ment of an inspector of phosphates. Mr. Sawyer submitted tho present? ment of the grand jury of Aiken County, recommending on increose of the salary of County Treasurers; also, gave notice of a bill to fix the per diem and mileage of members of the General Assembly; also, introduced a resolution that whereas Thomas Keitt, a member from Newberry, is absent, nnd it is alleged that ho is confined, in the jail of Newberry under sentence, the Judiciary Commit? tee bo instructed to inquire into tho facts. Mr. J. J. Hemphill moved to amend by substitution: the Committee on Privi? leges and Elections. Tho resolution was so amended and adopted. Mr. Orr .submitted the potition of Thomas and Elizabeth Reed, and a bill to change the name of Dorwin Leon Dorly to Dorwin Leon Roed, and confer on him the rights of legitimacy. The bill was read the first time. Mr. Brown gave notice of a bill to regulate the manner of hiring out con? victs. Mr. Aldricii introduced a bill to incor? porate the town of Barnwell, whioh was read tho first timo; also, gave notice of a bill to make tha obtaining of goods by fraud and deceit criminal; also, submit? ted tho petition of citizens of Barnwell County praying the re-establishment of the olection precinct of George's Creek; also, introduced a bill to provide artifi? cial arms and legs for wounded soldiers who lost their limbs in the late war; road the first time; also, submitted the claim of J. I). Brown as Sergeant-at Arms of tho House. Mr. Robertson gave notice of a bill to make the accounts of jurors and wit? nesses preforred claims and to make thorn reoeivable for taxtis. Mr. Melohors introduced u bill to in? corporate tho Memorial Association of tbe German Artillery Companies A and B and the errnan Volunteers of the Hampton Lion, and the German Hus? sars; read tl first time. Mr. Meminger submitted the peti? tion of EovC C. Pinkney tt ul for charter for ahurch for seamen. Mr. Rutle;o gave notice of a bill to amend an ado abolish the pay of Elec? tion Commiioncrs and their clerks. Mr. McKei gave notice of a bill to restore all Ids forfeited for taxes to their former*-nerg. Mr. Buistave notice of a bill to amend chapr 11G, revised statutes; also, gave nc.;e of a bill to amend the charter of Minolta Cemetery Company, of Charlcstoialso, introduced a bill to require the Hermen of Charleston to make the upptionment of Aldermen to which tho semi wards of the city are entitled; reache first time and referred to a special camittee of the Charleston delegation. Mr. Simonh submitted a petition ot the Sulphuriacid and Super-phosphate Company form amendment of their charter; also, resolution referring it to the Attorney (ineral to inquire into cer? tain matters rfiectingtho connection of the tracks ofhe South Carolina and Charlotte, Colnbia and Augusta Bail roads; adoptecnlso, a joint resolution to amend the ccstitution relative to the office and term of the judges of the Supremo and'.ircuit Courts; read the first time; ah a joint resolution to I authorize theiayment to the widow of tbe late Chief istice Moses of all money j due to him as to lecturer in the Univer ' sity; read the fct time. Mr. J. J. Henhill submitted tbe peti? tion of citizen-of the town of Chester for an amendtmt of their charter; also, the report of tt commission appointed to investigate tt indebtedness of Ches? ter County. Mr. Allen suUitted the memorial of tho people of Egefield inNre!ntion to freights on railrols. Mr. Humbert, f Laurens, submitted the presentments the grand jury of that county. Mr. Muller subitted?the petition of citizens of the ton of Lexington pray? ing an act of inciporation; also, notice of a bill forthat yrposc: also, u resolu? tion that when th House adjourn, it be to meet on Fridayat 12 M; adopted. Mr. Dibblo intiduced a bill concern? ing delinquent U lands for the last fiscal year; road <e first time. Mr. Haskell pisented the claim of A. Palmer; also, gre notive of a bill to ligitimize certai children of W. R. Taylor. Sir. Curtis asld and obtained leave to withdraw fro: the files of the Hondo tho claims of C. > Carroll. Mr. Hutohisoaubmitted the roport of the County Camissioners of York Countv for the jar ending October 31, 1877. The Governor1 message was then re? ceived and read. On motion of Jr. Sheppard, so much of the Governor'message as relates to the public financi and to the contingent fund was referroito the Committee of Ways and Moans;so much as relates to schools and eduction, to the Committee on Education; si much as relates to charitable and peal institutions, to the Committees on Peitentiary and Lunatic Asylum; so muck as relates to pnblic printing to the Ccomittee on Printing: so much as relate to the memorial of Misses LaBorde ws referred to tho Com? mittee on Claims. On motion of M Palmer, of Eichland, a bill to confirmthe sale of certain property for taxeslne the city of Colum? bia, and for other "urposcs, a bill to au? thorize the collecon of certain taxefl, and a bill for the iduclion and funding of the debts of thadty of Columbia, to provide for the pyraent and security thereof, and the raising of revenue necessary to meet he annual expenses of said city and a application to the same, were recomrxtted. The Houso then djonrned till Friday, at 12 M. CONGItESSIONA PROCGRMr.UK. Washington, Ncember 28.? Imme? diately after the rea'ing of the journal, Mr. Wadleigh, of Nev Hampshire, chair? man of tho Committjo on Privileges and Elections, moved toproceed to tho con? sideration of the reolution reported by that committee fm the admission of Kellogg as Senator fotn Louisiana. Thurman, of Ohio objooted, and read the oighth rule, whith provides that no bill, report of a conmitteo or other sub? ject upon the calendir shall be proceeded with in the ruornhg hour, unless by unanimous oonscnt. A lengthy discussim in regard to tho rules ensued, participated in by Messrs. Edmunds, Thurman,Wndlnigh. Wallace, and others. Finally, the Vice President decided the subject was a question of highest privilege, and. could be consid? ered in the morning hour, notwithstand? ing the objection. Thurman appealed front the decision of the Vice Presiden!, and the yeas and nays being called, th: decision was sus? tained, by yeas 29, aays 28?Patterson voting with the Dem?crats in tbe nega? tive und Conovcr voting with tho Kepub cans in tho affirmative. Davis, of Illi noies, did not vote when his name was called. The question then being, "Will the Seuato proceed to the consideration of tbe resolution reported by the Committee on Privileges and Elections, declaring Kellogg entitled to his seat as Senator from Louisiana?" the vote resulted in yeas 20, nays 20. The Vice President voted in tho affirmative, and the resolu? tion was taken up. Conovor voted with the Republicans in tho affirmative; Pat? terson and Davis, of Illinois, with tho Democrats in tho negative. Thurman then moved to amend tho resolution by striking out all after "re? solved" and insert "M. C. Butler." Edmunds said he did not want time wasted, and suggested that a vote be taken on the admission of Kellogg Fri? day next at 1 o'clock, and on the admis? sion of Butler Saturday noxt, at 1 o'clock. (Laughter on tlio Democratic side.) After it was decidod to take up Kel logg's case, a lengthy debate sprung up between the members of tho Committee on Privileges and Elections as '.o the status of the caso of Mr. Eustis. The Republican members claimed tbat tho Eustis case would have beeu reported this morning but lor last night's contin? uous sossion. Tho vote on Thurraan's amendment to tho report of the Committee on Privi? leges and Elootlons to Substitute Butlar ins,tld Ol Ken ""<i ?ff?,.. 7111 andc"6!.? vot Vice 10t!r*Wi umendulf, ThunE^ chaliengOu.u,, dent to vot", tton was odi the Senate, & where the giving Ihn vote applied. Alter some drew his chulleng^ dent's vote. Saulsbnry submit^ recommit tho Louisiarjfl committee, with instruct! timony on varioas points.^ Arguing upon the Vi right to vote, Mr. Beck, of Kentuu said it was not necessary that the VI President should have voted to-day all. Ho thought he was rather hasty giving the vote, and that being so, this discussion was out of order. The amendment did not receive a majority of the votes, and, therefore, was lost. Mr. Eaton, of Connecticut, said the action of the Senate some twenty-five or thirty years ago was taken without thought and without time for examina? tion. He had no doubt in his own mind that the President of the Senate had no power to act in the organization of the Senate. Ho is not one of the representa? tives of a sovereign State in tho Senate, and when the time comes, he (.Mr. Ea? ton) would he glad to argne this matter. He would go further und say if any man should got a seat in the Senate by the action of the Vice President, if he (Ea? ton) lived, in 1879 he would ask that the chair filled by such person be deolared vacant. In his opinion, such vote on the part ot the Vice President would be u violation of tho constitution of tho United States. After Thurman had withdrawn his challenge to the Vice President's voto, the Vice President said he had carefully considered the question as to his right to vote in cases where the vote of the Senato was equally divided, and he had no doubt of his right. After what had fallen from the Senator from Connecti? cut (Mr. Eaton) he would take occasion to Kay that, as at present edvised, he would exercise that right in his discre? tion. Mr. Sanlsbury submitted a substi? tute for the resolution of the com? mittee, reciting at length various charges made by Judge SpofTord against the re? turning officers in Louisiana, the legal? ity of the Legislature which elected Mr. Kellogg, and that Mr. Kellogg himself, when Governor, joined in the illegal acts with such returning officers, and, there? fore, providing for the recommittal of the whole question to the Committee on Privileges and Elections, with instruc? tions to said committee to take testimony inregard to the charges. Mr. Saulsbary spoko at length in favor of his substi? tute, and Mr. Wadleigh against it. Mr. Hill, of Georgia, in support of the substitute, it is considered, made the best speech of the session. Alluding to SpofTord, in briof, Mr. Hill appealed to every Senator on the floor to sink tbe partisan for a moment and not deny the right to this contestant to take testimony, which no court on earth would refase him. Mr. Kellogg came here now to claim tho price ot Iiis fraud. He came hero to ask that this Senate would give effect to that fraud. A committee had been appointed to examine all such cases, and this committee said we have taken so much testimony about returning boards tbat we will take no more. Mr. "Wadleigh said the Field Commit? tee last winter took testimony 'on this very point. Mr. Hill said theField Committee took testimony in regard to tho electoral voto. That was closed, and, so far as he was concerned, it should be closed forever. Mr. McDonald inquired of the Senator from New Hampshire (Mr. "Wadleigh) if he did not know thatiho merabc, Louisiana retawfn^ tify before the House und* aioned before the committ; Mr. McMillan said tliev v by the Field Committee." \ Mr. Hill resumed again, upon any Senator to put hi* any testimonyalready taken logg's complicity with tin' board, as Judge Spoflbrd' prove. Mr. McMill?n- It would be cult to prove a fact which nev. Mr. Hill-Did anybody evi hear a j tidge tell a party asking present testimony, "Why, jx prove that, even if I gave yon sion." Addressing Mr. McMil said: "How do you know it purred? Were you clown i [Laughter.] Mr. Mcllillau?I was there for t\ time. Mr. Hill-Well, I did not know before. We will investigate you. uowod laughter.] Continuing his marks, he said: "Senators should no: asjndges to decide tho rights hetw parties and say they would not let th tako proof. Mr. Kellogg did not p tend to have a Legislature except by t action of that returning hoard. He a* mitted that threo of the members of th State Senate returned as elected by tha board wore not elected by the people If this should be proved, was ha fit Tor a seat in this body ? Would Senators sr* that tho Governor of a State might co lade with a fawning_board to eloct him seit to the Senate V "Would they sent such a man in this body ? Ro certain was tho committeo at first that it would havo to take testimony that the chtir man applied to the Senato and gotau thority to do so, and when the committee got the parties to join issue, it refused to take testimony." Finally an adjournment was obfainod ?Patterson, Conover and Davis voting with the Democrats. Without action the Senate adjourned until to-morrow. W.vsHisr.ios.November 28.?The treas? ury sells 51,000,000 in gold Saturday. General Ord is expected hero Friday for consultation over border troubles; Senutor Sargent was in his ?eat to after a few days' absence^m omseqiie of the suicide of his sister. There will ho a court of inquiry o tho loss of the Huron. Tho several department* wero closed at noon for thanksgiving. The newspaper mon a-o not v-'yon njernus around the capitol.