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E. B. MURRAY, Editor. THURSDAY MORNING, DEC'R 5, 1878. FROM COLUMBIA. OUR EDITOKJAL LETTER. Since its organization, the Legislature has been industriously engaged at the work before it with a view of effecting an adjournment before Christmas, and the prospect for accomplishing this result is good, since both Houses have passed the concurrent resolution fixing the 23rd of this month as the date of final adjourn? ment, and it cannot now be changed without consent of both the Senate and House of Representatives. The date was fixed thus early in the session, in order to stimulate the members to work rapid? ly, so that a short session might be se? cured and the wishes of the people car? ried out. If this date had not been fixed thus early, the introduction of bills, reso? lutions, &c., would have continued, and, instead of adjourning before Christmas, we would only have taken a recess and returned for an indefinite period after the holidays, while by the course pursued it is expected to wind np with a session of only twenty-eight days. THE WORK to be done in the time allowed is con? siderable, and the financial portion of it will be very embarrassing. There are deficiencies from last year which will have to be paid off out of the next tax .levy; the Bills of the Bank of the State are still a very troublesome problem to deal with; the report of Commissioner Coit upon the floating indebtedness of the State presents a little over a million dollars of indebtedness after scaling it to fifty cents on the dollar, which must be provided for, and then comes the ordi? nary expenses of the government The ?ession has not progressed sufficiently to tell what will be done with the Bills of the Bank of the State, or the floating in? debtedness, but, of course, the deficien? cies of last year and the expenses of the government for the current year must be met in full, and unless the present Leg? islature makes very material reductions, the rate of taxation will of necessity be very much increased. The present body not only is embarrassed by the expenses of the government during their own term, but will also have the additional burden of clearing up the arrearages of last year. The members of both Houses have addressed themselves assiduously to the task, and in addition to the short ses? sion, there is every probability that the per diem will also be cut down. Dr. John Wilson, of our delegation, has in? troduced a bill fixing the per diem of members at THREE DOLLARS PER DAY, and there is very little doubt that it will be adopted, and thus the Legislature having cut down their own compensa? tion, will be enabled to curtail other ex? penses without subjecting themselves to criticism. Three dollars a day is a small compensation, but it is sufficient to se? cure the services of as good men as can be procured at higher salaries, and there? fore it is all that the State ought to pay. The reduction will make the position a more honorable one than it would be with a high salary, for the experience of every State has been that high salaries for members of the Legislature brings into competition for the office a class of aspirants who care more for the money than for the honor of representing their constituents. There are a number of arguments which will be adduced in sup? port of this bill if necessary. It is, how? ever, useless to occupy the time of our readers in recounting then, for nine tenths of them,are fully satisfied that the reduction should be mado, and it is this well-known public sentiment which will secure its passage. Dr. Brown, of our delegation, filed a protest against one Hastings Gantt, who was elected to the House of House of Representatives from Beaufort, on the ground that he is dis? qualified to serve as a member because he is known to have accepted A BRIBE FROM PATTERSON in some of the legislation concerning the Blue Ridge Railroad. The protest will result in expelling Gantt, and, although another Radical will be elected, the party will learn that it is useless for them to continue electing their corrupt men to office, for they will not be admit? ted to seats in a body which will in future be controlled by gentlemen. Mr. Murray has introduced, among others, a bill to employ convicts sentenced to County jails upon the roads and streets under direction of County Commission? ers, which, if passed, will utilize a set of criminals who have hitherto been a bur? den without any benefit to the County. Last session of the Legislature there were fifty charters granted by the Legis? lature which could have been given by the Clerk of the Court in each County, and these charters at a moderate estimate cost the State twenty thousand dollars. The same thing was begun again this session, but has been checked by indefi? nitely postponiug the first one presented. This motion to postpone was made by Mr. Murray, and a spirited debate of half an hour followed, after which the motion was carried by a majority of two. It has, however, put a stop" to this useless consumption of time and expenditure of money. There are several very important mat? ters which are being carefully approach? ed by their advocates, and upon the re-' suit of these movemeuts will depend very great interests of the State. Prominent among these is the movement which was introduced by General Gary in the Senate TO REPEAL THE BOND COURT, which in all probability will pas3 both branches of the Legislature soon Un? less this is done, there is a strong proba? bility that the Court will decide the State debt valid, inasmuch as the testi? mony of Kimpton and others was kept out of reach during the trial of the caic, and the State's attorneys were cnly able ti present a part of the evidence going to show the fraudulent character of por? tions of the debt. It is, therefore, it ee ?ms to us, the duty of the Legislature to step in and protect the people from the burden likely to be rivcied upon them forever. THE rHOSPHA fL QUESTION fa up again, but has not Leon dcvclcfed sufficiently to be the subject of much comment, though it is a very important matter for the whole State. In a future letter wc wiii endeavor to give a review of the subject, and speak of what dispo? sition should be made of it. The Legislature, though composed of new members principally, is fast becom? ing familiar euough with law-makiug to call the ayes and noes, which is some? times done on the most trivial matters, at a cost t > the State of about fifteen dollars for each call. It is frequently done for the purpose of making capital for men who think they are voting on the popular side of the question. It is proper, in voting upon main questions, that the roll should be called whenever it is desired ; but when it takes 'he shape of electioneering, and is done over every little motion, it becomes rather an ex? pensive mode of electioneering, and should not be indulged in. There will soon be a change in the Superintendent of the Penitentiary, as Col. Parmele intends to resign, and the Anderson and other delegations are press? ing the claims of Maj. T. B. Lee, the first Superintendent, for re-appointment, with excellent prospects of success. Maj. Lee is a very efficient aud competent gentleman, who would, no doubt, suit better for the office than any man we can find. The Supreme Court has just decided the cases of Smalls and Cardozo against them, so that these worthies will be brought to puuishment at last, unless they are pardoned by the Governor, which we trust will not be done. There has been an abundance of foolishness in South Carolina towards the criminals who have infested our State, and it is about time now, we think, to let justice reign for a term at least. Under the sentences Cardozo goes to jail for two years, and Smalls to the Penitentiary for three years. GOV. HAMPTON'S CONDITION has been quite alarming to his friends recently, and the worst results were fear? ed. He has been unable to sec company lately, and has been threatened with se? rious complications from his wounds. On Saturday it is thought his system reached the crisis from the wound, and during that day his physicians, even, dreaded what twenty-four hours might bring about. Telegrams were sent, and doctors came on special trains from Au? gusta and Charleston, and on Sunday earnest p?ayers for the restoration of the Governor to health went up from every pulpit in Columbia, and on Sunday evening all of tbe congregations of the city assembled at the Methodist Church, where a union prayer-meeting was held for the purpose of continuing the suppli? cations to a Throne of Grace in his be? half. His situation is, it is thought, slightly improved, though it is still criti? cal, and his friends watch with great anxiety the varying indications. His restoration to health will be a slow and tedious process, which will, when it is accomplished, leave him with a stiff limb for the remainder of his life. The peo? ple of the State have learned by the Governor's absence to appreciate him more highly than they ever did before, and it is now certain that on next Tues? day he will be elected United States Senator to suceeed Patterson on the fourth of March. The probability is that his election will be unanimous. THE JUDGESHIP of the Third Circuit, to fill the vacancy occasioned by tho death of Judge Shaw, was filled on last Tuesday by the election of Hon. T. B. Frazer, of Sumter, who is an able and high-toned gentleman, by whose election the Bench of South Caro? lina has secured an upright and pure Judge to replace the lamentsd Shaw. THE UNITED STATES COURT is still in session, Judges Bond and Bryan presiding. It is, however, robbed of its promised importance by the continuance of most of the election cases, and the attendance, outside of the jurors and lawyere, is composed of about four-fifths of negroes, many of whom have been brought hither at the expense of the Government to tell their marvelous tales of intimidation, fraud, &c. Tiie cases are evidently intended to get up Repub? lican campaign literature, for, to give an example, Mr. Peebles, of Sumter, was arrested, gave bond and went home, after which the witnesses were examined in Columbia, and their testimony taken down. Judge Northrop and E. W. M. Mackey are both directing the prosecu? tions without much credit to themselves or benefit to the Government. As mill? ers in the outrage business, they appear to be a very diminutive success, not be? cause the spirit is unwilling, but became the flesh is weak. Columbia bids fair to be very lively this winter, but it is likely that the mem? bers of the Legislature will be kept too busy and receive too little pay to afford them much opportunity for participating in it. M. The Supreme Court of South Carolina has decided, in the case of Elihu Daven? port and wife againstElizabeth Caldwcll, that the Probate Court has no jurisdic? tion under the Constitution of this State to parti Lion real estate. The decision is a startling one to the legal fraternity throughout the State, as perhaps nine tentbs of the estates which have been di? vided since reconstruction have been par? titioned in the Probate Court, and this decision unsettles all titles which have been acquired under such sales. The de? cision is good law, as the highest Court in the State has rendered it, but there can be no doubt that it is a very unfor? tunate one for the people, not only be? cause it invalidates hundred* of titles, but also because it necessitates the par? tition of estates in the Circuit Court, which will be a slower and more expen? sive mode of procedure. The Legisla? ture is looking into the matter, and will do all that can be done by that body to remedy the evil, but, as the defect is con? stitutional, any relief which may be at? tempted will be of doubtful validity. The people and the bar will no doubt a^ree with us when we express the opin? ion that it would have been better for the Supreme Court to have stretched the law to sustain the jurisdiction of the Pro bale Court raOicr than have rendered a decision which will work mi much injus? tice and inconvenience without con? ferring any good in compensation there GOVERNOR'S MESSAGE. We publish in this issue the annual message of Governor Simpson. As a State paper it is concise, clear and prac? tical. The Governor does not deal in fanciful speculations or abstract theories, but places before the Legislature the living questions of tbe day, upon the consideration of which depend the peace and prosperity of the people of the State. The message truly urges two tilings as essential to the progress and prosperity of the State: good government, which it asserts wc now have, and the develop? ment of the differeut departments of hu? man industry. While government can? not create capital and labor in a country, it cau and ought to protect capital, en? courage labor, and by wise and judicious legislation render each of these efficient in developing the agricultural, commer? cial and manufacturing interests of the State. The miserable government of eight years paralyzed capital, demoral? ized labor and brought the people of the State to the verge of ruin. Two years of intelligent and honest government has done much to repair the ruin brought about by the Radicals, but much yet re? mains to be done, and it will require the wisdom of the executive and legislative departments combined with renewed energy and industry to restore general prosperity. The message in its tone is mild and considerate, and its recommen? dations will claim tbe attention not only of the Legislature but of the whole coun? try. * President Hayes, in his annual mes? sage sent to Congress on last Monday, dwells at length on the frauds and in? timidation practiced at the late elections in the South, especially designating the States of Louisiana and South Carolina, and declares his intention to investigate and punish the guilty parties. This is all right as far as it goes, for a number of those charged with the offences have been discharged upon preliminary exam? ination, and the intimidation, of which so much has been alleged, will be shown to be falsehoods, made by Radicals for Northern consumption. Again, we have not heard of the arrest of a single Radi? cal by the Federal authorities for intimi? dating Democrats, when it is well known that colored Democrats were ostracised, beaten and excluded from church mem? bership because they voted against the Radicals. Colored Radicals voted with? out molestation or hinderancc, while colored Democrats were denied these rights. The President holds that Con? gressional elections, in every district, are justly a matter of political importance throughout the whole country, and while this is true, how much more important is the election of President by the millions of voters of the whole country? and if fraud in the election of a member of Congress is a great crime, what is the nature of the crime that foists upon the forty millions of the inhabitants of the country a fraudulent President, who was defeated by half a million of votes? Mr. Hayes holds his office by one of the most stupendous political frauds ever imposed on a people, and ill becomes him to lec? ture on the subject until his own skirts arc cleansed. The Abbeville "Moonshiners." The facts of the supposed attack on revenue officers in Abbeville County, as given by the Press and Banner, are as follows: 1. A posse of revenue officers came to the Lowudesville neighborhood still hunting. 2. They found a still, but not an illicit one. 3. A few reckless youths came near the house where the "revenues" were spending the night; remaining 300 yards from the house, they sent one of their number to warn the "revenues" that a large force of armed and dangerous men were not far off, and if they valued their lives they must leave the county within three hours. 4. The revenue officers hurried off to Abbeville Court House. 5. The house was not "surrounded." G. There was no "band of armed men of at least forty." 7. The practical jokers did not even come to the house. The Abbeville Medium says : "The re? port that the revenue officers had been attacked and fired upon in this county, near Lowndesville, has proved to be all a hoax, and thus more Radical thunder is destroyed. The truth seems to be that they were at the house of Mr. Harden having a good time, and that some drunken men fired pistols near the house, but did not shoot at anybody at all. Tbe revenue officers paid no attention to it whatever, and said that they were never treated better anywhere in their lives." The Ninety-Six Guardian says of the Revenue disturbances which occurred recently in Abbeville county: "The disturbance which occurred near Calhoun's Mills, in this county, last week, between a posse of revenue officials and some citizens of that locality, is un? fortunate in view of the amnesty arrange? ments made this summer by Governor Hampton with the Federal government. We are not prepared to blame the citi? zens, for wc know them lobe law-abiding and peaceable, and we know that the officers, or some of them, of that squad, are good men, acting in the line of their duty. In the absence, then, of definite knowledge, wo forbear to criticise the ac? tion of cither party, iiut wc would urge upon our people the advisability, even the policy, of strict obedience to the law. We have no particle of k unless lor the onerous burden of revenue taxation. Hut it being the law, there can be no two opinions as to the expediency, even the desirability of observing it strictly." Tue Pirkkxs Couxty Uoxds.?A telegram from Washington, dated No? vember 12, .-ays; In the Supreme Court, to-day, the Pickcna County, S. C, bond j case was argued. Mr. Earle submitted an elaborate arguim i;t, and Mr. lioyce, ; for the appellants, on lim riecUiuii of the i State Court and tlx: hist statute*, aban? doned the Constitutional mid Statutory question-*. The only question remaining is, whether the action i- good against the County or the Hoard of Commissioner*. The validity of the bombt is sell led. The Picken:? <Swf7//?7sj?ys: "The above telegram i-. .i;j jipwa hi the taxpayers of this County, \?.;: the highest judicial tri? bunal in the- land has decided '.hat the bonds are a valid obligation against the I County, and they, as law-abiding cili- | sens, wiil have to wsi't the obligation. If the Court should decide that the ac- I tion is good only against the Hoard of County t'oinmissioners, the validity of the bonds will lint bo nllbv'.ci] in the least by such a decision; a now unit would at once ha instituted against the County, and the taxpayers forced to pay | the interest annually .?<> ii occurs. The people have no legal reiimdy that wecan see, and the liest thing wc ran do is to pay up promptly, i:' we can possibly do so*without further litigation und costs. SUPREME COURT DECISION. The Court of Probate "Without .Turisilic tlon in the I'urlltlun of Itoal Estate?An Important Ouestion Settled. The Supremo. Court lias filed its de? cision in the case of Elibu Davenport ct ux. against Elizabeth Caldwcll. The chief point of interest to the public is contained in the following extract: The fifth and eighth grounds of appeal relate to the jurisdiction of the Court of Probate in cases of partition of real es? tate. If that court has no jurisdiction in cases for the partition of real estate, then all its proceedings in relation thereto were null and void, and should be so de? clared. Where nothing appears on the face of the proceedings to show a want of jurisdiction, and .lie objection is not made in the court below, it cannot be taken in the Court of Appeals. (Varney vs. Vocb, 3 Hill, 237.) But, as was held in Hill vs. Robertson. 1 Strob., p. 1, "the proceedings of a court of limited juris? diction in a case clearly without its juris? diction are absolutely void, and may be so declared wherever the question is pre? sented, whether directly or collaterally." Neither can failure to take objections at the proper time, nor consent, can give jurisdiction. (Gallman vs. Gallinan, 5 Strob., 207,) except in cases where, under certain circumstances, the court might take jurisdiction. (Miller vr, Furne, Bail? ey's Eq., 181.) Where the case is such that, under no circumstances, could it be brought within the jurisdiction, then ob? jection may be made at any stage of the proceedings, as was said by Moses, C. J., in Walker vs. Creaswell, 4 S. C. Rep., 856: "We have no hesitation in saying that, whore there appears lo be a clear want of jurisdiction, the court is not pre? vented from so declaring because the ex? ception is not made by the party against i whom it is to operate." And again: "When a court takes cognizance of cases in which the very nature of its organiza? tion prevents it from entertaining the issues made between the parties, and its means of administration prevent an en? forcement of any judgment it may there? in pronounce, the objection to its juris? diction may be made at any time." The objection, therefore, in this caso; although it should properly have been made in the Circuit Court, has not come too late, if, as contended, the Probate Court has no jurisdiction in a case for the partition of real estate, and the ques? tion must therefore be considered. The act of the Legislature, Sec. 41, Rev. Stat., 573, does undertake to con? fer such jurisdiction. But the court concurs in the views expressed by Moses, C. J., in his separate opinion in Mc Namee vs. Waterbury, 4 S. C. Ren., 167-S, that to determine the limits of the jurisdiction of the Court of Probate, we must look to the constitution, by which instrument jurisdiction is conferred. In this respect the constitution of 1SGS differs widely from that of 1790. By the latter the judicial power of the State was "vested in such superior and inferior courts of law and equity as the Legisla? ture shall, from time to time, direct and establish," and it was left to the Legisla? ture to distribute the judicial powers amongst the several courts so establish? ed ; while by the former (constitution of 1S0S) the judicial power is vested in the several courts named, and in such mu? nicipal and other inferior courts as the General Assembly may deem necessary, but the jurisdiction of each of those named?amongst them the Court of Pro? bate?is defined and specified. The jurisdiction thus defined und specified by the constitution can be neither enlarged or diminished by the legislative power of the State, which is itself the creature of the constitution, and controlled by the provisions of that instrument which con? stitutes fundamental law. Looking to the constitution, then, for the limits of the jurisdiction of the Court of Probate, we find those limits defined in section 20, article 4, and, as there defined, cases for the partition of real estate are not embraced. The Court of Probate is, un? questionably, a court of inferior and limited jurisdiction ; when the exercise of any power is claimed for a court of that character, it must be shown to exist by express grant, or to be necessarily consequent upon some power clearly given. The power here exercised by the Court of Probate is not expressly grant? ed in the constitution, nor is it necessa? rily consequent upon any power which is given. The conclusion follows that the power does not exist. It is possible that, had the decree of the Court of Probate been final in its nature, its adoption by the Circuit Court might have operated as a decree or judg? ment of that court, which, unquestion? ably, has jurisdiction in partition of real estate. But such is not the case, and the decision of the Circuh; Court, while it affirms the decision of the Probate Court, remands the case for further pro? ceedings in that court. The judgment of the Circuit Court, therefore, failed to cute the defect of lack of jurisdiction, and neither judgment can 3tand. It is unnecessary to consider the re? maining grounds of appeal, as they are in effect disposed of by the conclusion on the question of jurisdiction. The judgment of the Circuit Court is reversed, and the case remanded, with instructions that the proceedings in the Court of Probate be dismissed, so far as t/icy relate to partition of real estate. Opinion by Haskell, A. J.; Willard, C. J. and Mclver, A. J. concur. Tlic Wilson-Sanders Bud. An affair of honor, known to have aris? en between Mr. James L. Wilson, of Yorkville, and Mr. George M. Sanders, of Sumtcr, culminated in a duel near Pineville, N. C, in which both parties escaped unhurt. During the recent fair at Columbia these gentlemen were together on the fairgrounds, having been schoolmates a few years ago at Yorkville. and out of the discussion of some trivial matter grew a difference which resulted in Mr. Wilson addressing Mr. Sanders a note inviting that gentleman to meet him in Augusta. Mr. Sanders replied accepting the invita? tion, but before he could get off to Augus? ta, whither Mr. Wilson with his second had gone, an officer stopped him, and thus for A few days the matter was at a stand-still. Finally, it was arranged to meet at Pineville, S*. C, and accordingly all parlies passed up on Tuesday itfter rom's train, and at about |0;30 o'clock Wednesday morning a meeting was effec? ted about half a mile west of Pineville (Morrow'- Turn-Out) on the Mile of the public highway ncarRea's mill. Accom? panying Mr. Wilson veuit hi* second, Dr. Wnilace E. Bland, of IM- Held, and Dr. j. 11. ?ralton, of Yorltvillf, his surgeon, and one or two other friends. Mr. San? ders was accompanied only by his second, Mr. Mnnigault Jantet?, Darlington. The distance, twenty steps, beinis stepped off, tiie principals, cool and undaunted, each holding in iii^ hand n regular duelling pistol, took portions, ami, iti'tor the usual preliminaries, Dr. Bland gave the word, "Goiitlentcn, are you ready? Fire! one, two, three;" and ::ll was over. At the word "one" Mr. Wilson lired; at the won! "two" Mr. Handera fired, the ball of each pawing harmlessly by the breast of the min r. S'eitln rgentleman moved. At ihi- ! iKCtur? the seconds held a con fetcn!"''. and (as was their right) decided that iht ?::' ?:!? hud reached :.u honorable Miltiticui to both principals, and accord? ingly they, ibc principals, joined bands, and* thus ended the matter.?Rovk-Jlill Jto:,!i. ? The i! irnwell 8t:hlinef*a\'B a genlle man, residing not many miles from that place, was j.resented the oilier day, for the third lime In succession, by his wife wii'i :i pair of fine boys, and lie has not committed suicide vet. ? v I'ltltr daughter of Mr. G. F. Able, of Aiken, was litiriit to death, while at? tempting to kindle a fire. Synopsis of the President's Message. Washington, December 2. The Presidents anniiid message was pre? sented to Congress today, lie thanks the Divine Being for His continued be? stowal of countless blessings upon our country. Wc are at peace with all na? tions. Our credit was propably never stronger before. There have been abun? dant harvest, reviving our industries, and there is promise of continued prosperity, lie reviews the history of the yellow fever epidemic, and says: The fearful spread of this pestilence has awakened a very general public sentiment in favor of national sanitary administration, which shall not only control quarantine, but have the sanitary supervision of in? ternal commerce in times of epidemics, and hold an advisory relation to the State and municipal health authorities, with power to deal with whatever endangers the public health, and which the munici? pal and State authorities arc unable to regulate. The national quarantine act, approved April 2!?, 1S7S, which was passed too late in the last session of Congress to provide the means for carrying it inte practical operation during the past scososi is a step in the direction here indicated. In view of the necessity for the most ef? fective measures, by quarantine and otherwise, for the protection of our sea? ports and the country generally, from this and other epidemics, it is recom? mended that Congress give to the whole subject early and careful consideration. The permanent pacification of the country by the complete protection of till citizens in every civil aud political right continues to be of paramount in? terest with the great body of our people. Every step in this direction is welcomed with public approval, and every inter? ruption of steady and uniform progress to the desired consuination awakens gen? eral uneasiness and widespread condemna? tion. The recent Congressional elections have furnished a direct and trustworthy test of the advance thus far made in the practical establishment of the right of suffrage, secured by the constitution to tbe liberated race in the Southern States. All disturbing influences, real or imagin? ary, bad been removed from all of these States. The throe constitutional amendments, which conferred freedom and equality of civil and political rights upon the colored people of the South, were adopted by the concurrent action of tbe great body of good citizens who maintained the authority of the national government and the integrity and perpetuity of the Union at such a cost of treasure and life, as a wise and necessary embodi? ment in the organic law of the just re? sults of the war. The people of the for? mer slave-holding States accepted those results, and gave, in every practicable form, assurances that the thirteenth, fourteenth and fifteenth amendments, and laws passed in pursuance thereof, should, in good faith, be enforced, rigid idly and impartially, in letter and spirit, to (be end thai the humblest citizen, without distinction of race or color, should, under them, receive full and equal protection in person and property and in political rights and privileges. l>y these constitutional amendments, the Southern section of the Union obtained a large increase of political power in Congress and in ihe Electoral College, and the country justly expected that elections would proceed, as to the enfran? chised race, upon the same circumstances of legal and constitutional freedom and protection which obtained in all the other States of the Union. The friends of law and order looked forward to the conduct of tiiese elections as offering to the general judgment of the country an important opportunity to measure the degree iu which the right of suffrage could be exercised by the colored people, and would be respected by their fellow citizens ; but a more general enjoyment of freedom of suffrage by the colored people, and a more just and generous protection of tiiat freedom by the com? munities of which they form a part were generally anticipated than the record of the elections discloses. In some of those States in which the color? ed people have been unable to make their opinions felt in the elections, the result is mainly due to influences not easily measured or remedied by legal protection; but in the States of Louisiana and South Carolina at large, and in some particu? lar Congressional District outside of those States the records of the elections seem to compel the conclusion that the rights of the colored voters have been overridden, and their participation in the elections not permitted to be cither gen? eral or free. It will bo for the Congress for which these elections were held to make such examinations into their conduct as may be appropriate to determine the validity of the claims of members to their seats. In the meanwhile it becomes the duty of the Executive and Judical Departments of the Government, each in iLs province, to inquire into and punish violations of the United States which have occurred. I can but repeat what I said in this con? nection in my last message, that what? ever authority rests with mo to this end I shall not hesitate to put forth, and I am unwilling to forego a renewed appeal to the'legislatures, the courts, the executive authorities, and the people of the States where these wrongs have been perpetrat? ed, to give their assistance towards bring? ing to justice the offenders and prevent? ing a repetition of the crimes. No means within my power will be spared to obtain a full and fair investigation of the alleg? ed crimes, and to secure the con? viction and just punishment of the guilty. It is to be observed that the principal appropriation made for the Department of Justice at the last session contained the following clause : "And for defray? ing the expenses which may be incurred in the enforcement of the act approved February twenty-eighth, eighteen hund? red and seventy-one, entitled "An act to amend, an act approved May thirtieth, eighteen hundred and seventy, entitled an act to enlorce the right of citizens of the United States to vote in the several States of the Union, and for other pur? poses, or any acts amendatory thereof or supplementary thereto." It is the opinion of the Attorney-Gen? eral that the expenses of these proceed? ings will largely exceed the amount which was thus provided, and I rely confidently upon Congress to make ade? quate appropriations to enable the Exe? cutive Department to enforce the laws. I respectfully urge upon your atten? tion that the Congressional elections, in every district, in n very important sense, are justly a matter of political in? terest anil concern throughout the whole country. Each State, every polit? ical party, is entitled to the share of power which is conferred by the legal and constitutional suffrage. It is the right of every citizen, pos-essing the qualifications prescribed by law, to cast one uuintiinidated ballot, and to have his ballot honestly counted, :-'n long as the exercise of this power and tho enjoyment of this right arc common and equal, practically as well as formally, submis? sion to the results of tho suffrage will be accorded loyally and cheerfully, and all the departments of government will fee] the true vigor of the popular will thus expressed. No temporary or adminis? trative interc-ls of government, however urgent of weight, will ever displace the zeal of our people in defense of the prima? ry rights of citizenship, They under? stand that the protection of liberty re? quires the maintenance, in full vigor, of the manly methods of free speech, free press, and free soli'rago, and will sustain the full authority of government to en? force the laws which are framed lo pre? serve these inestimable rights. The ma? terial progress and welfare of the States depend on tho protection afforded to their citizens. There can he no peace without such protection, no prosperity without peace, and the whole country is deeply interested in the growth ami prosperity of sill its parts. While the country has not yet reached complete unity of feeling and reciprocal confidence between the communities so lately and so seriously estranged, I feel an absolute assurance that the tendencies are in that direction, and with increas? ing force. The power of public opinion will override all political prejudices, and all sectional or State attachment-?, in demanding that all over ou.' wide terri? tory the name and character of citizens of the United States shall mean one and the same thing, and carry with them unchallenged security and respect. A favorable view is taken of the rc cstablishment of a Chinese legation in the United States, and mention is made that a treaty looking to the furtherance of commercial intercourse between Japan and America has been made, and will be submitted for the consideration of the Senate. The President then refers briefly to the Halifax award, saying that the cor? respondence will be laid before Congress. Reference is made to the termination of the insurrection in Cuba, and while expressing confidence in the strength of the Mexican government to repress in? cursions into our territory, he says: "I shall take the earliest opportunity to re? cognize their ability to restrain ma? rauding parties." He hopes the coming international exibition in Mexico will tend to a better understanding and in? creased commercial intercourse between the two countries. After summarizing Sherman's report, the President says: "In the present financial condition of the country, I am pursuaded the welfare of legitimate busi? ness and industry of every description will be best promoted by abstaining from all attempts to make radical changes in existing financial legislation. Let it be understood that during the coming year the business of the country will be un? disturbed by governmental interference with laws affecting it, and we may con? fidently expect that resumption of specie payments, which will take place at the appointed time, will be successfully and easily maintained, and that it will be followed by a healthful and enduring re? vival of business prosperity." The creation of additional Circuit Judges is recommended as a remedy for the delay of justice and possible oppres? sion to suitors, occasioned by the great increase in the business of the Supreme Court and t f the courts in many of the circuits. The President concurs in the recom? mendations of the Secretaries of War and the Interior, that Congress should pro? vide for the organization of a corps of mounted Indian auxiliaries, to be under the control of the army, and to be used to keen unruly Indians on their reserva? tions or repress disturbances. This would weaken the restless clement among the Indians by giving a number of young men congenial employment, and would aid the army in the task for which its numerical strength is sometimes found insufficient. The President thinks, how? ever, that although this force must occa? sionally be employed to prevent or re? press, Indian troubles, wise preparation should be made to that end, and greater reliance must be placed on humane and civilizing agencies for the ultimate solu? tion of the Indian problem. It is alike our duty and interest to help the Indians attain the highest degree of civilization possible for them, and past experience with many tribes affords great encour? agement for a continuance of the civil? izing policy. The President expresses no opinion as to whether or not the con? trol of the Indian service should be transferred from the Interior to the War Department, but hopes Congress, in de? ciding that pending question, will not overlook the considerations above indi? cated. A Sao Accident.?The following particulars arc given of a sad accident at Edgefield on the 25th ult.: Charles S. Harrison, an estimable young man of about 22 years of age, in company with Capt. Bclanger, a friend of his, were shooting at a mark with a pistol, and from some cause or other the ramrod be? came detached from the pistol and fell to the ground. Capt. Belanger picked it up, and, whilst trying to replace it on the pistol, the weapon fired, the ball entering the forehead of young Harrison, who was standing by him, just between and a lit? tle above the eyes. Harrison fell and died in a few moments. He was a young man of unexceptional character, and be? loved by all who knew him, and was a son of Col. Stewart Harrison, who once filled the office of Clerk of Court with so much distinction and ability for a num? ber of years. He leaves a widowed mother, a brother and a sister, besides a circle of friends, to weep and mourn over his early grave. The Edgefield Rifles, of which he was a loved and honored member, buried him this afternoon a 4 o'clock with military honors in the village cemetery, and as the reverboanuing echo of the volley which they fired over his grave died away among the hills and was lost in the even? ing breeze, itsigned a mournful requiem to his departed young spirit and warned his comrades and friends of the often too frequent and careless handling of fire arms. ?Nemo. Tax on Ton.vcco.?Notwithstanding the protest of Commissioner of Internal Revenue Raum against the proposition, the Southern and Western tobacco man? ufacturers will make an earnest effort to secure a reduction of the tobacco tax from twenty-four to sixteen cents per pound. It will be remembered that the House last year passed a revenue bill making, among other reductions, a re? duction of the tobacco tax. It is now with the Senate finance committee. Mr. Birwell, who represents the Southern tobacco men, arrived here to-day, and feels confident that the tobacco move? ment will succeed.? Washington Klar. ? ? There is talk of another newspaper starting in Columbia. ? It is said that Smalls will not contest Hon. Ct. D. Tillman's seat in Congress. ? Wild geese and ducks are now daily seen in large numbers on Saluda river. ? Speaker Shcppurd's desk is daily decorated with beautiful hot house flow? ers, the gifts of ladies. ? Cotton passes down the Greenville and Columbia Railroad in smaller quan? tities each day as the season wanes. ? One hundred and fifty five free schools have been opened in Greenville County during the present year, and 11'.) white and 47 colored teachers employed. ? Our Assembly is very surely one which presents far more than average in? telligence, and as far as we can judge so far, is a body disposed to work with down right earnestness.?Columbia Register. ? Deputy Marshal George N. Botirkc has been arrested in Blackville, on an? other charge of intimidation and ill-using colored Democrats. He expects the United States Court to inlerfe'c and re? lease him. ? The charge of intimidating witness? es in the United States Court, brought against Mr. Uuckhcit, of Florence, broke down so badly that Maekey himself asked for bis discharge. Ftiaborg, who made the charge, will be looked alter. ? Mr. James L. Sims, recently one of the proprietors of the Spartanbcrg Her? ald, and a gentleman of exlen>ivc and successful experience in the newspaper business, has purchased the Ldisto Clarion of Orangeburg. ? The cotton in the steamer Royal Diadem, lying at the port of Charleston for Amsterdam, took lire on the morning of the 30th ult. The \\v^el was towed ashore and filled with water. Her cargo of."; 17 bales of cotton, valued at ^7<?,UU0, was badly damaged by lire. GRANGE. DEPARTMENT. Under tho Supervision ?f iln< Executive Committee <>r Pomona Grange. ? . " '~~ J ~~~" Sub-Grange, No. 71, will meet in Tem? perance Hail on next Friday morning, at 10 o'clock. A full attendance of the members arc requested, as the officers for tho ensuing year will be elected on that day. Secretaries of sub-Granges will bear in mind that their reports for the third quarter have been due for some time past, and that the report of the Secretary of Pomona Grange must close at an early day. Please report promptly, and do not forget to fotward rolls of member? ship as heretofore requested. These rolls are to include the names of all members, whether clear or otherwise, plainly designating the standing of each member. At a regular meeting of Sandy Springs Grange, the following officers were elec? ted to serve the ensuing year: T. II. Lee, M.; S. W. Smith, L.; J. W. .Major, S.: \V. A. G. McWhorter, A. S.; S. C. Major, Chap.; W. G. Smith, Sec.; R. M. Burns, T.; T. 0. Morris, G. K.; Mrs. L. E. Eirod, C.; Mrs. A. Casey, P.; Mrs. Eliza Smith, P.; Mrs. M. E. Jones, L. A. S. The following resolution was adopted: Peso/red, That we invite P. R. Brown to install our officers on the second Sat? urday in January. ? Wo regret to learn of the death of Mr. William Summer, of congestive pneumonia, which occurred at his resi? dence, near Pomaria, last Sunday night, in the sixty-third ycar?of his age. He was the proprietor of the Pomaria Nurse? ries, and prior to the war was horticultu? ral editor of the Soulhern Planler, a paper published in this State at that time. Mr. Summer was a most excellent citizen and useful man, and contributed much in his time to the wants and needs of the com m u n i ty.?Nt wberry Newt. Something for the Now Year. The world renowned success of llostcttcr's Bit? ters, and their continued popularity for a quarter of a century as astomachic, is scarcely more won? derful than the welcome that greets the annual ap? pearance of Hosteller's Almanac. This valuable medical treatise is published by Hosteller A Smith, Pittsburgh, Pa., under their own Immediate super? vision, employing SO hands in that department. Ten cylinder printing presses, 8 folding machines, 5 job presses, Ac,are running about eleven months in the year on this work, and the taue of the same for 1879 will not be less than ten millions, printed in the English, German, French, Welsh, Norwegi? an, Swedish, Holland, Bohemian and Spanish lan? guages. Refer to a copy of it for valuable and in? teresting reading concerning health and numerous testimonials as to the efficacy of llostetter's Hitters, amusement, varied Information, astronomical cal? culations and chronological items, Ac., which can be depended on fur correctness. The Almanac for 1S7D can be obtained free of cost, from druggists and general country dealers in all parts of the country. NOTICE FINAL SETTLEMENT. The undersigned, Executrix of Dan? iel Mattison, deceased, hereby gives notice that she will apply to the Judge of Probate for Anderson County, on the 3rd day of January next, for a Final Settlement of said Estate, and a discharge from her office of Executrix. ANNIE MATTISON, Ex'x. Dee 5, 1S7S_21 6 NOTICE FINAL SETTLEMENT. The undersigned, Administrator of the Personal Estate or T. E. Ei^gs, deceased, hereby gives notice that he will apply to the Judge of Probate for Anderson County, S. C, on the seventh day of January next for a final settlement and discharge from his office as Anministrator of the Personal Es? tate of said T. E. Boggs, deceased. W. W. FORD, Adtnr. Dec 5,1877_21 5 NOTICE FINAL SETTLEMENT. The undersigned, Administrators of It. J. W. McCann, deceased, hereby give notice that they will apply to the Judge of Probate for Anderson County, on the 3rd day of January next, for a" Final Settle? ment of said Estate and a discharge 1'rom their said administration. THOS. II. McCANN, TKOS. W. RUSSELL, Administrators. Dec 5, IS78_21_5 "VTOTICE FINAL SETTLEMENT. JJN The undersigned, Administrator of E. R. Brown, deceased, hereby gives notice that he will apply to the Judge of Probate for Anderson County, S. C, on the fourth day of January next, for a Final Settle? ment of the Personal Estate of E. It. Brown, deceased, and a discharge from his office of Administrator of said deceased. W. A. GEEK, Adtnr. Dee 5,1878 21 5 NOTICE FINAL SETTLEMENT. The undersigned. Executor of Mrs. Elizabeth ltobertson, deceased, hereby gives notice that he will apply to the Judge of Probate for Anderson County, on the fourth day of January next, fora Final Settlement of said Estate and discharge from his office of Executor of the Estate of Mrs. Eliza? beth ltobertson, deceased. C. S. BEATTY, Ex'r. Dec 5, 187S_21_5_ NOTICE OF SALE. THE undersigned, Administrators of the Estate of Col. James Long, deceased, will sell at his late residence, on Thursday, 19th day of December next, the following Personal Property, viz: Six or seven bales of Cotton, Corn, Fodder, Shucks, Wheat, Oats. And other properly. Terms of Sale?Cash on delivery. J. JAMESON, E. Z. LONG, Administrators. No? 28, 1878_28_3 STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA, Anderson County. By W. W. Humphreys, Judge of Probate. WHEREAS, W. T. Grubbs has applied tomato grant him letters of administra? tion, with the will annexed, on the Estate and effects of Mrs. Nancy Cramer, deceased, These are therefore to cite and admon i>h all kindred and creditors of the said Nancy Cromcr, deceased, to be ami ap? pear before mo in Court of Probate, to bo hcltl at Anderson Court House, on Saturday, 14th December, 1*78. alter pub? lication" hereof, to shew cause, if any they have, why the said administration should not be granted. Given under my hand this 23d day of November, 1878. W. W. HUM PI IHEYS, J. P. Nov 28, 1S7.S 20_2 BEAUTIFUL CHRISTMAS GOODS AT J. C. BEDELL'S CHINA STOKE, GREENVILLE, - - S. C. DON'T buy that CiriifSTXAS PRES? ENT until you examine hi* Slock. If you can t go yourself, send by your neighbor. Also, an IMMENSE stuck of Crockery, Glassware and Lamps. Nov 28, 1S7S 'JO_3? NOTICE. Dr. RI. L. Sharpe Musi have Money. TJERSONS owing him will confer a favor X by calling to pay their accounts bc fore Christmas. Not 21. IsTa_^_?> TO MAKE MONEY IJLEASANTLY and fast, agents should address FiSLsr, Uakvky. & Co., At anta,Gu. june??ly SCKIBNEE'S MONTHLY, Conducted by J. G. HOLLAND. The Handsomest Illustrated Magazine in Wie World : rill IK American edition is now more than 70, 1 ooo Monthly, and il liM a lar^r Circulation in England Mian any other American ?aguine. Every number contains about one hundred and liny pages, and iroin nfty iu seventy-Are original wood-cut illustration*. Announcements for 1878-79. Anton); iIm attractions for I no coating year are the following: "HAU ok i ITS," a serial novel, by Mrs. Francei Hodgson Burnett, autbor of "Thal l.?>so' Lowrle'a." Tin' scene is laid In Lancashire; the hero I* a young inventor of American birth, "Haworih's" "is the longest story .Mrs. Kurort has yet written. It will run through twelve numbers, beginning with No? vember, 1870, and will he profusely illustrated. FALcoNBLltii, asciial novel, by II. II. Boye s n, anthur of "dinoiar," "The Mini who Lost bU Name,'1 Ac., the author graphically describes the peculiarities of Nome immigrant lifo in a Western sctllciucul. A STORY or KKW ORLEANS, by George W. cable, to be begun on tbo conclusion of "Falcon, berg." This will exhibit society in Creole Louisi? ana about th? years ISUU-4-5, the time of the Ces? sion, a period bearing a remarkable UkeneH lo Iba prevent Keco mil rue lion period. PORTRAITS of AMERICAS POETS.?Thin ?e:ics (begun in August with the portrait of Bry? ant) will be continued, that of Longfellow appear? ing in November. Thea? portralla are drawn from lite by Wyatt Eaton and engraved by T. Cole. Il? lustrated sketches of the liveo of the poets will ac? company these portraits. STUHLS IN THE SIERRAS?A scries of pa? pers linosily illustrated; by John Mulr, the Cali? fornia naturalist. The series will sketch the Cali lornia Passes, Lakes, Wind Storms and Forests. A NEW VIEW OF BRAZIL.?Mr. Herbert II. smith, ol Cornell Universily, a compauiou of the late 1'rof. Ilartt, is now in Brazil, with Mr.J. Wells Champney (ihe artist who accompanied Mr. l.d ward King in his tour tbrougb "The lireat South")' preparing fur bcaiBxas a aerleaof papers on iho protenlcondition?thecities, rivers and resources of the great empire of South America. TUE "JO11NNY ItLli" PAPERS, by an "Vx Cou federate" soldier, will be among tlic raciest contributions to ScatBXKB during the coming year. They are written and illustrated by Mr. Allen C. Redwood, of 1 ultimore. The lirst of the series "Johnny Ueb at i'lay," appears iu the November number. Among the additional aeries of papers to appear may he mentioned those on "How shall we .spell," (twopaper*by l'rof. Lounsbury), The New South," "Lawn-Planting for Small Place*," by Samuel Far sons of Flushing; "Canada of To-Pay," "American Art and Artists," ' American Archeology," ".Mod? ern Inventors." Also, Papers of Travel, INstorv, Phyaieal Science, Studies in Literature, Political and Social Science, Stories, Poems; "Topics of tho Time," by Dr. J. <i. Holland; record of New In? ventions and Mechanical Improvement*; Papers on Education, Decoration. &e.; Book Reviews; fresh bits of \\ it and Humor, Ac, Ac. Terms, S4. a year in advance; 35 cts. a No. Subscriptions received by the publishers of this paper, and by all booksellers and postmasters. Persons wishing to subscribe direct with the pub? lishers, should write name, Post-olficc, County, and State, iu full, and send with remittance in check, P. O. money order, or registered letter, to SCRIBKER A CO., 7sT! and 743 Broadway, New-York. ST. reiCHOLAs7 Scribner's Illustrated Maga? zine for Girls and Boys. An ideal Children's Magazine. MESSRS. SCRIDNER A Cos in 1S73, began the publication of St. Nicholas, an Illustrated Magazine fortiirlsand Hoys, with Mrs. Mary Mapes Dodge as editor. The Magazine has wun the high? est position. It has a monthly circulation of over 00,000 copies. It is published simultaneously in London and New York, und the transatlantic re? cognition is almost as general and hearty at the American. ALONE IS TJIF. WORLD OF BOOKS: The New York Tribune has oaid of It: St. Nicholas has reached a higher plat form, and com? mands for its service wider resource! in art and letters than any of its predecessors or content pora ries.'' The London Literary World says: "There is no magazine for Ihe young that rail,be said to equal this choice production of Scribiu r's press." GOOD THINGS FOR 137S-9. The arrangements for literary and art contribu? tions for the new volume?the sixth?are complete, drawing from already favorite sources, as well as Irom promising new ones. Mr. Frank It. Stock ston's new serial story for boys, ",i J OLL Y FELLO U'S/flP," runs through tbe.twelve monthly parts?begilining wlih November. 1S78. the first of the volume?and will be illustrated by James E. Kelly. "HALF A DOZEN HOUSEKEEPERS," By Katharine D. Smith, with illustrations by Fred crick Dielman, begins in the same number; and a fresh serial by Susan Coolidge, entitled "Eye bright," with plenty of pictures, will be commen? ced early iu the volume. There will also be a fairy talc called "RITTY Dl'DGF.TS TOWER," Written by Julian Hawthorne, and illustrated. St. Nicholas will contain short stories, pictures, poems, humor, instructive sketches, and the lore of "Jack-In-thc-Pulpit," the "Very Little Folks" department, and the "Letter-box," and "Kiddle box." Terms, S-1.00 a year; 25 cents a number. Subscription}} received by the Publisher of this Paper, and by all Booksellers and Postmasters. Persons wishing to subscribe direct with the pub? lishers should write name, Post-otllcc, County and State, in full, and send with remittance in check, P. 0. monev order, or registered letter to SCR1BNEU & CO., 743 Broadway, New York. Notice to Contractors. I^JJE undersigned will let out the Con? tract to Repair the Court House Steeple on MONDAY, December 9, 1873, to the lowest responsible bidder.- The right to reject any or all bids is reserved. 0. H. P. FANT, J. C. GANTT, SAMUEL BROWSE, County Commissioners A. C J. L. Trihiile, Clerk of Board. Nov U, 1S7S 18_ 4 CALL and SEE! OUR SLICES, just in. Something good and nice in Ladies' and Children's, Men's and Boys' Shoes. We now oiler special inducements to those wanting a good article in any line of Goods._A. B. TOWERS &. CO. Ladies' Fine Shoes! WE beg to call particular attention to our stock of Ladies' SHOES and GAITERS, manufactured for us by T. Miles & Sons and Dalsbeiner Bros., Philadelphia. Please look at our Stock before buying. A. B. TOWERS &. CO. Oct 10_13_ Towers' Plow! WE are now prepared to sell this cele? brated PLOW at low prices. Wo warrant these Plows to give satisfaction, or no sale. Turning Plow, complete, $1.75. Plow Stock, $2.50. A. B. TOWERS & CO. Oct 10_12_ Hardware! OUR Stock of HARDWARE cannot be excelled in the Town. Tools, Locks, Pocket and Table Cutlery, Screws, Hinges, and Blacksmith's Bellows, Anvils, Vijcs, Hammers and Tongs. A. B. TOWERS & CO. Oct 10_12_ Bi BU RN H A IVi 'S ' K r.y-'"'-^--"-- " vie-' Read This! ALL who arc Indebted to us for Merchan? dise or Uuano will please attend to settling the same as soon as possible. We need money, and will give the highest price for Cotton." _. . A. B. TOWERS it CO. Oct 10_13_ South Carolina Railroad. Charleston, Nov'r 9,1S7S. on and ai'tor Sunday, loth iust., Passenger Trains will run ai follows: FOB ACOCsTA. (Sunday morning excepted.) I cave Charleston at.MS a m and 7.30 p m Arrive at Augusta.5:00 p iu and fcSS a m ron ciii.cmuia. (Sunday morning exrr-pted.) Leave Charleston ?t."flu * m and Si.'ia p m Arrive at Columbia.ISB |< iu and 7:'Ji a iu KOK CIIAKLI-STON. (Sunday morning excepted.) Leave Augusta at.&30 a m and 7:30 p m An Ive at Charleston.p m and 7:15 a in I. avc Columbia at.3?H p m and 8:00 ;? m Ai rive at Charleston.9:45 p m and &1S a ra Above Schedule nukes close connection at Co? lumbia with Ureenviilo and Columbia Railroad aud Charlotte rood, and at Augusta with Macon and Atlanta trains, S. S. SOLOMONS, Superintendent, s. it. Pick taw, timieral Ticket Agout._ MILLINERY GOODS. MISS BELLA KEYS begs to inform the Ladies of Auderson and sur? rounding country that she is now receiving a select and elegant assortment of PALL and WINTER MILLINERY GOODS of all kinds, which will be sold at the lowest price? lor cash. The stock of goods will be replenished to meet the demands of busi? ness, and every etluri will be made to satis I'y and please customers in bulb su les and prices. Millinery, Mantua-.Making,.Stamp? ing and Plaiting attended to .is usual. MISS DELLA KEYS, In Centennial lions*.