Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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vni ?7MTI TY_M?WTtF.R 1297. CHARLESTON, THURSDAY MORNING, FEBRUARY 17, ]870. SIX DOLLARS A YEAR. y vj'Lt umu x^v.--, ~ COLUMBIA. A S T O lt M A J? S E TT 1 S G . . AN IND IG NATION MEETING.' OES ERAL LEGISLA TI VE PROCEEDINGS. THE SISTERS OF MERCY AND THEIR FOE. [SrECUL TELEGRAM TO TUE NEWS.] COLUMBIA, February 16. Tn Hie Senate, Hie following bills were intro? duced and read a first time: By Cain, to incor? porate the Enterprise Railroad Company of Charleston; by Arnim, to provide for working the public highways; by Corbin, authorizing thc cession of certain lands to thc United States for lighthouse purposes; by Donaldson, to incorpo? rate the Wilmington and Carolina Railroad. The enactment clause of a bill to recover cer? tain bonds owned by thc Sonth Carolina Society was stricken out, after a warm debate, during which Corbin and Rainey snpported the bill, and Donaldson, Leslie and Nash opposed lt. The bill for thc extension of Columbia, and the bill to provide for the appointment of trial jus? tices, were made the special order for to-morrow. In Executive session the Senate confirmed Con? rad Ehrhardt as treasurer of Barnwell County, vice L. D. Uailonquist, removed. In the House the following bills passed: To amend the act to incorporate the Charleston Board of Trade; to provide for the formation of religious, charitable and educational associations; and thc bill (House) to amend the charter and extend the limits of Summerville. The new Code was passed and sent to the Sen? ate for concurrence in amendments. Notice was given of the following bills: By Lo? max, to renew the charter ofCokesbury; by Smythe, to authorize the county commissioners in each county to purchase a farm to be cultiva? ted as a county model farm. The Railroad Committee reported favorably on the bill to extend thc time allowed for completing the Port Royal Railroad. The following bills were read a first time: By Ransier, to legalize marriages contracted before emancipation; by Jackson, to corry out thc pro? visions of the Educational act, also a joint reso? lution authorizing thc Attorney-General to insti ti^e proceedings against the South Carolina Rail? road for a violation of its charter. DcLargc arose to a question or privilege, and had read a letter from Sister Xavier, of Charles? ton, stating that Jacksou, one of the representa? tives from Charleston, had written to his repre? sentative In Congress to use his innuence against the appropriation of $20,000 to "The Sisters or our Lady of Mercy."' Jackson said he acknowledged it, and had the right to do so, believing that thc General or State Government should not appropriate public funds for the assistance of any sectarian institution. W. H. Jones, of Georgetown, introduced the fol lowing resolution: Resolved by the House of Representatives the Senate concurring. That the Hon- 1>. T. Corbin, president of thc Senate, member of thc comry lng commission, and t^ojncio Lleutenant-Governor, be requested to resign thc above named positions, and all others given him by those whose rights he has always ignored. The resolution was advocated by Jones, of Georgetown, and Smalls, of Beaufort, and was opposed by DeLarge and Whipper. Ransier wanted to have its consid?ration postponed to await the action or the Senate on the "Social Equality bill.*' On the motion of Morrison, the whole matter was tabled. Ayes 41, noes 37. The following was circulated in both houses : NOTICE t The Liberty purchased by the bullet must be sustained-by the ballot. Corbin to thc contrary notwithstanding. Rally, Republicans ! A grand Indignation meeting will beheld m this hall at half-past seven o'clock this evening. The Republican members are invited to attend. l'Or further particulars see the report of the Ju? diciary Committee of the Sena-e on the Civil Rights Bill. (Signed) MANY REPUBLICANS. [The report referred to will be found In our Col? umbia correspondence.] THE COLtiK_EX> HAS ASH THE CAE PET-BAGGER. A SIGNIFICANT AND STARTLING DEBATE. Sheep Killing-Rc p o rt of Jud ic la ry Committee on Civil Rights Bill-Thc Sinking Fund Bill-Thc Carpet-Bag? ger* "Warned-E du catto n a 1-Acts Ratified and Approved. (FROM OUK OWX CORRESPONDENT.) COLUMBIA, February 14. ?U?EP KILLING. In thc Senate, to-day, Hoyt introduced, without previous notice, a bill to protect the in? terest of sheep-owners, and to promote the rais? ing of sheep, which provides that as thc sheep-, ..raisers of thc State have, and do suffer great dam? age by having, their sheep attacked, maimed and jellied by dogs, therefore be it enacted, that it shall *e lawful for persons having i heep under their ?control to kill at sight any deg which they may lind attacking their sheep, ox to kill any dog known to have killed sheep; that if the owner of j a cheep-killing dog shall permit him to go at large, after being Informed of the habits of said dog, end any sheep be maimed or killed by said dojt 0:0 owner shall be flue 1 not less than Arty, no mose than five hundred dollars, and be im? prisoned for not less than thirty days, uor more than'one year, lu the cmnty jail. CIVIL RIGHTS. The Senate Judiciary Committee, to whom was referred a bill "to enforce the provisions of the Civil Rlgh?? bill of the United States Congress, and to secui-e to thc people the benefits of a Re? publican government In this State," reported this morning. The report recommended that thc title of the billie changed so as to read, "Abul for the protection of all persons lu their civil rights." CG2?M0N CARRIERS. Section second provides that whoever, being a | common carrier, ut.Jer any public license, char? ger, rule or regulation, shall, by himself or an? giner, wilfully assign, any special quarters or ac co ramada (ions whau-eer to any pass-'nger or ?person whom such common carrier m iy haie undertakrn lo carry, or who shall, under any prrtetae, deny or refuse, to any person lawfully applying for the same, accommodation equal In ??very respect io that furnished by 'dm to any other person, for like compeusaMor: or reward, lu a like case, having no regard to thc persons per se who may be applicants therefor, shall be puu lshed, Ac. The report recommends to amend by striking ont thc words In italics, stating that the "amendment ls necessary for the proper manage? ment or their business by common carriers. lt cannot be presumed that the author or author* of this section Intended, really, to deprive com? mon carriers, such as railroad or steamboat com? panies,, of a proper contp.'l of their property and business, and turn their vehicles over to th agcracnt of the public, or such persons aa i temporarily enjoying the accommodate forded by them. * The punishments for violations of the 1 recommended to bc lessened, making the li less than one hundred dollars, nor more th thousand dollars, and the imprisonment ; less than three months, nor more than on or both, within tho discretion of the court. AMUSEMENTS. The committee recommend that section which provides for the punishment of any conducting a theatre or other place of a meut, who shall make a discrimination i count of color, take effect on and after the May next. Section four (which provides for thc p ment of "whoever, not being the principal ot under sections two and three of thc act, sh or abet In or about the commission of any offences therein mentioned,") the coramltt sert "is superfluous, and should be stricke All accessories to a uasdemeanor are indi* as principals, aud the offences created by tl are misdemeanors." CHARTERS. . Section sixth (which provides that every c ration or party whatever, holding any charl license uidcr thc authority of this Slate, shall violate any of the provisions of this shall forfeit every such charter or license; any party or parties who, having so fori any such charter or license, shall nevertl presume to usc or operate under or by vii t the same, as well as every person who th found aiding any such party or parties th boat, shall, on conviction, be punished, Ac. committee think "should bc stricken out absurdity. In order to forfeit a charter, lt be made clealy to appear that the terms u charter have been violated in a material and stantial manner. The condition upon v chartered privileges may be exercised are ab expressed in thc charter, and unless thc rig expressly reserved by thc State, those condi cannot bc changed; und this because the ch; ls held to bc a contract in law. We may ci offences and punish citizens for commit them, but the State, no more than Individ I can violate its solemn contracts." VIOLATION OF A FOFCLAR MAXIM. j Section seventh (which provides that in e trial for violating any provisions of this act A it shall be charged that any person has bee fused or denied admission to, or due accomm Hon In, any of thc places In this act mentlone? account of the race, color or previous condi of the applicant, and such applicant is a coli * or black person, the burden .shall be on ito fendant party, or parties, so having refuse denied such admission or accommodation show that the same was not done in violatio this act,) thc committee also recommend "stu bestricken out." It is a direct violation of tion 12, Article I, of the constitution, which ] vides, among other things, that "no person s be subject lu law to any other restra or disqualifications, in regard to any sonal rights, thau such as arc laid u others, under-like cirenmstancesj" and in direct violation of Section zo, same i clo, which, among other things, declares "i dis;inc; ion on account of race or color, in case irtialever, shall bc prohibited.'' Hy a c; fut scruUny or this section, lt will be seen tin broad distinction ls made between a "colorei black person" complaining of a violation of act, and a person not "colored or black," the t den of proof shall bc on the defendant, to si that he is not guilty; but not so If he bc of i other color. This section also violates thc soi what popular maxim thr.t has prevailed dur tlie last six thousand years, that a man should presumed to be innocent until found guilty, l der this section, If "a colored or black pcrsc happens to oe the accuser, inc aerendant shalt presumed to be guilty until found Innocent. TUE nitAO-xrr SECTION. Section eight (which provides that tn every c arising nnder tfie drat section of this act, and ; provided for specific illy lu some succeeding ? tie::, shall be prosee atcd and decided In acco ance with the general provisions of this act recommended to 'be stricken out, as lt "is sur nuous and its legal significance amounts to n < lng." In reducing the penalties imposed by this I we have had in view tue thirty-eighth section article ene of the constitution, which deda that "excessive f nes shall not be Imposed, i cruel and unusual punishments Inflicted." The committee have also had in view thc ft that laws in which enormous and excess! penalties arc announced for the offence charge become a dead letter on thc statute books, frc thc fact that juries will not enforce them. Su laws defeat tncmselvcs. I The report did not seem to please thc color senators, but they said nothing and it was ( j derod for consideration to-morrow. rnOSPHATES. The report of thc Committee on Incorporate or. a bill to vegulate thc digging and mining phosphate depo?.ts from thc navigable st rear and waters of the State of SoulU Carolina. Wi taken np in thc Senate to-day. The report recot mended that parties desiring to dig should on pay arty dollars for a license. Corbin moved th Ave hundred dollars be required; arguing th; that amount was required of the company recen ly Incorporated, and all should bc treated alik After considerable talking aud offering of amen* men ts, section third waa recommitted to tl committee. THE SINKINO l'UNO BILL. Long tieforc thc sesslou of thc Senate this mon lng, Leslie was observed button holelng thc sent tors, carrying them one by one into corners an talking to theiii confidentially. Every one kne< by this that Leslie was lobbying for a bill, I which he was tutercsted, bet what one, was th question, wltich, at twelve O'CIOCK was answered lite president thea announcing that thc hour fe tue "special order," a "bill to provide for a sinn ing fund and thc management ci the same," tnv arrived. This bill provides that thc Governor, the Comp troller-Ceneral and Ute Attorney-General of th State he constituted tiiuiinis-loners to sell and con vejtifor and on behalf of thc State, all such rca cr personal property belonging to Hie State asl: not devoted to educational or charitable purposes (said sales to bc made from time to time lu sud manner and upon such terms as they may decir most advantageous to the State) aud appropriait the proceeds to paying the present indebtedness of the State, and the interest thereon, and sucli further indebtedness as may herea: v.' bc con? tracted 'jy the State. TUE COMMISSIONERS. Neagle is named as one of thc commissioners. Ile docs Rjt enjoy the reputation of being an honest mau among some of thc Radicals here. Several of Cie senators have privately expressed an opinion of him, which would be flattering If lt were considered creditable Tor p: -.ate individ? uals to appropriate public money; but these sena? tors may have been prejudiced, as the looks of thc person in question "arc against him." How? ever, thc senators know that this bill will place a tremendous power in the hands of the commis? sioners, and having these private opinious (lacy have not expressed, but intimated them on the floor of thc Senate) of Ncagte, some of them de? sired to have him out of the "ring." Perhaps, this desi-e Influenced Cain to move, as soon as Hie bill was Introduced to-day, thai the words "the Comptroller-General and the Attorney-Gen eral or the State" be stricken out, and iu lieu thereof thc words "Chairman of the Committee on Finance of thc Senate (Raincy] and Chairman of the Committee of Ways and Means of thc House" (DcLargcj be inserted. When tilts motion was made, Leslie groaned, and cried out "oh, no'" and then "interviewed" Cain. Corbin objected to thc two men named being appo.ntcd, on the ground that they were Simply chalrmeu of committees, and could be re moved ar-any time hy a resolution; he i object to the two persons being added commissioners. When Corbin concluded stated that, "by request," he would info Senate that the Comptroller and Attorney rals did not desire to be place d on the boa had so stated, giving as their reasons i their present official capacity they would made members of the commission) be cor to examine into and report upon mattel nected with the commission. A BIG YANKEE TO BLOW GABKIEL'S nOIi The above .statement of Caiu's caused i "large, incredulous smile''to brighten thc or the majority of the senators, which exp the thought: Well, that's all clap-trap, did not see what right the aforesaid genen to say auything about their willingness or.i ingnes3 to serve; it was for the Lcgislatu for them, to say what they should or shot do. This bill was a good thing, nearly all had a sinking fund, and these proposed co sloncrs were the men for thc place. The would be satislled with them, at least moi pie would bc; some people in thc State wo be satisfied if two angels were sent from li to bc commissioners; when the angel C blows his trumpet, some of them will swea it isn't him, but some old Yaukcc blowing horn. EXTENT OK LESLIE'S INTEREST. After Leslie's remarks, Cain withdrew hi tion, and Johnson attempted to renew It but Doualdson kept the floor, lauded th generals, and moved to add to thc commi ers the chairman ot thc Committee on Finai thc Senate, and the chairman or thc Commi Ways and Means of the House of Reprei tives. Nash expressed unbounded confidei Governor ScotL He was gratified to hear < modesty of the two generals, who were g men of refinement, culture and intellectual: desiring not to be commissioners, and he w ravor of gratifying them. He didn't know right they had to say that they didn't wa servc;.but then he'd like to know why the G nor and Secretary of State did not scrv thc advlsary board of the land commission they were appointed to do so; he even recoil that the Senate had to adopt a resolution Inst lng the Attorney-General to ta?<8 care of the Si interest In phosphates when it was his duty so. Here Leslie wanted to know If Nash, hi been the Attorney-General, would have Inter with the poor people who were earning a 1 by digging phosphates. Nash said the Atto General had taken an oath to attend to the d or his office, and if he had not done so, lu violated that oath. Leslie started to lntei Nash again, but be would not permit lt. and lng to Leslie said: I know that you arc di Interested In this bill-heart, soul and mind I know that you'd rather die and go wher devil drove lils hogs than have this bill amended. "RACK, ti-LOR OR PREVIOUS CONDITION.' Donaldsou herc spoke In ravor of his molli add thc chairmen of the two committees, complimented both of them highly. Ra stated t hat he was willing to serve if thc Se saw flt to appoint him, aud would do his be attend to his duties, and mentioned, incident that there seemed to bc a disposition to ol to a 'man with a brown or a black serving In any or thc Important places. Per his brown skin might bc an objection, per not. As soon as Rainey sat down, Nash sec the floor and said: I know thal this bl going to bc passed as lt stands. I know some of the senators herc say, ia their he: "What, Bball the sinking fund be control too, by negroes t" I know that there is a splracy among the Northern men to prevent colored senators from coming back. Someb said to rae: "You and Wimbush may come, thc rest shall not." I think thc people of 1! land win not ask any one of these men from North who shall come back. 1 have con ddt now In our State officers, but ir j**^*" Iortt Blnklng fund?, louu commissions, railroad J< these ring men will say, " we'll tell you who go to the Legislature." I am not willing to | my vote to help strangle our party; I don't lleve the Governor ls In the ring. 1 was told t man who was Inside of thc ring that he was i by the the ring men that ir he would wor break down my Influence In the county, t would give him any orflce he desired. N* we have got to meet this question, and I prop to meet it right here. My people have a majoi in this State, and I claim that ir these thii most go on that they shall keep at least sorai this power in their own hands. Yon arc patti the patronage in the hands or certain men; tl will control every nominating convention lu State; thc land commission has a power, t which it is using, and that ring will come to colored men and say, you are living oh lands or the State, and ir you don't do this or th wc will put you off. Mr. Negro is getting w awake, and ir he don't look out for himself, h< a bigger fool tliau I thiuk he ls. The friends tuts Sinking Fund bill, doubtless, say that tills too good a thing for two black scamps to be lu. "TUE SIROCCO COMETH." Much more did Nash say lu this strain, duri which he mentioned that the ignorance or I colored people was made use or by thc Northern! who had come among Hiern, to keep Hiern dot and walk over them Into ofllccs and secure t patrouage. Donaldson denied that the North? ers had made use of the colored people, ai stated that but for thc Northerners thc color people would bc bad off Indeed. However, tl was dangerous ground for the Northern sen at to tread on. and, as Nash had said somcthli about Ignorance, he turned to that point and as ed Nash who but thc colored legislators had pi vented a bill to provide for thc education their own race being passed last scs.sio Nash asserted that lt was not due to ti school commissioner of Charleston County; li Intrigue and avarice had prevented it. For short time thc discussion was kept within tho bounds, aud thc daugcrotis ground avoided; bu Anally, Wimbnsh secured the floor, and after d nounclng thc bill as a "bad bill" and asscrtiu that those of the scuators who voted for il as stood would regret it before twelve monti elapsed, stated that whenever any patronage i favor was to be given, a certain class or men gt lt. He and thc colored people generally were tire of such discrimination. He hail heard or thc* I measures being on root to put the negroes out t I office and out or politics; he would tell Hies Northern men, who. il wa? alleged, were ?loin this, to beware; his people would not submit io ii He would lell these meu iroin across Mason an Dixon's Line, that ir they succeeded, the colore people would root up the Republican party, air they would hear .of the Radical party wide would scud them back across thc line. LESLIE ON WOODEN NUTMEGS. There was a pause after Wimbush stoppci speaking. More than one carpet-bagger's fac? bore a blank appearance, as ir surprised to sci that His colored men had their eyes open, ar.? were determined hereafter "to share and shan alike," or take the whole themselves. Leslii thought it was time to conciliate. He arose am made a sickly attempt at it. ile alluded to thu sharpness of Northerners who made wooden hams and nutmegs; he had found sharp Southern ers too, and some colored men whom he believed could make iwo hams of thc same piece of wood, and or which a regular Yankee could only make one. After this, he praised thc colored men, praised Nash's sharpness especially, and then succeeded in getting the Senate to resume the discussion or thc Sinking Fuud bill. Finally, lt was agreed that Scott, Chamberlain, Ncagle, Ralney aud DeLarge should bc the "com? missioners or the sinking rund." Arter, on mo? tion ol'Corbin, amending the bill by a section pro? viding "that this uct shall not be construed to. au? thorize the sale by the commissioners of any property held in trust ror a specific purpose by the State, or the property or the State, In the phosphate rocks or phospUatlc deposits In the beds of Hie navigable streams nm! waters of the State," lt received a second reading, and was or? dered to be engrossed for a third. WHAT 15 THIS BILI. FOR ? There are very few persons here who believe that this bill was introduced for the purpose of " extinguishing the public debt." It ls generally thought that its object Is to give thc men first named in it thc power to sell the State's interest in such or the railroads which thc "big railroad monopoly ring" may desire to possess or already have purchased. There ls something wrong about thc bill. It provides that those commission? ers may sell " all the real and personal property of the State from time to time, in such manner and upon such terms as they may deem most advantageous to the State." To-ilay Cain desired to add another section to the bill, providing that "it shall bethe duty of the said commission to give notice in thc public press, al least thirty days previous, of all sales to be made of lands, stocks, and of bonds of the State, and dispose cf the same to the highest bidder." I It was sent to the clerk and read, but at Leslie's instigation, was withdrawn. In one of Nash's speeches about the bill, he Intimated that he knew all about the "ring" in whose interest the bill was, but the Lord had given him two cars and two eyes to hear and see much, hut only ono mouth, so that he should not tell all he saw and heard. Cain spoke of lt as in the interest of a "ring," and said lt was useless to attempt to stop intellect and capital; these would rule, and their measures must pass. EDUCATION. A Senate bill to provide for .thc payment of claims of teachers for services rendered during the Asea! year commencing November 1st, A. D. 1SCS, and ending October 31st, A. D., 1S09, being thc unfinished business of yesterday, at the hour of adjournment, was taken up in thc House to? day, and read a second lime. Benj. A. Boscmon, Jr., William R. Jervay, Robert Smalls, James N. Hayne, Phillp E. Ezekiel and Reuben Tomllnson, voted "no" on the motion to poss lt to a second reading, "because of the extravagant and enor? mous amount that will bc paid teachers under tts provisions-many of whom will receive more pay for their services in primary schools than ls received by thc teachers In the most advanced schools In other portions of the country; that they believed lt to be an a:t of in? justice to compel the citizens of thc State to pay for teachers' services (when, in many instances, it is not certainly known that such services were ever rendered) at a rate fixed by the county school commissioners, said commissioners not being authorized or empowered to establish any rates whatever; and that thc precedent establish? ed will be detrimental to thc free school Interests of the State; for, If it be once decided that free school teachers are to bc so extravagantly paid for their services, as they will be most certainly under the provision of this section, when a regu? lar salary ls Axed, which must, of necessity, be much lower than thc above rates, lt will be diffi? cult, If not altogether impossible, to obtain com? petent and etllclent teachers. KBSOLCTION8. A resolution providing that Hie Governor be authorized to open a correspondence with thc Governor of the State of Georgia, with a view to secure co-operative legislation with the said State as to thc mutual rights of navigation and fishe? ries in Savannah and Tugaioo Rivers, was adopted and sent to thc Senate. Another resolution pro? viding that the Committee on Ways and Means be requested to report to-morrow o? a bill author? izing and requiring thc county commissioners ol Sumter County to cause forthwith to be'assessed upon and collected from the taxable Inhabitants of said Sumter County a sum of money herein? after to be ect forth, to Indemnify David G. Robert? son nod the Arm or Dubose & Co., for certain abuses and losses, was inrjeflnitoiy postponed. ACTS AITROYED AND RATIFIED. The Srvo^'--- - -"" .,ul,sc "ciueneniuuvcs attended In the Senate to-day, when the following acts were duly ratified: An act to establish und maintain a system of free common schools for the State of South Carolina; to authorize thc county commissioners or Darlington County to levy a special tax ror the construction or a courthouse; to authorize thc county commissioners or Colic ton and Spartanburg Counties to levy an addi? tional tax to pay the Indebtedness or their res? pective counties, and for other purposes therein mentioned; to Incorp?rate the Grove Station Bridge Company; to amend the charter of thc Granlteville Manufacturing Company. The Governor to-day sent messages to the House and Senate notifying those bodies that he had approved and signed thc following acts : An act to amend an act entitled an net to empower Circuit Judges to change thc venue for thc trial or actions, both civil and criminal: ror the belter protection or migratory Ash; to provide for the appointment of certain officers therein named; to Incorporate the DcLtney Bille Compnny, or Charleston. South Carolina; to Incorporate the Columbia Oil Company; to incorporate thc Sum ter Manufacturing Company; to secure equal civil rights, and to provide for the enjoyment ol'all remedies In law by all persons, regardless of race or color; to regulate the rights and powers of rail? road companies; to provide ror a general election of county oftlcers; to incorporate the Independent Elliott Hook and Ladder Company, No. I, of Orang' burg, South Carolina. STRAIT ITEMS. Thc Judiciary Committee did not report unfa? vorably upon the bill to provide for thc appoint? ment of trial Justices, as was reported. The bill to provide for the general elections, and the manner of conducting the same, thepro v isle ns or which were published In yesterday's NEWS, received a second reading in Hie House to-day. Ex-Governor Orr visited Hie Senate to-day. L EUROPE. lu: j) ci-1 a li KUI on Ire -Constitu? ional Government. i'Aitis, February ic. Tho Prince Imperial skated to-day on tho lake In the Bois de Boulogne.- The Emperor was with the skailng party. Eugenie is (pille ill. Ol ll vier concluded a discussion with these words: "Thc government would persist on Its liberal course, but would resist dangerous agita? tion in Hie streets or in thc press." A Menacing Speech. PARIS, February ic. All thc journals consider the speech ol' thc King of Prussia as menacing. The Visit of Montpellier. MADRID, February 1?. Prim assures the Corles that thc visit ol'Mont pcusler ha-; nu political object. The Money Murkct. PAUIS, Febrnary ic. TileContiucrtal banks, generally, arc reducing their rates or iuteresl. MARINE DISASTER. KotlLOLK, February lu. Thc schooner Bunnan, from Baltimore for Charleston, with coal ami guano, ls herc in a leaking condition. Her rudder and part of her steering gear are carried away. SPARKS FROM THE WIRES. Thc smallpox Is raging in Montana, In? diana. Senator Grimes, of Illinois, is not expected to survive the journey from Europe. In the Virginia Legislature, yesterday, resolu? tions were Introduced praying Hie government to accord belligerent rights to Cuba. The contest lor the Mayoralty lu Mobile ls quite lively. Price, the ronner Incumbent, holds bis seat, and ls guarded by policemen. Harrington, bis opponent, will eau upou the military for as? sistance. WASHINGTON. SOUTH CAROLINA AFFAIRS AT THF NATIONAL CAPITAL. [SPECIAL TELEGRAM TO TUE NEWS.] WASHINGTON, February ie. The action of thc House of Representatives in The action of thc House of Representatives in giving Mr. Slmpsou forty days to allow a contest of his case from the Fourth Congressional District, on Its merits, indicates a willingness to remove his political disabilities and give bim his scat, un? less the Radicals should all vote for Wallace. Supervisor Ferry reports to the Revenue Bureau that thc assessment in thc First South Carolina District in January exceeded that of the same month last year by four thousand dollars, and that thc prospect is flattering for a further in? crease in future. The petition of citizens of South Carolina ask? ing that the salary of Judge Bryan be Increased, has been referred to the nouse Judiciary Com? mittee. A bill has been reported by thc Senate Finance Committee, providing that thc sum of three hun? dred dollars internal revenue tax erroneously assessed, April, 1S07, npon one hundred and fifty gallons of whiskey, owned by J. P. F. Camp, of Spartanburg, South Carolina, bc remitted. No action has yet been taken. A bli! to establish a post road from Con way boru' to Little River, South Carolina, has been reported in the Senate. [FROil THE ASSOCIATED PRESS.] WASHINGTON, February 16. Orders have been Issued to stop all enlist? ments for the navy. The force is full. The Naval Committee have agreed to give pay? masters positive rank. LATER.-The revenue to-day is $243,000. The Ways and Means Committee voted, five to four, to make the Revenue Burean o department with a seat In the Senate ? Thc Senate Judiciary Committee, after two years' consideration, voted against suspending Judge Bustecd, of Alabama. CONGRESSIONAL. Thc House Ls considering territorial matters. Senate business unimportant. LATER.-lu thc Senate, the resolutions of the Alabama Legislature In favor of a r?visai of the telegraph laws was presented. A bill providing artificial limbs for soldiers ex? cited discussion. Sawyer odered an amendment excluding from its benefit the soldiers of 1812, or the Mexican war, who aided the rebellion. Thc admission of Mississippi was resumed, and an amendment introduced repealing in her case thc fundamental conditions Imposed lu thc Vir? ginia bill. The debate was quite stormy, but no action was had. In thc House a petition was presented that Mas? sachusetts be remanded to a territorial condition for disloyalty. This was referred to the Recon? struction Committee. Banks Introduced a resolution authorizing and instructing thc President to maintain absolute neutrality between Spain and Cuba, and was re? ferred to thc Committee on Foreign Relations. Van Wyek was Anally seated-ayes 110, noes 51, and thc House adjourned. THE WIFE QUESTION IN UTAH. \ V..... n^Jt^r.. nf *Ytt. ?nUt. I.. na>?i?M?>? of Polygamy-Temper of Brigham Young-Interesting Evidence. [FROM OCR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] WASHINGTON, February 14. Tho bill agreed on by the House Committee on Territories, to abolish polygamy in Utah, is causing great excitement In that Territory, as the telegrams show, and considerable Interest tn Congress is felt to ascertain what will be the re? sult If the bill should become a law. Thc com? mittee have taken a good deal of evidence re? garding recent efforts to enforce the existing civil' law with reference to polygamy. This evidence ls interesting and has not been made public. One witness tcstlllcd that the great ditllculty in thc way of thc prosecuting attoruey ls the Im? possibility of proving a marriage. Since thc pas? sage of the act against bigamy, thc Mormons have adopted a new arrangement in reference to these marriages, so that now noue can And proof of the second or any subsequent marriage. Noth? ing is known outside about them, when or where or by whom they arc solemnized. All marriages are now performed in thc "endowment house," and whatever transpires there ls secret. And though when it ls done it ls not kept secret that a marriage has taken place, and many persons are well known to have numerous wives, yet lt ls Impossible to obtain any legal proof. Thc men who perform the marriage ceremony are oath-bound, and even if placed before a grafted jury on oaf li, would manage to evade It in some way. Under thc law ot 1SG2, it ls impossible to prove a mar? riage according to the rules of evidence, which accept no testimony except that of a party who witnessed Hie solemnization of if. No liceuse is required beforehand, and no record, un? less it tic a secret one, kept after? wards. Thc same witness, who has resided five years in Ulah, was of thc opinion that the proposed new law could be enforced. It would create some excitement, he thought, and Brig? ham would oppose lt with a strong hand; but when it came to thc pinch, he did not tiiink that Brigham would resort to violence, and if he did, thc great mass of thc people would not back him. The passage of such a law would break up the concentration of power that at present exists In Ulah. Brigham is now as absolute as thc Czar of Russia; there is not an act of thc Legislature which, If it ls not dictated by him, must meet his approval; he controls everything, religious and secular. Thc passage of such a law would break up all that, of course, at thc cost of great tempo? rary disturbance, but In a short time that would pass away. Another witness was asked by the comiuittee'if he heard of a recent meeting lu Salt Lake of women, defending polygamy; and he replied that he had not, but that it was not incredible. He said that a great many women could bc found who would do that; some of them from religious con? viction, and some of them from policy. But, on theothcr hand, hundreds of women would hail the passage of tills bill wi?tejoy. As it now ls Brigham lias lt fixed so that a woman cannot help herself. The probate courts have unlimited jurisdiction iu cases of divorce and alimony, aud he hud known tue Arst wire to be divorced and cut off from everything, sent forth alone, home? less and penniless; and, In many Instances, being thousands of miles away from friends. Women arc compelled to (juicily submit to their husbands taking other wives, as one of thc provisions or thc Utah statutes Is, that the fact of parties not bciug allie to live In peace and harmony together ls siiniclent cause for divorce. Tills provision, with a knowledge of thc fact that the probate court has jurisdiction of divorces, generally se? cures submission. In many instances, where a first wife leaves her husband on account -of his marrying a second time, she Is forced by her ne? cessities to humbly return and endure it without complaint. Sonic women, by extraordinary force of will, manage to get aloug alone, or to escape from thc Territory. ZETA. -Au absurd rumor ls telegraphed to this coun? try that a marriage ls contemplated by her Ma? jesty Queen Victoria with the Prince Anglisten burg. * THE GEORGIA LEGISLATURE. ATLANTA, February io. At noon the Senate proceeded to an election of United States senators. Bio J get t, for thc term of six years commencing In 1871, received 31 votes; present and not voting, 7. Farrow, for thc term of three years, ending In 1673, re received 29 votes; present and not voting, 10. Whiteley, for thc term ending In 1871, received 28 votes; present and not voting, 9. In the House Bldogett received 34 votes, Farrow 79, Whiteley 82. The Democrats made ho nominations, and gen srally abstained from voting, preferring to rely on Hie admission of Senators Hill and Miller. The Republican candidates received the votes of nearly two-thirds of those present. Both Houses meet In Joint convention to mor? row to annonr.ee thc result. Colonel Farrow ls now the Attorney-General. (Ie ls a native South Carolinian, and was educa :cd at the University of Virginia, and was a Onion man. Whiteley is Solicitor-General for the Inferior Court, and was a member of the Reconstruction Convention. LATER.-The House and Senate met in joint as? sembly at 12 o'clock thls-mornlng, for the purpose ir comparing the votes. The president of the Senate announced that the Hon. Foster Blodgett md received 115 votes, and was duly elected United States senator for thc long term of six fears, commencing March 4, 1871; Hon. H. P. Farrow had received 109, and was elected to the short term ol three years, ending March 4, 1873; Hon. Richard H. Whiteley had received 110 votes, md was elected to the unexpired term, endlug March 4, 1871. Governor Bullock sent a lengthy message to thc Legislature, establishing the fact that the'acts of Congress and tho Reconstruction acts do not render invalid any of the ordinary laws passed by the several Legislatures. ? Tho Legislature adjourned until io o'clock to? morrow. Blodgett hos requested thc Governor to with? hold his cer titi cate of election until he ls acquitted of thc charges preferred against him. THE STATE PRESS. HOW SHALL WE REDEEM SOUTH CAROLINA f WHAT THE PAPERS SAY. The Logic of Fact?. [From the Camden Journal.] Our party, whether you call it Democratic, Conservative, the People's party, or by any other name, can come before thc citizens of South Carolina, both white and colored, and arraign thc party at present In power. We will not bc obliged to use argumenta about what might bc, and what wo think will bc, but we will use facts. Everybody knows what thc Radical party in this State has been doing. Every one knows that their policy has been of such a nat ure as would long si nee have crushed thc life out of thc State, had it not been for the Inherent vitality and strength of thc white people. If our ^coplu had not persevered In their efforts in spite of every obstacle which malignant hatred could place In their way. we assert that South Carolina, after even so short an experience of Radical rule, would not bc rich enough to afford plunder to fctitisfy thc harpies in power. Concert of Action. [Prom the Columbia Guardian.] Certainly it there ever could be a time when South Carolina needed perfect unanimity and concert of action with a view to victory over misrule, usurpation and prostitution of power, that time is to-day. The coming campaign Is bier with thc fate not only of political parties principles of constitutional right and self-gov? ernment. Every Man on his own Hook. [From the Colombia Phoenix.] As for ourselves, we acknowledge that we have very decided views as to how, In our judgment, the political work of this year ls to be carried out. Nor ls it at all unlikely that other Journalists have equally decided views. We deem it better for each Journalist to be left perfectly free to carry on the light in his own way. We regard that Journalism best which is most free and less fettered. We desire for ourselves to be at liberty to strike here and there, and wherever we And a loose Joint in the armor of thc foe. If different policies are presented, let an impartial public decide the matter. To that arbitrament let honest dif? ferences bc referred, and may thc right and the victorious prevail. ? An Explanation of the Above. [Prom a later issue or the Phoenix.] When the voice of our friends roaches us In an authoritative way, wc shall bow to its de? cision-unless, indeed, wc shall bc called upon to make some unexpected sacrifico-which wc do not anticipate. Thc fact of thc matter is, that we regard thc recent discussion, ou the part of tho untl-Radlcal press, as premature. For this, let thc responsibility rest upon those who have sought to forestall action. What thc Phrcnix has said and denounced has been drawn ont in pure sell-defence. It was due to ourselves not to let pass unchallenged views to which wo did not assent. Let U3 give tho Courier thc assurance that no journal in this state eau possibly desire mora than this that thorough "concert of action" to which It refers. That is what icc have long been seeking, if our voice, eau contribute to that great, result, IL will bc heard; and wc shall gladly trample under foot all petty considerations, in order to secure thc wollare of South Carolina. The Problem for South Carolinu. [Prom thc Orangeburg News.] Now the problem for South Carolina, Inde? pendent of tho complex national issues at stake, is whether thc usurpation, brought about by the ifefault of our people, is by their de? fault to bc perpetuated and established. This ls the question before us to-day, whose answer will be recorded in the course of thc present year. Will we by a devotion to names and habits, by prejudice to new and changed facts before us, by sullen apathy, prevent Hie benefits ol' our change from being accomplished, by thc means of these incidental results of disadvan? tage; er will we by admitting tho groat lacts of our change promote and advance their estab? lishment and reap thc golden benefits with which they teem ? This is thc question for every man In South Condina to decide to-day. Let us admit in our own hearts every right of thc colored man, and guarantee to him this deep admission and put ourselves in a position to win him back to our confidence, and adopt the only moans under Heaven to-day ol' over? throwing thc present usurpation ol'our gov? ernment and ol' redeeming the State ? Is it Victory or Defeat ? [From thc Anderson Intelligencer.] The Democratic party in this State must be progressive and active, not slumbering among tho ruins of thc past, however glorious that past may be. If lt is essential to its success, heretofore leaders must bc laid aside, und men imbued with strength and activity placed lu thc van. Not thal inexperienced'liands should guille thc helm, but to infuse new life and vigor it may bc necessary to obtain the ser? vices of such asare not prejudiced by a life-time education against what has been inevitable. With lite Democratic parly no longer tilting aL windmills, it is highly probable the co-exist cnt races in this State might adjust the differ? ences of the last three or lour years, and solve thc (lifllcull problem before them, to the great discomfltnru ol' the allens and foreigners now ruling in this Slate, and whose feeding at the public crib is ut thc expense of black and wliite alike. A guarantee of equal political privi? leges, under the luw as it now stands, Js noth? ing more than duty requires, while such a declaration lrom the Democratic party would go tar to removing the obstacles now In the path of the negro against affiliating with Iiis white neighbor. Uiitii al least this much ls done, the Radical majority ol' 30,000 will not be effectually reduced, and years might Inter? vene before the opportunity is again so favora? ble towards oustiug thc corrupt demagogues from place and power. Are thc leaders'ol' our party prepared to take this step forward, and assume ail the responsibility and meet the con sequences it entalla upoB them ? Hence w? submit the question, ls It victory or defeat ? Where la lt Now? [Prom the Columbia Phoenix.] What stand does the South Carolina Democ? racy now take ? We have no authority to speak for it. But we believe that we fairly represent it when we declare that, as in April, 18G8, It was moderate and conciliatory and far-seeing, so lt is now. As for ourselves, we acknowledge that we have advanced with the times. We adapt ourselves to thc situation. Wc see what has passed beyond the domain of debate. We accept the political equality of the .colored man, and neither now nor hereafter would we disturb his present political privileges. We ' are disposed to get the negro out ot politics by conceding to him all that can be claimed for him, to-the end that we may harmoniously unite In promoting Uie public good. Now, lt is claimed that the name ol Democrat is dis? tasteful to the colored voter, and that if this name bc merged Into another, he will the more readily vote with the opposition. This Is s delusion. The colored voter ls no more to be deceived than thc white voter. And, In our judgment, a candid, fair, outspoken Democra? cy will win more votes from his ranks than any middle party or any new name. Another Platform. [From the Anderson Intelligencer.] It ls admitted and agreed upon that the future of the Democratic party must be direct? ed to more practical ends, and that its objects must embrace a wider scope and greater breadth of political opinion. The masses are being educatedjn thc belief that the issues of the past do not concern the people of this State in the future, and that a sensible, prudent course ls entirely necessary to the full develop? ment of all the opposition to the corruption and profligacy of the present administration. In our judgment, It ls proper to recognize' thc fact that the downfall of slavery anet the establishment ot universal suffrage has brought about widely different views among the people from those prevailing here anterior to the war. The political power ls now in the control of the laboring clas?s, and by this we do not Intend distinction between race or color. Both races are dependent upon individual exertion for the sustenance and support of life, and only through this agency will be evoked the powers and resources of the commonwealth. Indus? try, then, being the foundation of future wealth, contentment and happiness, the party of reform and political regeneration must stand pledged to the furtherance of every measure Intended for the benefit of the labor? ing classes. All grades of society must be con? sidered as standing upon a Just equality, In a political sense, and the Democratic party can? not hope to achieve success unless this theory ls acted upon. With this broad and liberal plank as the be? ginning of a platform, it ls an easy matter to construit the remainder. Opposition to plun? dering officeholders, the general demand for an economical administration of the State gov? ernment, the lessening of taxes, and the re? form of all abuses growing out ot the un? bridled rule of corrupt officials, will suggest themselves naturally to the honest of all par? ties. It may be possible that this new departure of the Democratic party will alienate, for the time belog, persons of wealth and intelli? gence, who have not yet overcome their preju? dices. Wc do not think it probable, however, and firmly believe that every white man in tho .-tate, not already allied to the Republican party, will unite in this movement for thc re? demption and prosperity of thc whole people. Indeed, the safety and welfare of every man is intimately concerned; and we do not see how il is practicable for men to be blinded by prejudice and swayed by passion against the . dearest interest of their own homes. But IT there be any such, and especially among those who have heretofore led the people, we shah part with Hiern "moro In sorrow than In anger," and turn to the young men of the State as the only hope to secure political re? formation and bring about a healthy condltioa of public affairs. The New Party. . [From the Chesterfield Democrat.] The proposition to form a new political par-, ty, or rather, to change the name ot the old and once triumphant, and always honest party, ' Itfetxre lign'diigL^3F?ux?sin^Airew!su!, es. travangances and rascality. Final victory awaits us: don't let us be in too much hu ny. Give the Radicals full time to disgust the peo? ple and render the masses indignant, then our victory will be permanent, and from Maine to Texas, from the Atlantic to the Pacific, will resound the glad injunction: "Fly not; stand? still, ambition's debt is paid." Let us fight un? der the old flag and have neither affix or pre? fix to the good name of our party. Be confi? dent, hopeful and Democrats wlU yet sit In high places and redeem our country from, threatened ruin and vlllany. We can't see, if our's is a party professing long established principles, how we could gai.: anything by a change' of name. If men ac? knowledge the correctness of the principles; we profess and hold back on account of the name alone, they would not be worth much any? how. Let us remains Dem?crata In name and be true to the teachings of our party. TSE KEY WEST TRAGEDY. Thc Death of Castauon and \'ir)w jt Came About. A correspondent, writing from Key West, gives a detailed account of the tragedy at that . place, the 31st of last month, resulting In the > death of Gonzales Gastan un, editor of the Span? ish paper La Voz de Cuba, published at Havana: Castauon, lt appears, with four other Span? iards, arrived at Key West on the morning of tlie 29th, being expected on that day, the edi? tor of tue Cuban paper there, the Republican, having accepted a challenge from him to fight. The party was met on the steamer by two Cu? bans, representing themselves ^> ?.he seconds of the Republican editor. The former then came on shore and put up at thc Russell House. Castauon soon found out that the editor of the Republican, who had accepted the duel, was a poor fellow, until to fight a child ten years old He is a man about fifty years old, quite small In size, half blind, and his name is Juan Mary Reyes. Two hours after they had been in the Russell House, Castanon and party sent for Juan Mary Reyes, and when the little old Cuban appeared before Cas? tanon the latter attacked ulm and began to beat the poor okAnnn. Some parties Inter? fered and he was soon parted from him. On the 30th, another Cuban called on Casta? uon, and a duel was arranged to take place, but tho parties were arrested and held to bail In the sum of $200 each. Various measures were again resorted to in order to bring about a light, and it was announced that one would take place, but next day the Spaniards pre? pared to leave on the steamer. About half past 12 P. M., two Cuban gentlemen repaired to the Russell House and inquired for Casta? non. A few minutes after, Castanon and two more Spaniards-big, stout fellows, one his doctor and the other a commander ot Spanish volunteers-came down stairs. One of the two> Cubans who had called and were waiting for them had a revolver, thc other had no weapon at all. Once down stairs In thc front parlor, the uuarmed Cuban told Castanon he wanted to arrange matters for the duel. Castanon answered he was not going to fight a duel; he had slapped thc face of a Cuban and felt satisfied. The Cuban then called him a d-d coward. Castanon raised lils hand and hit the Cuban. His friend drew lite revolver he bad in his hand, ami the unarmed Cuban snatched it from his hand. While this was going on Castanon took two steps backward, drew his revolver and tired at the Cuban without effect. The Cuban then fired his first shot; and Casta Hon, who was standing by an iron safe, fell on lils knees, and In that position fired the second time. Tlie Cuban then fired again and brought Castanon flat on the ground, where he received two more shots. As soon as the firing com? menced, Castanon's two friends abandoned him and fled to the stairs, firing as they re? tired. One of them in his haste fell and hurt his shin. I think the other is badly wounde*. Tlie Cuban who had killed Castanon In the contest came to the street with a li m counte? nance, and, brandishing his revolver, said. "Cubans, you are revenged. Viva Cuba, lil/rcl Tlie instigator for the murder of all Cubans ls dead." The following Cubans were soon after the tragedy arrested : J. Botella and brother, V. Moreira, F. Aceituno, J. Barces, P. Orores and A. Ag?ero. The three last named have been released. Several houses have been searched. A colored man lias also been arrested. -The latest dotec or conudence mea ls to make their checks payable to the order of their victim, and then ?li ihe backs? that he cannot endorse ly.