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irr^T TTUff IT_N?TMRER 1259. CHARLESTON, TUESDAY MORNING, JANUARY 4, 1870. SIX DOLLARS A YEAR. COLUMBIA. THE LEGISLATURE YESTERDAY. Dispatching Business in Karncst. [SPECIAL TELEGRAM TO THE NEWS.] COLUMBIA, February 22. In the Senate, Corbin introduced a bill rela? tive to the power of the Charleston City Council to impose punishment for violation of the city or? dinances, which was read a nrst time. The bill to Incorporate the South Carolina Bank ing Company was rejected-yeas, 10; nays, IL A bill to amend an act entitled "An act to or? ganize thc circuit courts;" a joint resolution to authorize the Committee of Investigation for the Third Congressional District to make a similar investigation for the Pourth Congressional Dis' trict, and a bill to incorporate thc Enterprise Railroad Company, of Charleston, were read a sccoud time and ordered to be engrossed. A resolution to hold two daily sessions was adopted. Thc Railroad Committee reported fav? orably on a bill to Incorporate the Carolina and Wilmington Railroad. The report of the Judiciary Committee on the new code was adopted, and a message was sent to the Moase, which insisted on its amendmeut, asking for a conference committee, which has been appointed by both Rouses. The Civil Rights bill was taken up, but without action, thc Senate adjourned. It wjll come up a? unfinished business at Ave o'clock this evening. In the nouse, the following bilt? were passed and sent to the Senate: To amsnd an act to pro? vide for thc assessment and taxation of property; to provide for an uniform system of assessment and taxation of property by municipal bodies; to amend an act to provide for thc government or the South Carolina penitentiary; to amend the charter or the Town of Abbeville; to amend the charter of the Town or Mount Pleasant; to provide for the construction and keeping in repair public highways and roads; to renew and amend the charter of the Town of Hamburg; to provide for the assessment of real property, In the year 1S70; to repeal an ordinance entitled "An ordinance to prevent the erec? tion or wooden buildings, and to provide greater security against fires," and also -Certain portions or the acts or the General Assembly referring to the erection or wooden bnildings In Hie City of Charleston; giving authority to the City Conned of Charleston to amend an ordinance en titled "An ordinance to aid In rebuilding the burnt districts and waste places in the City of Charleston;" a Senate bill to determine the time when the salaries of county school commissioners ?ball commence, and to lix thc time of the first meeting of the State board of education. The Land Commission bill, appropriating half -?Billion dollars lor the purchase of land3, was read a second time, and ordered to bc engrossed ?by a vote o', yeas 82, .nays 17. Financial Agent Ki in ?non is be e. WASHINGTON. ITBITTEMORE'S CHANCES-ms EX EULSION ALMOST CERTA?X. [SPECIAL TELEGRAM TO THE NEWS.] WASEINGTON, February 22. The investigation of the alleged Congression al corruption in thc cadctshlp cases ls actively going om Whittemorc did not make his ap pearance in his seat this morning. It is under stood that an effort will be made to morrow to save hin: ; but it is not believed that it will avail anything. He will probably bs expelled from the House to-morrow by an ~almo.-t unanimous vote. I j His last legislative act was to introduce a bill j i appropriating $50,000 for improving thc naviga? tion or Ked Uiver, Caddo Lake and Big Cypress Bayou, in Louisiana. [FROM THE ASSOCIATED PRESS.] WASHINGTON, February 22. Thc credentials of Farrow and Whitely, sen atora from Georgia, were presented. Drake said that both credentials were In utter disregard of law. The credentials were finally withdrawn, when, without runtier business, thc Senate ad Jourucd in honor or the day. in the House, Voorhees made a personal ex? planation, denying that he ever belonged to a secret society, or aided in resisting a draft during the war. A motion to adjourn in honor of the day was defeated. 7& The consideration of the Appropriation bill was resumed, after which the House adjourned. The Committee on Foreign Affairs discussed Cubans matters without result. The indications in executive session yesterday were that Judge Pearce will not be confirmed. The newly elected senators from Georgia visit? ed the President, who again disavowed any In? terference between them and Hill and Miller. THE WAR IN CUBA. E UR O PE. LONDON, February 22. A semi-monthly line of steamers has been established between Liverpool and Panama. The Bishop of Chichester is dead, aged S4. Disraeli's health ls Improving. Thc naval estimates are threo-qnarters of a mil? lion less tban last year. Fleetwood Lighthouse has been destroyed by a ship which dashed against it in u gale. It ls feared that Prince Hohenlohe will retire from public life. PARIS, February 22. The preliminary examination into thc recent riots have taken place, and one hundred and lifty only have been arraigned for trial. ROME, February 22. The discussion on infallibility wiU be opened th's wet lt WASHINGTON, February 22. The consul at Santiago dc Cuba, under date J of January 3d, writes to the Secretary of State j that political affairs in that consular district are ? In a most deplorable condition. The assassina? tion, at Bayamo, of citizens sent from that city j < by order of Count Valmaseda, was nothing more Ic than what ls dally perpetrated, It ls well known that Valmaseda ".spires to the position of Cap? tain-General of the Island, aud, In order to In? crease his popularity among the blood-crav lng Catalans who are operating In Ms be? nair, both in this island and hi Spain, gives imperative orders to make this a war of extermination, and we dally learn of peaceful citizens In the country assassinated by the mobi? lized Spanlsb.troops. These orders are probably carried to an extreme, from the fact that those commanding such troops are constantly supply? ing some Coban produce dealers of this city, and whose object is to sack the country and forward to their agents such portions of the crop as may fall into i heir hands. Thc planters are persecuted to such a degree as to be compelled to flee from their estates, when their crops arc immediately jpecured and appropriated to private purposes. Very little credit can oe placed upon the Spanish press. Being a government organ, lt maintains thatthe insurrection is :inislied ia this department, wdlchls Tar rrom the truth. The insurrection con? tinues In full Torce, and frequent encounters take place as is seen by tue frequent arrivals of wound? ed Spanish soldiers. The Cubans being better armed and disciplined than formerly, frequently take thc offensive and have had their numbers in? creased by desertion from the Spanish troops, who found it Impossible to endure the climate. It ls estimated that fifty per cent, of thc Spanish volunteers, from sickness, are put ftors.de combar -the hospitals are full to overflowing. It ls im? possible for any Corea Spain can send to crush the rebel force, owing to the climate and the topogra? phy ot the country, while both'contendlng parties destroy every vestige of agriculture. AUGUSTA FIREMEN'S JUBILEE. HOW THE CHARLESTON COMPANIES WERE RECEIVED. THE PROCESSION AND THE CONTEST. Tbe Results Only Partially Declared. &C, AC-, Ac. {SPECIAL TELEGRAM TO TUE XEWS.] AUGUSTA, February 22. At 10 o'clock this m?rning the visiting com? panies ^ 'th their escort formed on Greene street, marched to the City Hall without their apparatus, and received a welcome to Augusta from Mayor Allen. On returning they marched down Greene to Elbert, through that street to Broad, and down Broad to Mulberry, where they countermarched and passed back through liroad to Lafayette Hall, where the contest took place. Thc procession was a mile long. Thc following were the visiting companies: The Hook and Ladder Companies, of Charleston and Athens; the Mountain City aud a detachment of the Rainbow, from Rome; the Marier, Young America and detachments of thc Pheonix, Stone? wall, Palmetto, Washington, Vigilant, Hope and Hook and Ladder, No. 2, from Charleston; the Palmetto, from Columbia; thc Metropolitan, with the Washington Garnet Band, from Savannah; thc Tallulah and Atlanta, irom Atlanta. At 12 o'clock the contest between the hook and ladder companies took place. The trial of skill was a run of ?00 yards, then to put up a ladder, a man to ascend and descend, and replace thc lad? der on the truck. The different companies enter? ed into the competition with much spirit, but thc laurels were won by the Augusta company ou the following result : The Pioneer of Augusta, one minute thirty-five seconds. Pioneer of Athens, one minute forty seconds. No. 1 of Charleston, one minute and fifty-nine seconds. Tie hose reel contest was a run of three hun. dred yards, then to attach thc hose to plug and play twenty feet. S"he time made was as follows: Mechanic, of Augifsta, oue minute thirty seconds; Blannerhassct, of Augusta, one minute flfry-flre seconds; Vigilant, of Charleston, one minute fifty two seconds; the Citizen, or Augusta^ two min? utes and twenty second^. The Washington, of Charleston, and Mechanic?, of Augusta, will try again to-morrow. The hand engine contest was to play through fifty feet or hose with au Inch nozzle. The Rich? mond, or Augusta, played 164 feet 0 inches; the Tallulah, or Atlanta, played 158 reetl inch; thc Augusta 170 feeto inches; the Palmetto, or Colum? bia, 168 feet 6 iuches. The contest between the steamers was not de? cided. The Young America, of Charleston, and Fillmore and Cliuch, of Augusta, played. The last named WP.S the best, but the judges refused to announce the distaucc, ?ts several remalu to play to-morrow. i The prizes will be distributed to-morrow. There is a large crowd of visitors in the city, and all the Ure companies arc keeping open house. RECEPTION OF TUE CHARLESTON \ FIREMEN. From the Augusta papers, ol Tuesday, wo the following: The South Carolina Railroad train, at 5 P. M., brought to thc city the visiting Charleston ?ompaiiics-Hook and Ladder, No. 1, thc Marion, the Young^ America, and delegations rom the .Etna and Phoenix. Delegations from Pioneer Hook and Ladder and Fillmore met hem at Aiken and returned with Hiern to thc ?ity. Un their arrival at the depot of the South Carolina Railroad. Hook and Ladder, No. 1, ol' Charleston, were taken charge of by Pioneer Hook and Ladder Company, of Augusta, and L'scortod to Firemen's Hall, on Greene street, where the welcoming address was made by Mr. lohn S. Davidson, in a most, felicitous manner, liter which the guests paid a tribute to the ?legant collation which had been spread for their entertainment. The Marions and a detachment of Vigilant, af Charleston, were token in charge by Fill? more, No. 4. and conducted to their engine douse, where Captain P. L. Cohen welcomed them to Augusta, hoping they would have a pleasant and protitablc stay. A pleasant re? past was spread by the Fillmore, and Captain i Cohen's welcome "was warmly responded lo j hy Captain Barkley, of the Mariona, In a short , hut peculiarly happy address. Director Huger, J af the Vigilants, also made a few happy re? marks. The Marions brought with them one of the most beautiful pieces of handiwork we have lad (lie pleasure af witnessing, lt is a minut? aire pyramid, made of feathers exclusively, ind we particularly direct attention to it by :he lovers ol' the beautiful and th? admirers of ;enius. It was made by thc fair daughters of Charleston, we understand, and reflects great llsplay of taste on thc part ol those concerned. Fillmore expects to have %bout fifty men on ?arudc to-morrow. The detachment of Vlgi ant brought their reel, and intend to bc a ?o ipetitor for thc running prize. A delegation from tho Phoenix Fire Compa iy of Charleston, S. C., were received by the Georgia and carried to the engine house of thc utter; where a cold collation was spread for ho two visiting companies. The Young America, from Charleston, reach- } !(1 here yesterday afternoon on thc South Car- ? ilina Railroad, and were received by Citizen^ ce. ?, ll \\\Z ??pot and carried to llic'liousc oi bc latter. Here, too, was spread still another idilion of the cold collation. A delegation from thc Stonewall, of Charles- { on, also arrived yesterday altcrnoon. Its t nembers arc in good hands. ( Thc Palmetto, of Columbia, S. C., arrived ? it half-past 9 o'clock last night, and wem wei- ( :omed bv Mr. John L. Ells, lu behalf of Wash- ( ngtou, No. 1. who was responded to by Cap- \ ain W. R. Stanley. i TUE TEXAS SENATORS. AUSTIN, February 22. Morgan C. Hamilton and Governor Flannl- 11 'au have been electe ? to the Senate. SPARKS FROM THE WIRES. There have been heavy rains throughout thc state or California. The detectives or Louisville are arter a band or xmnterfelters in Pulaski, Wayne County, Ken lucky. The Missouri Legislature has amended thc laws io as to permit women to vote in school matters. The steamship City or Boston is twenty-nine lays out. The agents think she was rorccd to nakc a harbor in thc Azores. She had eighty lays' provision on board. . Mr. Seward has arrived In Baltimore. Ills health is excellent. Thc North Carolina Legislature has passed a bill repealing all railroad appropriation acts pass? ed at the last session, and Tor levying a special tax. The Virginia Legislature has adopted the re? port or Its Judiciary Committee, that further rati? fication of amendments was unnecessary. COURT MATTERS IN WILLIAMS? BURG. [PKOM OUK OWN COKRESrONnENT.] KiN?STREE, February 19. Court adjourned to-day, after a session ot two weeks, the llrst week and a part of Mon? day of this week being takenup with criminal business. A good many old cases, which have been on docket for a number of terms, wore struck otf and others tried, so that u consider? able impression was made upon the docket. Yesterday tho wbolc time ol' Hie court was taken up with the hearing of an old case which had been tried here bet?re, then had gone up to thc Court of Appeals, and a new trial having been granted, has now been heard before Judge Green. It was an action on thc case Tor damages brought by an owner of sheep against the owner or keeper of a dog. The Jury gave a verdict of thirty dollars to the plaintiff, bnt the costs have accumulated so as to amount to four or Ave hundred. Wise legislation is certainly very much needed in South Carolina, and the evils of our present judiciary system call loudly for a change. As the law provides that criminal business shall first bc disposed of, very often the whole time allotted to the sitting ot the court is taken np with that, crowding out civil business and leaving Important cases untried for many terms, and no means for parties to obtain relief. The Incubus of this petty criminal business should be lifted from the ?lr cuit Courts, and such cases as petty larceny, assault and battery, ?te, given to magistrates or trial justices, which would give an oppor? tunity for more important matters to be at? tended to ; er else wc should have two courts, one for civil and one for criminal business. ALPHA. TUE JOHN BROWN RAID. Its Origin and Secret History. [From the Detroit Tost, Febrnary 7.] Brown and live of his men arrived in Detroit with fourteen slaves from Missouri, In tim sum? mer of 1858. One of thc slaves gave birth to a male child on thc way. The boy was named John Brown, and now lives In Windsor. By a strange coincidence,Fred Douglass happened to bc lecturing In this city the same evening that Brown arrived. Alter thc lecture the leaders of thc insurrectionary movement got together in the house of Wm. Webb, on Congress street, near Antoine street, and arranged ibo plan for the raid on tho South, which broke out prema? turely ut Harper's Ferry. Mr. Webb was for years manager of thc plug tobacco factory on jefferson avenue, and was a highly respected man. Ho ls now dead. Thc leading colored people of Detroit and Chatham were also pres? ent at the meeting. Douglass objected to Brown's plan, which originally was to make raids on single plautatious until he had collect? ed a force ol'about 1000 slaves, and then swoop down on thc large towns and cities, collecting force and material ts he progressed. Brown grew wrathy, and asked Douglass if bc was a coward, and referred to his successes In Kansas as an augury of the Virginia campaign. Doug? lass replied that he was not a coward, and would give material aid to thc plan if he did not approve of lt, or did not go himself. George Dc Baptiste also disapproved of the plan, but pro? posed a gunpowder plot, by which some tineen of thc largest churches In the South would be blown up on a fixed Sunday. Brown objected to that plan on the score of humanity, assert? ing that by his plan not a hr.ndred lives would bc lost, his intention being not to shed blood unless it became absolutely necessary. Dc Baptiste still urged radical measures, declar? ing that Brown's plan would fail, and, perhaps, cause tte loss of a million of lives before Urn troubles likely lo ensue would be ended. He cited in support ol' his position thc fact that thc Nat Turner insurrection In 1S.H, by which fifty-three white lives were lost, bad had thc effect of causing the next Virginia Legislature to consider a bill for thc gradual emancipation ol the slaves, which bid was lost by only two votes. Ossawatomie's counsel finally prevailed, and the only /avor besides money and advice that he asked of his Detroit friends, was to furnish bim one map. which they did-a Chatliatnite. 'rhe news of the disturbance nt Harper's Ferry, which took Hie nation with so much surpris^, was perfectly well understood by the colored people of this city. They were anticipating Hie event, since one Foster had divulged in Washington Hie pinna ut Brown, who. lu con? sequence, was obltgnd either to abandon bis enterprise or precipitate matters, even If at fearful odds. He chose the latter alternative. Thc sequel Is sufiiciently well known. These fuels, however, have been kepi with sworn secrecy uni il lately by the colored men of De? troit. The particulnrs have never been pub ished. It may only bc necessary lo add that iiibsequent to thc in cc ting at Webb's house, on Congress street, a m coting was held in Chath ?1,1, al. TTIIIUK ti?i "oap ..!>..upi u-nJ ? ... Otu dan. Now that the negroes are equal politi? cally before the law, they have no lear in lel Ing their connection with Ibis affair be known. HOW TUE PIGTAILS EAT. Scenes In Chinese Restaurants in San Francisco. Thc San Francisco Bulletin says: The new Chinese restaurant, at the corner of Washington alley and Jackson street, is situated in thc second story, and is divided nto three large rooms, with small apartments n the rear. The parlor or front room is deco? rated with tinsel and gaudy Chinese inscrib? ions. In thc centre of the apartment our rc lortcr saw a large circular table ot rusty hue, ind closely resembling a mill-stone. In the niddle of this affair, where one would almost ?xpect to see an iron pivot, was a quart bowl- 1 ?ucb as may be seen in any New England titcben-heaped to a pleasing rotundity with ?orne mysterious Chinese compound, from ? Vilich arose a grateful aroma. The contents if this bowl formed a cross between hash and i soup, and seemed to bc composed of Usn. fowl : ind vegetables, moistened with gravy of thc :olor and consistency ol dish waler. Scaled ?round the table were nine well-dressed, re ipechobie looking Chinamen and seven fe- ? nales. Wc mention thc males tirsl, because , hat was the order in which they seated them? selves lo the repast. Thc women were dressed In the height of i Celestial fashion, wearing rich silk gowns, val labie gold bracelets, diamond rings and thc j laintiesftshoes imaginable The traditional j wnderous hair pin willi bead and ?phl deco- i .atlons, was worn by all Scarcely bau J'14-' ? ili'.vir received their burdens when the bowl- , he centre of attraction- was transformed iuto i miniature fishing pond. Each Chinaman icized Ids silver-hinged chop sticks and | nade a demonstration on the bowl, now pick- . ng up a choice morsel, and then losing it .brough thc dexterity ol';v mischievous fellow I m the opposite side, of thc table. In partak ug of Hie food, a Utile gallantly was DOUcea- j jle; tho first load on ihe chop-sticks was con? signed Io .he females, nnd they manage to , aKo care of lt. Two tea urns were placed on .lie table, and from time to time thc males 1111 .d ttoir little ellina cups, and drank them? selves or helped the women. An Intelligent ooking Chinaman gave n toasl lu English, 'My Father in China," and all drained their mps to that which cheers, but does not ine? briate. The second room ls Ihe kitchen and clerk's office, and here the wlilto-aproned walters may be seen preparing vegetables and meats for' cooking. The pluce will compare favora Dly'with American restaurants in this city us regards cleanliness, but the mixtures lying iruund aro fearful to behold, actually making one's flesh crawl. The dining room comes last, and presents nothing new or strange. Thc tables are scat? tered around, regardless of taste or conveni? ence, and the patrons ditto. When a person ?eats himself at a tuble, he gives lils order to a walter, who passes il along to n companion, and so the order travels about Hie establish? ment, and finally reaches the cooking depart? ment on thc firtt floor. For various reasons, the writer declined visiting the first named place. While viewing the promises, the writer was approached by a Chinaman, and asked bis busi? ness. Upon finding he was addressing a news? paper man, he extended him an Invitation to visil his restaurant, on thc opposite side of Hie street, above Dupont. He availed himself of the offer, and was amply repaid for his trouble by thc curious sights witnessed. Thc restau? rant alluded to now is three stories high, mid lilted up in a splendid style. The first floor is occupied by the cooks and clerk, the second is divided Into private rooms for tamily parties, and the third is the parlor. The latter room ls Ihe finest seen nmong Chinese habita? tions. It ls clcgnnUy decorated, furnish? ed wilh costly carved divans, and has sus? pended from the wall beautiful bronze and glass chandeliers. At the end of the apart? ment are spacious alcoves, and here Chinamen were taking their case in a lounging position, eating, drinking, smoking and sleeping, Just according to their tastes. Each acted as he pleased without interfering willi his neighbor. Now and then the orchestra, consisting of a dyspeptic looking fiddler, a wicked old hag, wlio beat, a tattoo on a copper arrangement shaped like a barnacle, und a female performer en a paddle violin, would discourse selections from Chinese operas ! but they saw the anguish depicted on the countenances of visitors, read their thoughts perhaps, and closed with a grand'" crash of sound." THE BLUE RIDGE RAILROAD. Report of Special Joint Committee ap? pointed under Concurrent Resolution o^thc General Assembly, to Investi? gate the Affairs of the Blue Ridge Railroad Company. COMMITTEE ROOMS, 1 COLUMBIA, S. C., February 21, 1870. J The Special Joint Committee, appointed under concurrent resolution of Hie General Assem? bly to investigate the affairs or thc Blue Ridge Railroad Company, beg leave to report: That they have discharge* the duty assigned them and submit herewith the accompanying statement. Your committee met at the ornee of the com? pany, in this city, Wednesday, February io, 1870. They were courtetusiy received by thc presi? dent, Generul J. W. Harrison, the chuff engineer, Colonel J. P. Low and by the members or the Ex? ecutive Committee, his Excell-mey Governor R. K. Scott, Hon. James L. Orr, Wm. Gurney, Esq., J. H. Jenks, Esq.. all of whom were present. The aommlttee, in the outset, desire to express their gratification for thc courtesy with which they were received, and the readiness and dis? position evinced by the officers ut the company and the members of thc Executive Committee to facilitate your committee lu the objector their visit, and meet the wishes or the General As? sembly. The "committee found the records of thc com-' pany direfully kept, embracing a minute detail of tue work, tts history, the reports of Hs former and present officers and engineers, also the pro ccedings of thc Hoard of Directors ana Executive Committee, together with all tho racts and Infor? mation relative to the contract with Crissvell A Co., and the causes which resulted in the rescind? ing of the contract. After c.ireiul examination or the records ot the proceedings of the several meetings of the Hoard of Directors and the Executive Committee, held at Charleston ami Columbia, your committee fully concurred lu thc opinion and requestor thc stock? holders and dlreciors, that the proceedings, in? cluding the annual reports of thc president and chief engineer, should not bc published until a tlnal adjustment of the contract with Crissvell A Co. was made. The committee also lind that an? other reason why Hie annual reports to the Gen? eral Assembly have been delayed, ls that the com? pany have had In the Held, ror tho Lisi two months, a corps of engineers running an experi? mental linc, which, it ls believed, will avoid all Hy tunnels In South Carolina, cross the Dine Ridge, or Stump House Mountain, with a tunnel of but three hundred feet In length, bc a saving of two miles In distance, a great saving of time and a large expenditure in construction. Owing to in? clement weather, the report of this corps of engi? neers has been delayed, thc company being de? sirous to Include a statement of this ucw survey In their proceedings. The committee, however, arc pleased to state thavall thc reports and pro? ceedings are now being prepared forv publication in pamphlet rorro, and, lt ls hoped, will bc ready to be laid before the General Assembly prior to its adjournment. THE FAHOVS CONTRACT. Yonr committee, however, directed their prin? cipal Inquiries Into thc facts and particulars con? nected with the award and rescinding of the con? tract with Crissvell & t?o. Alter hearing the ex? planations made by thc executive committee and oillcers of the road, y uti r committee were rally warranted in withdrawing rrom that contract, and effecting a compromise by which the compa? ny, at the pri?es fo??rlilch the work can now be let, save at least one million tour hundred-thous? and dollars, chiefly by the great decline in Hie price of gold, and thc prices at which labor can be obtained, and thc prices also at which Iron and other materials can now be purchased. As a rur thcr explanation ol' this great difference, thc in? tention of your committee was directed 10 thc price of gold tUyJuly last when thc contract with Crissvell A Co. was made, it then being at one hun? dred and thirty-six and the present price which ls ouc hundred und nineteen or twenty. This de? cline or Itseir, the officers and members of the executive committee claimed, effected a saving to Hie company or at least Hf teen per cent. Your coiumlitcc, with a view to bring to thc at? tention or thc General Assembly more fully and particularly all the facts and details connected with this matter, submit with this report some accompanying documents inclndlug a report of Hon. James Ii. orr, chairman of the Executive Committee. THE COST Of ?or WO EE. jrom inurA.Tuiiinrion made by yum ^-_ tee, it appears that Crissvell A Co., in their con? tract, undertook to complete (bc ctn ire ro.nl: 10 make lt ready for thc rolling stock, aud receive in payment, at thc prices named -in their contract, the hoads or thc company at par, aud ror reasons which are fully set rorth In the above report al? luded to. of the chairman of thc Executive com? mittee, Crissvell A Co. also undertook to advance, from their own means, within thc first eight months, to thc lime Hldge Railroad Company, one million of dollars. Your committee, after re? viewing all the circumstances connected with a consideration nf thc prices at which thc contract was awarded Crissvell A Co.. especially consider? ing the price of gold, thc cost or materials, price of labor, and the further fact that they were to bc paid in bonds at par. and which, at that time, it ls known, could not have been sold for more than eighty-live cents on thc dollar, reel compelled to say, that thc prices, in their Judgment, were at leant not extravagant. It was, however, shown to your committee that the company were not dlspc-sed to expend tour millions or bonds on the work, without providing securities of a similar character for thc whole cost or thc road, and at that time lt was proposed to ask thc General As? sembly Tor an additional guarantee to that amount. This made lt necessary ror the company to keep within Its control the issue of the four millions of bonds, until such time as some action could bc taken by the General Assembly. The failure of Crissvell A Co. to expend a large amount upon thc work was a severe disappoint? ment to the company. The intended application to thc General Assem? bly was rendered premature and Injudicious, un? less thc company were able to show a large iimount of work done, and a certainty that these contracts would complete thc entire'road In the space of two years. From all the Tacts and evidence before them, your committee are sailsllcd that the Executive l'ommlitcc, in making the contract with Criss? vell A Co., acted with thc usual circumspection md good Judgment, bot could nut guard against the rapidly occurring contingencies of fluctua? tions in the tnoncy market, thc many difficulties lu the negotiations of bonds, and the unexpected Md continued low prices of State securities in ilg great money markets. A TUEMEN?OUS SAVING. The great advantage which the company will reap by thc rescinding Hie contract with Crlss irell A Co. ls shown in the negotiations now ma klau with Mr. Steers for a portion or the work irom Walhalla to the North Carolina line, a dis? tance of about thirty-five miles, Including thc earthwork-?, tunnelling and masonry at prices far below those stipulated for In tlte Crissvell contract. Even on that portion or the work the saving will be nearly two hundred thousand dol? lars; mid, taking that as a basis, the chief engi? neer expresses the opinion that, at thc same rates, the saving on the whole line, at the present rates of gold, would be one million four hundred 1 thousand dollars; and should gold decline to a par with currency, the saving thea would be fif? teen per cent. more. in this connection your committee would state that Mr. Steers comes highly recommended as an old and experienced railroad contractor by some o? the wealthiest capitalists and directors or Northern railroads, with which Mr. Steers waa connected as contractor. Accompanying this report, thc committee sub? mit a statement of bonds Issued under act of the General Assembly, September, 1808. THE WOKE OP TUE PRESIDENT. Your committee, after a patient and laborious examination of all thc records or thc company, do not hesitate to express their high appreciation iff the zeal and management of this great work by thc president, General J. W. Harrison, and thc de? votion he has exhibited in lils unwearied efforts to push it forward to completion. They also take pleasure In testifyingU the energy and abilities of the chief engineer. Colonel J. V. Lowe, as mani? fested by the elaborate reports In detail of the workings or his department. Thc committee feel assured that the officers or the company anti tho board or directors have displayed a commendable zeal in thc prosecution of the work, and they can? not but express thc hope that they will receive thal encouragement from the General Assembly which will inspiro them with renewed energy and confidence in pushing forward to completion a work which must be of so much permanent ad? vantage to thc State at large, and which it has been the highest wishes and ambition or some of its wisest men and statesmen to complete. The committee ask to be discharged. II. E. KAYNE, Chairman. D. BIRMAN. W. B. NASH. Report of Ex-Governor Orr. COLUMBIA, S. C., December lseo. At a meeting of the board of directors, lt was resolved that the Executive Committee Bhould consist of five members, three ta be elected, the Governor of the State and the president or the company to be ex-o?cio members, and at the same time Judge James L. Orr, Mr. Jos. H. Jenks and General William Gurney were unanimously elected. At a meeting or the Executive Committee, hold at Columbia, December 3. i860-present: Judge James L. Orr, Mr. Joseph II. Jeuks and General W. Gurney-thc following resolution: "Resolved, That, In view of the unexpected difficulties which have arisen to embarrass the prosecution of the Blue Ridge Railroad under the contract with ?rlssvell A Co., the ExecuUve Committee be In? structed to confer with the contractors in refer? ence to rescinding the contract on terms ju9t and equitable to both parties"- together with tr, solutions of thc board of directors and stockt ers at the annual meeting in Charleston, w was rererred to this committee, and, being ui consideration, Judge Orr moved the followlnj port, which was adopted, and ordered to be mltted to the board or directors: REPORT. The Executive Committee, to whom was refe the following resolution, to wit: "Resolved, 1 in view of the unexpected difficulties which 1 arisen to embarrass the prosecution of thc J Ridge Railroad under thc contract with Cris: k Co., the Executive Commut?e be lnstrncte confer with the contractors In reference tc 8cinding the contract on terms just and equlti to both parties"-respectfully report: Un the Oth day of August, 1869, a contract made with the Blue Ridge Railroad Companj Messrs. crlssvell A Co. to construct thc road price, which, according to ttte estimation or engineer of the same, was not to exceed the i of eight millions seven hundred thousands lars, ($8,700,000 ) When that contract was ra gold was worth 138. On their part the contractors agreed to plac thc credit of thc company, on the Brat da] September, 1869, three hundred thousand doll to be used In liquidating thc bonds, coupons, floating debt of thc company. Before that tl they notifled thc president that he could di against that sum. The said parties also entered into contract v, Mr. Thomas Steers to do thc work,.butav small portion of thc work had been performed thc sequel wilt show when the contract was nulled. WUAT TnE CONTRACTORS Din NOT PO. Tlie'contractors undertook to execute wit eight months from the date of their agreem not less than seven hundred thousand doll worth of work, which amount they agreed to vancc.taklng only as collateral an equivalent s in thc bonds of thc company, with the um standing that said bonds were not to bc dispo of without the consent of the company, ui tilter the meeting of thc Legislature. Tue gp Inducement tu make such a contract was the f the engineer having reported that thc cost of c strtictton would be betweeu eight and nine n lions or dollars; that an absolute sale of any p tion or thc bonds uecessary to curry on the wo until the meeting or the Legislature, would hi prevented that oody from authorizing, by amended act, thc issne of a suftlcieut numbei the same class of bonds, to wit: First mortgt bonds to complete the undertaking. Tuc co nany were fully convinced that if the road was bc finished, lt could only be done by State a through guaranteed bonds, and that a dispi Hon, absolutely, of any of thc four millions wot huve compelled the Legislature, In granting ad ! MD ai assistance, to issac a second cluss'of mo gage bonds, which would have materially detet rated In value and unnecessarily Injured the : te res i s of the road and or the State. Hence, I object of thc agreement with Messrs. Crlssveli Co. was to compel au advance by them of sev hundred thousand dollars for work done, In ad tion to the three hundred thousand dollars Iii alluded to, and thus save to thc Blue Ridge Kt road Company all of the original bonds, to t end that when the Legislature took further I Hon in thc matter, the additional Issue of bon requisite to complete thc road might be of tl same class. THE CONTRACT TO BE CANCELLED. Up to the 4th of December, the sub contract under Messrs. Criss veri A Co., notwlthstandli their agreement, bad done hut little of the wot Thc directors of the company met in Cliarlesti on thc loth, and the stockholders on the 30th November, and declared thc oou tract of Crissv A Co. Invalid, because of the failure to perfor its stipulations; but nt the same time, In the ree lutlons which were adopted, they authorized tl Executive Committee "io give to the contracto an opportunity or withdrawing from said co tract ir they preferred to do so. and also to mal such iiidemiiillcation for a ay outlay to which tl stud contractors may have been subject, whit may be agreed upon by the two parties, at which, in ilia event of disagreement, may I deemed to be just, by disinterested persons s lected by both parties." Subsequently, the Executive Committee met I Columbia, ?ind th? contractors made claim ft very large indemnification for outlays and e: penses already Incurred, as well as for proll which they claimed would h nj? been realized t them, hail thc contract been mlttlled. On an c: animation of the contract, lt was found' that tl company had a right, lu case of "nnreasonab neglect or failure to perform the contract, t serve a written noty^upon thc said parties, se ting forth the grouims of their apprehension, an specifying the manner, together with a reasoi able lime in which said panics might cause sue grutintlb- to be removed, and If at the expiratle not removed,.men rail power und authority wn vested with thc chic! engineer to place such fore of men ou said work, os would, In his judgmcu secure u completion or said work in the manne and time specillcd by the contract, deducting th expense so Incurred injin thc estimate or th amount due, and payable to said panics of Hu first part." Under this class of contracts, Crlssvell A Cc having railed to du the amount of work required it would have been competent for the chief en gitieer lo huve let the work to other parties ; bu it was lound. In consequence of thc very grea depreciation in thc price or goltl at that time as compared with the price or gold when the con tract was made, that new contracts could b entered Into at so much lower rat tu as wouli have saved the company more than a million u dollars ; yet, while the engineer had the right under thc contract, with Crlssvell A Co., to cm ploy labor, he would have been compelled by Iii terms to pay them thc full amount therein stlpu lated : hence, Messrs. Crlssvell A Co., having Hu advantage, under the contract, first, by rcosoi of their advance of three hundred thousand dol lars, (although thc company have not deemed I prudent to usc the same,) and secondly, by reason of the depreciation ir. thc price of gobi, have claimed large damages should thc contrae with them bc annulled. WHY PAYMENT WAS MADS. The Executive Committee, considering the ad vantages which would accrue from annulling thu contract and making another that would save more than a million of dollars for thc cause al? ready stated, the Attorney-General of thc State and thc solicitor of Crlssvell A Co. were Invited to appear before the board of directors, and both these gentlemen presented their views. Thc principal point of the controversy discussed was whether Messrs. Cris-tvell A Co. had forfeited their contract by failure to commence the work within thc period and In thc manner stipulated. On both sides the arguments were able and learned; and, wIHiout undertaking to decide which view was correct, legally, the Executive Committee are satisfied that there is suillcient material in the case Tor a long, tedious and doubtful lawsuit, which will necessarily result lit thc suspension of the work on tue road. They, therefore, advise to avoid litigation un? compromising willi thc contractors, which they rccoinmcud shall be done by paying to Messrs. Crlssvell A Co, severn.,-live thousand dollars to release their contract, and thirty-seven hundred dellars, being one-half i tit crest upon the sum de? posited to thc credit of Hie president. This recommendation of the Executive Com? mittee ls confirmed by the fact that thc company wos-not lu a condition to deposit thc bonds, and thus comply with their part of the contract. THE POUR MILLION 0 UAR ANTE E. As above stated, none of the bonds authorized to bc Issued by thc Legislature have been dispos? ed of. A small amount bas been deposited tu the office of thu South Carolina Loan and Trust Com? pany, Charleston, as collaterals, to raise money necessary for the purposes of the company; but they have been used in such a way as not to pre? vent the Legislature from putting auy additional Issue of bonds which lt may authorize in aid or thc road upon precisely the same rooting with the original bonds, and thus create a flrst-class se? curity. ? The Executive Committee hope and believe that the General Assembly will authorize an appropria? tion or additional guaranteed bonds to complete the construction or thc road, so Important to the commercial, agricultural and material weirare or thc State. lu all or these recommendations they have kept in view, first, the interests or the road* (its capital being owned chiefly by the State and by the City of Charleston,) anti secondly, the Interests of the pconle; and they feel assured that results will demonstrate the wisdom or the policy suggested. (Signed) JAMES L. ORR, Chairman. Statement of Rond)! Inned uniter Act of September, 1868. Tho hoard or directors in April last, after much consideration and Inquiry of "capitalists, deter mined to make the bonds authorized to be issued by the act of September, ISi?s, payable lu gold, principal and Interest, being convinced that the increased price such bonds would command In foreign markets would more thau compensate for any small excess of interest to be paid ror the few years until United States currency should be at par with gold. A text of a gold bond was thereupon carefully prepared and placed In the hands of the Ameri? can Banknote Company in New York for engrav? ing, but owing to many causes this work w?is de? layed, and the first bonds were ouly received In September last. Six hundred bonds of $1000 each, seven per cent, interest, have been signed by thc president and secretary of the company, and the usual form of guarantee of the State of South Carolina endorsed thereon by the Comptroller-General. It ls due to that officer to state that he made thc point, whether the company was authorized by law to issue gold bonds, and as a prudent pre? caution, referred the question to the attorney general, who rurnlshed n written opinion sup? porting the action or the company. Thc company have not, as yet, disposed of or sold any of these bonds-thc low price of State securities, until very recently, rendering a sale injudicious. Thc bonds are now In the vaults of the State Treasury Department, In thl3 city, for safekeep? ing. Respectfully, J. W. HARRISON, President. XE1T8 AXD GOSSIP BT MAIL. Thc Radical Conspiracy to Revolution? ize the Form of Government-Com? mencement of thc Attack on the North? ern States-Senator Morton's Bill to Enforce the Fifteenth Amcncmcnt Its Effect on the States-Conservative Republicans Protesting and Yielding. The watchful Washington correspondent of the Baltimore Gazette writes: The revolution which lias been steadily "progressing" for the past nine years must very shortly reach a decisive point. The de? bate on the Mississippi bill has developed officially thc next move of the extreme wing of the Radical faction. Your readers have long since become convinced that, after dis? posing of the Southern States, the next step would bc to "conquer" the Northern and Western, and the public has been fully posted as to the subterfuge which would be Invoked to rob the States ot all Important local legislation. Mr. Howard, the other day. for? mally announced the programme. The clause In the constitution "requiring tho General Government to guarantee to every State a re? publican form of government," is Insisted upon as conferring the power upon Congress "to In? terpret its meaning, and to be the solo judge of what constitutes republican government." One would naturally have supposed that this monstrous doctrine could not have been made more abominable-but it was reserved for Mr. Morton, of Indiana, to add that "republican? ism." as construed by Congress, need not nec? essarily be tho same in thc different States, that is to say, that what Congress might deem a Republican State Government in Massachu? setts, lt had the power to say was not a Repub? lican State Government In Maryland. In a word, that though your State Constitution and that of tho hot Ded of Yankee contrivances, were precisely alike, the ono might, and tho other might not, be "republican in form." I have esteemed it a duty thus early to warn your readers of what is already decided upon as to Maryland, In order that, being forewarn? ed, they may be forearmed. You will be re? quired to place your public school system upon the footing of Lhat in this district. YOILWIII not be permitted, In the meantime, to .adopt an educational qualification like that orMassa clutsctts-the two States, it Is contended, stand in very different relations to the almighty negro. In the land of wooden nutmegs, there are but few (no negro of any self-respect would live thece) to be affected by such a disqualifica? tion, while In Maryland the race, destitute of | the rudiments of education, are numerous enough to promise Radical triumphs. Nor will you be allowed to demand that the non-pay? ment of even a poll-tax, levied alike upon black and white, shall operate as a disqualification on the part of thc delinquen^. All such taxes will be required to bo "collected" prellmln Bitty, under penalties upon State officers, and thc "refusal of judges" el elections to receive votes offered by such as do not pay the general tax will bc punished by lines and imprisonment. The bill introduced "by Mr. Morton "to cn* I force the Fifteenth amendment" ls but a com? mencement of legislation looking to the humil? iation ol Maryland, Kentucky and Delaware. It provides that nil citizens of the United States, without distinction of race, color or previous condition ol'servitude, who are other? wise qualified by law to vote, shall be entitled to vote at all elections lor president md mem? bers of Congress, and at all State, county, ( township and municipal elections held under the authority of thc United States, or of any State. In cases where the assessment or pay? ment of any tax ls a qualification of an elector, thc refusal or wilful neglect to assess or collect such tax, ls made punishable by a fine not less than live hundred dollars, and Imprisonment for one month, and forfeiture of five hundred dollars additional for each offence. Judges of election, who shall refuse to receive the votes of such persons, are tobepuuished to the same extent. Thc Circuit and District Courts of thc fftt?t^Siates are given Jurisdiction over all I itnowit miirutVir tm>ugtnc<tnW<<Mu. .. .? still hoped, by mauy of our friends in Con? gress, that thc extraordinary steps threatened, if persisted in, must finally produce serious divisions among Radical senators and mem? bers. I have indulged these hopes, and ex? pressed them several times lately. But what is lo be expected from men who merely make a show of opposition to existing oppression and profligacy, for the purpose of enhancing their price ? Look at Dawes ! He has been "gratified." Mr. Carpenter made a brave speech against the doctrine of Howard and Morton. He stigmatized it as "enough to make Webster turn in his crave; that lt was a falla? cy whose danger could not be over-estimated." Yet observe how the wary politician provides, in advance, for a safe retreat. He remarked ("In conclusion") that "he regretted to differ with his Republican colleagues, and while he would go reluctantly where the party strength carried him, he would implore his Republican colleagues not to Insist upon conditions which would never stand thc test of thc constitu? tion." To render the above remarks more Intelligi? ble, 1 shall take the liberty of quoting a short paragraph from thc speech ol' Mr. Morton on Monday last, In response to thc eloquent "ap? peal" of Mr. Carpenter : "Mr. Morton believed that thc party stood squarely upon thc doctrine that the power to build up Implied the power to preserve. He denied the assumption upon which arguments on the subject were generally based, that in securing a republican form of government In th? States it was essential that the means should be uniform In every case. Congress was to bc thc Judge, not only of the means, but of their method of application. In a State where the people could not read or write, what better guarantee of a republican government than thc general education of the people f Significant enough ! A GUE AT JOVBXALIST. Intcrestiug Reminiscences of thc Late Henry J. Raymond. Mr. Raymond's tact was one of his most notable qualities. Better than the majority of men, he possessed the power ol' keeping his temper under control. He was never betray? ed by anger into discourtesy. In the hours ol business, in thc office of the Times, thc sole indication ot a disturbance or his mental equi? librium was his occasional rapid transit through thc outer editorial room to his private office, with an emphatic clink of lils boot-heel upon thc floor, but utter silence of thc tongue. Curiosity was at ouce awakened, and, within tile hour, some derelict person who had made a blunder or disregarded an order was seen emerging, disconititted, from the presence to which he lind been summoned-for Raymond was always a strict disciplinarian, and in this fact, coupled with his own intimate knowledge of thc proper quality of newspaper work, lay part of thc secret of his power. He was not an ?"norant pretender, destitute of practical acquaintance with the requirements of edito torial labor, but a man who had himself done all that he required others to do-and he was respected accordingly. . ._, In all the departments of journalism he had become a model workman. Energetic as a re? porter, assiduous as a correspondent, diligent as a compiler, impartial os a critic, fluent as a writer, and Judicious as a manager, he had sained an enviable reputation in the rank of the newspaper men of New York many years before his elevation to the highest place In journalism. When he became an employer he extended a hand ot manly welcome to tre employed; regarding them, in the light of his own experience, as men to whom gentle con? sideration was due oftener than it was usually given. He was rarely mistaken in lils selection of assistants: still more rarely did he fall to attach tlicm to him? self by ties of personal regard; and often these ties became strengthened in a bond of | positive affection. He required honest work In the hours o? work: but the labor was not In? adequately rewarded, and in moments of lei? sure thc pleasant courtesies ol society were ireely Interchanged. In carrying out his Idea of conciliation and good fellowship to Its natu? ral conclusion, he fell Into the pleasant habit ol extending to his assistants tho hospitalities of his home. On "reception nights," or at social family dinners, the men ol the Times often met together as fellow-guests, free from the cares of toil, and, by Interchanging the civilities of life, came to know each other and to feel a kindly Interest, each for the welfare of thc other, which would never have been ex? cited in the hurry of purely profession routine. Afarerlcfc's Life of ?aymo'na. j TUE DRAMA. -Maggie Mitchell is ia Washington, and Lotta ls in New Orleans. -Edwin Booth's readings of "Manfred" drew small audiences In New York. -The author of the "Black Crook," three years ago a penniless Bohemian, ls building an elegant villa near Port Chester, N. Y. -Five French managers will take their opera companies to London for the months of May and June. -American Brunettes are advertised at a New York theatre as a counter-attraction to the British Blondes. -Lydia Thompson and ber troupe are at Chicago, Ul., giving the people of that flourish? ing city a touch of a Sinbad and a sight at fat calves. Lydia hos cleared $70,000 since she left New York last August -A New York correspondent, speaking of the late performance of "Ours" at Wallack's Theatre, says that when Mr. John Gil bert found that he must head the troops on horseback, as they marched across the stage, he demurred very strongly at the introduction of this hit of realism, not, however, from an artist's- point of view, but because he was afraid of the horse. He bad not mounted one since he was a boy, and not even the representation that lt would be a circus horse, accustomed to noise and lights, could reconcile him to it. A full dress rehearsal was at length ordered,all the attaches of the theatre were sent In front, and bid make as much noise os possible when the Bucephalus appeared, with some one else on its back, per? sonating the colonel. It was done, the well drilled animal went as tamely as any plough horse, and Mr. Gilbert was reconciled. -Mr. William Winter, in the New York Tri? bune, gives the following little sketch of tho new spectacle play, "The Twelve Tempta? tions," now running at Fisk's Opera House. Alter mentioning the names of thc authors, h? says: "They are theronghly experienced In theatrical business, and they have plucked their dramatic roses from every available bank. The hero of this drama ls a peasant, who wants ' to be a knight, and who, In the accomplish? ment ot his ambition, sacrifices all chance of being an angel. The period is that of the Cru? sades. The animating spirit ls the devil-to whom the hero promises to forfeit five years of Hf? for every wish accomplished through this Infernal ageicy. At the time this bargain LB struck, the hero ls twenty years of age. Tho natural term of his life is understood to be eighty years. A lapse of sixty years must be forced, therefore, In order that Satan can selze his prey. The action of the drama may easily be divined. He is twelve times tempted to express a wish, and twelve times his wish lg gratlflcd; and then the fiend cries 'Ha, ha !' and takes_ him away to everlasting August." The scenery, costumes and legs of "The Twelve Temptations" arc described by this critic as f superior to anything that New York has pre? viously seen. Drngs, Chemicals, SI'c. 3WSS c. PANK APOTHECARY AND CHEMIST, The advertiser begs to cad attention to his stock of the best imported and domestic CHEMICALS, DRUGS AND PATENT MED? ICINES. Upon the DISPENSING DEPARTMENT of hi? business he bestows the utmost personal care and' attention, and guarantees the parity of the medi? cines used In compounding. PRESCRIPTIONS Prepared carefully at all hours of the day sad nJgat. Special Agency.for the sale or SUROICAL INSTRUMENTS, . Manufactured by MesBsrs. GEORGE TIEMANN k CO.? OF NEW TORE. BIS STOCK 07 HAIR, TOOTH AND NAIL BRUSHES, PERFU? MERIES, AC, ls large and well selected. AOEH0T FOB THE SALE OF THE CB I-EE RTE D ROCKBRIDGE ALUM SPRING WATER, A supply of which is always on hand. Manufacturer of FANKNIN'S HEPATIC BITTER ?, Which have established for themselves a r?puta? tion surpassed by none. Through constant effort and attention he hopes to merit a continuance of the public patronage which has hitherto been extended te bim. febie_ JJISON'S TOBACCO ANTIDOTE IS WARRASTED TO REMOVE ALL DESIRE FOR TOBAC OK) ? RISON'S TOBACCO ANTIDOTE ts for sale by DR. H. BAER. G. W. A1MAR. G. J. LCHN. DR. E. H. KELLERS. DE. W. A. SKRINE. E. S. BURNHAM. BOT24 wfmsmoi