Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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VOLUME IX.-NUMBER 1360. CHARLESTON, MONDAY MORNING, MAY 2, 1870. SIX DOLLARS A YEAR. UNION AND REFORM. A G OOH HAT' 8 WO BK. WHAT THE COLUMBIA CONTENTION HAS ACCOMPLISHED. "THE UNION REFORM PART If." A MANLY AND LIBERAL PLATFORM. OUR CANDIDATES. For Governor, Hon. R. B. Carpenter, of Charleston. - For Lieutenant-Governor, General M. C. Butler, ot Edgcfitld STIRRING SPEECHES FROM WHITE AND COL? ORED DELEGATES. HARMONY, ENTHUSIASM AND CONFIDENCE. [EV TELEGRAPH TO THE NEWS.] COLUMBIA, June 16-3 P. M. The Convention reassembled at the court? house this morning at 10 o'clock. The following platform, prepared by the com? mittee, was submitted by its chairman, General Butler: Platform. This Convention, representing citizens of South Carolina Irrespective of party, assem? bled to organize the good people of the State in an effort to reform the present incompetent, extravagant, prejudiced and corrupt adminis? tration of the State Government, and to estab? lish Instead thereof just and equal laws, order and harmony, economy in public expenditures, a strict accoun tabill ty ol office-holders, and the election to office only of men of known hones? ty and integrity, doth declare and announce the following principles upon which men of all 'parties may unite for the purposes aforesaid: yFirst. The Fifteenth amendment of the Con? stitution of the United States having been by the proper author it les proclaimed ratified by the requisite number of States, and having been received and acquiesced in as law in all the States of the Union, ought lo be fairly ad? ministered and faithfully obeyed as fundamen? tal law. Second. The vast changes in our system of government, wrought by the International war between the two sections ol the States, and following in its train, are so far Incorporated into the constitu? lons and laws of the States, and of the United States, as to require that they be regarded as accomplished facts, hav lng the force and obligation of law. . Third. This solemn and complete recogni? tion of the existing laws brings the people of South Carolina into entire harmony upon all questions of civil and political right, and should unite all honest men in an earnest and deter? mined effort to establish a just, equal and faith? ful administration of the government, in the Interest of no class or clique, but for the bene? fit of a united people. The committee also recommended the adop? tion of the following resolution: Resolved, That this organization be known as the "Union Beform Party Convention." After some preliminary business had been disposed of, the platform reported by the com? mittee was taken up for consideration. Mr. EUlson Kei?t first took the floor. He serried the Platform an abortion. It did not go far enough. He boldly declared that President Lincoln had been made the in? strument of God to set free the slaves, whose tears and groans reached up to Els throne. North and South were alike cul? pable, and both were punished by the war. But Lincoln, like Moses, was not allowed to see the freedom of the people which he had wrought He appealed to the Convention to be faithful to the end, and to banish class and race prejudice. General Kershaw followed, explaining the many difficulties of the situation, and showing the strength of the platform as a recognition of the law and fa^ts which both whites and blacks might accept. In conclusion, he said that he considered the whole movement blown to the windsjf the Convention dissolved with? out making a nomination. He had no fears for the honor of South Carolina. It would not be tarnished nod could not be degraded. The day would soon come when all the colored people would rally around the whites. * General Kershaw was vociferously cheered throughout. Mr. Keitt explained that he wanted to make the platform progressive, and to go beyond the balpe facts. General Butler followed. He said that the whites had hitherto been in fault, and had not put themselves, until this occasion, in a posi? tion to be sustained by the colored people. The people of the State now propose to take care of themselves, without regard to the Democratic party, or any other party. This was called the "June Bug Convention;'1 but there were other bugs-meaning tumble bugs more offensive. They call ILS "palpitators," and give us four columns of abuse daily. He might be asked, why not Join the Union League ? He would answer, that the League makes men slaves, and binds them to vote for a donkey if that animal should be nominated. The object of the Reform movement is to make men free to vote as they please. The Edge field colored delegates had been threatened and abused. They were told that they would be mobbed and starved. What must be thought of such expedients ? A State Execu? tive had been elected by colored votes. What was their reward? In Edg'efield, of twenty Office-holdere, nineteen are white, and the one colored had been removed. The dirty work, at sixteen dollars a month, is given to tie "nigger," but the three-dollars-a-day jobs are given to white men from Ohio. But we of tl?s Convention, when we recognize the rig of colored men to office, mean to give the a substantial share of the emoluments, ai mean to stand up to it. The speaker made vigorous appeal lor a nomination, and for I form. He bitterly denounced the murder Randolph, and showed that the blood of t murdered man was upon the head of the E ecutive. No Judicial Investigation was ha It was far more convenient to say that "tl Ku-Klux did it" He exposed the rascalities the land commission, whose ostensible pr pose he approves. The speech was a splend aHd most effective one, brimming over wi heart and tact Mr. Jonas 3ird, (colored.) of Charlesto next made a capital speech. He believed th the whites were In earnest. A South Caroll ian woul1 rather cut off his arm than break h word. He had unlimited confidence in tl preceding speakers; he had no animosi against the other side. He showed up the poll leal adventurers and the Land Ring. He was Republican, but no good Republican will woi with men who shake hands with one band at put the other In your pocket. He appealed 1 the Almighty In support of the truth of tl statement that the North was more prejudice against colored men than the South was. B denounced the Phosphate Monopoly bill. Te thousand dollars had been paid at first, bi that was not enough, and the party in po wc got fifty thousand more, and then passed th bill. In conclusion, he exhorted the colore men to spread the flame of Reform througboi the land, and invoked the blessing of Heave: on the movement. There was tremendoo cheering all through. It was a grand speed Colonel Thomas, a white South Carolinian expressed his unqualified approval of the sen timents of Mr. Bird, which would do honor ti any man from any clime. He said he had no at first favored thc racv nient, hut he had nov receded from his position, and declared bli unequivocal support of lt. He gave the thanki of the State to thCj men who had inauguratet the movement, in supporting whose platforn he renounced no principle. He pledged him self to prove the truth of the noble eulogies ol the sincerity of white South Carolinians, made by Mr.-Bird. He believed that we would b? victorious, and made a vigorous appeal for t nomination. Cyrus Fenwick, colored delegate fron Charleston, was glad to see that the day of re? demption had at last dawned. He said he ap? proved of the declaration of principles, but the upper counties had opposed the movement, and Anderson wotdd vote against a nomina? tion. He would not go further than an en? dorsement of the platform upon which he had stood since Grant's election. Anderson would vote No. General Butler said that he could not be? lieve that these were sentiments of Anderson or the upper counties. Their colored people would come in when the platform of equal rights was put before them. General Kennedy and Colonel Thomas ex? plained that the platform, and not a nomina? tion, was before the Convention. On motion of Mr. C. P. Pelham, the question was then taken on the platform as a whole, excluding the resolution as to the name of the party. The platform toas adopted unanimously. The resolution naming the party was then taken up and adopted, with only three votes in the negative. The question of appointing a committee to consider the question of a nomination, evoked some discussion. A colored delegate from Fairfield preferred walting, but would work for the nomination if one should be made. M. E. Caldwell, (colored,) of Orangeburg, said that he was a Republican, but came be? cause all honest men were invited. He show? ed up the bumptious airs of the office-holders, and declared that he knew one member of the Legislature who sold his vote on the Phos? phate bill for two boxes ol' cigars at ten dol? lars a box. He said he was lor right and jus? tice, but was a thorough Republican. He was heartily in favor of a nomination. A committee on the nomination was then ordered lo be appointed, and the Convention took a recess untU 5 P. M. Evening Session. COLUMPIA, June 1G-8 P. M. Upon the reassembling ot' the Convention alter the recess, General Kennedy; from the Committee on Nominations, presented a report recommending that the Convention should at once proceed to make nominations. It is un? derstood that the report received the concur? rence of every member of the committee with one exception. The Convention adopted Hie report, only one vote being cast In the nega? tive. On motion of General Kershaw, the Con? vention then determined to make a nomina? tion for Governor. Mr. Seibels, of Richland, nominated the Hon. R. B. Carpenter, of Charleston. [Loud and prolonged cheering.] Mr. McLure, of Chester, nominated the Hon. George S. Bryan, of Charleston. Colonel Thomas Y. Simons then took the floor in support of the nomination of Judge Carpenter as the best and only man available for Hie contest. He sketched his career in Charleston, and said that the only regret ol' the bar would be that if he were nominated they should lose his services as judge. Car? penter, he said, was a (ried Republican: and yet he had held the scales of justice so evenly as to commend himself to the people. He had heard mmors against him, but had traced them all to the camp of the enemy. The secret of these rumors was that our opponents knew his strength, and wanted to p event his?nomi nation. The Judge ls one of the best stump speakers'in thc country, and is ready to sink or swim, live or die, In the cause to-day inaug? urated. I predict that ii he be nominated, Governor Scott will not dare to meet him be? fore the people on the hustings.. [Tremendous cheers.] He believed that with u man who would stump the State, and whose heart was in the contest, we could and would w.n. the light. In conclusion be stated that Judge Carpenter had told him, in reply to a question, that if nomi? nated by the Reiorm Convention, he would feel it his duty to his fellow-citizens to accept the nomination, and that he would make the contest with his coat off-his sufficient reward, whatever the result might be, being in the consciousness that he had done something to serve the true interests of his adopted State. [Applause.] The Vote."' The Convention then proceeded to a vote, the result ol which was the nomination of Judge Carpenter by a very large majority, the vote being as follows: For Judge Bryan 4; for Judge Carpenter 81. Anderson subsequently withdrew her vote for Judge Bryan and declined to vote. The vote In detail, by counties, was as fol? lows : FOR R. B. CARPENTER. Barnwell. C Charleston.17J Chester.1? Colleton. 5 Chesterfield.2 Darlington. 4 Edgefleld. 7 Fairfield.;. U Horry. 2 Kershaw. 3 lancaster.2 Laurens.4 Lexington....14 Marlon. 4 Newberry. 3 Orangeburg-.,.5 Plckens. 1 Richland. 4 Spartanburg. 4 Union. 3 Total.;.81 FOR O. S. BRYAJi. Charleston. 1 Chester. li Fairfield. 1* Lexington. 2 Total. 4 Mr. W. A. Courtenay then nominated Gene? ral M. C. Butler, of Edgefleld, for Lieutenant Go vernor. Mr. Jonas Bird nominated Secretary of State Cardozo. Mr. A: Harper nominated W. E. Marshall, colored. Jonas Bird, colored, of Charleston, was also nominated. Mr. W. E. Marshall returned thanks for the compliment paid him, but did not think he had the ability to fill the place, and declined In favor of General Butler. Mr. Theodore Mitchell, colored, did not want too much for the seaboard, and thought the Lieutenant-Governorship was due to the In? terior. But live or die, sink or swim, he was with th ec . use. Mr. Johnson, colored, of Charleston, thought that a colored man should be nominated. Mr. Jonas Bird returned thanks for bis nom? ination, but would support no mao, not even himself, who was not qualified. We want a man to carry weight, and he did not know a colored man whom he would wish to make the nominee. He therefore supported General Butler. General Kershaw said that for his part he would prefer an honest, capable colored man for Lleutenant-Governor to any friend of his own; and he would do so as an evidence of his sincerity. But the only colored man now in nomination was Cardozo, and, however ac? ceptive he might be, it was understood that he would decline the nomination. On the other hand, he feared that General Butler might be disqualified, and his first inclination was not to have him run; but the colored delegates seemed to have taken bim up, and If that be their Idea, let Butler be nominated. Mr. T. J. Pope nominated W. T. Gary, ol Edgefleld. Major Gary said that he would sparc none of his strength to make the Reform movement successful, but he declined the nomination, while pledging his whole force to the cause. General Kershaw then moved the nomina? tion of General M. C. Butler by acclamation; and amid much enthusiasm thc motion was unanimously adopted. Mr. Aldrich, of Barnwell, offered a resolu? tion of condolence on the occasion of the death of Wm. Gilmore Simms, which was adopted. Colonel Thomas Y. Simons offered a resolu? tion empowering the president of the Conven? tion to appoint, at Iiis convenience, an execu? tive committee, who should prepare an ad? dress to the people. A committee wai appointed to notify the nominees of their choice, and the usual votes or thanks to Hie officers of the Convention were passed. President Shannon, in his closing remarks, complimented the Convention on the decorum and ability which had marked its sessions, and said that with men like Carpenter and Butler as our standard-bearers, we could not full to win. [Immense cheering.] All the colored delegates manifested the ut? most enthusiasm for Carpenter and Bullet*. . The Convention adjourned sine die, with three cheers for Soulh Carolina. The Charleston delegation leave for home in the morniug. WASHINGTON. WASUINGTON", June IC. Secretary Robeson leaves on the steamer Tallapoosa, in a few days, to inspect the va? rious navy-yards. The Secretary of the Interior has telegraph? ed to "Red Cloud''that the government has consented to give his party the seventeen horses asked "Red Cloud" telegraphed back that his heart hail been made very big. SENATE. In the Senate, a bill was introduced provid? ing for the transportation ofgoous iu bond Irom the ports of entry to the points of de? livery. The bill establishing a department of justice was passed, and goes to the President. The bill which passed the House regarding the currency was read a first and second time, and referred to-tlie Committee on Finance. Robertson asked to take up the bill remov? ing political disabilities, covering five thous? and names. Sum uer said the bill was ol too wholesale a character, and it was postponed 28 to 23. The consideration of the franking privilege was resumed, and an amendment continuing the present arrangements for thc exchange and delivery ol'newspapers was passed, 3G to 17. Without final action, adjourned. HOUSE. In the House, New York and Boston mer? chants petitioned for drawback on cotton shipped to China alter June, 1SC8 Cuba was resumed. Bingham's amendment was adopted-103 to SC The following ls the shape in which the sub? ject was finally disposed of: Kesoh-ed, That the President is hereby au? thorized to remonstrate against the barbarous manner In which the war in Cuba luis been conducted; and if he shall deem it expedient, to solicit the co-operation of other governments in such measures as lie may deem necessary to secure from both contemling parties an ob? servance of the law* ol war recognized by all civilized nations. TUE FIRST BAT'S PROCEEDINGS. Full Report by Mail. [SPECIALLY REPORTED FOR THE NETTS.] COLUMBIA, WEDNESDAY, June 15. The State Reform Convention, in Its spirit and numbers, has fully equalled the most sangjine expectation of those who projected the move? ment. Its delegates are among the most patri? otic citizens ot the State, white and colored, all animated by a common feeling of the neces? sity of an earnest co-operation of all good citi? zens to secure a good government to the peo? ple. The Convention assembled at 8 o'clock, in the large dining ball of the Columbia Hotel, which was hardly large enough for the com? fortable accommodation of delegates. E. W. Slebels, Esq., of Richmond, called the Convention to order, and nominated as tem? porary presiding officer Colonel Thomas Y. Simons, of Charleston. The nomination was acceded to by a vote o? the body. On taking the chair, Colonel Simons ad? dressed the Convention as follows : ADDRESS OF COLONEL T. Y. SIMONS. Gentlemen of the Convention-Accept my profound acknowledgments tor the confidence which you have been pleased to repose in me. We have assembled as a portion of the citizens of South Carolina, In a time of her greatest need, to secure an honest and good govern? ment lor her people. [Applause.] We are as? sembled, without reference to party creeds or party names, in behalf of the whole people ot South Carolina-of every class and every pre? vious condition. [Applause.] There never was a time when the State was In greater peril than at present. The record of the past few years has been a record of misrule, of misgov? ernment, of corruption, and of oppression. [Applause.] And to-day. Irom the mountains to the seaboard. South Carolina calls upon ber citizens to assist ber In the work of a common redemption. (Jenilernen, we have but to realize the peril in which the common welfare ls involved, and letermlne upon unity and concert ol action, '.o achieve, In my Judgment, a great and glo? rious triumph. [Applause.] I have never be ieved that any people, true to themselves, nspired with patriotism and vital energy for ,he right, could ever long be ruled by the wrong. [Applause.] In this condition of hinge we can expect no hope except that which we ourselves create. We must govern md regulste our own destiny. We must re tolve with one heart, and with one mind, to .edeera the State, and with that resolution rictory will be half achieved. [Applause.] It was, gentlemen, but a few months since hat a conference of the press of this State con? vened In this city,and they put forth a platform ?f principles which, In my opinion, commended hemselves to the Judgment ol every man who tesl res a government which will not be, as in he past few years, a disgrace to the civlllza ion of the age. They recognized the equality ?fall citizens to sniTrage-and the right of all iltizens lo hold office, subject alone to per? sonal qualification and fitness; and, gentle nen, to-day, li'we act upon the spirit of those ?esolutlonB, snd if the people of this State, of >f every class, will but meet in fraternity and loncord upon the platform of exact and equal uslice to ail.'-and go hand in hand in a politi? cal effort lo save the State, from that moment .he hour of our redemption has dawned ind the day of our deliverance is at hand. Applause.] The State has called us together In her hour >fneed. There are but two policies open io 1er people. One Is the policy of acquiescence md Inaction, In the present exigency of pub? ic affairs, aod the ol her is the policy ot sirik ng for the right. [Applause.] Gentlemen, I nvoke upon your deliberations harmony, wise lounsels and mutual conciliation. We are en? raged in a common cause. Upon this Conven lon is turned the eyes of the people of tills State. It is the ray of hope to which they look imld the darkness .which surrounds. Let us mt disappoint them. Let us together, coming ia we do from every section ot this State, as vllh one heart and one mind, resolve that so ar as In us lies, South Carolina shall be re? learned, and show that the promises we have nade to all races and all classes have not been nade In vain, but In sincerity and good faith, ind from that moment the doom of those who lave ground us to the dust, who have revelled n every oppression and wrong, will have been rrevocably fixed. [Applause.] Gentlemen, permit me to again thank you br the confidence you have reposed in me, ind to express the hope that when we sholl lave adjourned, from one section of the State o the other, it wiil be stated that, at the hands >t this Convention, the Commonwealth, ln leed, has suffered no detriment. [Applause.] On motion of Mr. E. W. Selbels, Robert Ald 1ch. Esq., of Barnwell, and W. G. Rout, Esq., if Charleston, was appointed temporary secre aries. The list ol counties was then called, and the iredentials of delegates were presented to the lecretaries. The following counties were bund to be represented: Charleston, Ker? shaw, Fairfield, Spartanburg, Carlington, Chester,'Plckens, Anderson, Laurens, Orange lurg, Horry, Marion, Richland. Newberry, lexington, "Edgefield, Chesterfield. Colleton, .ancaster. Union and Barnwell. Y. J. Pope, Esq., of Newberry, moved the ippointmenl of a committee, to'consist of one lelegate from each county represented, to re )ort a list of officers for Hie permanent organi? zion of Hie Convention. The motion was arri ed. Tile chair announced as such committee lessrs. Y. J. Pope, ol' Newberry; J. A. Hoyt, if Anderson; W. Singleton, of Barnwell; Ber lard O'Neill, of Charleston; J. E Byrd, of Mrllngton; Henry Barnes, of Edgefield: David 'rovence, of Fairfield; Edward Wilson, of Chester: E. F. Malloy, of Chesterfield: Henrv luck, ol Horry; J. M. Davis, of Kershaw: J. .'. Craig, ol' Lauren?; J. B. Irvin, ol Lancos er; F. S. Lewies, of Lexington; W*. J. Mc kennel, of Marlon; P. T. A. Rogers, of Pick ins; P. C. Felder, of Orangeburg; C. P. Fel iam, of Richland; S. C. Means, of Spaxtan mrg, and W. H. Wallace, of Union. The committee then appointed retired and ubsequently returned, and reported the fell? owing nominations for permanent officers of he convention: For President-Wm. Shannon, of Kershaw. For vice-Presidents-J. P. KInard, of New lerry; S. E. Means, ol'Spartanburg; F. B. Me? lee, of Pickens; B. G. Witherspoon, of Lan aster; J. E. Bird, of Darlington; A. Melchers, if Charleston; James Kennedy, ol' Richland; lenrv Barnes, of Edgetleld; Moses Benson, ol' .hester; Marlow Cochrane, of Charleston; M. Caldwell, of Orangeburg, and J. Gibson, ol' Villiamsburg. Secretaries-Robert Aldrich, of Barnwell, .nd W. G. Rout, of Charleston. It was moved and carried lhat a committee if three be appointed to conduct the president dect to the chair. Messrs. Buist, ol Charleston. McCants of 'airfield, and Fenwick, ot Charleston,were ap lointed such committee. On taking the chair, Colonel Shannon said: REMARKS OK COLONEL W. M. SHANNON. Friends and Carolinians-Surprise and em? barrassment truly suppress the words of grat tude which Hie "emotions of my heart would irorapt. An obscure mun-a stranger in my >wn native land-called from the employments >f private life, I cnn see nothing in tito past of ny career which should call nie to thc distin? guished position of presiding over Hie patriot .ons of our own motlier Carolina when all are irompted by the desire to bailie as best they nay to sustain the parent, except that in Hie )ast, perhaps, I have given some evidence of levotion to her. [Applause.] In lier hour of leed 1 promise, as I know you are all ready lo ulfii, a greater degree of devotion and loyally han we felt in her hour of triumph and of rrandeur. I commend yon to that spirit ol'de* rotion which in all Hie past lias actuated the ?ons of old Carolina. I know that willi nost of ti?, who have adhered to the State inti! the present, that devotion will last while i fe exists, and as the shades ol' deatli shall all upon os, we will call our sons to the thar of our country, and, as Hamilcar did Han? nibal, swear them, but more holily. not to liato the enemies ol our country, but to ove that great old country. [Applause.] For myself, willi an interest in all the past of Carolina. I claim an interest in all der luture. While life lasts. I shall be tiere. Born .and matured on lier soil, educat? ed in her schools and colleges, and never having passed a day in my lite beyond her borders that was not one long aspiration for i return, I shall spend the rest of my days in her bosom; I shall rest whether the heel of the oppressor shall tread upon my grave, or whether the sun ol'liberty shall shine upon it. [Applause.] I believe that South Curollna,of right, belongs to us. r or one, i -menu, auu I doubt not that you do, to stay here; and when we determine to stay here, lt there is a remedy for the oppressions under which we Buffer, shall we, by masterly inactivity, invite still further ag? gressions? [Applause ] Every true heart in the State must answer, "No !" I believe in the law of progress. I believe that the present condition of affairs in South Carolina Is tem? porary. I should distrust the providence of God, if I believed otherwise. The sun ol progress may be obscure, but lt will never be quenched while God endures. I believe in the progress of God's ordinances, and I believe that the present anomalous state of affairs must end. lt they do not end, we are utter? ly disgraced and ruined. Shall we walt until those who are oppressing us shall cease to op? press, or shall we, by every means in our power, attempt to cure these evils ? I Judge from the many Intelligent faces I see before me, representing all South Carolina, from the mountains to the seaboard, that the hour has come when the State has determined by every legitimate means to shake off the burdens which oppress her. And although, fellow citi? zens, we miss in this assembly many of those who have shed honor upon our State in the past, and I regret their absence, we will at? tempt to guide the State in her destinies with? out them on this occasion, hoping soon to have the benefit of their counsels. But I am sorry, unprepared as I am, I have trespassed so much upon your time. I commend you to the guid? ance of that God whose people I believe we are, confident that the aspirations which tend towards Him will be responded to if they are worthy of Him and of us. [Applause.] General M. C. Butler, of Edgefleld, moved the appointment of a committee on platform to consist 6f seven members, which was adopted. The president announced as such committee, Messrs. M. C. Butler, E. C. Keitt, G. L. Buist, J. B. Kershaw, Benjamin Harrington, Thomas Gregory aud James B. McCants. E. W*. Seibels, Esq., ot Richland, moved the appointment of a committee of seven to whom all resolutions introduced in the Convention should be referred, which was carried. The president announced as such commit? tee, Messrs. E. W. t-lebels, J. P. Thoma's, J. D. Kennedy, F. W. Dawson, C. C. Boyce, A. A. [Carper and J. 0. Crosby. W. T. Gary, Esq., of Edgefleld. moved the appointment of a committee ol ten to whom should be referred the question of the number of votes to be accorded to the different coun? ties represented In the Convention and the manner of taking the same, which was carried. The president announced os such commit? tee, Messrs. W. T. Gary. James IL Davis. \V. E. Marshall, Jonas Bird, B. J. "Witherspoon, J. A. Hoyt, A. Smythe, J. P. Burbage, E. T. Mal? loy and R. P. Todd. J. P. Thomas, of Richland, announced the reception of a communication from General John A. Wagener, of Charleston, which was read, and on motion, was referred to the Com? mittee on Piatlorm. General J. B. Kershaw read a paper contain? ing his views of the principles to be enuncia? ted by the convention. They were 1. The Indorsement of the Fifteenth amend? ment. 2. Accepting the results of the war as veri? ties having the force and obligation of law. 3. Recognizing the existing laws of the State os bringing the people In entire har? mony. 4. Recommending that the convention nomi? nate only members of the Republican party, which is so largely In the majority In the State. On motion of General Kershaw, the paper was referred to the Committee on Platform. E. C. Keitt, Esq., read a paper, which on motion was referred to the same committee. On motion the Convention then adjourned to Thursday, at 10 o'clock A. M. EUROPE. Napoleon's Health. PARIS, June ir?. The Emperor's gout ls not serious. The court goes to St. Cloud next week. LONDON, June IC. The French Emperor has the rheumatism in the lett leg. Prince Napoleon is also ill. Civil Marriages In .spurn. MADRID, June IC. According to the provisions of a law lately enacted, nine thousand registers of civil mar? riages will be opened by the middle of August. Tbc Vatican Connell. ROME, June IC. The discussion of the last chapter on Infalli? bility was commenced to-day. Disasters In the East. BOMBAY, June IC. Dispatches from Hong Kong announce seve? ral vessels dismasted in a recent typhoon. A sharp earthquake occurred at Yokohama. Breadstuff* In France. LONDON, June IC. Breadstuffs have advanced rapidly at Paris on account of the drought. Bread which sold for seven pence in the middle of last winter now sells at nine. NEW TORE ITEMS. NEW YORK, June 16. The Cooper Institute was crowded to hear '.Red Cloud." He spoke a half hour. Peter Cooper presided, and made a speech favoring a conciliatory policy toward the Indians. The Albany State canvassers have declared the election of Sanford E. Church chief Justice, and M. F. Allen, Martin Grover. Rufus Rock ham and Charles A. Rapello. Democrats; and Charles J. Folger and Charles Andrews, Repub? licans, associate justices. Church's majority is 87,912. All available ship roora has been rapidly taken up for the transportation of breadstuff's to France. i The Princess Editha Montez has sued the female brokers, Woodhull 4 Claflin, for three thousand dollars in rings and two thousand In money which she deposited with them. THE POLITICAL WHIRLIGIG, A.S VIEWED BT DON PI ATT. The Republican Pm ty the Deadest Thing Above Ground-Its Epitaph Already Written. The following remarkable letter from Washington is written under date of Jtine 5th, by Don Platt, himself a steadfast and consist? ent Republican, to the Cincinnati Commercial : NO PLATFORM. The one problem above all others that the Republicans are called upon to solve ls wheth? er there remains, after the war is closed and the Issues growing nut of it are settled, a plat? form broad enough for the elements the war brought together to stand upon harmoniously. If mich exists, the party continues alive. If not, it is dead, and a funeral is next in order. One can well wish and pray for such a com? mon platform; but the fact remains, staring us stubbornly in the face, that unless we can find some code of principles, yet holding us to? gether, immediate anti final separation is in? evitable. TUE DEMOCRACY A COMPACT. WELL ORGANIZED BODY. Turning my back upon what I could wish for, and looking with calm, philosophical im? partiality upon what is, I am forced to say, that there ls no more cohesion, beyond mere office-holding and public plunder, in the Re? publican party than there is in a rope of sand. For over a year I have been in Washington, employed to criticise our public men, and put to newspaper record their political acts. I wrote thc fact that while the Democracy ls a compact, well organized body, representing certain feelings, that make of its parts one effi? cient whole, the Republicans are of one party only in name, and each leader is the represen? tative of a faction in deadly hostility to some other faction inside the organization. Wore a caucus to be called to-day for the purpose of con? sidering any one of the more important meas? ures now under consideration, its deliberations would be marked by violent discussions, per BUUill UOU3C, ailU osrijr cm'.uv? v. suspicion, to end In ft violent dissolution. No such caucus has been held ?incoad have been in Washington, and no such caucus can be held. The fact is significant that no measure of public Interest passes Congress, except as a compromise, log-rolled through with schemes of public plunder, and leaves Behind a Republi? can minority that secretly rejoices that such measure has yet to bc passed on by the people, although In such a popular adjudication the result may be the triumph of the Democracy. In a word, the Republican party in Congress is composed of factions in such deadly antago? nism to each other that the hate among them? selves is more Intense than that given the Democracy. GRANT'S DISGRACEFUL ATTITUDE. If from this unhappy condition of affairs in Congress we turn to the Executive, the condi liod is yet more deplorable. At the time when our country needs a statesman, and our party at least a shrewd business manager, we have a man whose ignorance of and indifference to public affairs excites only contempt. For the first time in the history ol' our government we have seen our President standing, hat in hand, at the doors of the Senate, begging the passage of a job-and begging in vain. THE HIGH TARIFF BLUNDERERS. The best illustration, however, of what I wish to say ls to be found in toe agitation lately experienced over the tariff. Had Gene? ral Grant and his friends possessed a particle of common sense, or any honest desire to con? tinue the Republican party In power, they would have said that there was a question upon which Republicans can honestly differ and yet remain Republicans. Therefore, let us strive to compromise upon an adjustment that will make some approach to general satisfac? tion. But no; the Administration begins bv throwing itself into the arms of the prohibi? tionists, and ends by persecuting the advocates of free trade. This tail end of the Bepublican party, this little knot of prohibitionists, is the meanest and most corrupt faction with which we are cursed. With Simon Cameron at Its head, and Ames and Morrell, of Pennsylvania, whose fingers are tainted with untold plun? der, who stand in their-places, and, without blushing, vote money directly Into their own pockets, at its tail, we are told that their vile dogma of protection Is the platform of the party, and on our belief in lt depends our recognition as Republicans. It ls understood within the last two days that the bonds of union between tbe faction and the adminis? tration have been strengthened. Thc edict has gone out that the office now held by David A. Wells ls not to be continued, or ff continued that Wells ls td be superseded by some stolid believer in thieving made legal. And his Excellency, who began his adminis? tration with such loud assertions of purity, af? ter drinking with Gould and Fisk, sleeping with Corbin and dallying with Ben. Butler, has publicly opened bis executive arms to em? brace Simon Cameron, the vilest political prostitute of them all. "DIED OF TRICHINA." The late Republican party ls the deadest dead thing above ground, and If the surviving friends wish to retain for lt any feelings of re? spect they will hasten its funeral. Upon its melancholy tomb let us inscribe this epitaph: DIED, After a brief but brilliant career, the late Republican party. BORN, Of patriotic Impulses, ft built huge navies, organized vast armies, ami through lung campaigns with bloody battles, Saved the Nation from the Jaws of Hell. Its Immediate cause ol dissolution was Trichina. Certain Terrain, known as Thieves, Plunderers and Protectionists, ate into Its vitals, Causing a dreadful nausea, a bad smell, and a sudden death. Special BTotlces. ^TESTATE NOTICE.-ALL PERSONS having claims against the Estate of R. A. MCMIL? LAN, deceased, are notified to hand the same in, properly attested, according to law; and those in? debted to said estate will make immediate pay? ment to me. M. J. HIRSCH, junlQ-ra_Administrator. ^NOTICE-TO BUILDERS.-OFFICE OF THE COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR WIL? LIAMSBURG COUNTY.-K I.N G STREE, S. C., MAY 30,1S70.-Sealed proposals will be received at this Office until the first day of July next for RE? BUILDING THE WILLIAMSBURG COUNTY JAIL In the Town of Klngstree. The lowest bidder, offering bona floe responsi? ble sureties, will receive the contract; but the Commissioners will not entertain an Irresponsi? ble bid, although lt should be the lowest offered. Thc contractor will file with the Commissioners his bond, with sureties, within twenty days from the day he shall receive notification of the accept? ance of his proposal, and rurnisti to the Commis? sioners the necessary proor of the sufficiency of lils bond. The proposals will state the sum for which the work will be undertaken, as well as the names and residences of the sureties by whom the in? tegrity of the contract will be guaranteed. The proposed building to be or BRICK, In the erection of which the Commissioners will allow the old material In the ruins of the former builtt? lng to be used by the contractor. Thc ground plan of the building ls to bc in the shape of an L, two stories high, and of the follow? ing dimensions, to wit : The front and side walls to be, the one 77 feet long, and the other 70 feet In length; the cud walls to bc, the one 25 feet 0 inches, and thc other 24 feet. The lower floor will be elevated two feet from the ground; the rooms and cells on the lower floor to be ll feet in thc clear between the floor and the celling: two of the rooms in the wing to be each 20 feet by 24 feet; the other wing to be di? vided so as to contain a passage io feet wide; six cells, to be each io feet square, and a stair case leading to the second floor; the passage to be 31 feet from the floor to the celling, with the excep? tion of the corridor leading to the cells of the se? cond floor, as hereinafter described. nie upper story to be 9 feet 0 Inches bet ween the floor and ceiling, and to consist of two rooms In one wing, each 20 by 24 feet, and six cells In the other wing, with a corridor 4 feet wide, sup? ported by brackets leading to thc cells; the corri? dor to be protected witli necessary railing. The roof of the building to be covered with the best I C charcoal brand rooting tin. All the materials used in the building to* be of the best quality, and subject at all times to the In? spection of the Commissioners or their agent. The building to bc erected in conformity with the plans and specifications, which can be in? spected at any and all times at the Oillce of the County Commissioners. SAMUEL P. MATTHEWS, junlO-fl _Chairman. YOU CAN SAVE MONEY BY HAVING YOUR PRINTING EXECUTED AT THE NEWS JOB ! OFFICE ?-ORDERS PROMPTLY FILLED.-?? : F3- SPECIAL NOTICE TO THE PUB? LIC-G REA TONE DOLLAR SALE-EVERYBODY INTERESTED.-Extraordinary sale or Diamond and Gold Jewelry, Silver and Platedware, Musical Instruments, Sewing Machines, Dry and Fancy Goods, Table Cutlery, Photograph Albums, arti? cles or Virtu, and an endless variety of Foreign and Domestic Goods, both useful and ornamen? tal, at a unirorm price or ONE DOLLAR each. Agents wanted everywhere. Great induce ments offered. Send Tor circular. Address, C. C. CORY ? CO., No. 193 Broadway, jimC-rtn3tnos New York. J. Ulli. LUI ?1 Ullit?). VALENTINE.-Died on the Uth instant, in the 66th year of her age, Mrs. F. VALENTINE, relict of thc late Samuel Valentine. ^THE RELATIVES, FRIENDS AND acquaintances of Mrs. F. VALENTINE and Fami? ly, are respectfully invited to attend her Funeral THIS AFTERNOON, at half-past 4 o'clock, from her late residence No. 35 Smith street._junie pa- THE RELATIVES AND FRIENDS of Mr. and Mrs. Wm. McKay are respectfully In? vited to attend the Funeral Services of their in? fant Son, JAMES GORDON, at No. 140 Meeting street, at 5 o'clock THIS AFTERNOON. Jonl7-? ^THE RELATIVES AND FRIENDS of Miss FRANCIS S. MATHEWS, and of her sisters, MIBS Emeline L. Mathews and Mrs. Joseph R. Walker, are respectfully Invited to attend the Fu? neral Services or Miss Francis S. Mathews, at St. Luke's Church THIS AFTERNOON, at 6 o'clock. Jonl7-* ?bitnarrj. STRAUS.-Died on the 3d June, 1870, In Phila? delphia, Pa., or Scarlet Fever, MARGARET GE? WINNER, youngest child or Francis J. and Mar? garet Straus, aged S years, 6 montas and 14 days. "Of such is the kingdom of Heaven." FORMAN.-Died, In Russell ville, Ky., on the 26th May, HATTIE L1EZE, second daughter of 0. M. and F. G. Furman, aged four years, one month and nine days. CARR.-Departed this life in the City of Charles? ton, on the 13th of April last, of pneumonia, Mr. JOHN CARR, aged fifty-uve years. The deceased was a native or Baltimore, Md., and for the last thirty years had been a resident of this city. During his life he always maintained a consis? tent, upright bearing towards all mankind, show? ing fully, in his intercourse with the world, that he was one of God's noblest works-an honest man. - In his business relations he was always promptv ? I faithful and In every way reliable. In the social cir? cle a genial companion, and in his family a loving husband and a kind, devoted and doting father. He nad been engaged icr many years as a compost, tor upon the Charleston Courier, and was one who could always be relied upon lor any and every emergency, winning for himself the unbounded esteem and respect of his employers and fellow craftsmen. After a Ufe of asetnineas, he lay down calmly at Its close, and with a full belief In the goodness of God, and a reasonable hope for a fu? ture eternity of bliss, he passed geiitly away, leaving a void in his family, in the social circle and among his fellow-workmen, that time alone can Dil. "When the dreams of lire are flea. When its wasted, lamps are dead, ? When in cold oblivion's shade Beauty. Wealth and Fame are laid, Where immortal spirits Mgn, There may we all meet again." A FRIEND. Shipping. J?OR SAVA?NTH, BEAUFORT AND PACIFIC LANDING, EDISTO AND ROCKVILLE. Steamer PILOT BOY, Captain C. C. White, will Ball for the above? places as follows: TUESDAY MORNING, at 8 o'clock, for Edlsto, Rockville, Pacific Landing and Beaufort. THURSDAY MORNINO, at s o'clock, for Pacific Landing, Beamort and Savannah. Freigut lo Edi: to reduced SO per cent. J. D. AIKEN A CO., junl7 South Atlantic Wharf. F OR LIVERPOOL. The first-class American Ship ALICE M. MiNoTT, Lowell Master, having a large! portion of her Cargo engaged, wal bc dispatch for the above port. For balance of Freight engagements, apply to STREET BROTHERS A CO., Janie No. 74 East Ba> "pOR FORT SUMTER. The safe, fast sailing and comfortably ap- ?i* pointed Yacht "ELEANOR" will make two SK trips dally to Fort Sumter and the other pointa of historic Interest In the harbor, leaving South Commercial Wharf at 10 A. M.lnd a P. M. The Yacht can also be chartered for private parties on reasonable terms. For passage <#charter apply next door south or the Mills House, or to the Captain on board. may 14 JpOR NEW YORK-ON TUESDAY. The Al side-wheel Steamship SOUTH ^B^??k. CAROLINA, Adkins, Commander, will^?iSfcfc sall for New York on TUESDAY, June u, ai e o'clock P. M., from Pier No. 2, Union Wharves, connecting with day Passenger Trains from Co lumbla and Augusta, arriving at 4 P. M. The SOUTH CAROLINA will make close con? nection with Liverpool Steamship MINNESOTA, of Messrs. Williams A Gulon's Line, sailing June 29. Insurance by the steamers of thia Une >t per cent. For Freight engagements, or passage, having very superior stateroom accommodations, all on deck and newly furnished, apply to WAGNER, HUI;ER 4 CO., No. 26 Broad street, or to WM. A. COURTENAY. No. l Union Wharves. jonis .Jp O R PHILADELPHIA. THE REGULAR STEAM LINE-WEEKLY. The Screw Steamship J. W. EVER-^pfiCte MAN, Hinckley, Commander, will sall^lVaisK for Philadelphia direct, on FRIDAY, June 17th, aili o'clock A. M., from Brown's South Wharf. 49" Insurance by the steamers of this Line ?4 per cent. For Freight engagements, or Passage (cabin $15,) apply to WM. A. COURTENAY, Agent, jnnl3-mtuthf4_No. 1 Union Wharves. VESSELS SUPPLIED WITH CABIN AND MESS STORES ON SHORT NOTICE. Captains and Stewards are respect? fully invited to call and examine ttiel_ quality and prices of our GOODS. Foll weigfc guaranteed. Delivered free of expense. WM. S. CORW1S&CO., No. 275 King street, opposite Hasel, Charleston, S. 0. Branch of No. 800 Broadway, New York. Jan24 fiailroaos. S OUTH CAROLINA RAILROAD. OENERAL SUPERINTENDENT'S OFFICE, ) CHARLESTON, S. C., May ll, 1870. j On and after Sunday, May 15th, the Passenger Trains upon the South Carolina Railroad will ran os follows: FOB AUGUSTA. Leave Charleston.8.80 A. M. Arrive at Augusta.4.26 P. M. FOB COLUMBIA. Leave Charleston.8.30 A. M. Arrive at Columbia.4.10 P. M. FOR CHARLESTON. Leave Augusta.8.00 A, H. Leave Columbia.7.45 A. M. Arrive at Charleston.3.30 P. M. AUOUSTA NIGHT EXPRESS. (SundajB excepted.) Leave Charleston.8.30 P. M. Leave Augusta.0.00 p. M. Arrive at Augusts.7.05 A. M. Arrive st Charleston.6.40 A M. COLUMBIA NIGHT EXPRESS. (Sundays excepted.) Leave Charleston.7.30 P.M. Leave Columbia.7.50 P. M. Arrive at Columbia.0.00 A. M. Arrive at Charleston.0.45 A. M. SUMMERVILLE TRAIN. Leave Charleston.2.60 P. M. Arrive at Summerville..4.10 P. M. Leave Summerville.7.10 A. M Arrive at Charleston.8.26 A. V. CAMDEN BRANCH. Camden and Columbia Passenger Trains on MONDAYS, WEDNESDAYS and SATURDAYS, and be? tween Camden and Ringville dally, (Sundays ex? cepted.) connects with up and down Day Pas senp'-rs at Ringville. Leav?. Camden.8.S5 A. M. Arrive at Columbia.11.00 A. M. Lea vj Columbia.I-00 ?. JJ Arri ve at Camden.-H0/' H. T. PEAKE, mavl3 General Superintendent. O IL! OIL! OILI Winter Sprained SPERM, Extra Lard C. B. A Co.'s Engine OU, Paraphene Spindle Olive Oil, Cotton Seed Oil White Oak, (West Virginia) Oil. For sale by CAMERON, BARKLEY <k CO., corner Meeting and Cumberland streets, mch246mo Charleston, s. c.