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VOLUME X.-NUMBER 1465. CHARLESTON, THURSDAY MORNING, SEPTEMBER I, 1870. S?X DOLLARS A YKAH. THE UNION REFORM CAUSE. FAREWELL ADDRESS OF THE EX? ECUTIVE COMMITTEE. To thc Members of tlic Union Reform Patty. The time has arrived when it becomes proper to announce to you thc termination of the labors and responsibilities of your Executive Committee at an early day, anil the dissolution ol the party as an organization under the conven? tion of June last. Had the party been successful, or even so far supported by the colored people ns to furnish any. reasonable ground or hope that we might succeed in the next general election, it would have been emlnrntly wise and proper to have held together, to labor'with renewed energy and raith for the re? demption of tim State by the same means whereby we had achieved such encouraging results. But we cannot disguise the fact tr.at though the ma? jority against 03 returned bj thc ofllcers or elec? tions is probably rraudulcnt to the extent or more than 20,000 votes, yet enough remains to demon? strate that all our efforts have failed to conciliate tho colored voters to any hcpeful extent. Nay, lt is even evident that as a people they arc more em? bittered against the white race than arter the Demfsratlc campaign or ISO?, and very much ! more so than at thc beginning of the late can- j vass. Hence there would be no propriety in con? tinuing efforts which have been so perverted as rather to alienate than to attract those whom wc would win to ou?- standards. Oz the contrary, it is both wise and Just that room should be made for other agencies to do the work that must be done to save the perishing Sute. Those who take oar place In the arena will And t he whites arrayed in solid phalanx, steady and determined, ready, willing and prepared to do ?.r.J to dare all that honor would sanction or God approve, to rescue their people from ruin and despair. They will also find by the side of these a falthrul and heroic band of colored men, who, rising above the preju dices of ?helr fellows, and appreciating the claims of honesty and the necessity of good government, have braved dangers and persecutions calculated to try the stoutest heart, and vindicated their rights as freemen by voting, even at the risk of Ufe, for the men and measures of their choice -a band to t?e fostered and cherished under all th? stern vicissitudes of thefuture. They will find, also, that no barrier exists be? tween the good people or this State and any or? ganization of conservatism that can arise m the next two years by reason of thc .principles an? nounced and established by the Union Reform party. On the contrary, we have thereby been brought into perfect harmony with that type of Democracy now triumphant in so many States, and that enlightened and conservative Western Republicanism which has so nobly and signally won the great State of Missouri nnder the broad banner of Tree trade, universal suffrage, universal amnesty and enfranchisement. This solidarity " of our good citizens, and their harmony with the better class of political ?deas now swaying the great masses ol the American people, and destined, we trust, to restore their broken unity lu 1872, are fruits of the Union Reform movement, well worth the raithrul labor which they cost. These, however, are not the only fruits result? ing from ihe liberal policy and the self-sacrificing labors of the party.-, It has exposed to universal execration the corruptions of the State govern? ment, and the persons controlling It, and forced its officials and organs within the State, and its friends without, to demand reformation. It has demonstrated to every fair mind the determina Hon of the white people of this State to abide by the accomplished results of the war, and removes all pretext for further persecution on the part of the General Government. It hos washed tts hands i of all the blood that may hereafter now m a con? flict bf races, so apparently imminent ia certain localities, by a public aud solemn concession of legality to the rights of the colored race, acquired by informal and revolutionary processes, thu3 laying upon the altar of peace all it had to offer consistent with honor, self-respect and self-pres-, ervation. Finally, lt has developed the true con? dition of society m the State, and the real and vital nature of the contest in which we are en? gaged, and haB demonstrated, beyoud a doubt, - that Radicalism lu South Carolina rests upon the antagonism of the negro race to the Southern whites. That we have been defeated by this an? tagonism as apriaciple, will appear from a review of the canvass. We enteredjthe contest by laying down a plat? form on? the rights of race, identical and co? extensive with the legislation of the Republican Congress upon that subject. We invited men of all parties, upon f iat basis, to unite in an effort to reform the present, "incompetent, extravagant, '.prejudiced and corrupt administration of the "State government, and to. establish instead "thereof just and equal liws, order and harmony, "economy in public expenditures, a strict ac? countability of office-holders, and the election to "office only of men or known honesty and In? tegrity." We put forward as the State candidates a prom? inent Republican, who had proved himself a cap? able and just judge, and a Democrat and emi? nently representative Carolinian, popular and distinguished. Tne people, in their county nomi? nations geuerally observed the same spirit of compromise, and selected as their candidates white and black, Democrat and Republican giving full effect to tho principles or the platform. Certainly ir ever a party was orgaulzel outside ol political Issues, this was. There was literally nothing in it to repel any citizen or any school or politics, except the row who, clinging to the issues of the past, were offended by the liberal conces? sions made to the colored people. If, therefore, we could establish our charge against the- then existing ad nlnlstratton or the State government, we had a right to count; upon the support of all honest men. Those charges were, in general terms, Incompetency, extravagance, prejadlceand corruption, and there ls not a county or precinct lu the State where they were not proven to be true to the conviction of the commonest under? standing, and to an extent wholly unparalleled in the annals of civilized governments. These proofs were never refuted. Some errors In par? ticular specifications were occasionally pointed ont; Hat as a whole they stood une mtroverted as they were incontroversible- inefacebly Impressed upon the recorded acts or thc government. Had the battle been permitted to rest upon this issue, yon would to day have been rejoicing in the restor? ation or peace and good government to this strick? en and desolated State. The wicked leaders or the prejudiced aud benighted masses of colored people, who looked to them forguldar.ee with tiie simple faith of childhood, knew too weil where their strength lay not to avert tin? blessed boon from their deluded followers. Trna to the principle or "role ani min," which has ever actuated them since they came among us, they appealed to thai, spirit of antagonism winch s;umbered, until they came and led their victims b'in-led to the sacri? fice. They pretende J that we were no: In earnest that our leading mcu did not support us: that our liberality of principle and practice was but pre? meditated treachery-a sub: ie and deceptive, scheme to acquire power; that that pawer, when acquired, would be used to put them back into slavery; that we were the same people who had held them in bandage for so many generations, and fought four years to rivet their chains, and could never be trusted. They raked the ashes or the past to find the old sores of slavery, opeued them afresh, and revelled in the torture they in? flicted by the cruel pictures ?hey drew of wrongs which were either never endureJ.or as exceptional as child-mnrder In New England. The more fiercely raged thc mad passions of the crowd, the greater their efforts to aggravate and infuriate thesis They told them every conceivable s tory they could invent to make them believe that we sought their ruin. Every brawl betwee ur.il black '.vas magnified int} the begit war against their race. They were told would prevent their voting by violence, this pretext they were arrae.1 by the Si further to alarm and excite them. Titi told that we were rebels, enemies' of the I aid State Governments; that thc Presid? the Governor, and the great Republican were our enemies and their ft lends; tb would never bc hurt do what they that high taxes were nothing to they didn't pay thom; that it wou'd b< for them if the landholder should bo to sell his lands down to a mere homestead would then have homes through the opera; the land commission and other causes; t the accumulated property here was tho rc their labor; that it rightfully belonged to anti that the way to get it was to vote fo they were pleased to term "the Rcpt party,' meaning the tuiiag dynas'y in Carolina.. These were the arguments with thc pretended friends and self-constitute visers of the colored peop'e met the solem". Offering or the whites, ratified by them larger vote than has been polle.1 since the To these appeals to prejudice, cupidity i norance we responded, that we were inc pf thc frauds imputed to us; that the white united in support of our measures, and wc proveby their votes; that we had neither I clinatlon nor the power to remaud them to sh nor con'.'! we In any way abridge their rh we would; that we were not responsible ft I introduction of slavery; that South Cnroiii statnte, twice protested against It; that been continued ia ob.di en cc to a suppose essity; that thc system, good or bad, hi merit of redeeming them from heathen barb to make them what they were; that we wen ored by the Almighty in being chosen foi masters and teacher?, rather than their Xor friends-that was to be presumed. Ile r well by them when he did so choose; that tl p?riment of the two races coexisting in thc I State rpon equal terms, in peace and amity i yet to be tried; that wc were ready to do our but If they made our former relations a grou hostil .ty, we could never be at peace, sine ! could never change thc past; that the State I not prosper BO long as the- government was ? mi mst c. ed by the one race, in a spirit of hos to thc other; that the mad appeals to their sions and resentments could only lead to viol and blood, If they yielded to them; that w< proved our claims t o the protection of the l by accepting the terms Imposed by our quorors, and that they, not we, were rebels resorted to arms and violence agalast us in of peace; that neither President nor Gove could protect or .encourage them lu such a coi without violating his constitutional oath; tba had a right to claim thc support of true Rep cans, because we had accepted Hie laws impi by them; that ir they brought on a war aga thc whites, they would be crushed out or e tence before the white men or America, who v nearer to us in blood and nature than to th that the attempt to tax the whites ont of tl property would certainly first raia the labor who were subsiste! from their means; that pt erty-holders would never sabmlt to be turned of house and home for the benefit of a few off holders, whose duty lt was to protect the rig of person and property; that such a grovernru would be without thc protestion of the law, i would perish as lt deserved. In brief, we ext cd the madness, tue folly and the wickedness such Incendiary teachings, and exhausted the sources of kindly persnaslon, but they were the most part only the more rooted iu prejudl and the moro violent In Its manifestation. This summary of the arguments by which I colored people were led tb fasten upon tho Sta for the next two years, the same men who ha so nearly rained us In the past, demonstrates t existence among them of a fatal hostility to war os, which cannot now be overcome by gentle ai kindly overtures, lt ls so violent In som* quarte as to threaten the existence of society. It h been fostered and Tanned, and kept alive in a ve large degree, by those whose duty it ls to pro:? society. Magistrates and conservators or t peace have been foremost and nnrebuked in : cendlary utterances and actions. It ls allied n only with demagognism-that demon, who province it fa to prostitute the spirit or liberty but also with agrarianism, whiclt strikes at t foundations of civilized society. To this, add I norance and the leadership of the worst, most u scrupulous and selfish men, as a rule, and son idea may be formed of tue dangers bf the situ rion. A danger knowu ls more than half averted, ls not our province to suggest remedies. The will be for your detcrminatioa. Ye: the utterani or personal views may be pardoned bj your kin ncs3 to those Tully In sympathy with you, ai having a commoi interest in ali that cancer: your weirare as a people. In the firs: place, let us set at rest forever t doubts about our position upon the questions reconstruction, which have been practically sc tied, anti deal with them as we do w?th otlx laws. An accomplished revolution becomes lav A contrary coarse Isolates ns Irom n'l existin political organizations, and sauts out a'lhopct peaceful deliverance. Let us retain, iu som form, a solid combination for mutual protectlo and.the preservation of peace, law and order, ui der the lead of the wisest, purest and best citizen In every community. Ceaseless vigilance, cai tion and self-restraint, combined, with ad?quat and visible preparation for defence, will tnsur the preservation of pease. There are declaration of virtuous purposes of late from the Executive c the State and some or our legislators. In ali th good they do le: us accord to them our heart; support. In some form, conservatism will sure!; triumph In the next Presidential election. Unde whatever name it comes, the leading Ideas wi: be the same. Free trade, acquiescence In acoom plisbed facts, equal rights to all citizens, the sn prcmacy or the General Government, bu: its 11ml tatlon within the scope of Its legitimate constitu tional sphere, and the preservation of the rights o: the States under tte existing constitution. In view of the probable triumph of these priuci pies, as evidenced by the resni: of recent elec tions, we may calculate that laere will arise lt South Carolina, within the next two years, li the bosom of the Republican party, a conserva tum in harmony with those principles." So Tar as possible todo so, without participating ia it, let ni welcome, aid and assist its formation, ir no: re tarded by indiscreet action oa our part, it may bc made to succeed here two years hence. To bc plain, any organization in which we took opeu part would concentrate largely against it the colored vot ?, under the lead of their worst men. playing, as heretofore, upon their prejudices, pas. sions and rears. Our support, therefore, to snob a party sUou'd be rather negative than positiw. moral an l passive rat h?j? than active. Let us hold oarseives free to aet as circumstances may require, remembering that trie restoration of au Impartial and economical government in Sontlt Carolina is of more vital necessity to us than any? thing el-:e to be accomplished by political combi? nations. Towards the colored people let us be kind, conciliatory, just and 'forbearing, but crave, manly and seir-reliau". Let us give .hem uo pre? text for violence, but ever be prepared promptly ty repel it. Should outbreaks occur, let us local? ize and suppress them, as nearly under the forms or law as may lie. For lesser outrages and acts or incendiarism, let us constitute a voluntary police to bring offender1: to justice, and enforce order impartially. Let us Increase the productive and conservative population or the State by most liberal inducements, dedicating a large portion or our uncultivated lands to that object, and look? ing to immigration from on:- sister States as weil as from abroad. To all .such, come from what quarter they may, let U3 extend a cordial wel? come. Above all, let cs cling together as a broth - erhood, and cnltivate the public virtues manifest? ed m the example of our ancestors, and the deeds of our heroic associates, who sealed their devo? tion to principle with their life's blood. Ciing to the old State in the day of her adversi? ty. To forsake her now, and abandon to their fate the thousands of our countrymen who can never leave her, would be like desertion in thc face of thc enemy. Be true to her, to them, to yourselves-to the graves of your ancestors, to wives, children and dependents. To men who have survived what you have in the past ten years, there can be little to dread bi the future. Fix your faith upon thc grand old mottoes em? blazoned upon the nalmetio 'flag - "Animis, Opibusrruo rarali, Dum Spiro Spero"-remember? ing that there is a God "whosittethon the throne, judging right." Very respectfully, Tour friend and countryman, J. B. KERSHAW, Chairman Executive Committee, Ac. THE GEORGIA ELECTION Thc Result Uncertain-Democrats Re? serving their Strength-A Row at Macon. WASHINGTON, December 20. The election 13 progressing in Georgia for' members of Congress, Le^isliture and, county offices. The returns are meagre and unsatisfac? tory, but lt is believed the Democrats will carry the State. Augusta-Two thousand votes polled. The Dem? ocrats ahead-Republicans divided. All quiet. Savannah-No disturbance. Bra ley, colored Independent candidate for congres', ls rece.Ving thc larger portion of the colored vote at the regu? lar precincts. Other election precincts were opened in the eastern portion of the city by thc Republicans. Governor Bullock's managers have protested against this proceeding as illegal. Sev? eral negroes were arrested for voting more than once. There was no violence or intimidation. Macon-Gangs of negro women were at the polls electioneering for the Republican ticket. One negro, who voted the Democratic ticket, was set upon aud mobbed. A row ensued, and one of the as?al ants was shot and severely wounded. The military had to be called out to disperse t he mob, when quiet was restored. No satisfactory returns can be elven. Columbus-Eleven hundred votes were polled. Thc m jority of voting was done by the negroes. Thc Democrats are ahead. All quiet. Atlanta-Elections are quiet. Six Republicans were arr.sted for illegal voting. Many negroes were brought to the city from Chattanooga and other place-. Nothing definite as to ?he result. Rome-The'Democrats arc over two to one ahead, several negroes were arrested for Illegal voting. All quiet. Union Point-Nothing definile from Greensboro' and White Plains. Montezuma-The Republicans are supposed to bc ahead. Cuthbert-The Republicans are seven hundred ahead-nearly all the blacks voting. Fort Games-The Republicans are ahead to-day. The Democrats will be at the close, as they are re? serving their strength for to-tuurrow. Covington-Eight hundred votes wore polled. The result not known. Fort Valley-Tho Republicans are ahead lo-doy; very few whites voting. CONGRESSIONAL PROCEEDINGS. The Amnesty Question Resumed-Au Interesting D c b a t e-Butler's Little Game-?The San Domingo Squabble More Bonds. WASHINGTON, December 20. ' HOUSE. In the House, after unimportant business, the amnesty discussion was resumed. Degcner, of Texas, spoke in favor of a general amnesty, but it had been buried last week under Arlington Ceme? tery. Himself and colleagues had therefore con? cluded that the Interests of the National Republican party required them to vote for Bingham's amend? ment; that failing, for Beck's. Manning favored general amnesty. Bingham said that the question touched the honor and, In some sense, the prosperity of the American people. The first vote would be rpon his amendment, which excluded only careers of thc United States lu I860 and 1 soi, and those who, since the first of June last, had held office to which they were Ineligible, nnd they should vote against Farnsworth's bill for general amnesty. The coun? try was not prepared to take that step. Bing? ham's bill only excepted some two hundred ;ihose relieved could not by any possibility harm the re? public; there were about twenty thousand among those suffering disabilities who were about us guilty of the blood of their country as the mem? bers of this Hou3e. If his own were rejected, he would vote for Beck's, but under no circumstances for the bill as reported by Butler. ? Fitch favored universal amnesty. He believed that Breckinrldge might safely be allowed to de? fend the principles of secession In the Senate. Sheldon, of Louisiana, spoke In favor of univer? sal amnesty, and remarked that his State, which had twenty-live thousand Republican majority, had abrogated every vestige of disability by a vote of one hundred and three thousand in thc .irtlrraative, to less thin one thonsand In the neg? ativ ?. Believing with the people of his ?Rate, lie was in favor of universal amnesty, and he warn? ed his political friends that the time was coming when every ene of them would take the same po? sition. Conner, o' Texas, spoke in favor of universal amnesty, denouncing the corrupt Southern State governments, especially that of Texas. Hamilton, of Florid?, protesied solemnly agalust universa! amnesty. Butler moved the- previous question upon the pending amendments. Bingham asked Butter to keep faith with the House. The previous nnestion was seconded by a vote of 'JO to S4, when Butler yielded to a motion to ad? journ. Butler's programme appears to be to have the amendments defeated, then have the bill recom? mitted, which will defeat amnesty of any kind at this session. The vote on the amendments o:curs tomorrow. SENATE. lu the Senate a struggle occurrcJ between the friends of a change lu the sugar tariff and San Domingo. Sherman favored the sugar bill, saying lt is oniy to clear an ambiguity and ought to pass. Edwards asked for the reading of the San Domingo resolutions, and saw no objections to them, as it ca'led only for information. He was opposed to the acquisition of San Domingo, and probibiy should remain so, bu: would be glad to get the information which the resolution would .-.-licit. Sumner and Morton came Into sharp collision, and business was much clogged by a struggle for the precedence of theyanous bills tn which sena? tors seemed to have a personal interest. A mo? tion to refer the suuar bill to the finance commit? tee WB3 lost. San Domingo was resumed and discussed to adjournment. * . Tiie finance committee reported :d favor of five, hundred millions additional five per cent, bonds and adversely to a proportion making the issue of gold no'.ss by banks receivable for customs. TUE COTTON YIELD. WASHINGTON, December is. The following, according to the agricultural report just out. is tho estimated yield perfore, and total yield of cotton In bales, of the following States : North Carolina, KS pounds per acre, and lT."/,ooa bales; South Carolina, 170 pounds per acre, and 220,600 bales; Georgia, 173 pounds per acre, and 49AOO j bales; Alabama, 105 pounds per acre, and 010,000 bales; Mississippi, 205 pounds per acre, and 725,000 bales; Louisiana, 200 pounds per ?cre, and 495,000 bales; Texas, 240 pounds per acre, and 465,000 bales; Arkansas, 240 pounds per acre, and 375,000 bales; Tennessee. 190 pounds per ?ere, ?ind 215,000 bales; other States, 175 pounds- per acre, and 80,000 00'T. The crop is within ld per cent, of that of 1S69. The top crop lus malured weil, producing less short and discolored fibre than usual. The production of sea island cotton is comparatively short. The report says the sea islands are now nearly occupied by freedmen, who are not progressive, and scarcely Industrious enough tp work. THE SIEGE THE BOMBARDMENT HOURLY EX? PECTED. The Military Situation-The Peeling In Paris-Great Guns BI o vin g-More Pi gil tl n g-Pr ince William Wounded Another Prussian Victory-Six Thou? sand Frenchmen Captured-The -Ven? tral Powers on Peace. PARIS, December IT. Official advices have beea received. The city ls calm anti the peor-e are confident. There ls food for a long time. T!ie army and people are eager for fight. The government has dispatches from Gambetta to the 12th instant. The Situation In Paris. LONDON, December 17. Thc news from Paris np to the 13th is that fresh meat, eggs, fish and poultry are gone, but the sup rly of horse meit will last two months, of bread, wine and cheese fonr months, and of salt meat and sal: fish cwo months. General Trochu has taken possession or all food and wines, and the popaJation ls now supplied by the military. The commissariat ls the same as the soldiers. The surrender of the city is unthought of. Tiie re? verses at Orleans have not disturbed the equanim? ity of General Palladines^ Every Parisian ls arm? ed, and the city can hold out three months longer without great suffering. The mortality ls large, but not enough to create alarm. T?tere are no epi? demics, and no deaths from starvation or want. The outside works have been pushed forward, which has compelled the enlargement of the line of Investment, and consequently has made the enemy weaker in thc field. From the works the marksmen command the roads formerly out of range. The German positions have been enor? mously strenr'.henel, but they feel a scarcity of men. The German accounts of the recent sorties evade the truth. General Dncrot was entirely successful, as far as he went. He held the penin? sular of St. Maur against the German attempts to recover it, and retired voluntarily after ascertain? ing the failure of Pal lad Ines. Duero: ls confident he could have gone through the line of Invest mont If Palladincs had been successful. The Ger mau leaders are uneasy on account of their line being weakened, and fear the success of a mossed sortie. LONDON, December 17 Datei from Paris of the nth instant, state that thc sortie by Ducrot was satisfactory, and has demonstrated where the Germans are weak. Du? crot ls confident of his ability to break through the German lines at the proper momeu t. The ac ti e army In t.'ie field Is In good health and spirits, and ls well fed and 200,000 strong. Preparations are making for another sortie on a larger scale. Some of the theatres have been reopened, as lt is believed tie per ormances will have a beneficial effect, and besides will relieve thc monotony of the ordinary round of dal y life. Goods are plentiful, street cabs are numerous, so their horses, at any rate, have not been eaten. ?Delay In thc Bombardment of Paris. VERSAILLES, December li. The delay in the bombardment or Paris was caused partly by a qua/rel between Geuerals Bin mentual and Von Roon. The latter wished to use the army horses to bring np the guns, while the former Insisted lt was Impossible to spare them. Von Roon finally yielded, and four thousand horses arc now coming'from Germany to drag tie siege guns from the railway terminus. The condition of the roads is fearful. Food is very scarce in the German camps, and some troops have been without meat for three days. The Rising In France. BORDEAUX, December 19, Brittany ls greatly excited. The people are all taklug.up arms. Troops going forward nearly close the roads to the public^' - Tile Neutral Conference. LONDON, December 20, A Berlin special says the conference of the representatives of neutral powers have agreed to the following peace basis: First, acquiescence" in tho annexation of Luxenbourg; second, recogul tion of thc Gcrmau Empire; third, Indemnity from France to Germany of twelve hundred mil lions of francs, the raring of two fortresses on the German frontier and the cession of a portion of Alsace. Prospects of the Great Siege. LONDON, December 20. The Telegraph has a special from Brussels say lng that the late heavy calls for landwehr deao tos weakness in the besieging force, and its opera Hons are'more defensive than offensive. One or two sorties like that oflast night and the siege of Paris will be raised.. A dispatch from Frankfort says a month is re? quired before bombardment ls possible. The German guus before Paris are worthless for such a purpose, while Vers.iilles itself ls nearly wltUlu raugeoftbe French guns. Later advices from Paris say thereuas been no fighting around tue city since the first of December. BERLIN, December 20. The Cross Gazette reiterates that the difficulties in transporting material and heavy gun's will soon be overcome, and tpa: further action re gardin; the bombardment of Paris will be guided altogether by military considerations. Prussian movements. BORDEAUX, December 19, The government has announced that the enemy has discontinued the advance upon Havre. The Prussians, 21,000 strong, with eleven batteries, at tacked Nuits and captured ^ after a live honrs' fight ami heavy loss, lt is expected the battle will bo resumed to-day. The Prussians attacked General Chansey and were easily repulsed. The enemy falls back as Bourbaki advances. The French re-occupied Vi eDZon. Prince William of Baden was wounded in the capture or Nuits. NIGHT DISPATCHES. Another Prussian Victory-Capture of 'Six Thousand Frenchmen-Thc Bom? bardment Hourly Expected. LONDON, December 20. General Wei der captured six thor-and French at Nuits and pursued them southward. The French force was ten thousand strong, and wcro-defeaiea on Monday at Persley and Fon tenell. BRUSSELS, December 20. Tuc government declines to publish Bismarck's note i* the reply thereto until the reply reaches King William. NEW YORK, December 20. The World's spe?ia? from London says their correspondent from Versailles writes that the bombardment of Paris is hourly expe:ted. FROM WASHINGTON. WASHINGTON, December ?o. The coinmiuo? on commerce o! the House hoard arguments ir. favor of a European line of steamers. The President nominated Rumel, marshal ol the Western iii;-.ric*, of Texas. SPARKS FROM THE WIRES, ??now fell in St. Louis yesterday to fae depth of twelve incites. Governor Letcner ls much better ana out of danger. John Bright has resigned tn? presidency of the English Board of Trade. The strike of the brakesmen on the Erie ls virtu? ally ended, and freight, is coming forward. The gas meter exploded.in Cincinnati. Eigiit immense columns supportlrg thc gas holder were prostrated. The explosion was heard several miles. Loss $100,00). No lives were lost. A St. Louis dispatch says J. T. Jewett has been appointed Sena:,r Drake's successor. TILE STATE CAPITAL. JUDGE VE ll NON BEFORE THE HOUSE. Thc Bank of the State-Arguments in Behalf of thc Pire Loan Stockholders Postponed-Judge Vernon In Luck Thc Whole Matter Dropped-Legisla? tive Proceedings. [SPECIAL TELEGRAM TO THE MEWS.] COLUMBIA, December 20. In the Supreme Court, the case o? Dabney, Morgan & Co., against the president, directors, Ac, of tho Bant or the State, vf as continued. The court declined to hear argument from Messrs. Simons & Culst, representing the Ure loan stock? holders In America, nntll arter January, when they might be heard If the claims represented by them were not then paid. The argument was continued by the Don. A. G. Magrath for the bill holders. The case against Judgf Vernon for contempt came up to-day, at 1 o'clock. Messrs. Pope and Melton were heard for Judge Vernon, and Whip? per made a speech In opposition. At thc close of the argumenta resolution was adopted tim": as Judge Vernon had been proved guilty of con? tempt, he bc ordered to purge hlmseir of the con? tempt or receive a public reprimand from the speaker. The judge then declared that lt was not j hts Intention to throw contempt on the House, and the whole matter was discharged. HOUSE. In thc House notice was given of a bill to repeal the exclusive pori lons of the phosphate act; also of a bill to provide for surveying certain S ate lands in Christ Church Parish. A bill was Intro? duced by Mobley to provide for the appointment of an advisory board and land commissioners for each county. SENATE. In the Senate a joint resolution of the House, authorizing and directing the State auditor and county commissioners to levy certain taxes, was referred to the committee on finance. . THE FINANCIAL BING. Operations of thc Shaving Machine How Appropriations are Exhausted-j A Nice Little Game. [FROM OUr. OWN CORRESPONDENT.] COLUMBIA, December 18. I do not think T am at all out of the way lc asserting that the entire financial management of the State, from county treasurer up 'to State treasurer, fa a systematic and barefaced swindle. Without any extended comment, I desire to pre? sent to you a rew facts In point. There are so m my cases tint I hardly know Where to begin, lt might do to give the excep? tions; but, ir the truth must be known, there ore none. Ia the first place let us look at TEACHERS' CLAIMS. If any money ls paid oat of the State treasury; for honest labor, lt must be to the teachers of the public schools. For, leaving out of the question a few incompetent teachers, all of them have per-, formed their duty arduously ir not well. As in all badly managed governments, there ls In the State of South Carolina an almost endless system of | red tapelsm to be gone through with before any claim can be presented in proper shape to the State treasurer for payment. The teachers, being In tho main Ignorant or the details of the so-called system, labor under great difficulties In prosecut? ing their claims. These difficulties are increased In a great measure by the inability, as well as the disinclination, of a majority of the school commis? sioners to furnish information. When, after much pains, and perhaps expense, the teacher receives from the superintendent of education his warrant on the treasu rer, he Imagines that he has arrived at the height of pecuniary felicity. The stereo? typed answer of the urbane clerks o' Mr. Parker's department, that "the appropriation le exhaust? ed," however, Invariably brings them a realizing sense of their Impecunlosity. THE SHAVE BUSINESS. This, of coarse, doesn't refer to barbers, though it ls a barbarous joke on the victims. By the "shave business" we mean a practice which prevails among tho would-be heavy financiering mlod9 or th? capital. A practice tolerated and, perhaps, admired by some In the vicinity of Chat? ham street, but not calculated to merit the com? mendation of the simpler people raised here? abouts. . To go Into particulars. The teacher, when he casts about to discover when, If ever, and where, if at any place, he shall receive pay for his hard work, generally rans across some disinterested (?) Individual who makes mention "of some friend of his, inst around the corner, who will, at a great sacritlce or bis personal Interests, accommodate him by advancing .about one-hair the amount of the claim, taking the very great risk of getting repaid hy the State. THE BANE AND TBU3T COMPANY. The South Carolina Bank and Trust Company, it is hardly necessary to add, represents the party round the corner. Under the charter granted them by the State, this company were enabled to do almost anything under the sun, and a license for sheer gouging seems not to have been left out. Every one seems to understand that a claim of any kind can be shaved at this Institution, and seems to know as well that some special provis? ion ii mode against a loss on the pnrt of the bank. MANAGERS OF ELECTIONS. Every one knows that not one ont of five man? agers Of elections appointed ever presents an ac? count for pay for services, ir those who did pre? sent accounts only knew how near to impossible lt was to have them paid, they would withhold them altogether, and save themselves and their friends much trouble? On thoi*xtnte book of the State wo find that an appropriation was made last year of fifteen thoassm dollars, "for the expenses of the gene rai election or 1870, accounts to be audited by the State audit jr, and paid on the warrant cf the comptroller general." Now, flrteen thousand dol? lars is not such a large sum, but lt is jost about 'three thousand dollars over and above what could be paid if e/ery manager and commissioner took the largest amount the law would allow him. There w-:re ninety-three commissioners of elec? tions, whose services at full time won d come to $2700; services of 930 manag rs, aUowlng ten polls to each county, $5180; cletks to commissioners WOOld cost $1SC; clerks to managers, $ieco; mile? age of commissioners (twenty miles each,) $180; mileage for managers (twentt miles each,) $1860; amounting in all to $11,362. This wouli leave over six hundred dollars for printing, Ac, and then leave a balance or three thousand dollars. I am giving yoi these figures only to show that thre could be no possibility by which the appro? priation could honestly be expended. And yet lt is notorious ihat the poor creatures who are fool? ish enough :o apply to tho treasury to have their accounts paid are always anticipate and Inform? ed that "THE APPROBATION IS EXHAUSTED." ir so. how is it '-exhausted?" lt seems that the great legal minds at the capital decided, pre? vious to the election, that the canvass, especially that portion o.rit conducted by the Radical party, was the neutral election referred to In the law. As opinions can bc readily obtained to account for deficits and tricks of all kinds, this affair will, doubtless, be elucidated to us at some time, and we will be aa muddled as ever, perhaps more so. "IP so, HOW MUCH ?" Now, fifteen thousand dollars ls but a little amongst one. We cannot venture to calculate how much it would be divided amongst the many sharks following our old ship of State, barnacled with the corruption of the past few years. Ob? serve, the ln?ultissimai meanness used to shave these creditors out of a paltry five perc?nt. on olalms of two dollars or so each, the percentage amounting at the most to not more than $7SO, lt ls almost enough to make one feel toward these gentlemen as a favorite satirist said he felt toward a certain bed-bug: '-Mad enough to cuss him to his face.". OTHES CLAIMS. There are otter classes of claims, such as those against the land commission, constabulary office, adjutant-general'? ofllcejand comptroller-general's office, which have to be ground ont through simi? lar mills. A history of the process is already given in substance, only different men and differ? ent places are dealt with. I will tire yonr readers no longer now, but leave further exposes until a futn-e time, when county as well as State officers will be Impartially shown np. THAT SPECIAL TAX FOR CHARLESTON ! It has been frequently asked what is the object of that twenty thousand doljar special tax which it ls proposed now to authorize the county com missioners of Charleston to collect? The usual blind ls used that it is to go for school purposes, but we learn to the contrary. There are a large number of claims outstanding against the com? missioners, which have been bought np lately by certain parties for forty five and ffty cents on the dollar. This special tax ls to be used for the pur? pose of paying off these claims. Some one will pocket a handsome profit, and that ls all there is toit. "Enough," jon will say. ANOTHSER liAY'S .. OER. ? Thc New C'onnty-The Impeachment Trial-Teachers' Claims. [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.] COLUMBIA, December 19. THAT NEW COUNTY. * The bill, of which notice was given by Mr. Perry on Saturday, to form a new county out of portions of Oconee, Pickena and Ac derson Coun? ties, to be called Pendleton, with the county seat at Pendleton, ls the reviving of au old Idea. The bill has not yet been drawn up, but will be pre? sented as soon as the survey and measurements now In ingress are completed. OE ANOS OF SALES-DAY. Mr. Perry's bill to amend the law lu relation to Bales-day in the Eighth Judicial Circuit, proposes an entire change m the sales-days In that circuit. By the provisions of tho bill, the sales-day will fall upon such a day that it will not be the same for any two adjoining counties. Saturday will bethe sales-day all through the circuit. On thc first Saturday sales will be made at Oreen ville and Abbeville; on the second at Anderson, and the third at Walhalla. This will enable parties to go from one sale to another without sacrificing any. thing. TaS LAND COMMISSION. There are some fonr or five bills now before thc Legislature, having for their obj Jct some modifi? cation of the law providing for an appointment of a land commissioner. They are aU 'entitled "Bill to amend an act,entitled an act to provide for the appointment of a land commissioner, and define his powers and duties," and they will have either to be consolidated into one general bili, or have their titles changed. Mr. Wimbush's bill will effect mainly "the term of ofltce and salary of the land commissioner." The bill or Byas provides for an election of land commissioner by the Joint assembly, and he to hold office for two years and during their plea? sure. REDUCTION OF COSTS. The following resolution looking toward the reduction or the costs under the new Code waa Introduced to-day, and will come up for discus* sion to-morrow: iPhereas, The costs ander the present Codeare excessive and greatly more onerous than hereto? fore In this State; therefore. Resolved, That the Judiciary be Instructed to inqul e whether Borne change of the present law in respect to "costs" may not be made which will be of benefit to the people at large. . THE IMPEACHMENT TRIAL. The Impeachment trial is dragging along slow? ly. There seems to be an Intention to let the mat? ter run along until after the holidays, and, at any rate, until after the contempt case is settled. To? day a resolution, otrered by Arnim, that ; he mes? sage of the Douse bc referred to a special commit? tee of five, to have power, too, to make or adopt rules for thc guidance of the Senate daring the. impeachment, was adopted. CRIMINAL LAW AMENDED. The bill, of which notice has been given by Mr. tteedlsh, to amend the act defining the erimia al law, amends the seventh section of thal, act, which reads as follows: "Every entry Into ?u ciosed or unenclosed land of another, after notice from the owner or tenant prohibiting the same, shall be deemed a misdemeanor." The word "unenclosed" Is stricken out. norse BUSINESS. Besides that already telegraphed yon, the House transacted the following business to-day: Notice of bills: Prendergrass, to amend an act providing for the appointment of a land commis? sioner. Keport of committees: Agriculture, unfavora? ble on bill compelling building of fences around cultivated lands; same, lavorable on bllltopio vide for the erection of suitable fences. Iutroduced: Joint resolution (Perry's) author? izing thc payment of additional compensation to Judge Orr for holding extra courts; Joint resolu? tion (Warley's; authorizing county commission* ers of Clarendon County to levy a special tax for the purpose of building a courthouse and jail; Prendergrass, to amend an act appointing land commissioner. TEACHERS' CLAIMS. The following extract of the answer of Treas? urer Parker to the resolution asking why teach? ers' claims have not been paid, wUl show the real reason to all who are at all familiar with the "shave" business: The cause of delay In the., payment of these claims arose from the delay or the State auditor (which delay was caused by the tardiness or the counties to send In their returns promptly as in? structed by his circui.tr) to render the return to this office, thereby making it necessary for me to step payment until accounts of "free schools" could be properly apportioned. By reference to the report or the auditor, (annual) lt will be seen that five of the counties to that date have failed to make the necessary returns. The report of the auditor of those who have done so bas bat recently been received, and, no further delay in pav ment will .ensue than that (say one week) caused by making the transfer and appropriation of the account to "free schools. _ _ IMPEACHMENT OF OOF. HOED EN. A Conspiracy Confessed. RALEIGH, December 20. To-day, at ll o'clock, the board of managers appointed by the House to conduct tlje impeach? ment of Governor Holden, attended by the speak? er and the House or Representatives, proceeded to thc bar or the Senate and formally submitted the articles of impeachment. After the conclu? sion of thc ceremonies, the Lieuteaant-Governor vacated his seat as president of the Senate, and shortly afterwards took oharge of the Executive office. Governor Holden made no opposition to the surrender of the office. The court of impeachment will cm vene as soon as Cluer Justice Pearson eau arrive in the city. By the confession o' a dying negro it has been ascertained that ai! the barn-burning and depre? dations committed in this and adjoining counties ror the past year was the result of a planned con? ti piracy on the part of the negroes or the Union League. Forty names are In psssession ot the authorities. Some arrests have been made, and 'officers ate in hot pursuit or others. FROM RICHMOND. RICHMOND, December 20. The steamer for New York this evening carried five prisoners for the Albany penitentiary, to serve terms varying from between one and five years, for mail robbery, counterfeiting and vio? lating internal revenue laws. A shipment of three thousand barrels of flour was made rrom here to-day for Rio Janerlo. -The cable tells us that if King William "ac? cepts the German crown he will assume the title of Kaiser von Prensen and Schirmer von Deuts ch land." Literally translated, this means "Empe? ror of Prussia and Protector of Germany." mens mvoemeat. HEN'S UNDERWEAR, Shaker Flannel, Patent Merino Undervests, Drawers, and Hosiery* A LARGE VARIETY OF NEW GOODS FOE THE HOLIDAYS, At Extremely Low Prices. E. SCOTT'S STAB SHIRT BMPOBIUM^ ' MEETING STREET, OPPOSITE MARKET. (Elolbittg ano irnrnisrHns Q&aohn; "CHRISTMAS "JSTO"7"?3 LTIES OVEECOATS. DOUBLE-BREASTED SACKS DERBY SACKS ' PRINCE OF WALES FROCKS - . ENGLISH MORNING. COATS . . DRESS FROCKS SILK AND VELVET VESTS, and ?LOW PRICED BUSINESS SUTFS? SCAEFS. OUR FRITZ " MONARCH CHANCELLOE LOED STANLEY WINDSOES.' HOSIEEY. CASHMERE. MERINO SHAKER, BEITISH, and GEBMAN COTTON; PATENT PANTALOON DBAWEBS SC ABLET AND WHITE SHAKES; FLANNEL COTrON FLANNEL AND JEANS SHIETS, DEA WEES CARTWRIGHT AND WABNEB'S ; SUPEB 8TODT COTTON SCABLET AND WHITE ALL WOOL COLORED AND WHITE /MERINO TRUE FIT SHIRTS NEGLEGE SHIRTS. CARDIGAN JACKETS. LINEN COLLAES. KENSINGTON, FLORENCE FBANKLLN,'GUABD8 - BISHOP AND PABAGONB THE TEUNK PAPER COLLARS AND, CUFFS. GLOVES. ENGLISH BUCK, CALF DOG, KID, BEAVER SILK, CLOTH, and FLEECED-UNED COTTON. STJSPENDEES. EUSSIAN CANTAB GUYOT BERLIN and ENGLISH. TOILET AETICLES. VIENNA TRAVELLING BAGS TBUNKS, LAP EOBE8 and TRAVELLING SHAWLS ROBES DE CHAMBRE and " SMOKING JACKETS. For elegance, ease and comfort to the wearer, these Goods are recommended wita confidence. J. H. LAWTON ft CO.. ACADEMY OF MUSIC BUILBIN?U liiiiiiii SUITS FOE THE HOLIDAY'S. NEW SUPPLY OF ALL STYLES OF MORNING COATS, BUSINESS COATS, DERBY SACKS, DRESS FROCKS, OVERCOATS, Of Chinchilla, Beaver and Waterproof, m Glenga? re and Cape Styles. ROBES DE CHAMBRE TRAVELLING SHAWLS. F ?RNI8HING GOODS. The Leading Styles of CRAVATS, BOWS, TIES, SCARFS, Ac, 4c, CAMBRIC HANDKERCHIEFS. HOSIERIES. MERINO AND LAMBSWOOL SHIRTS AND DRAWERS, NEGLIGE SHIRTS, CARDIGAN JACKETS. GLOVES, OF FRENCH KID, CALFSKIN AND .BEAVERS, ENGLISH BDCE, DEER AND OASSIMERE. BUCK GAUNTLETS. The Celebrated STAB SHIRTS, COLLABS AND CUFFS, Of all Qualities, loM^y me for the past 30 TAILORING DEPARTMENT supplied with a Full Assortment of imported and Domestic Cloths, Beavers, Coatings and Cassimeres, made up at moderate prices. WM. MATTHIESSEN. B, W. MOTUREQUS, Superlatendent. d??A*