The Charleston daily news. (Charleston, S.C.) 1865-1873, May 12, 1871, Image 1

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VOLUME XI.-NUMBER 1671. CHARLESTON, WEDNESDAY" MORNING, MAY 3, 1871. EIGHT DOLLARS A YEAR. THE PEOPLE'S CONVENTION. I II I It D DAY. Reports of thc Executive Committee J: i fd MIK Proposed Essential to th? Peace and Welfare at the State-Th? Bine Ridge and Greenville Railroad Bill of the Last Legislature Severely Censured - .Nearly Tun Millions of | Debt. [SPECIAL TELEGRAM TO THE NEWS.] COLUMBIA, Thursday, May ll. The convention met at 12 o'clock. The morning session was consumed in reading and acting on reports. The executive' com? mittee reported that they had considered a plan to meet the expenses o? the convention, and recommended that each delegate deposit with the clerk five dollars for that purpose. Adopted. Judge Aldrich, irom the executive commit? tee, reported on the subject of taxation with? out representation, reviewing the causes of the present condition, and recommending the passage of a resolution'that the Legislature be req^fested to pass an election law, by which sixty thousand taxpayers shall have propor? tionate representation with ninety thousand voters. A lopted. Hon. J. Chesuut, from the same committee, reported cn Mr. Chamberlain's resolution, in? quiring into the alleged violence now prevail? ing in several counties of this State, Ac; that they learn, with recret. that violence prevail? ed in several counties, btu that they have the satisfaction to know that in by far the larger number of counties not a single instance ol such violation has been reported. It is due to bad government. Corruption is fol? lowed by larcenies; incendiarism is practiced by deluded men;"" and corporeal punishment and homicide have resulted in cases where fraud and oppression were lound to exist. These are lamentable truths; but the commit? tee believe the remedy to be found in the re? moval of bad and in the appoint ment of com? petent, honest men. Adopted. Hon. J. Chesnut, from the same committee, reported thft that the paper ot Mr. Dudley, which l\;d been recommitted, pass as amended: Desiring to be fully under stood by the citizens of the country, the convention declares that it meditates no resistance to the general government; that the reconstruction measures are finalities; that we look to time and peaceful agencies for the solution ol difficulties in the administra? tion; that the present exigencies demand more enlightened efforts than those Intended to pro? mote the success ol mere party, and that the fon?wing measures of reform are essential to the peaot and welfare of the State: 1. The adoption by the Legislature of minority rep? resentation. 2. Retrenchment by abolishing unnecessary offices. 3. Reducing salaries. 4. That the public debt be not increased, and the Governor prevent the negotiation of the ster? ling bonds. 5. Relief from the payment of two taxes in one year. C. To fill offices with competent, honest men. 7. Amendment of the election law, to prevent lraud in the con? trol or count ol the ballot. 6. R .'duct ion of the I pay, mileage, and abridgement of the sessions of the Legislature. Adopted unanimously. Mr. Screven, from the committee on elec- | tions, presented a report recommending that the executive committee confer with the Gov- | ernor and invite his co-operation in memorial? izing the Legislature to chango the election law, especially with reference to the ten days' custody ol the ballot-boxes. Adopted. Greenfield, of Columbia, offered a resolution that the executive committee Inquire into the irauds connected with the investigating com? mittee of the election ol the Third Congres? sional District appointed by the Legislature ol 1869. . The convection Then adjourned lill 4 o'clock. In the afternoon Mr. F. F. Warley, ol the executive committee, made a report on the resolution instructing them to inquire and re? port upon what terms and for what considera? tion the making and execution of the Blue Ridge Railroad Company, and other compa? nies^ of a mortgage to Henry Clews, Henry Gourdin and George S. Cameron, to secure the payment of certain bonds, was ratified and confirmed by the Legislature, and the said mortgage declared to be a -lien prior to that of the Stat e on all property described in said mortgage, and on the entire line ol the Blue Ridge Railroad, and on all other properties ol the several companies, or which they, or either of them,.may herealter acquire"-and say that for some reason the Legislature has transferred to private individuals the State's lien on the Blue Ridge, and the entire proper ties in the Greenville and Columbia Railroad. ] Such dealings are in the nature of fraud. I Therefore, Hesol'ed, That tl'e convention request ? Messrs Porter & Conner to give the report ? a careful consideration, and take the neces- < sary steps to. prevent, by p ocess of law, the consummation of this Iniquitous proceeding, j ( Mr. Warley followed in a severe speech, iu which he denounced both corporations Sor the use of corrupting influences with the Legisla? ture. He said that some Carolinians are more 11 to blame thai ihe carpet-baggers, and charged that Hie president of the Blue Ridge Railroad boldly asserted belore thc committee th.it he ,/as prepared to spend hail a million ol" dollars So defeat Whlttcmore's bill, and bribed sena? tors to do so. The speech produced a profound impression, especially when, in closing, he said that he was personally responsible for every fact stated. The committee of eleven will probably make theif'report to-morrow, which will be thc voice of the convention, and embody the practica] resui'.s of its labors. Much good*has already resulted froid its deliberations, and it is confideutiy believed that incalculably, benefit viii be experienced frotn it, both politically and financially. It will probably adjourn to? morrow evening. Messrs. Trenhoita and Smith, after a tull examination of tile books ot the treasurer and comptroller, find that the total debt ol the State, issued or authorized, to be nine million eight hundred thousand dollars. PROCEEDINGS OE TUE CONVENTION Second Day. FROM Ol'? OWN COIlRESrONPENT.] COLUMBIA, Wednesday. May IO. The proceedings in the convention to-day have coHsisied chiefly ol the presentation ol resolutions aud their reference to the execu? tive committee, of which General James Ches? nut is chairman. The absence, too, ol other committees, 1er the purpose of consultation, made it unnecessary to prolong Hie morning sessioD, aDd it accordingly adjourned at an early hour to meet at 7 P. 31. The following is the full text ol resolutions offered during the day, the synopsis of which was published in our special telegraphic dis? patches ye.-terdaj morning: BvVudge A. P. Aldrich : li<solved, That the executive committee, with tl.e president, shad have it in charge protecl. the interests represented 07 this c< vent ion ir the interval of adjournment keep In view the current legislation, and call the convention together at such times they may think proper. Also, that a coma tee of live be appointed by the execii'ive co inlttee to prepare a truthlul and condens report of the condron of the Stat-?, now a since Hie war, r-ud ibat the same be print and distributed; By Colonel William Wallace : Whereas, Crimes hitherto unknown South Carolina, viz : embezzlement of pub ninds and bribery in the Legislature, have t come so flagrant as lo make the govemraen by-word anil reproach In the eyes ol'a civiliz world-committed as they have been almi openly in the presence ot the Executive a the attorney-general ol' Hie State-whose di; it is tc see that all offenders are brought justice; and whereas these violations of law the part ol'those occupying high places in li government, committed almost openly a: willi impunity, beget a spirit of lawlessue throughout Hie State, Resolved. That the attorney-general be i structed to And out and prosecute all sn offender?, and that a committee of five mei hers of ibis convention be appointed to a that officer in the discharge of this duty. By Hon. A. B. Woodruff, of Spartanbnrg: Resolved, That it be referred to the comm tee of eleven to report a* to Hie propriety proposing some Dian, through the Govern or otherwise, by which the law requiring : official notices 'to be published in eena papers be repealed, or so modified as to r move said requisition. By Mr. M. C. Smart, of Beaufort : Recognizing our obligations as delegates this Suite, in voluntary convent i a um-mole to adopt snell measures as in our- juo'gmei will be most conductive to social harmon mutual co-operation In and support ol' tl government, and confidence in the llnanci condition of. the Slate; recelvint. and a ceptiui: in good faith the assurances of bis E: cellency the Governor that lie will render an aid in l.ls power to lacilitale such object, an that any plan which this convention ma adopt, consistent with our system of Iree goi eminent, will deserve the earnest atteniion < lue General Assembly; appreciating his sw. gestion as to the proper mode for remedvln existing evils, to wit : to secure for the Slut the services of citizens whose -experience an person il character would furnish a sufficier guarantee for wise legislation and judiclon expenditures of ihe public funds : Be it. lien fore. Rtso'ved, That the executive committee ( this convention be, and they are hereby, rc quested lo nominate a committee, to consi? of not less than three nor more than ten corr pelent persons, who shall make ami cause t be mace a thorough investigation of all ihe lit biliiies ol this State. Resolved, That his Excellency the Governo be. and be is hereby requested, to render an; aid in his power to the accomplishment of ihi? object, and as an Important agency exists li the Stale ol New York, a visit to which wouli entail much expense on the members ol (hi committee, this aid be extended (o oinbrac? transportation of ibis committee. Resolved, That the officers of the various de partments be, and are hereby requested, ti give the committee access to all sources of in lormation within tbelr power. Resolved, That the executive committee be coniinuons in its organization, subject tc the call of his Excellency and its chairman. Reso'ved, That in addition to the dutiei hereinbefore provided for the; members of this commiitee, the executive commiitee shall, by conference and communication with his Ex? cellency the Governor, whenever by bim de? sired, assist him to secure the services of -citi? zens to All the various offices of Stale and county. Resbived, That we are opposed to repudia? tion, and nope that the r?sull of ihe arrange? ment herein provided for will secure the prompt payment of all lawful obligations: Provided, however, that we distinctly reserve the right to iiirther action on this point until after the reports herein contemplated are made. By Major F. F. Warley, of Darlington: Resolved, That this convention, represent? ing the taxpayers ol' the State of Soul li Caro? lina, and authorized to speak for Hiern, sol? emnly declare the intention ot the people io resist, by all lawful means, the payment of any debt hereafter contracted by Hie present State government,, or by any subsequent govern? ment, In which Ibe taxpayers are not repre? sented. * By Mr. Robert Adams, of Richland: Wherios, Taxation without adequate repre? sentation is an anomaly in a tree R--publican government; and whereas the taxpayers of ihe Slate cf South Carolina are now laboring under the intolerable burden arising from non-representation in the l?gislative councils of the State; therefore. Resolved, That we recommend to the Gov? ernor a suspension of the collection of tax^s for the year 1871, until the adjournment of Hie next session ol the Legislature. Resolved, That it is the sense of this conven Uon that the necessities of ihe taxpayers 0! South Carolina imperatively require such sus? pension By Colonel T. Y. Simons : Resolved, That this convention ol the-pro? perty-holders and taxpayers ol Hie Slate of South Carolina do hereby deem it our duty to declare that the bonds heretofore Issued, with? out legal sanction, and the so-called sterling loan, or auy other bonds or -obligation bere? ifter issued, purporting To bo under and by virtue of the authority ol t he Stale, ss at pres? ent constituted, will not bc heid binding on JS; and that we recommend to the people ol' the Slate, in every manner and at ail times, to .esist the payment, thereof, or the enforce? ment of any tax lo pay the same, by ull legHl uate means within their power. Resolved, That we deem it our duty to waru ill persons not to receive by way ol' purchase, oau or otherwise, any bonds or obligations Hereafter issued, purporting to hind the prop iily or pledge Ibe credit of ihe State: and Jiat all ?uch bond* or obligations will be held 0 be null and void, as having been issued corruptly and improvidently. MINORITY REPRESENTATION. The committee on suffrage anil elections, :hrough Mr. J. P. Thomas, made a lengthy re? port, rec ommending the adoption of thc plan, ivhicii has been tried several times in England iud Amerlci ':nown as cumulative voting. Die report explains Hie modus operandi, dwells upon the advantages of Um new sys Lem, both to ?he minority and minority,, and expresses the belie! that it will result in re? storing oenee mu! prosperity to ihe State, ll concludes willi Hie recommendation thal the Legislature, at its next session, pass a bill pro? viding ?or the cumulative system OJ" voting and representation. Mr. Tiiomas sustained tho report in a speech In which was discussed the prospects ol the two races. Ex-titvernor Manning, of Clarendon, moved that Hie report be laid on the table, bul with, drew his motion, and jiekled Hie floor lo Hon. Geo. A. Trenholm, who made a masterly ad? dress on the situation, and warmly advocated Hie principle of universal suffrage as Hie foun? dation upon which must rest every truly Re? publican government. We are. be said, in Hie march of intelligence aud progress, and the convictions of all reasoning men go to es? tablish universal suffrage as ihe heritage 0; every living man. Armed with this grand idea of ihe age. Hie support ol'every ciiizen of South Carolina could be demanded, amii: union ot interests would :oliow> out of which would grow ju-lice, peace and harmony. Ex Governor Manning renewed bis motioa to lay the report on the table, and made a speech, in which lie declared that be was nota compromise man, and entertained no qualified political sentiments on this subject. Give us equal laws, and we would baye proper repre? sentation; then we would have justice through? out the land. General Gary replied warmly, advocating the adoption of the report. 1 Hon. Gabriel Cannon exprcs?ed the hope ; that, a? far as practicable, the discussion of this an J other m> asures should be conducted ; with ? spirit of moderation, and, .abo ve ?all Hiing?, that politics should be avoided. General James Chesuut was in favor of tok? ing an immediate vote upon the report, be? cause he believed Hie mind of the convention was already Axed on the subject, and it only consumed time to prolong the discussion. At Iiis suggestion, the report was.read a second time, whereupon he moved its adoption. Hon. D. H. Chamberlain now took the floor, and held the undivided attention and interest of the convenlion, whlie he addressed the body as follows : Gentlemen-I am aware, from the length of this (legate, that the convention are ^axions to reach a vote on the subject. While I had hoped lo have spoken upon it at sorae.length. I shall better promote the object which I have at heart by confining myself to a few remarks. We are here, If we are honest in our declara? tions, simply as citizens of a common State, and not as "members oj' political parties. We are interested alike in the welfare of that State. My position here is peculiar, and Mn many of its features trying. On all sides I am surrounded by members ot a political party to which I do not belong, and in coming - here I have left behind me those with wliotn I have hitherto been associated in my political career, But anx'ous as I am to save the common peace.and welfare of thc State, I say to those who taunt me for my conduct, that neither they nor any one else can read me out ol' my political party, with'which I have chose to as sociate myself. Pardon me for saying again, however, that outside of this convention lum a Republican, and it ls because I desire to vin? dicate the decency of Republicanism that I am willing to hazard all political .prospects in an honest effort to promote the cause of right, and to save the State. In the first place. genllemj?rj. it is necessary to modify the absolute control which a mere utunerlc?l majority has obtained over the State, and io secure.for intelligence and prop erl v a proper representation in the affairs of Hie government. And, looking about for some device which, without violence to the fundamenta; principle upon which our gov? ernment rests, will bring relief from the grievances which ?ti?llct our people. I have fixed upon this system of cumulative voting because it is not "only just In its theory, but it will prove itself right lu its results. It takes nothing irom the rights of the majority. It gives them a predominating control, but notan abso? lute dispositioc of the entire fortunes of thc State. Do yon believe tor a moment then, when you put into an ignorant Assembly, many of whom can neither read nor write, forty-seven gentlemen whom I might select in this body, that you would not shame them into decency, or frighten them from crime? [Applause.] Who does not know -that the preseuce ol' one honest man puts to flight band of robbers ? Now, according to this sys tem,.voir deny nothing which belongs to the majority, but from the moment you place i the lower house forty-seven ol your ables citizens, bad legislation will cease, and good legislation will becin. Are the oppo nents of. this measure on this floor so intense in their demotion to political ideas, that they will refuse a proposition which gives to them a repr?sentation ol one-third and a'corresponding influence in public affairs I hope not, lor when by force of political sue cess they have gathered a majorily of the State to their side, there will then be left to us who differ the same rluhts we are now ac? cording lo them. Is it not fair, just, right Its immediate results are relief hom present grievances, aud it points to the 'future, where ill interests, no matter what may be the political fortunes of the State, will be pro tected. Now, I say to you, gentlemen, give us who have to do with making this practicable, some thing that we can honestly lake back to our political associates, and, in the name of the property and Intelligence of the State, secure An* right. Let lhere be peace between us low, and prosperity hereaiter. Strengthen mr hands, who desire to do what in us lies, to nake South Carolina safe for every man In his Ife. career nnd private interests. I say again, t ls right. Cram it. The question occurring on Hie adoption of he report, it was agreed to by a large majori y. not more than five or six voling in the neg Ulve. Various reports from the executive commit ee were read, and ordered lor consideration o-morrow rrue convention then adjourned. GREELEY IN JUE SO UTH. NEW YORK, May ll. Horace Greeley leaves to day for the South, liter delivering Hie animal address belore the Hate Agricultural Society, ot Texas, iie will ixplore the proposed line of the Texas and 'aclflc Railroad, and be absent several, weeks, naking a'6hort tarry in each of the principal ilties en route. He will reach Cincinnati on rriday, and New Orleans on Sunday. He viii spend Monday in New Orleans, go thence o Galveston, and deliver an address at Hous on on the 22d. POLICE! POLICE.' POUT DOVER, May ll. Tile fight between Coburn and Mace was pre ented by the Canadian authorities. The men. ii splendid condition, entered the ring shortly lier noon. During the first round, and be jre a Wow hud been shuck, the sheriff and ounty judffc, backed by a number of soldiers rom Slmcoe, dispersed the crowd, wno fled in very direction. The Dght '.:us been indetlnite r postponed. THE WEALTH I R THIS HAY. WASHINGTON, May ll. It is probable that the barometer will con iune fulling very generally on Friday, with in rea-ing cloudiness, and Ibat light winds will irevail from the .Mississippi tu the Atlantic. J.L KELL DECLARED" GOVERNOR. HAI:'KORD, May il. Dotti Houses passed a resolution declaring ?ewell elected. Ile wi:!, be iuaugiirated on Puesthy, to which day the Legislature has u'?l ourned. CR A SS ll OPP EUS ANO INDIANS. SAX FRANCISCO, May n. Clouds of grasshoppers are destroying Hie :rops ia Los Angelos County. The citizens of Arizona hilve killed eighty ?Y.e Indians ?iud captured twenty-five children. These indians had boen protected r-.t f 0rl han!, but in return "stole properly and mur? iere I citizens. WASHING TON Nil WS. WasintcuToN, May ll. Robeson has returned. The Russian Prince has postponed Iiis visit tiii rail. G-.'nerui Babcock succeeds General Micliier is" superintendent of public buiidiugs and ?rounds. The committee on foreign relations have jeen iu session four hours, and still are not .ady to report to the Senate . STATUE OF PROFESSOR HORSE. NEW YORK, May ll. The inauguration of_the telegraphers' statue o Professor Morse in the Central Park is 3nally fixed for the 10th of June at i P. M. It ivas found inpossible to complete it by Hie Mth in tant. THE STATE FINIMES. A BUSINESS MAN'S VIEW OE TBE CA SE. Remarks of Colonel Richart! Lathers, of"Charleston, In the Taxpayers' Con? vention at Columbia, Tacscta v, May 9, 1S71. In the Taxpayers' Convention, on Tuesday last, Colonel Richard Lathers said that he felt that it would be proper for him as a represen? tative of the Chamber ol Commerce to state th?? views entertained by himself and other gentlemen at some length, to the end that the objects of the convention might be clearly un? derstood. . - By the reconstruction policy, he corfiiniied, a system of government was instituted in the State which ls without example In the history of civilization for fraud, ignorance and oppression. The rights of property were ig? nored, intelligence disfranchised, laws and usages abolished, and the Legislature, and in? deed .'very lunction of thc judiciary and gov? ernment, State,counly and city, was exercised (willi few exceptions) by freed slaves without education, and white adventurers without conscience or the least sympathy ia the rights md interests of those they undertook to gov ern. The few exceptions In the way of hon? esty or capacity which brightens this dark pic? ture ol legislative depravity, more frequently justifies the conservative claims of the colored mun to a patriotic regard for his native Stale, Liian the production of any well-grounded hope af a practical relorm on the part ol the o whelming majority, whose aim seems to be to acquire wealth by ihe most unblushing cor ruption. Indeed the members of the Senate and the House o? Representatives, as well as the offi ;ials, do not hesitate openly to charge each jther with fraud and corruption; and there Is i well-set?ed tarif! for legislative action of -his kind most accurately graduated. A considerable portion- of the last session >1 the Legislature was consumed in mutual criminations of this kind, and one ol the sena ors actually proclaimed his independence :-f nvestigalions.of fraud and corruption on the ?round that his own frauds would bear In? vestigation quite as well as those ol hi3 ac? cusers, and Hie challenge was not accepted, die Governor of the State, ip his. veto of i bill 1er legislative expenses the last sea ?on, says: "I regard the money already ippropriated during this session and the, sum ncluded in this bill, amounting in the aggre? gate to four hundred thousand dollar?, as limply enormous for one.sesslbn. Ii is beyond he comprehension of any one how the General VsSembly could legitimately expend one-half hat amount ol' money." And the matter lura ;d out to be a fraud, as the Governor insinu iles. Last "winter a committee of both jrauches of the Legislature was appointed lo nxestlgate the frauds and blackmailing con lected with the Blue Ridge Railroad legisla Jon of the previous session. The Governor, he main witness, appeared before this com n'ittee, and accused the former Legislature of di sorts of vlllany. Alluding to the bill grant ng aid to the road, the Governor say 1 When the bill came up a member of the louse came to one of Die parties and <ald : kThe report can't go through until f get five hundred dollars.' " And when in injunction was served on the fiscal )flicers ol the State to prevent the endorse nent of the bonds, the Governor alleges that he parties procuring the Injunction proposed o withdraw the same if $25,000 would be paid, ifler many clear and explicit charges ol fraud ind corruptions,-the Governor, with an honest mrst of indignation against this corrupt body, ;ay : "I know of the loot, or have been told so >y a hundred different persons, that money lad been paid to get u certain report through it the last session. I want to say, do you nppose that if our Saviour would come here vith a bill ever so good, and want to get it brough, or it was thought best to get upa ?oinmittee lo investigate Him, do you suppose ie wouldn't be crucified again if He dldu't pay omething to prevent lt. * * * * I learned tlterwards that they privately demanded of the iresident ol the road ?500 a piece, as it was tubllcly stated by themselves that they did lot get enough ont of the road when the till passed." I need hardly occupy your line with the hundreds of frauds and tor uptions which are too well-known to the mbllc to need repetition, but I cannot re rain from calling your attention to the expen llttires of the county commissioners of Charleston lor the current year ending Ocio >er last, amounting lo $238,841. The Gover iorinhi3 messages, transmitting Hie same to lie Legislature, properly remarks : That .these amounts are of startling magnitude, ind ii is worthy, of consideration whether tiley ?annoi be materially.reduced." I believe ?in uvestigalion, counected with llios? (randi ins been had or proposed. 1TF.US. Road? ami bridges.<los,2J5 Public bnlliiidgs.28,n->i Coufliablca and trial justices.38.SG0 Sherill', clerk ol cutiuty and coroner...w,07l Total.I.$238,841 Perhaps before the war these items would lave reached (30,000 lo $75,00". Trial juslic-s, slate couti ables and herds o? expensive and iseless officials are rapidly corrupting the peo de. and ealing oui their substance. When we reflect that this ls the expense o jut one of the thirly odd counties of the State 'pending over a quarter of a million under the lower of a mere commission, wc need not lie surprised that the laxes of the Stale this year vaches oyer $-.'.000,000. against ?ess than 1100,009 before the war. As the laxes o be paid il;ls year aggregates over ?4,000,000, as it includes two levies which s i-T-iyhl thc amount paid beiju-e the wal? li Ti iy one year, wc may weil be con it rained to look to our rulers for same mitiga ion, and :i?k for a convection of taxpayers to consider the grave issues which ihe Ignorance md ?'uiid ol ihe Legislature aw precipitating upon ns in a practical confiscation o? o:?r prop jrty by taxation, and Ute probable loss lo our creditors, by the certain bankruptcy of the State. The recently developed frauds of the and commission, by which Hie Stau: hos been made to pay seven hundred and rtlty thous ind dollars for properly acknowledged to "be worthless for the purposes intended, and im possible of sale ai even il50,000, making a. ?lear ioss to our over-btirtbened taxpayers of ?GOO, UGO in a single year, which, before Ibo ?var, would have paid Hie expenses of the Slate for one year and a ball, ls but ihe de? velopment or lhat class of legislaiion on which the few honest and conservative men oi Lhe Radical party are unable to resist, unles? the election lawB can be so changed as to ifford minority representation ?mo Hie Legis? lature and all lhe offices throughout the Stale. This, I believe, can be effected with the co jperatlon ol'Hie respectable and honest Re? publicans, who are desirous to aid the Conservative people of the State to obt fair show of Influence in the making laws and levying the taxes, which alike cern the interests of us all. The resolutions ot tile Chamber ?I I merce and the Board of Trade, to TV you have so patriotically responded, plain and simple. They recognize practical value of the right of representa and the protection of the rights of prof against fraud and misrule. They allege g frauds on the part ol the Legislature an many of the,offlcials ol the State. Apart 1 the imlversal criminal representation, quotations already cited being tne hones missions and indignant charges of hiB cellency the Governor against his own pi proves beyond question the truth ol thesi legations, and also his inability to save community from the preponderance of motion in the Legislature, because the ho and intelligent portion of Iiis party are feeble in power to overcome the mass ol norance and corruption 'which sways destinies of the State. The action cont plated by these resolutions ls to give pr notice that the sterling bonds must not negotiated or regarded as binding on the perry and good laith of the people ol' the St and if argument and proofs of the wist and honesty ol this measure were wantin should propose only to adduce the two | tests entered in the Journals ol the two Hoi against the passage qf the bill authorizing loan, but which were disregarded by the jorlly : ? We. the undersigned members of tbe Sen protest against the passage of a bill entitled bill to create a debt of the State of South Caroll tu be kuoAn as tlic sterling lunded debt, same, or the proceeds thereof, to be excluait used In exchange for or In payment of the ex lng public debt of the State or South Carolina, " the following reasons : . .1st. Because to create any further debt at present time ts unwise and unnecessary. 2d. Because the existing debtor the state unknown, and a correct Knowledge of lt cam bc obtained. 3d. Because lt is admitted by the champions this bill and its fnends;iia: tue flnun.-nil rn; agers named In Its text are not the proper pers< tu be clothed with such a tlscal trust. 4th. Because" lt wid increase the burthen taxation, now already oppressive, and swell l aggi eenie of the Interest on thc ex.sting and I sterling funded debt to the amount ur $1,000,0 or ai the rate or six mills per dollar per anni upon all the property of the State or South Ca lum. fitb. Because the agent cr agents who are to 1 gotlate and manage the proceeds of the sales the $6,000,000 in sterling bonds for twenty yet to come, are not required tn any way to give sec rity or any kind for the enormous trust conlld to them. Ctn. Because the question or such a large I debtcdness, viz : $6,000.000 in gold-the large ever at any one time in the history or the Legisi ture of the state of South Carolina authorized should have been submitted io the qualin voters or th? State for their approval ur rejecHo berere ihe General Assembly put it beyond UH power to control. "th. Because the credit or the State must bell paired as thc column of indebtedness ls Increase . 8'h. Because the excessive taxation that ..s follow Hus new created debt will produce disco tent and dissatisfaction throughout the whe State, and will Inspire opposlilon to ihe gover ment, that will disrupt tue peace and tncrea the disorder now so threatening and deplored our community. ,Slgued.) B. F. WHITTEMORE, K. E. DICKSON. W. E. HOLCOMBE, . . JOUN WILSON, Ci. W. DUVAI.L, D. BlEM?N, J. FOSTER. The protest ol the members of the House : We think the meosnte a good one, and pronerly inausgcd and directed, might be prodi tlvc of good and substantial results. But belie lng that a majority or those composing tne "Una clal boards" are without financial Kuuwledge ai experience, which ls so eminently required suecesslnlly carry out such grave and Importa measures as the one In question, and runtier I: llevlng that 6uch safeguards os wlil properly a: etllclenily protect the rights or the State ba been neglected, we are constrained to vute above Indi ated. (Sigued.) . E. II. FROST, 'B. A; BOSEMON, CHAKI.ES S. Run, JoSEi-n D. BOSTON, C. J. AN DELL, FORTUNE GILES, W. W. JKRVEY, M. GOGGINS. I wUl close this evidence of fraud and cc ruption by quoting from the protest again the Greenville Railroad, made by leading rr nority members of the House, and entered i the Journal February 26, 1871. 1st. Because lt (the bill) ls a deliberate and wllf attempt on the part of those in whose Iniere the bPi was Humed, to enrich themselves at tl expense or Mic State. 4ih. Because Hie effect 01 its passage will bc 1 Injure the credit of the State abroad, which eve now does no rest upon the most secure and sw stamin: basis, owlug, we fear, to thc imstrvauagi ment and cupidity ot those to whom the affairs c thc State are intrusted. Thus you will perceive I have confined rn; self to documentary prools from Radical o? cial sources, and, did lime permit, I com greatly swell the record from the?proceedlng ol the Legislature and official publications < the past two years. Thu conclusive reason and facts produced by these able and timel protests of leading senators und mern ?ers c the "House, recorded in Ute journals at th time ol the passage of the bills, nol only prov the corruption and unfitness of Hie Legislatur und the leading officials entrusted with th funds of the Stale, and wielding the'destinie ol'the people, but sustains these chargesb Radical leslimuny, which cannot be disputed and which ls most creditable to Hie con servutive action ol ihe.Individuals concerned rising, as they do, above party Issues, whosi action at:<l conservative statements I desiri now to acknowledge as the most conclusive evidence of lue propriety of resisting all futur? negotiations pledging Hie laith ol'Hie Stale so long as the pet-pie whose property is to b? pledged are denied Hie rigiit ol protectin<; their interests by pruner representation in Hit Legislature. Leaving for the discussion of others Hit various forms ol' oppression and misrule under which the State suffers, I pro? pose lo . call your . attention to the repu? diation 01 the party in power, and the disgrace which has.lallen upon tho hitherto unquestion? able financial integrity of the Slate. I refer IO thc wilful refusal to pay the. matured fire loun debt. it appears that the Legislature of Hie Stale, in Hie session of 1838, authorized Hie Governor to negotiate a loan for soins two millions of dollars, to rebuild that part cf the City ol Charleston, then lying in ruin-;, caused by the deslruciive lire v.iiio'.i ha? devastated that city: pledging not only lim lallli and credit of the State, out the. capita! and profils of the Hank of lue State for tho prompt payment ot the interest and lur die liquidation of the prin? cipal as ihe luiui should mature. The proceeds ol tills loan was to be deposit? ed in the Bunk of Hie State, aud lo become a patt ol'the capital-of .said bank, to be loaned out to property-owners in the burnt district of Charleston, secured by bond and mortgage of the respective lots to be rebuilt upon by said loans. The president of the bank and the Governor of the State, jointly, appointed Mr. McDuffie as their agent to proceed to London and nego? tiate Hie loan. On Mr. McDuflie's arrival in London, he published an address, iu which he made the. following statement : The Legislature, in order to make assurance doubly sure, has provided thar, lu addition to the general pledge of the faith and resources of the state, particular funds shall be specilkally appro piiaied and solemnly pledged aud s^t apart to se? cure ihe punctual payment of the interest and principal or this loan. As this iona wlL par consist, of the profits which snail accrae from two millions now to be borrowed, the mods which lt is to be used will be staled, Ute to deposited in the Bans of the State of South Ca lina, aa so much capital, to be employed l>y t' bank*, acting as the tincal agent of the State In i conipll-hlng the objects or the loan, viz : to i the citizens or Charleston to rebuild their c'ty. Upon the faith of these representations ai pledges of the legislative enactments re .ferr to, Messrs. Baring Brothers & Co. b.;car, the purchasers of the Lrger portion ci t bonds, and through their influence most of t balance was negotiated, on most favoral terms to the St3te, J. ih-uk, at 93 per cern and at the low rate ol ."> per cent, interest. I cause of the peculiar nature of the semirit having not only the honor and faith of t State, which had always met its engagcmer promptly, but had also the capital and prof of the bank to fall back upon, and the lurch power of a legal remedy in the courts in ca of default of payment, which remedy could n be resorted to against a sovereign State. The bank, therefore, became not on Iv tl debtor of the holder ot theac bond:, oct w agent lor the State and trustee for the cred ors. The proceed.? of these loans wetevlei out by the bank as contemplated by the ste ute. Charleston was rebuilt and the loai made long since returned to the bank, with large profit lo the State on the transadlo interest charged by the bank being mui greater than the interest paid by it to tl English capitalists-?l23,500'matured ta w paid by the bank in 1858, leaving outstandh ?109,000; in round numbers, about $645,000 gold, which became payable July 1,18G5. The Legislature of 1865, flndlDg the Sta unable to pay these obligations promptly, d honestly propose to devote the assets of tl bank to the payment of these bonds ajd th outstanding circulation, giving the preforent to the bonds, under the pledges made ')j M McDuffie, and the statut? under which he ni gotiated the loan. But the present admlnii tration initiated a policy- which has led tc ei pensive and troublesome litigation, aol th! loan left unpaid and virtually repudiated fe five years, although the Messrs. Bariag o ferod to renew the bonds on the same .ibert terms which had been extended to the Slat of Massachusetts in London, provided th securities orgi nally pledged should be devote< in good faith to the. Indebtedness. Anothe Issue of this fire loan, made about the sam? time; in the United Slates, under the sam statute, and for the same purpose, araduntinj to $318,000, and advertised* to be paid la goli January 1,1871, was repudiated also, alt'iougl the fiscal agent, Mr. Klinpton, gave notice by public advertisement, in New York, Collina bia and Charleston, that principal and lr teres would be paid on that day. It Is true that legal questions have arlsei between various creditors ot the Bank of th' State as to priority of loans. But this litiga ti on seems to be the only resource of tho cred itors as long as the authorities of the Stati continue to repudiate the indebtedness if thi State; for in all issues now pending against thi assets ol the bank the State is bound, in goot faith, to pay the Utigants^ecause the State ii liable for the deficiency.of the bank tc mab good its obligation. The want of financial skill 1B as evident a the repudiation of these debts are glaring anc dishonest. How can a State hope to negotiate loans when defaulting in payments airead; due, and attempting nlso to deprive tnt credi tor of securities, pledged in good faith, to ob tain the loan ? While these legislators were repudiating their contracts with the Messrs. Baring, ttn< refusing to make any provision lor tte pay ment of their fire loan bonds, due five year since, and even passing laws to deprive then of'the assets of the bank pledged for .'.he se airily of these bonds-In a spirit of extraoi d-nary liberality with the taxpayers' money they were passing laws to increase tie bur dens of the people by the payment ol Interes on the bonds in gold, which bonds they hoi largely purchased at a great depreciation, an by investing $750,000 in land to be distribute! among their lavorites; and all this time the kept an agent in New York, bonowinj the money on call, and hypothecating th bonds of lhe State in the wildest manner and endorsing Hie bonds of railroads to an al most indefinite exient, so that leading mern bers of the Senate openly avowed pheir in ability to compute the actual indebtedness o the Slate, as I have already quoted lo you Ace you surprised that the credit of the State should have fallen so low ? Bepudiatioit is al ways a-celine which never falls to bring "astin' and severe punishment home to the perpetra tors. An individual or a State may become s< reduced by misfortune or bad management ai lo be uuabie to meet obligations, but no indi vidual or State lias ever profited byan exercls? of bad laith, no matter how ingenious the ar guinema used in justification. I have seen the -Tovernor of a State almos repulsed from a banker's office when applying for a loan, willi Uuiied . States bouda ai security, because Iiis State having repudiatec some territorial issues of bonds. The hankel refused to hold intercourse willi bim officially. South Carolina lias been terribly impoverish? ed by the war, and her sons insulted anil robbed by these adventurers which have been forced upon lier, but the honor of the State is in the custody pf her sons, and 'will suffer no diminution at their hands. We have everything here buta good ?overn ment and active capital. Our people are in? telligent, Industrious, and honest; our sod is productive and our climate genial. Controver? sies like this, if conducted with conservative decision, will gradually enlist large numbers om ol the ranks ol the par'.y which hav j been acting against us. I am confident that Hie con-xrvative element of that party are a-sham-'d of'.heir company, and aro too Ameri? can ai heart *.o sustain 'he practices ami meas? ures we complain ot. Capital will flow in upon us when we can demonstrate the safety and profit of investments iu our produci ve in? dustry, by Hie r-uppressiou of the frauds and extravagance which now threaten to drive Hie State lalo bankruptcy, as our rulers have already disgraced us by repudiation. Railroads and manufactories will be organiz? ed, and our laborers will be able lo enjoy the fruits of their industry, which is now taken from them tinder the forms of taxes, to pam? per corrupt and ignorant representatives who amuse the newspaper correspondence of the country, and demonstrate that civilization is not always onward, even wiien directed by ihe party of progress. While we mus: investiga... and use every effort to correct the evils which have befallen the Slate, and co-operate with all parlies and all persons who will lend us a helping bund to restore her to her former position of cignily and power, and her ^citizens to all the rights and immauiiies becoming freemen, still we .must not be discouraged if our progress tails below our hopes. We cannot disguise; from ourselv?s that the fearful losses of the late civil war have net only seriously impaired our power o: reproduction as citizens of this State, but have also entallec? heavy burdens on us aa " citizens or the United States. The production ol wealth must be necessarily elow for years to come, and therefore the greater necessity o f enforcing the most rigid economy' on those who expend the public money of the State and that of the Federal Government. The taxable value of the property of the State, in 18G0, was $490,003,000, and the taxe s only $392,000; now the taxable property has been reduced to $184,000,000, and the taxes in? creased to $2,000,00i)-^so, you perceive, while your property has been reduced to less than half its tonner value, your taxes have been increased five hundred per cent. Indeed, the recent census reports show a heavy decrease in the property ol the Southern States, nearly $2,000,000,000, and the present * debt of the United States, say $2,500,000.000, Just about balances the accumuUtlons of the people for the past ten years, leaving no prouts -and hence the steady but Blow decline of real estate and other property depending on accumulations ol wealth for an advance In price. The Government, of the United States are now drawing from the hard earnings of the people some $400,000,000 per annum, which ls at least $1,000,000 more than the surplus earn? ings have shown tor the yearly average of the last ten years. From 1850 to 18G0 the increase ci wealth in the United States was $4,500,000,000, or bat $450,000,000 annually. From I860 to 1870 the increase is but $2,500,000,000, or $250,000,000 annually.-1 simply adduce these figures to show that we must not be too sanguine for the future with these burdens of Radical ride in the National and State governments thrown upon us. Nor yet must we be discouraged by the falling off In value of real 'estate and other property, and the limited profits ot our indus? try. With ail these drawbacks, we compare fa? vorably with every section of the country. And the restoration ot' Intelligent; and honest men to power, working under the true doc? trines of the Constitution at Washington and v Columbia, which is not far off, will soon re? store that prosperity and true national great? ness which formerly characterized us as a people. Mr. President, I desire to offer the following resolution : Resolved. That a committee of three be appointed by the president to investigate and report a plan to restore the credit, of the State, and to confer with the representatives or the tire loan securi? ties which have been repudiated by the State au? thorities, with u view lo repairing the damages to the good faith oj the State, by influencing an early payment of the principal and interest of said obligations. _ _ A GREAT BATTLE IMMINENT. Escape of General Kossel from Parla? Stringency- of the Commune's Diacl pllnc-Germany'Remita a Half Mil? liard of the War Debt-Terrific Bom. bardaient of Paris-Grand Massing of Troops on Both Sides. PAMS, May 10. Al a secret silting of the Commune Tuesday, it was decided to Insist on the resignation of ihe committee of public safety, and that the appointment of their successors bo made-im? mediately. The Commune also decided to meet three .days of each week, except In case of emergency, when the sittings will be held permanently. Its sessions will be held in lhe Hotel de Ville. Delescluze announced that General Bossel " adheres to his resignation, and appeared to the Commune to forego all animosities. The meeting was characterized with recrimina-, tlons between members of the central com? mittee and those of the committee on public safety. The tri-color is floating from the corner of Fort Issy, but the fort is apparently not occupied by the Versallllsts. The Commune announces that it is unoccupied .and unten? able. The sub-committee of organization, in a pro? clamation Issued to-day, orders the most re? lentless measures towards the besiegers. No soldier will be allowed to depart in the slight? est degree from lhi3 duty, and all troops are forbidden to cease firing upon Versallllsts who may attempt to surrender, while fugitives an d stragglers are to be sabred when caught, or il In numerous bodies to be fired into mercilessly by cannon and mitrailleurs. - BERLIN, May 10. Prince Bismarck has met the request of the Versailles Government In a very liberal spirit. By the treaty ot peace Just signed, he has agreed to a reduction of the war Indemnity by haifa milliard of lrancB, consequently the Germans receive immediately a French .bond for four and a half milliards of francs, payable within one year, and endorsed by French and German bankers. The bond is convertible Into stocks or consols, whichever Germany may prefer. Two milliards of francs are already taken by Baron Rothschild and Baron Erlanger, the Frenen bankers, and by Herr Hahu, the German banker. Immediately on the ratification of the treaty, the majority of the German forces will leave France.. The forts east and south of Paris' will be surren? dered to the Versailles Government lmmedate ly, and all prisoners in Germany returned to France a3 rapidly a3 railroads can transport them. The Germans will hold only Belfort, Languey and Nancy as hostages, until the ful? filment of the conditions. LONDON, May io. There was brisk fighting at Neulliy last uight. The Versailles troops have turned electric lights towards Paris. Rossel's resig? nation has been accepted, and he is placed under arrest. Delescluze has been appointed to the position vacated by Rossel. Dombrow ski was offered the command of the army, but refuses uoless it is made supreme. Durassier, commander of the insurgent garrison in Vunvres, was wounded to-day. The forces ol the Versailles Government are assembling In the Bois de Boulogne in large numbers. The column in the Place Vendome was partially destroyed to-day. Ciuseret is under examina? tion at Hie Hotel de Ville. He was removed from the Maz?is prison this morning. SEVRES. May 10-Night. The grand attack on Paris is imminent. I Thousands of yards of trenches are completed,, and the assaulting columns are within five hundred yards ol the ramparts of Paris, all ready for the order to advance to the assault. Daring the past twenty-four hours the gov ernment batteries have been firing an average of eighty shots per minute. This unprece? dented bombardment is having a terrible ef? fect upon the insurgents. VERSAILLES, May io-9 p. M. The great assault upon the fcrtifijations wil I bo made to-night. Pont du Jour has been knocked to pieces by the fire from the battery at Montretout. VERSAILLES, May ll. The cannonade continues. The effect is de? scribed as tremendous. Fort Vanvres still resists. The government troops carried the barricades of Rue La Reine. The Latest. PARIS, May ll. General Rossel wa3 arrested yesterday and placed ia the custody ol M. Gerandin. At 5 o'clock yesterday both of them disappeared and have not yet been recaptured. The principal attack of the Versallllsts is ex- ' pected at Auteuil and Pont Du Jour. Both sides are massing troops for a great battle. Delescluze has been appointed Minister o? War to the Commune. TheoSclal reports to the Commune deny that the Versalliste haye gained any victories.