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IMTTAfRCP ?KSO CHARLESTON, SATURDAY MORLING, MAY 13 1871. EIGHT DOLLA&S A YEAR. V UJUL'?TJ Cj A l.-1H/1U1.U1. - WHAT THE CONVENTION DID J TS ACTION UPON THE FIN J. y CES, TUE KU-KLCX AND REFORM. Tuc Funded Debt Declared Valid-The Honor and Funds of the State Pledged for its Redemption-The Sterling Loan Opposed-The Fire Loan to be I'aiu Suggestions for Retrenchment anil Reform-The Blue Ridge Railroad Muidle-Th? Convention Adjourns Subject to Call. [SPECIAL TSLEOKAM TO THE NEWS.] COLUMBIA, Friday, May 12. The convention assembled at ll o'clock. Goneral Chcsnnr, from the executive com? mittee, reported that the taxpayers deem it their duty to declare Ilia: the sterling loan and other obligations hereaiter issued will not be hehl binding; and recommending the people to resist the payment or enforcement of a tax to pay the same by all legitimate means. Resolved, That a committee of five be ap? pointed to confer with the representatives of the fire loan securities, with a view to the early liquidation of these obligations, and to repair the damage to the good laith and hon? or of tMt Stale, resulting from their repudia? tion by the present State authorities. Adopted. Judge A. P. Aldrich, from the same commit- ' tee, moved to add the name of General Ches nut ro those ol Porter and Conner in the Blue Ridge Railroad proceedings. Mr. Trescot moved that these gentlemen be v Instructed to report at once. Supporting Iiis amendment, Mr. Trescot said if the actiou of yesterday on the^uoject of the Blue Ridge Railroad meant anything, it meant that this body, without legal existence, proposed to take into charge ihe public and private inter? ests of the State. The ste? ls full of danger. The corporation referred to was an enterprise . connected lor nearly half a century with the interests of the State; yet the passage of this resolution would do more to destroy those in? terests than auy event which could occur. The convention had simply assumed that the legislation *is invalid, and to that extent has discredited the bonds of the road, because they would be put upon the market with the disapproval of the taxpayers written across them, practically saying to the world : "You takes these bonds with the risk ol' aiaw suil.'' Speculators will necessarily buy them at a depreciated value, and the people will eventually have to redeem them at par. Mr. Trescot reviewed the history of the legislation connected with the Blue Ridge and Greenville Roads, and said that whatever discredit at? taches to the Greenville Company, it must answer for itself. The skirts of the Blue Ridge Company were clean.. The mortgage given to the .^ute before the Issue o' the bonds was, in his opinion, infinitely better security than a Statutory hen which only applied to thirty-two miles in the State. The mortgage was a prior lien without legislation. He argued that the action of the Legislature would be sustained by law, and, under the circumstances, he thought it would be unjust for the convention to adopt the resolution without amendment. Mr. Warley replied severely. He disclaim? ed being the opponent or paid partisan ot any corporation. The gentleman assumed that this body was not to meddle with private con? cerns, but when private individuals connect ' themselves with stupendous public frauds, lt was the duty of the convention to expose them. Corruption would hot exist were lt not for corruptors. Were none engaged In bribing the Legislature, we should not have occasion to complain so much at present. It was an un? happy circumstance that private individuals in the State had been-instrumental in obtaining public plunder. He said lie would not discuss the object of the legislation, but did propose boldly to condemn the fraud by which the object was effected. The men who ' induced the fraud were not to be trusted with public funds, and the spirit of Justice would denounce any man who, like the president of the Blue Ridge Railroad, de? clared, in presence of the committee, he had come to Columbia with a million of dollars to corrupt the Legislature of the. State. The gentleman from Anderson complained that the simon of the convention would discredit the bonds. This was precisely what the resolution was intended to do, and it was a mistake to suppose that sympathy for any fraudulent transaction would be round in this body. It was a disgrace for a Carolinian to go before the Legislature, composed as lt was of uneducated, irresponsible persons, and hold out bribes to secure any boon whatever; and the voice ol the peopje would be heard, de? nouncing such corruption. The amendment was not adopted. Mr. Scott, of Co'umbia, offered a resolution that the Governor and nttorney-general secure from Mr. Kimpton a bond sufficient ta protect the interests ot the State. The executive committee reported that Crews and the invest'iiraiing committee of the Third Congressional District deserve judicial examination and the attention of the presid? ing officer of the State. The convention took a recess. General Butler, from the committee of eleven, submitted their report, setting forth the interview with the Governor, published in TUE NEWS of Thursday, viz : Thal the Govern? or stated nothing had been done involving the credit of the State; that he believed the report Ol the comptroller general to be substantially true; that he had not signed any bonds not Issued by authority of law: that he was salis- ' fled a large number of officials could be dis? pensed with, and expressed the determination to urge tlie Legislature to effect economical reetri?teons; that he conceded that the incom? petence and inaccessibility of the officers ol the law to be a Irultful cause of the recent diffi? culties; that he endorsed the plan of minority representation; that he would urge a chango In the election law, and, finally, that he would suspend the forced collection ol taxes until the first of March. The committee express the belief that the Governor wil 1 not repudiate his assurances. The report concluded with the following : Jiesolced, That the Governor be requested to ciiiect the-attorney-general to investigate frauds, and muKe provisions for Informers, and that the attorney-general be instructed to attuch the property of persons In default to the treasury; thal a committee be appointed lo co-operate with the legislative committee now investigating lb?; transactions ol State officiais. The report suggesls: l?t. Additional legisla? tion to i usure revenue lo the State from the phosphate companies, the amount of royalty thus far paid being only nineteen hundred dollars. This may be effected by the appoint? ment of reliable inspectors, paid by commis? sion on Hie amounts secured to the State. 2d. To stop drawing money from the treasury lor alleged legislative expenses by an order of the speaker of the Hou se or the president of the Senate in advance of appropriation. 3d. To reduce the number of State and comity offi? cers, and also the lees of coroners. 4th. To enact^ law limiting each session of the Leg? islature to thirty days. 5th. To enact a law prohibiting county commissioners issuing checks until credited by thc county treasurer, and to publish in the nearest newspaper the quarterly receipts and expenditures. Cth. To repeal Ute law giving a salary of $2500 to the adjutant-general, "th. To sive each public officer but one salary. 8th. To abolish tiie commission to codify the laws. Mr. Geo. A. Trenholm, Irom Ute same com? mittee of eleven, submitted a lengthy report on the financial condition of the State. The grand-total ol the debt is flied at $8,809,108. The sum total of unsold bonds is $1,800,000. The report recommend* that the Governor do not sell any more bonds at less than eighty per cent., ?iud to proceed to New York to make the most economical an-ngetnent lor holding the above mentioned $1,800,000. pledged as colletterais, until eighty per cent, becomes at? tainable. The committee further recommends that when redeemed, a portion of this sum be applit"1 to the payment of the lire loan debt. The report says that it is quite reasonable to expect irom this exhibi bition of the exact condition ol the nuances of the State an immediate considerable advance' aud facilities for holding them off the market. It appears to the committee that the various issues and sums of bonds described have un? questionable legality and force as obligations of the Stat*:. The Committee discover an over issue of one million dollars, but would stale that nine attndred thousand had been return? ed. The arrangement of having a financial agent in New Y'ork produces an uulavorable impression, because the difficulty of keeping his and tho treasurer's account In correct ac? cord seem-' great. A discrepancy of some thousands nppears, but the report states that nothing appears in thc accounts to im? peach the r correctness, though the door is wide cpen" lor errors and disputes. The committee, would also state that the compensation ol the fiscal agent had not yet been determined; hence the full sum ol expenses is not known, and interest cannot be calculated; still, from* the best evidence adduced, lite interest paid appears to be ut the rate of thirteen and a hall' per cent, per an? num. The committee believe that relrench tnent may be effected, anti that it is the shortest avenue of escape from our tinanclai difficulties. Less than stiG0,000 in gold will pay the Interest on the lundecl debt; $1,200,000 should defray interest and all expenses. An examination of Kimpton's and other accounts in detail was lound impossible, but the com? mittee recommend the adaption of the fol? lowing: Resolved, That it is the s^nseof the conven? tion that tiie landed debt of the State describ? ed in the committee's report is a va id debi, and the honor and funds of the Stale are law? fully idedgod lor the redemption thereof. Resolved. That a plan for the arrangement ol the public debt suggested by the committee be recommended to the favorable considera? tion ol tlte Governor. Resobed, That in order to complete the ex aminatiouof the account? of the fiscal agent, the committee of eleven oe authorized to send a sub-committee to New Y'ork, willi authority to assist, by counsel at home or in New Y/ork, In the proposed negotiations for the adjust? ment ol Hit luuded debt. Resolved, That the Governor hereby ls re? quested to review various expenditures, and use his authority to arrest extravagance, and substitute economy and accountability in every department; and that he be earnestly solicited to adopt twelve hundred thousand dollars as the utmost limit of expenditure; also that he exert his power to diminish the taxes in the same ratio. Resolved, That Ihe Governor be requested not to destroy the cancelled obligations ot the State. Mr. Bal!, Irom the same committee, reported on the expenses of the State government, showing by comparison the difference in ex? penditures of various offices during Hie years 1866 and 1S71. % Mr. Warley introduced resolutions discoun? tenancing till secret political organizations. Adopted. Mr. Baldwin, ol Richland, offered a resolu? tion calling for an examination into the legis lion in connection with the Savannah and Charleston Railroad, and referring the matter to Messrs. Pressley, Lord & Ingtesby for opin? ion. Adopted. Mr. Woodward, of Fairfield, offered a reso? lution that :he executive committee, during its permanent session, investigate the affairs of the land commission. Adopted. The convention then resolved itself into a committee ol the whole, General Chesnut in the cheir. Judge Aldrich offered a resolution ol thanks to the president. Adopted. Mr. Richard Lathers, a resolution of thanks to ihe Governor and State officials. Adopted. The commmlttea then rose, and Hon. W.' D. Porter re.urned 'hanks, and said that he need not be ashamed ol the convention; results would speak and appeal to the country, and if Hie executive commit? tee continue to act in the same spirit, and avoid Federal aud State politics, and simply welcome to our ranks men who propose to do good, who advocate wholesome laws, just administration of the public funds, and honest officials, it will accomplish the great objec of ihe people in peace. The con? vention has done much to remove misunder? standing u:id inaugurate a period ol", belier leeliug ?nd better couduct of public affairs. The convention adjourned sine die, subject to the call cl the executive committee. TEE WO UK. OE TUE COXVEXTZOX. Detailed lteports by Mall. [FRO M Ot'l OWN COBRBSPOXDEST.j COLUMCU, May 12. . As . indicated by your telegraphic dis patches, the ihird days' proceedings ol* the convention were confined almost entirely to the consideration of thu reports of the several committees on thc subjects referred to them. Except the debate on the subject of cumula? tive voting, and the comments of Hon, F. F. Wurley on the Blue Ridge Railroad, there has been no speaking, anil the deliberations have been conducted in the shortest and most business-like manner. The respective com? mittees hare been subdivided according to ihe labor to be performed, ?iud, in the most thorough and exhaustive manner, they have sought to penetrate the supposed mysteries oi the administration. They have examined per? sons us well as books and papers, and their reports art consequently based on the facts thus elicittd. Mr. Kimpton, tho Slate agent. Mr. Parker, the treasurer, and Mr. Neagje, the comptroller, each at his own invitation, has been conferred with by a sub-committee on finance, consisting of Messrs, Treaholm aud William B. Smith, of Charleston, and, in the main, Che result has been far more satis? factory than was anticipated. The Governor has been frank in Ute expression of his views, And unequivocal in his pledges that he will attempt to effect, through Hie Legislature and other agencies, retrenchment and reform. The . report or the committee of eleven, which will he made to-day, will embody the results o:' taeir interview with the Executive. So that thus lar the convention has been pro? ductive ol' great good. It has strengthened the credit y. the Suite; ascertained as fara? practicable the truth with reference t financial situation, and by the exhibiti moderation has drawn the fangs lrom th position who have ^peen anxiously awa the development of a vulnerable point 1 tack. Republicans express surprise and j lieation at the temperate character of tin speeches that have been made, and con the justice of the measures which so far been adopted. The following is the text of the re] which thus fur have been adopted by the vention, and will go to the country a3 ai pression of Hie taxpayers ol South Carolin MINORITY REPRESENTATION-?REPORT OF EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. Mr. J. P. Thomas, of Richlind, on beha the executive committee, to whom was ferred tire question ef* the expediency of cumulative system ol voting, or such sy? as will protect the right of minorities, ai leave td make the following report : The means or. protect lug the rights of mil ties in representative forms of government for a long period, engaged the aticntloi thoughtful minds. In Europe, as well as in couuiry, this question has been fully discus and a satisfactory solution anxiously s ught. defective is the system of mere majority rul flagrant are the abuses to winch lt ls Haide, the necessity for lis modification strikes 1 force every impartial observer. It ls obvious the needs o' good government require that 9 effective organism be devised for die protectio minorities. Your committee deem lt unnecessary to ei unou an analysis of the several scheine* of ; portions! representation that have been sugg ed. Enough io say that, IR their Judgment, pt.au of cumulative vo!lug best accomplishes end in view-best makes representation co-ex jive wita tue whole body of the electors. 1 I lau obtains wherever lhere is more than officer to lie selected, lt gires the electoi many votes as there are persons to be clio: and allows bim to bestow his votes upon whole number, or to concentrate them upon number less than the whole. The effect of system is 10 give to each political interest 1 community a representation proportionale tt numi rleal streng h. Vndvr ? Its operation trueoillce of suffrage, which ls to collect sense of the whole Community, will be subserv There ja effected 1.either ex-luslve repr?sentai of the majority, nor execluslve repre eutstloi Hie minority; hut proportional representad The proposition ls, that the cumulative svsi secures, through a general repre-entuilon, all Interests In the noiuica! body. To Illustrate system, under ihe presen' e.ecloral s>stem of ?state. In a Community ortwonucdred voters, 1 hundred an 1 one elect representatives, say fe for the entire body. That Is, out of two hand voters, one hundred and one impose their rei: seutatives upon the mluorty ol ninety nine. 1 ninety-nine have no representatives; are virtt ly disfranchised. Now. under the operation of the cumulai system of voting, assuming that the same cc muuny. thc two hundred, are equally divided litioaily, the representation would be equa divided, lt may bc mathematically stated thu moo voters are to 600 voters as two 0 one. Um the operation of such a synem, each party wou of necessity, calculate its strength in ail van and seek to elect only the number proportloni to its numerical strenuth. For Instance, in certain community, let u- a sume that there 1 sciou Deiuocruis and 9uuu Republican voters, a that there are tluec persons to bc elected. T 5000 Deniocruts have 15,000 votes. The 9000 1 publicans have 27,000 votes. If the Democn were to attempt to elect all their representative they could give each oniy 5000 votes, whi would result in their seeming no repr?sentant ns thc Republicans being able to give each of tin candidates 90JO votes, would elect them all. I the other baud, if the Republicans were to 1 tempt to elect all their represent a'ives, th could give each only 9O00 votes, which would 1 sun in tue defeat of one as the Democrats cou cumulate their J5.000 votes upon one candidat and thus elect him. The edeci would bc th each party would, of necessity, calculate I strength, and there would result a propon ion representation. In the case stated the 6000 Dei ocrats would secure one representative, and ll 900O Republicans two representa'Ives. ; his the principle of proportional representation 1 mea B of the cumulative system. Your committee, desiring to confine themselv to general propositions, propose to refrain fro funner details. Your committee are gratified to state that Th system uf cumulative .oiiug, which ls destined play so importa ii a part in the development 1 popular nile, has already been pu; |n operado, "proposed, explained ano advocated," lu the Ur instance by James Garth Marshall. 11 subject of tl crown of Great Britain. This plan has bee champion?! by ex-Senator Buckalew of tills cou: try, has been incorporated in tue revised.consi tutiou of Illinois, and has been put upou its tri in a Pennsylvania town. Recently the subje< has attracted sui enwl inteieit In the south. I our own State lt ha* been received with grei favor, and lifted above the plain ol' political pu ty ism. Y'our committee are of the opinion that, al stractly considered, proponion-d representado ls a great governmental pnncinte, n wisc, Jul measure of reform, nnd one absolutely necessai lo make unlimited suffrage consistent wit peace, order and secur ty. lt enters the pollua body us a savin*, axonservtng clement, lt ionic to leaven the lump of democracy, and to give ei sence of geuulne republicanism, which ls, brief) stated, thorough and^genuine representation. Bi if proportional representation be an admlrabl system In any government founded upon the poi ular will, your committee bolds that the plan i peculiarly applicable to such a condition of soclet as this Mute ??w preseuis. 'm Your committee, do Bot affirm that this woul cure ail the disease or.ilie budy politic. But the may, without extravagance, suggest that th system of proportional representation, if adopte by those who wield me numerical.power, woul alleviate many of the evils incideift to our presen abnormal condition, would, to a large extent tranquillize pu1'ile apprehensions, would modera' the spirit of political convulsion, aud tend r bring about in ihis sute all the peace that we ca: reasonably hope to attain. Y'our committee are aware of '.lie fact that Hil measure of electoral reform, If lt shall be prompt ly realized by us. must come from the domluau party of the State". Whether ll will come or no we cannot decide. In either event, the minority ia South Carolina pat forth their claim" lu thi behalf. lt is their right. Should lt be denied, the rc spon-lbilny; must rest upon those who use thu: the power that the present gives. Should it bi tendered, lt will doubtless produce the fruits 0 Juni iee and widen the circle of peace. This mucl we nuiy add : Since lt is ihe nature of majorities to chauge. it may be we!l for the dominant, party to cousider whether the adoption of proponlona represenlaliou may not fur them be the bes polio.-'for the future as well as ihe highest wis oom for thc present. TUE TAXPAYERS' PLATFORM. The executive committee, to which was refer rod ilie paper presented by the Hon. C. W. Dud ley, of Marlboro', beg leave repectiully to report, 1 Nut the phper has received the careful considera' Hon of Hie committee, ihut ithnsbci-n amended, and, in Its amended lorin, is now reported to thc convention, with the recommendation ?hat lt dc pass. The following is the paper ?mended, refer? red to by the committee: The dch g.iies io the Taxpayers' Convention now mei, anti sining in Columbia. South Carolina, de? siring to be fiilry understood by their fellow citi? zens of th'- S'.aic, and of the Cune 1 States, de? clare: 1. That ihey meditate no re.-iEtanco whatever to Hie Government of the United states, and intend, iii respect thereof, to conduct themselves as peaceful and law abiding citizens. 2 That we regard ihe reconstruction meas? ures ss Uu dines, ano recognize them ?isa por tiou oi the established laws or uie land. 3. flat we look to time and peaceful agencies only for Hie solution of ?ny difficulties that now or may hereafter exi t in the administration of tue public affairs of this state; and we entertain iii,- iitipy that all the changes and modifications that may be dtttJred in mat connection, wilt be et?tcied by the quiet influence of au enlightens 1 pe. '.le opiuiuu. 4. Thai. Hie exigencies of the times demand fi om the people omer efforts th m those in tem led tu promote the success of any "party," 1 heir true interests consisting in uuiiiug wi'h good citizens of any and all parties. In advancing the welfare of every tecttou of Hie State aud all classes ol Hie people. 0. That eenuin measures of reform are essen? tial io iii - peace and prosperity ot the State; ihat prominent muong these ure: ist. Thc adoption by the Legislature of some method or voting, winch will secure a represen? tation Hiere n o? a minority of the voters. .Jd. Retrenchment In the expenses or the Slate Government by abolishing every office maj can be dispensed willi, reducing the salaries of public officers, aud requiring strict economy in the ad? ministration of tiie several departments of the government. 31. That the public debt shall not br* Increased; aud that his Excellency the Governor be request? ed to pievent, If possible, the issue and negotiation of the bonds aut.iorized by an act ot the Legisla? ture, "tu create a debt of the state of South caro? lina, to be known as the Sterling Funded Debt." 4th. Tobe relieved fi om paying two annual taxes in one year, as is noW must oppressively provided by law. Btli. To have the various offices in the State fil ed by compeicnt aud trustworthy incumbeuts, so as to secure the prompt'and 1 m?lent, execution o> me laws, instead or the mode i ow adopted of i-electlng them from the dominan: party, without regard to their qualifications. I 6th. Snch. an amendment of the law In re elections by the people as will protect the fraud either In the control or curating ballots. "th. That the par and mi'.e.izc o' member Legislature be reduced to Die Umita pr-' previous to thc adoption of the ; reaeut cc rion; and the duration of the sessions i boiiy bc made to conform to the absolute si-ties for legi-lation. Believing that the principles above pn really ac-uate the great majority of the it is ihe purpose of this convention to atti ends above indicated, ami such .other K measures, as may appear necessary hereat such peaceful aud legitimate means as cc with rnsjiutyof good citizenship, and not wise. VIOLATION OF LAjW. The executive committee to whom wns rt the resolution of Mr. D. II. Chamberlain, ol land County, directing the said committ inquire into the alleged violence now pre' In the-several counties of the State,- and to upon a plan for the execution of the laws a such violence, and the better protection our citizens In their lives and property ttii ont thc State," ask leave to report that they considered the subject with the deliberar importance demands. They have learned, regret, that violence has prevailed to a grea lessor extent In several counties. But the bound to say with much satisfaction tliar, far the larger number of the counties of the not a single instance of snch violence has i red. Batt gptfernmrat, corruption iu high p set the example ol moral decad -nee and itard of law, which was too readily follow those upon whom the-laws are Intended tc rate. Your committee are constrained to b that larcenies and incendiarism, practiced norant, deladed and bad men, suggeste many instances and encouraged by a*c:ais. worse and more responsible, were among tl Dal causes of the flrst cases of violence. ., wards, lt appears, there followed Instances c porcal punishments, and homicides perpet by unknown persons upou citlzeas; andover few ofllcials of the government, who seem to become obnoxious to many la the.iommui wiiereln they lived, on account of supposed I rice, fraud and oppression. These are lamen truths, which the c. mm ?nee feel called on quivocally to deplore aud condemn. Your committee believe that an effectual r dy for these evils will be lound l? good gm ment, the removal of all dishonest, Incompi and bad men from office, and the appoint thereto of men, no matter of what party, wh honest and competent, and who feel the ot Hons which official sta'ion should Impose, who will promptly and faithfully execute laws. POWERS OK THE EXECUTIVE COMMITT? The executive coraml:tee to whom was reff the resolution providing that the executive ral: tee, with the president' of this conven shall have lt in charge to protect the interest resented by this convention during the inn of adjournment, to keep in view che current! laiion, and to call the convention togctlu-rat : time as they think proper, beg leave to re] that they have had the same under conslde ra and recommend lis adoption. TAXATION AND REPRESENTATION. The executive committee, to whom was ferred ihe grievances of taxation .wliliont re sentutlon lu the taxing body, and to suggt remedy for the existing evil, beg leave io re that ihe present political and linanclal condi of South Carolina. Isa rorceable and melanc! illustration of the evils resulting from taxa without representation. The Judicial luvest tlous lately had in the United States court this district prove beyond controversy that toondina frauds were practiced in the late < tion, and demonstrate tue necessity of a rem? Tne theory of the constitution ls, that the pet shall be fully aud fairly represented, and pron is made in that instrument to protect mlnorit Thus, in the House of Representatives, Hie wi body of the people ls n-prescnted. and tne ma Hy i ules, in the Senate, tue States are re? sented. and the smallest State has an equal \ with the largest Slate. Thu one ls intended t< a check on ihe other. While the war.lnsted, p s on tonk the place of reason, the states rec sented In the Senate set aside the constl'utl forgot t elr sovereignty, and blindly followed lead Of conquest. Since ? :c war. thc states t struggled for what they supposed was a const tiona! right have not been represented, tl senators have not been natives, or. if t-atives, representative men; so that trier cheek of States, as represented in the Senkte, has been tlrdy lost, and, ol course, all legislation has b< partisan, sectional and vindictive. Tue same feature which characterized the c gre3sion:il legislation was incorporated into State Government. The parMi system wh existed In our State Constitution before the v operated as a check upon the legislation of majority. The new constitution nf Itttifi and I abolished that conservative element. Under I constitution' of I8?5 it is poss i de 1? evil co have resulted, because intelligence nr.d pi oft were equally represented, and .all the voters long .>! to the same eiste. Duder the consiliutl of lacs, however, a uew element was brought li the voting power-men of a different race a ctste, uneducated slaves just emancipated. Impressible people: whose passions and prejudu could be easily excited, were suddenly clot! with ineffective lrauchlse, and made not onl; power, buuiie controlling power iu thc State. ' Considering our comilit?n then, the result M inevitable The newly enfranchised were notoi jealous of their acquired liberty, but suspicious the teiiiug and intentions ol their late owne They were ignorant of political affairs, totally 1 Instructed in tne science of government, ay naturally turned to the nra who had flock here us birds 01 prey, and who are genera known as carpet-baggers. It was equally natui for the native, respectable and Intelligent wh peur le, who had heretofore controlled affairs, reel a supreme disgust, and to hold theraselv aloof fi om i his mass or ignorance and vice. lt must also be vcmeuiuered that au tue ge tlemcn in the State, or experience, pm rinds and virtue, were laboring under the ppiliicAi di abilities or the recoils:ruction acts, which pi vented them Irom taking part in leg slat ive pr ceedlngs. Hut time nnd its healing ?uflueuc has sh wn to thc colored people that the will people have no disposition to deprive them any oi their rights, civil or political, that ha been conferred on them. It has proved to tl white people that the colored citizens, general! feel up enmity agalust them; are not disposed oppress them; and are willing. If not anxious. avail themselves of il\etr learning, experlsnc virtue and patriotism. It has also proved tb tl adventurers who miy be Inc oded under the gel eral terms of carpet-baggers and tcalawag white and colored, that thoi-yes of'thc native Cc orcd people arc open to tin ir selfishness and ri pacify* Having arrived ai this conclusion, tl quest 10:: is, how eau we nvall ourselves of ii power of tins native element and get rid of ti bad tuilU'ncc wnlch has heretofore cum rolled 1 using the colored people as mere votin chain-Is to plunder and ruin this devote Mate / They need and desire Hie virtue, inte llgencc and experience or the native whl people The white people cannot nialutai th'* u&ent virtue, dignity and honor nf this ol State, unless the nativa colored people win ct operate with them. Ihe corruption of theStai Government ls n torlous; t ribes are openly oflei ed to and received by Beraters and representa ttves; high oillctals are engaged In speculating li the stocks nnd bonds of the ?tate. All thc great crimes are being perpetrated freely here lu the capitol, ami ?.herc hus not been the Urs prosecnt.ou commenced to pi event them In 1 word, the an cent honor ol the proud OKI State is lost and gone. Every wiute mau and ever] colored ra 111 who is a native Soutn caro lnini must d?ploie this disgraceful and humiliating condition. Your committee believe ihal the public mind i: ripe to meet this evil, save this disgrace, ant thereiore propose the following resolution: Thai we recommend to the Legislature the passage ol an election law, by which the co.ooo taxpaying voters will haven proportionate represent lion in the Legislature ol the State wini the 90,oot voters who pav no taxes; a proportion so Just, reasonable and conscientious, cannot rall to re? commend itscl! favorably to eve?y right-minded citizen. TI1K BLUE RIDGE RAILROAD FRAUD. The executive committee, to whom was referred 'thc resolution to require and rep-rt '-upon what terms and lor what consideration the making and execution ot the Blue Ridge Kailroad Company and jther companies, of a mortgage to Henry Clews, Henry. Uourfin aud George S. Caraerou to s cure the payment of certain bonds, was ran? ded and conn ruled hy the Legislature, and the sal?!'liongage declared ?o Ot- n lieu prior to ih.at of n c -Ute on all property described In saul montage, and ibo entire Hue 01 the lillie Ridge Railroad, and other properties vi the several companies or 'vhlc'i they or either of them may hereafter acquie,'' and also to report '"what ac? tion, if any, ran be ta ken hy th s body to prevent thesutjprdUiaiMMi of ihe State's Inn upon the Biue Ridge Railroad, and the entire properties of the other companies, to junior claims or private Individuals,11 heg leave to report, 1 liar, upon-a careiul examination or ihe act ut the Legislature, ive can reach but one conclu? ion: That fr some reasons unknown to yo.ir committee, the Legis? lature has, without consideration, relinquished 10 private ii! Hviduals Hie State's lien upon the Blue Hinge Railroad, and the entire properties of1 ne other company, (styled comp,niles in the act,) the Greenville and Colombia Railroad Company. Such dealing by tiustees with the properly or Hinds or i heir casita que trust can only be the re? sult or fraud, are uuauihorize.1 by Luv and are void. Your commlitee need not dwell upon the poverty or the StatH and her utter inability to enrich pri? vate Individuals or corporations by Buch muni cimt gifts, or upon the ract that legislators, how? ever generous ihey may be, nr- not accus omed to donate public funds to nie use and benefit of their friends or patrons. As to thu S"Coiid brauch of thc resolution, your committee can suggest no bener plan as a'reme dy thau I?embraced in ihe following resolutions : Resolved, That ihe Taxpayers1 Convention, re? lying upon thc hum legal attainments and recog nized patriotism of Messrs. Porter & Conner, counsellors at law, request them, lu the name of those whom they represent, to give the matter of this report their careful considera' lon, and If, m their judgment, lt he practicable, to take such steps as are necessary to prevent; by ilue process of law, theconsumm?'ion of this fraud upon the prnpertv-hoideis of the State. Resolved, That copies of this 'report and the original resolutions be officially communicated to Messrs. Porter & Conner. " THE* ELECTION LAW. The committee on election and suffrago laws, to whom was referred the resolutions as to the expediency of memorializing the Legislature for thc repeal or modification of the existing election laws or South Carolina, respectfully report (con? cisely) that they have given the subject the earn? est consideration which its importance demand?. The committee recognize In fite present mode of counting tho ballots fhe fruitful and original source or present political troubles, creating dis. trust in the minds of law-abiding citizens on ac? count of rue power of tue custodians of the bal? lot-box to dereat by fraud" the luient and sove? reign rights of the electors. Recent develop? ments and convictions of high-officials at Charles ton. in the United States Court, after patient, la? borious and expensive trial, confirm thc appre? hensions and convictions of the citizens os to Hie absence of security for the future purity of the hal lot-box. Your committee are familiar with the con? servative corni act of the elections and sa'eguards of tbe ballot under the old laws of the state. Parties of any p lltlcal complexion felt assured of the honest result of every election, so firm was their knowledge or the Inviolability of the ballot-box In former time?. The present system Invites con? spiracy, and opens wide the door to the perpe? tration of every fraud.- When the high sheriff of a county, whose po-vers are second onjy to those of the Chief Executive of the State, has been con? victed in the metropolis of thc State, by a Jury of his choice, In a forum removed from local preju? dices and bfas, lt is full time for Hie citizens to sound the alarm abd memorialize the legislative power for relief. Tu this end, thts committee recommend the re? ference of this report to the executive committee for further action; to confer with the Governor, and invite his co-operation in a memorial to the Legislature at its next regular session, for such changes lu the present election law, and especial? ly In such parts thereof as relate to the custody of the ballot-boxes for thc period or ten days after elections before the count is declared. In connection with the above, on motion of ,Mr. James A. Hoyt, the following was adopted : .Resolved, That the report of the committee on flection aud suffrage laws adopted by the conven- ' Hon be placed in the hands 01 a special commit? tee of seven members of Hrs ci nvcnllnn. whose duty it shall bc tu transmit the report as a memo? rial tu the Legislature on thc subject or propor? tional representation, accompanied by such sug? gestions as they may deem advisable. In order insecure the pa-sage of a law, at the earliest practicable moment after thc Legislature is con? vened, that the system or cumulative voting may be mode applicable to the next geueral el ectlon, and that the principle may be engrafted in geu e al upon our sy-iem ot suffrage: and further, that this special committee be ustructed to use their best exertions In favor of the passage of this just, wholesome and equitable provision, so as to bring about a full and complete representa? tion of all the pe ?pie, and the protection of their rights and interests or perseus und property in, every respect. THE EIGHT FOR PARIS. Captare and Recapture of Fort Van? vres- Thiers Strong in the Assembly A Pestilence Apprehended in Paris Rossel'* Resignation Having u> Bad Effect on the Com tn h nia ts-The Insu r felita Unable to Repair their Works Terrific Fire of thc Government But? teries. LONDON, May 12. Fort Vanvres was captured but subsequent ly recaptured by the Communists. The fort is dilapidated. Rossel is not gone to. Versailles?, but remains outside of Paris. There was some.'excitement in the-Ver? sailles Assembly wheu Tiners, somewhat ex? cited, demanded u vote of confluence, which resulted 495 to 10 in favor ol Thiers. Colonel. Brunel ls appointed commandant at Vanvres. A series of batteries bave been erected in the Arondissement Pan ti: eon. A pestilence is apprehended in Peri?. The National battalions are thinning since Rossel'? resignation, which causes discouragement among the Communists. Delescluze is incapa? ble of activity in consequence of sickness; but in a speech Just delivered, he expresses confi? dence in the future freedom of France and the success of the Commue. A Versailles dispatch says the insurgents are unable to repair their works, and will probably attempt to d?feat the Versaillisis by a strong attack. The Mayor of Issy has been arrested. Floquet was arrested en route to Bordeaux. The1 government batteries maintain a terrific fire upon the ramparis of Paris aqd fortifica? tions still held by Hie insurgents.' The Emperor William ls slightly indisposed. The treaty of peace just concluded at Frank? fort abrogates the commercial treaty between France and Germany, and gives to Prussia the control of railways in the ceded territory, in consideration of the deduction from .the war .Indemnity, ol 32C,e00,00Oof francs. One of the clauses ol the.treaty provides-for the acquisi? tion, by Prussia, of the railway from Tulon ville to Luxembourg. Poneger Quertiere has gone roMayence and Cologne to make arrangements for the speedy return ol French prisoners to Versailles. VERSAILLES, May ll. Important news has been received from Algeria, where the condition of aila i rs ls decid? edly improved. The Arab Insurgents were defeated m an engagement in which their ead er was killed. The Latest. PARIS, May 12. The Communists claim victories and deny reports of successes for the Versalllists. -Fort Vanvres wss retaken by the Communists at the point of clio bayonet. There was a desper? ate engagement around Issy, and thu Com? munists claim that they have recaptured part of Issy. Ihe Y?rsailrisls are cutting trenches in front of the Maillot gate and concentrating troops in the Bois de Boulogne. There was a sharp fusilade about Fort Bicetre to-day. LONDON-, May 12. The Standard of this evening has a dispatch reporting the Communists' forces at only twelve thousand strong, and saying that the Versailles armjT :ould go into Puris to-day If it would. THE NEW ENGLISH TREATY. NEW YORK May 12. The New York Tribune publishes the text of the new treaty. Thc Alabama claims are referred to five'arbitralors-the Executives of England, Brazil, Switzerland, Italy and the United States, each, naming one-to sit in Geneva. Il instead of making an award in "bulk the arbitrators only establish rules for an adjustment by a board of assessors, one is to .bc appointed by the Queen, one hythe Presi? dent, the third to ue chosen by the two, and will meet in Washington to ?uish ilie work. Three special rules of neutral obligation are laid down: First. It shall be the duty of a neutral na? tion to use due dllligence lo prevent the build? ing and tilting oui, or escape, of any vessel iutended to make war upon another nation with which it is at peace. Second. It shall be the duly of a nation not to permit such vessels to enter any of its ports lor repairs, munitions or supplies, or, having entered, not to permit their departure. Third. It shall be the duly of a nation to use due diligence lo prevent the violation ol any of these obligations in any of its ports or waters. -General Burnside has been el?cted com? mander-in-chief ol the Grand Army ot the Re? public. ?rau? |)ri}e EJistritmtion. $500,000 TO BE GIVEN AWAY! THE SOUTH CAROLINA The undersigned have entered into an Association for the purpo?e of introducing immigrants into South Carolina and procuring homes for the Hame. They propose to establish Agencies In the principal Citlec of Europe and the North and Northwest, and assist Immigrants la. coming to our Sta'e, where they will hare homes provided, and aid them in becoming permanent settlers npon the soil. They will be able to offer the best Cotton, Grain and Truck Land In the healthy portions or-the State, at very low prices, and on long credit, enabling the purchaser to pay for the same out or the crops raised. They will also assist Immigrants, when necessary, to transportation and subsistence- for the first year.. circulars will be prepared aDd distributed, explaining our plans more in detail. Central Office, ACADEMY OP MUSIC, CORSER KING AND MARKET STREETS,. Charleston, '. South Carolina. BUTLER, CHADWICK, GABY fr CO. R?f?rences in South Carolina : General WADK HAMPTON. Hon. B. F. PERRY, Governor M. L. BONHAM, General JOHNSON DAGO OD, Hon. ARM1STE AD BURT, Hon. JAMES CHESNCT, General J6HN & PRESTON, Hon. W. D. SIMPSON, ANDREW SIMONOS, Esq., Hon. G. A. TRENHOLM, - Governor J. L MANNING, Hon. J. B. CAMPBELL. References?n New York City : AUGUST BELMONT A- CO., Bankers. MORTON, BL'SS A- C"., Bankers. Hon. CHARLES O'CONOR, Counsel or-at-Law. - Hon. JOHN E. WARD, C^nnsi llor-at-Law. Hon. ROGER A. PRYOR, Connseilor-at-Law. Colonel RICH ARI i LATHERS. T. A. HOYT, Esq., President Gold Room. HUNT, THOMPSON ie CO., Factors. ANDERSON, STARR & CO.,.Merchants. PETTUS Sc CO., Merchants. ? P. zo GB A DM Ss FAIRCHILD, Merchants. $500,000 TO BE AWARDED TO THE TICKET-HOLDERS OF THE SERIES OF CONCERTS TO COMMENCE ON THE FIRST OF OCTOBER, 1871, AT THE ACADEMY OF MUSIC. CHARLESTON, ?. C., ON WHICH DAY THE DRAWING COMMENCES. THE SOUTH CAROLINA LAND AND IMMIGRATION ASSOCIATION, UNDER THE AUSPICES of the "South Carolina state Agricultural and Mechanical Society," will give a series of concerts at the Academy of Music, Charleston, S. C., commencing October 1st, 1871, for the purpose of raising a lund to enable Emigrants to settle upon lands selected by the Association for Homes of Northern and European Farmers and others, lu the State of Sooth Carolina, and for their transportation thither and support for the first year. 150,000 SEASON TICKETS OF ADMISSION, AND NO MORE, AT FIVE DOLLARS EACH. ALL THE PREMIUMS. INCLUDING DEED AND CERTIFICATE OF TITLE TO ACADEMY OF MU-IC, will be deposited with the National Bank or the Republic, .New York. $500,000 ITV GIFTS ! lat Gift-ACADEMY OF Music, Charleston, S.O., cost to build $230,000, having an annual rental 'of about $20,000, from Opera House, Stores and Halls; the building being about 230 feet by Cl feet, and situated corner or King and Market streets, in the centre or the city, and weil known to be the finest building aid most valuable property in Charleston, valued ar..$260,000 2d Gift-Cash..-. 100,000 ld G ; ft-Cash.... 25,000 4th Cirt-Cash.J. 10,000 5lh Girt-Cash. 5,000 25 Girts-Cash-each $ioco. 26,000 25 Gifts-Cash-each $500. 12,6*0 350 Gifts-Cash^-eacl: $100. 36,000 250 Girts-Cash-each $50. 12,500 500 Gifts-CaBh-each $25. 12,600 JJ250 Gilts-Cash-each $iq,. 12,600 2401 Girts, amounts to.$600,000 BUTLER, CHADWICK, GABY & CO,, Agents S. C. Land and Immigration Association, General M. C. BUTLER, 1 JOHN CHADWICK, Esq.. - CHARLESTON, S. C. General M. W. GARY. ' AGENTS WANTED- LIBERAL COMMISSIONS ALLOWED. Commisioners and Supervisors of Drawing : General A. R. WRIGHT, of Georgia. General BRADLEY T. JOHNSON^ of Virginia. Colonel B. W. RUTLEDGE, of South Carolina. Hon. ROGER A. PEYOR, ol New York. A. 1TAJLT*, AND COMMENDABLE SCHEME ! CHARLESTON. S. C., May -, 187L We take pleasure in certifying that we are acquainted with General M. 0. BUTLER, JOHN CHADWICK, Esq., and Genera'. M. W. GARY, 0." the firm or BUTLER. CHADWICK, GARY & CO., and know them to be gentlemen or integrity, and we regard the object they have or assisting immigrants to homes la South Carolina or g-eat importance to the State as well as to the immigrants, and we nave every confidence that their enterprise wiU be carried out with fairness and honesty to all par iles concerned. GEO. A. TRENHOLM, *. S^SLVB B. H. BUTLEDGE, ? Trio's SIMONS JAMI'S UU?.lf.n, IJL-MBV UTTlST ? JAMES R. PRINGLE. H?H?X. BUIST, mayl3-3mos WILMOT G. DKSAUSSURE.