Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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COLUMBIA. Friday Morning, Dec. 8. I860. The Situation. All eyes are now turned to the Federal Capital, where the present and future interests and destinies of tho country, are probably, to be determined by thc Con? gressmen assembled in that city. Some eleven States, claiming to be States of tho Union, having returned to their allegiance after the failure of their strug? gle; loyal to the Government and frankly accepting tho results of the late conflict, they seek once more to be restored as an integral part of thc family of States which compose tho American Union. Tho tidings from Washington, so far as they have reached us, are unfavorable to tho hopes of an early admission of tho Southern members of Congress elect. The dominant party having in a previous cau? cus nominated them, have elected Mr. Colfax Speaker, and McPherson, Clerk of thc House. Wo learn from the d<* patches in the Jlerald and other Norther:- papers, that thc first proceeding of this caucus, was the appointment of a committee of seven, consisting of Messrs. Stevens, of Pennsylvania; Raymond, of Now York; Spalding, of Ohio; Washburno, of Illinois; Payne, of Wisconsin; Boutwcll, of Massa? chusetts, and Blair, of Maine-a radical committee, from which, already cut and dried by Thaddens Stevens, a resolution was presented which at once, for at least a twelve-month, if adopted by the two houses, disposes of tho excluded Southern States. This resolution provides that, after the organization of tho two houses, a joint committee, of fifteen more mem? bers of the House and six of the Senate, "shall be appointed to inquire into the condition of the States which formed the so-called Confederate States of America, and report whether they, or any of thom, are entitled to bc represented in either house of Congrees, with leavo to roport at any time by bill or otherwise; and until snch report shah have been made, and finally acted on by Congress, no member shall bc received into either house from any of the so-called Confederate States; and all papers relating to the representa? tives from said States shall be referred to said committeo without debate." Such is tho avowed programme of the party who are opposed to the reconstruc? tion policy of President Johnson. We had hoped for a different course; we had begun to believe that the dictates of passion in tho legislation of the country would be no longer lollowecl or obeyed, and that a wiso conservatism, based upon sound principle 3 of statesmanship, would be the guide at this juncture of our affairs. As policy of simple justice to tho Southern people, it would be the means of insuring that firm allegiance which they have honestly ten? dered to the Government. "When," as a cotemporary justly remarks, "it is so easy to heal the divisions of thc past by a prac? tical recognition of the rights which all sections have heretofore conceded to exist, it would seem that few thinking men at t he North would be found willing to reject the claims of the South to representation. Thc position of President Johnson, in reference to the various parties in the country, is not wholly unlike that of Charles II in refer? ence to tho factions which divided England at thc time of the restoration. Though bitterness of feeling had survived in the hearts of those who had so long opposed each other during tho civil war. Charles found that all parties would willingly lend a united support to one who waa able to put an end to a continuance of existing evils. 'Charles came- back,' says Macaulay, 'not as a mediator between a people and a victorious enemy, but as a mediator be? tween internal factions.' Such, we think, is the view which should be taken of our recent struggle, and thc policy of the coun? try should bo directed towards a complete reconciliation of the past, by tho admis? sion of all sections to the enjoyment, as in former times, of equal rights, under the ('oust?tntion.'* This, for some time past has been the object of all tho action ot President Johnson towards tho late seced? ing States, and such, from thc telegraphic report of his message, wc infer, is thc course he has recommended to Congress. It will not be long, however, until thc pro? blem be solved whether statesmanship and conservatism, or radicalism and sectional prcjndico shall hold sway in the councils ol the nation. Every true and loyal citizen every lover of his country -will carncstl;* pray that thc former may prevail, and thai ere long thc great work of restoration am reconstruction will be fully completed. The Charleston ?Veras has a good a rt iel? on the condition of thc times. We extrae the main portion of the article, and re commend it to our readers: Before the war began, they proclaims an irrepressible conflict. Tiny claimci power, the purpose to use it mercilessly and forced tho conclusion that the pre scrvation, rights and liberty was dependent on ourselves. Throughout the war, their conduct was not more conciliatory. They hired soldiers from abroad; they armed our slaves against ns; they burned our houses and blasted our lands, without its being apparent that these cruelties con? tributed to conclude the war. That over, they sent emissaries amongst us to stir the*worst nature of thc negro-to divert him fro31 employments which, necessary to bis subsistence, might be profitable to his recent master; to plant a principle of hate between them, and render peaceful relations no longer possible. And if it be objected, after this, that we do not love them, it is a sufficient answer, that thcy cannot expect it. They are not so unrea? sonable to require an occurrence so un? natural, nor would any human testimony be sufficient to convince them of tho fact. But if it bc meant that wo do not, in perfect faith, accept the situation, with all the obligations and responsibilities arising from it, thc proposition is not true. Not only do we not propose a renewal of the contest-which now, in the loss of slavery, and the absence, therefore, of any peculi? arity of social constitution to be preserved by a peculiar Government, would be un? necessary-hilt we honestly desiro the restoration of thc Union. Wo desiro it for thc selfish reason, perhaps, that any condition would be welcomed from the calamities of a conquered and depondent province, but for the better reason, also, that in trie Union only is there tho hope of preserving the civilization of this republic. The imperilled principio of rep? resentative liberty has no other ark of refuge now; and for the North and humani? ty, as well as for ourselves, we would, of all earthly things, the most desire the restora? tion of the Union. Nor is there the slightest thought to disturb the question as to slavery. Wo have not concurred in the policy of emanci? pation; wo havo not thought it of ad? vantage to negroes; wo have not seen the reason to believe them fit for an equal place in a community of white mon-many have already perished-more, we fear, must perish, and, perhaps, all must pass away; we have not thought it of advantage to white men; the sudden loss of property, the disturbance of relations, thc mixture of races, excited, as far as possible, to madness with each other, have not im? proved the condition of thc ruling class; and if, in thia way, truth shall havo been vindicated, wc cannot avoid tho feeling that tho price has been too great; and even truth should not be vindicated, in the ruin of the only parties concerned upon the subject of its vindication. But wo do not purpose to resist the measure; we do not purpose to ask a reconsideration of the question. We do net dream that a reconsideration is possible; or if it wore, would we now accept it or bo willing to restore the negroes to their late condition. They were not then dangerous, but, with the experience of the last few months, and the efforts of emissaries to disturb them, they would be now. The relation cannot be restored, and the connection would be intolerable without it. Nor is there a feeling of infidelity to the republic. There never has been. We did not striko tho republic, but the party who seemed to usurp it, and ever felt regret that, to vindicate our liberties, wo had to abandon our share in its grandeur and its glories; and though now it has cost us an effort to lay aside our form of society, from no motive of our own, no perception nffiits evils, and adopt another not more com? mended by reason and experience, it is the one consoling tl.ought that, by that ex? hausting sacrifice, there is at least the compensation that we may bo permitted to re-enter the great republic, and re? commence in that association the onward march to thc bright destiny which is yet within the range of ita achievements. If it be r?bellions, therefore, not to en? tertain feelings of personal regard for those who have been constant ia their efforts that we shall not, or not to feel humiliated and debased by misfortune, or not to acknowledge superior merit in those who have not exhibited the qualities fitted to inspire the sense of such superiority; or if it. be tho exhibition ?f ? spirit which unfits us for the Union, not to show a nature too servile for association with honorable men, then wo exhibit a rebel? lious spirit, and it is but just that of such rebellious spirit wo should meet the con? sequences. But if not -if fidelity to the Union shall consist with proper self-respect-if it be enough, to entitle us to the relation, that we accept ita obligations and conditions, that we adopt the policy of tho Govern? ment, assume its fortunes and its fate, and are ready to devote whatever we may have of character and manhood to elevate and sustain it-then we are not rebellious, if the party in control of Congress be tho republic, and a sense of loyalty to them shall be loyalty to the republic, we are not loyal; but if the republic be herself-if she bu above faction and party, and it be loyal to sustain her, and to strike even those who would usurp and degrade her, then wo are loyal. If there be a republic, to that republic wo are loyal; if there bo not-if its form has been usurped, and if faction stalks in ita habiliments and desecrates its sacred places, LO that semblance we are not loyal; and no amount of suffering can de? grade us to the act of such confession. -*-.>.?-. In the bill which passed the Mississippi Legislature, conferring the right on ne? groes to testify in Court, the freedmen has tull privileges, except that he cannot give his testimony where two white men aro parties to the suit and the freedman has no interest in the case. Gen. Cooper, we learn, says the Peters? burg Exjyresn, is at the residence of Mark Alexander, in Mecklenburg County, Vir? ginia, where he has been ever since tho sui re.uh r of General Lee. His family has recently gone to Maryland. A Cairo despatch says that Colonel Quantrill, of Kansas notoriety, passed through that city last week, on his way to Washington. Ile has gone in quest of a pardon. The Canada kidnappers have not vet been released on bail the jailor declining, on technical grounds, to deliver them. Mr. Devlin, their counsel, has moved fora writ of attachment to reach the cause. Legislature South Carolina. Wednesday, December 6, 1SG5. SENATE. The Senato met at 10 a. m. Tho President announced that Mr. J. P. Richardson was added to tho Committee on Colored Population. Mr. Lawton presented thc ^"tition of sundry citizens of Barnwell, Edge?eld, Lexington and Orangeburg Districts, pray? ing tho establishment of a new District, embracing portions of Barnwell, Edgclield, Lexington and Oranguburg Districts, with the town of Aiken as its centre and beat of justice. Numerous papers were received from tho House Of Representatives. A bill with reference to Asiatic Cholera; a bill with reference to drawing of juries; a bill to amend and renew tho charter of the Calhoun Insurance Company, of Charleston; andj a bill to incorporate Schiller Lodge, No. 30, of tho Independent Order of Odd Follow?, of the State of South Carolina, located in the city of Charleston; each received the third read? ing, the titles were changed to Acts, and returned to the House. A message from his Excellency tho Go? vernor was communicated to the Senate, (published yesterday.) Thc different sections of the message were referred to the appropriate com? mittees. Mr. Buist presented the potition of the Palmetto Savings Bank; and, the pet'tion of the Charleston Dredging and Wharf Building Company, praying acts of incor Eoration; and the memorial of the South arolina Railroad Company, as to bonds guara;..ced by the State, and about to become due. Mosers. Williams and Winsmith submit? ted reports of committees. Adjourned. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. The Clerk called the roll, the Speaker took the chair, and the proceedings wero opened with prayer by Rev. Dr. Shand. Message No. 1 was receive I from his Excellency Janies L. Orr, ar ? read, at the request of the Governc. William Henry Trescot, Esq. On motion of Mr. Trescot, tlu .ifferent j sections of the message were referred to appropriate committees. Tho Speaker laid before the House the Sctition for Act of incorporation of Rose lill Manufacturing Company. Mr. Russell introduced a resolution which was agreed to-that it be referred to the Committee on the Judiciary to inquire what additional legislation is necessary to prevent the distillation of grain into spi? rituous liquors. Mr. Dawkins introduced a bill to regu? late the sittings of tho Court of Appeals. Mr. Russell introduced a resolution which was agreed to-that it be referred to the Committee on tho Judiciary to inquire as to the liability of administrators, execu? tors, guardians, trustees, Ac, for morned transactions during tho war, and espe? cially as to the liability of parties for the sale and purchase of negro property during and since the year 1860. Mr. Barker presented the memorial of the South Carolina Railroad Company, and of the "Palmetto Savings Institution," praying incorporation. Mr 1'rouuiny ititroiliiced a resolution- ? ?vhich was agreed te.-inviting Gen. James 1 Conner to a seat upon the floor. Mr. Duryea presented the petition of tho Charleston Dredging and Wharf Building Company, praying an Act of incorpora? tion. Adjourned. From Abroad. Tho news from South America-is impor? tant. Hostilities had actually commenced between Spain and Chili. An armed boat's crew attempted to maire a landing at Val? paraiso, and were fired upon and driven back by the Chilians. Admiral Pareja has blockaded six of the ports of Chili, and i threatened Valparaiso with bombardment, j It is believed that he has exceeded the j instructions of ids Queen, and will be re called. The revolutionists of Peru havo triumphed, and President Pezct has fled 1 from the country. In the attack on Lima, ] thc palace was fired, and narrowly escaped 1 destruction. The troops who defended it : fought with great bravery till every one was shot. Order was re-established at tho capital and at Callao. President Pczct took refuge on a British vessel, and was to proceed to Panania en route for Europe. Advices from Nicaragua bring official information that the United States Go? vernment declines to afford protection to Capt. Lozada, of the schooner Manuela Pianos, which has been seized by tho authorities of Nicaragua, on thc ground of being engaged in an illicit traffic. Mr. Dickinson, the United States Minister, had received a communication from Secretary Seward, containing instructions to thc above effect. There is later news from Mexico. Maxi? milian's journals report successes in the interior, but accounts aie conflicting. Tho Empress had a decided ovation in Vera Cruz, and sailed for Yucatan. Gen. Znloa ga had been banished by order of the Em? peror, for receiving a letter from one of the Juarez Government. Its contents have not transpired. There seems to be addi? tional complications between the French and the Americans on thc Ibo Grande, and thc probabilities of a war are hinted at. Tue French have evacuated Sinaloa, and are concentrating their forces at a few points. Reinforcements for the Impe? rialists have reached Matamoras. Secretary McCnlloch, in his report, asks Congress for authority to convert tho seven-thirtiesbefoi'e they mature into long six per cent, bonds, with interest payable ill gold. The Imperial troops have all disappear? ed from thc Rio Grande. ME. EDITOR: I send you herewith a form of contract for plantation purposes, ex? tracted from the Abbeville Banner, which you will find to jour interest to publish, as this subject, of all others, is now upper mo " in the minds of your readers. The whola communication is worthy of perusal. Please publish. X. AT HOSIE, November 25, 1805. MB. EDITOR: Never before, in the history of our State, has the planting mind of the country been so exercised as at the pre? sent. Each neighbor is inquiring of his still further oil neighbor, "How do you propose regulating labor on your planta? tion next year?" This one proposes to in? terest tho laborer by giving him a propor? tion of the crop; that ono thinks, as "money made the mare go," it will bc thc onlv effectual stimulus to the freedmen, and hence proposes to pay monthly. I advocate neither of those plans, but prefer a mixturo of thc two, which simply means to pav in money for the quantity harvested. For instance, for each bale ol cotton (400 pounds,) each bushel of corn, peas, or small grain, for each gallon ol syrup, and pound or hundred pounds ol fodder, I propose paying so much, thc ag? gregate being divided pro rata amongst the hands, wno will, in the contract, bc rated as full, three-quarters, or half hands. Medical attendance and all other planta? tion expenses to be furnished by thc master, but deductions to be made at thc expense of tho laborer, such as loss ol time from any other cause than thal created by the master, fines imposed and boarding ?f children. "Eviction and dis? charges to be within the power of th? master at all times for disobedience, idle? ness, or impudence. Stock will be raised hy a servant nol counted a field hand, whose pay will de? pend upon tho number added to" the Hod or herd, and the number of pounds ol pork butchered. In a similar way is poul? try to be grown. No employee will bc allowed to raise chickens or cultivate t patch for himself, and by no means to oin a dog. With these explanatory items, Mr Editor, I give vou below my idea of a con? tract for a plantation or farm working seven hands. Of conrso the same wonk answer in form and principle for any nu m ber of bands: FORM OF CONTRACT. This agreement, made and entered inte this the first day of January, 1?O0, betweei John Smith on the one part, and suudr freedmou on the other part, witnesseth: That we, (freedmen,) whose names an hereunto attached, do agreo and bind our selves to labor, faithfully, for one year fo the aforesaid John Smith, obeying all hi orders, consulting, defending and pro moting all tho interests of his plantation and rendering it, by our industry, as pro ductive, and the ensuing crop as abundan as possible. That we will be obedient humbl?, civil and polite to himself, hi family, or agent; anet for violation of eithe of these pledges render ourselves liable t> the punishments, or either of them, men tioncd below. In consideration of the services abov specified, I, John^Smith, do agree to hons comfortably, feed liberally, and funds' medical attendance for thc aforesaid freed Tv>.->?, ilo<luoiii)(j, however, from timi wages 50 cents per day for each day los by any one of the laborers from sickness or any other canso, except that created b me. I further agr. e to board and lodge th children (non-workers) of the aforcsai freedmen at a monthly expense of $2 eacl: and at thc end of tlfe year to pay the fiele hands, stock-minder and poultry-womar as follows: The field-hands, for each hal uf cotton, (400pounds,) $10; foreaehbusln of corn or peas, 20 cents; for each hui. dred pounds of fodder, 20 cents; for eae gallon of syrup, 10 cents; for harvestin small grain, 5 cents per bushel; tiles amounts to be aggregated and divide amongst tba freedmen as rated belov each lull hand receiving one-seventh of tb whole net amount. Thc stock-niindcr will receive, for enc lamb or calf added to the flock or her during the year, 25 cents, and 1 cent pc pound for each and every pound of por butchered in the fall of 1K0G. The poultry-woman will bc paid 5 cenl for each head of poultry grown. Any or all the freedmen parties to th: contract ma}- be fined a sum not exceedin $1 for each offence, for idleness, impi dence, disobedience, or for maltreatiD the stock on the plantation and for repea cd offences, may be discharged at my di. eretion, appeal being granted in ease of discharge to a Magistrate or the Distrii Judge-loss of time occasioned by tl appeal chargeable to thc offender. All expenses incurred by reason of lav regulating labor, approval of contract taxes of freedmen, loss of time from wor! ing roads, and boarding the (non-worker: children, will be deducted from the wagi of each freedman as he may be several liable. This contract to continue for ono vc; only. JOHN SMITH, Employer. Witnesses: PETER SNOOKI S, BOBIN Hoon. f hid I Simpson, X full hand, mark. her . i Hannah, his wife, v. $"s-hand. ^ I mark. H j his - Adam. O full hand. _ I mark, S 1 ber " ! Charity, his wife, - half-hand. W I mark. ?? j their I** I Sam, Lewis, Eli, each full han marks. her Molly,-j's-hand. mark. Mr. Editor, as tbu subject of contrai and labor is one of vita! importance to tl whole country, I hope some of your rea ors will publish their views on this subj Ci that the planters may be able to dedu therefrom a completo form of a contrac Should not the State, and each Distri for itself, call a Planters' Convention an how? Truly. SALUDA. Local Items. CASH.-Our terms for subscription, ad? vertising and job work are cash. We hope all parties will bear thin in mind. THE BURNING or COLUMBIA.. -An inter? esting account of thc "Sack and Destruc? tion of the City of Columbia, S. C.," has just been issued, in pamphlet form, from the Vhonix steam power press. Orders can bc lilied to any extent. NEW ADVERTISEMENTS.-Attention is call el to the following advertisements, which are published this morning for thu first time: Apply at Shiver House- House Wanted. E. A. G. D. Hope-Mouscline Debaines. " " -Boots, Shoos, Ac. " " -Raisins, Figs, Ac. " " -Cheese, Butter, Ac. " " -Pipes and Tobacco. A. B. Phillips-Cattle and Sheen. Proposals Wanted for Building Market. Robert Caldwell-Ropes. " " -Tors, Ac. C. H. Baldwin-Fresh Goods. " " -Hardware. P. Cantwell-Bacon Strips, Ac. AJFHAID TO LACOH Ladies sometimes repress their laughter to avoid revealing thc discoloration and imperfection of their teeth. Fair ones, we would advise you to try the Fragrant Sozodont. It will remove nt once, all impurities, arrest the progress of decay, and whiten such parts as have already become black by decay, and leaTO tho breath as fragrant as a rose. t SHIP raws. FORT OF CHARLESTON, DEC. 5. ARRIVED TF.STKR.nAT. Steamship Quaker City, West, New York. Br. bark Fearless, Patrick, Glace Bay, C. B. Bark Tuscano, Skilling, Bath, Me. COMMERCIAL. MONEY MARKET.- NEW YORK, December 4.-Gold opened at 47?j, then fell to 47$, but under the rumor from Washington that tho President's attitude en the Mexican question betokens the probability of a se? rious difficulty with France, the rate closed at 484- There appears to bc no trust? worthiness in the report from Washington at present, though there are certainly rea? sons for apprehending that the Adminis? tration will favor the Juarist Government. Money has been easy to-day, at 7 per cent, on call. There has been no variation in the rates of discount. Exchange on Lon? don closed at lOOi. Tho exportation of gold and silver by the steamer amounted only to $87,000. The custom duties for the week have amounted to $2,174,044. The Sub-TreaPury in this city received deposits amounting to $1,240,000 in coin. This makes the total deposit of coin since No? vember 15, under the arrangements, $11,798,700. Thc nrst of this month thc cash balance in the Treasury amounted to $72,820,000, being $30,102,000 in currency, and tho balance in coin. The business at the office of the Assistant Treasurer was aa follows: Receipts, $8,211,157.10; includ? ing for customs, $510,000; on account of loan, $237,000; gold certiticates, $1,240,000; payments, $0,240,100.31; balance, $77,259,. 601.43. COTTON MARKET.-NEW YORK, December 4.-Tho market is without change. Sales and resales 2,750 bales, at 50@52c. Re? ceipts for the week: Texas, 1,809 bales; New Orleans, 1,894; Mobile, 2,198; Savan? nah, 4,627; South Carolina, 6%; North Ca? rolina, 2,065; Baltimore, 2,229; railroad, 6,706. Total receipts, 22,224. Sales and resales for the week, 16,7(Ki. Total imports since November 1, 109,178*since Septem? ber 1, 325,581. Total exports since Novem? ber 1, 53,132: since September 1, 127,880. Stock on baud, (estimated,) 165,000. CHARLESTON, December 5. -Wo have no chango to report in our cotton market, and, therefore, continue previous quota? tions, viz. 45@-16c- for middling; 47c. for strict middling; and 48c. for good middling. Mouseline DeLaines AND English and American CALICOES -new styles-for sale low. Dec ii 9 E. & G. D. HOPE. IWanted to Rent, A HOUSE, with six or eight rooms, SLin a respectable neighborhood. Pos? session desired about the 15th or 20th of this month. Apply at Shiver House, this dav, between 12 and I o'clock. Dec 8 1* ROPES! 1CASE ROPES, various si/.es, suitable for Clothes lines and securing Trunks aud Bedding. Foi sale bv RICHARD CALDWELL, Corner Bull and ("aniden streets. Dee 8 1* -'5 1CASE assorted TOYS. AND 1 case assorted EXTRACTS-Cologm and packages of Toilet Powder, Toilet Pow? der Boxes and Pulls. For sale bv RICHARD CALDWELL, Corner Bull and Camden streets. Dec 8 l* TO CONTRACTORS. ON and after SATURDAY, the '.Ith inst., proposals will be received for the erec? tion of a now temporary MARKET HOUSE for the city of Columbia. Plans aiid specifications can bc seen, and all information obtained, at the office of Messrs. Kay A He wet son, Architects and Engineers, to whom the bids will bc deli? vered, scaled and i ndorsed, "Proposal for thc erection of a new Temporary Market." J. M. BLAKELY, JOHN' STORK, Council Committee on Market. Dec 8 3