University of South Carolina Libraries
COLUMBIA. Wednesday Morning, March 7,1866. Congressional Legislation. Tho New Yorir. Xfifcs Justly; says the necessities of the country, more urgently, perhaps, than ever before, emand the- attention and action of Congress in behalf of projects of in ternal improvement and industrial progress. Bat, unfortunately for the general welfare, - there has hean no Congressional session in which more time has been -wasted in the discus? sion of partisan doctrines, for the gratification of the ambition, the pre? judices and the hatreds of dema? gogues ?nd fanatics. The records of both Houses exhibit the prevalence of a spirit of bitterness, jealousy and vindictiveness, on the part of the ma? jorities, that renders it impossible to fulfill the intention of national legis? lation. The material interests of the Republic have suffered much from civil -war, and the least that could be expected from faithful representa? tives of the people, would be the ex? ercise of their talents and energies for the recuperation of the commer? cial and industrial Bpheres of both sections. The resources of the land are abundant, but many of them re? main undeveloped and unapplied, while legislators are launching phi? lippics against each other, denounc? ing the Executive, venting their spleen and malice in wild and angry harangues, and losing the golden hours of opportunity in a wilderness of party intrigues and recriminations. The last mail from England brings the intelligence that a proposition has been introduced into Parliament, having for its object the repeal of s measure known as the Roman Catho? lic Oath. This oath has "always been obnoxious to the Irish people, and iti abolishment will be looked upon a? one of the results of Feuian move ments. t Despatches from Washington stat? t tj^at the Committee orWFifteen ar< assiduously at work investigating th condition of the Southern States witl reference, to their being accorded rep reservation. There" appears to be disposition to have this matter dc cided at an early day. Tennessee WL doubtless be the first State to be rev resented. The ice thus broken, it wi not be many weeks before the barrie will be removed from before othe States. The united delegations of th States and Territories on the Pacifi coast, called upon the President o Saturday, and requested him, throuc Senator Conness, in pursuance of ii structions received from their coi stituents, to give the Pacific coast . representative in his Cabinet, main! on account of the difficulties coi nected with their land titles. Tb same request was preferred to Mi Lincoln about the time he appointe Mr. Harlan. The impression le: upon the minds of the delegation b President Johnson's reply was tin he would take the matter into favo: able consideration. We are pleased to notice a dedin in the prices of many articles of me; chandize. Coal soid in New Yorl last week, for $7 a ton. The di goods market is reported to be fia dull and drooping. Wholesale dea ers are doing little business, and tl retail dealers are obliged to mal lower figures for their goods, in ord? to secure customers. The foregoiu has reference chiefly to Northei markets. Gold, last week, was dow to 35. It is reiterated that the Preside) will, in a few days, issue his offici proclamation that peace has bee firmly established at the South, ar that the States will then be le to govern themselves under the Co: stitution and State and local law without military interference, exce in relation to the Freedmen's Burea to continue one year after the date the forthcoming proclamation. It is cheering to notice that t] subject of immigration to South C ? olina does not fail to receive conl nued attention in the . larger cities the North, and efforts to induce en ?rants to como hither are being ma< constantly. i The demand for fractional current . has increased to snch an extent th the force of the printing bureau working daily and nightly to fumii supplies. A R?MINISCENCE.-On the 25th of May, 1859, but little more than seven years ago, a Convention -was .held at Cleveland, ,Ohio. It was styled Con? vention of the Sons of Liberty, and was presided over by Joshua R. Gid? dings, lately United States Consul General for the Canadas. Upon its Committee of Resolutions tho chief man was Benjaman F. Wade, then, aa now, United States Senator from Ohio. That committee brought for? ward a series of resolutions, which werer adopted, the principal one being as follows: "Resolved, That the several States comprising the United States o? America are not united on the princi? ple of unlimited submission to their General Government, but that, by compact, under the style and title of a Constitution for the*United States, and of amendments thereto, they con? stituted a. General Government for! certain definite powers, reserving, each State to itself, the residuary mass of right to their own self-govern ment; ar:d that whensoever the Gene? ral Government assumes undelegated powers, its acts are unauthoritative, void, and of no force, and being void, can derive no validity from mere ju? dicial interpretation; that to this com? pact each State acceded as a State, and is an integral party; that this Government, created by this com? pact, was not made the exclusive or final judge of the extent of the pow? ers delegated to itself, since that would have made its discretion, and not the Constitution, tho measure of its power; but that, as in all other cases of compactamongparties having no common judge, each party has an equal right to judge for itself, as well of infraction as of the mode and mea? sure of Tedress." Salmon P. Chase, ex-Secretary of the Treasury, and then Governor of Ohio, was present, and made a speech warmly endorsing the resolutions. William Dennison, ex-Governor of Ohio, and now Postmaster-General, wrote a letter approving of the Con? vention and endorsing its proceedings. The "Washington correspondent of the New York World says there are a large number of Republicans wiio are dissatisfied with Thad. Stevens as a leader, and who have expressed a willingness to try and see if some plan of adjustment cannot be ar? ranged. They do not like the look of things, and their anathemas are loud and deep against the n*en who have led them. Gen. W. P. Richardson, command? ant at Darlington, S. C., -writes a letter to the Cincinnati Commercial, in which occurs the following pas? sage: ' 'My district is composed of nine Counties, (or Districts, as they are called here,) in the North-eastern part of the State, and a most hopeful state of affairs exists. The freedmen _aro sli-employed at fair wages, and are working, according to the state? ments of planters themselves, much better than there was, for a while, any reason to anticipate. I have la? bored diligently to restore relations of mutual confidence between the planters and the freedmen, on the principle that, as these people were compelled to live together, the inte? rests of both parties would be pro? moted by the relations between them being harmonious, and I have suc? ceeded beyond my expectations. Planters exhibit their confidence in the freedmen by planting to the full of their ability, and the freedmen, by their good conduct and industry, seem determined to convince every one that they may be relied upon in their new condition." General Howard has received a re? port from General C. B. Fisk, Assist? ant Commissioner of the Bureau for Tennessee, in which he reports that, in education, industry, justice and good order, there is a steady advance? ment. The superintendents, chosen generally from citizens, have earnestly and successfully labored to place the freedmen in good homes at fair wages, or for a share of the crops raised. But few dependents upon the Govern? ment charity are now in the State. In December, only $620.28 were ex? pended in subsistence to the poor. Organizations among the freedmen themselves, for the relief of their own poor, have rendered valuable service. The Nashville Provident Association, a society conducted by the colored people of that city, has its coal and wood-houses, soup-houses, physi? cians, &c. This society relieves the suffering poor without distinction of color, and daily reports exhibit that a greater number of white than colored persons are its beneficiaries. Many widows and orphans, whose husband's and fathers fell fighting to perpetuate slavery, have been fed and warmed through the kindly offices of this as dation. To says General Fisk. MILITARY CHANGE.-We learn that Cren. W. T. Bennett, who some time ago tendered his resignation to the War Department, has, at his own request, been relieved of the command )f the post at Charleston. Maj. Gen. Deven s will remain ia command of he Military District, r,nd for thepre ent assume direct command o'l the )ost. * Diamonds. Diamonds are creating for them selvesa furore, both in European and American circles. Whimsical and in? significant as this caprice of fashion may seem, it reposes upon deep "wis? dom and philosophy. This unusual desire for the possession of precious stones, indicates the apprehension of an approaching financial convulsion, from the ruinous crash of which, men of wealth and foresight would save something of solid and enduring value. Hence, we find them investing largely in diamonds, and packing them upon tLsir wives and daughters, as a species of wealth which "moth and rust" are not so likely to "corrupt," nor are they so liable to " take wings " as bonds and stock investments. It is true, that diamonds are at all times coveted as "ornaments and trea? sures, but regularity ordinarily cha? racterizes their traffic, under a healthy state of trade and commerce, as much so as in the case of any other com? modity. But when the passion for them becomes excessive-when Petro? lia and Shoddy are found hunting them up and buying at any price, when persons are to be found invest? ing in these little gems, whose in? comes do not warrant this indulgence in these expensive luxuries, the com I mnnity may take it as a pretty sure I indication that there is something as "rotten"in the financial world, as ' there was in " Denmark." Every period of commercial infla? tion and the bursting of all great I financial bubbles, have always been i preceded by an extraordinary increase in the demand for and sale of dia i monds and other precious stones. The same warning phenomena are 1 observable at this time in European communities. "We are informed that just now, when the premonitory signs I of approrching financial troubles are clouding the social and political hori? zon of France, the rage for diamonds ! is seizing upon all classes, from the j duke down to the peasant; that never, at any period of social extravagance, has there been witnessed such a pas sion for them. As we have already j intimated, there is a deep "method" in all this "madness," and those who practice it are actuated by a desire to \ secure and put away something, the value of which is not fictitious, and j which can be converted into money whenever the necessities of the owner require it during the struggles with the waves of the deluge. In this apparent reckless expendi ture and extravagance, there is a wise economy and foresight in fleeing from the wrath to come, which is a public j proclamation to maukind to "get irom under." It is, in a measure, to be regretted that Petrolia and Shoddy have this much wisdom; for nobody would grieve if the sky, when it fell, should catch these larks; but they are much too shrewd for that. They only care for greenbacks from their ability to buy diamonds and gold. Having placed themselves on a safe basis, they will, when ruin comes, snap their fingers at the misfortunes j of others, as old Noah is supposed, I when safely in his ark, to have chuckled at the idea of what a goodly number of antediluvian sinners were drowning in the waters upon which he was seiurelv floating. What a comfortable feeling that must have been to the old navigator. Well, it is just such feelings as the men who have most successfully traded in the blood and suffering of the country will experience, when they have safe? ly provided for themselves by prodi? gal investments in diamonds and other imperishable treasiares. We have been all the time desirous that these men should atone in some way, in this life, for the manner in which they have made their money. But it seems they are destined to re? ceive their punishment alone in the next world; for, in matters of finance, they are such cats that they always fall upon their feet, no matter how convulsions disturb their equilibrium. But we imagine, if there is any faith and virtue in brimstone and fire, j these fellows will have a lively time of it whenever they reach a locality where these elements are said to pre? vail astonishingly. [Richmond Times. \ IMMIGRANTS.-Mr. Williamson, of I Caddo, one of the most intelligent and useful members of our Legisla? ture, has introduced three bills into the House of Representatives, for the j several purposes of creating a bureau j of immigration, of protecting immi- ? grants after they have arrived in our j city, and for the further protection of immigrants coming to this city j whilst on board of ships. These bills seem to us to be framed with great wisdom and practical good sense. The object they have in view, to wit: to encourage and protect the immi? gration of laborers to this country, is well worthy of the consideration and action of our Legislature. Our policy is to invite and encourage the influx of laborers from every part of the world. They must, however, have some security and protection against extortion and imposition, and Mr. Williamson's bills are framed with this view. We hope they will com- i mand the early and serious considera- j tion of the Legislature. [New Orleans Picayune. DISAPPEARING.-The fortifications on the Charleston Battery ure gradu- : illy disappearing. Laborers are em? ployed removing the earth which constituted the fort on the South-east j side of the Battery, and in the course j jf a few months we shall doubtless j iritness a clear promenade ground. i A Southern Peculiarity. Mr. Greeley takes especial excep? tion to that part of the President's speech, on the 22d, in which he re? plies to interrogatories from persons in the audience, naming parties to whom he was referring. In response, Mr. Wood, among other things, says: "Nothing is more common in the South, than for public speakers to be constantly called on in this way for explanations, and it is their universal habit to give prompt and direct re ?lies. Andrew Johnson's entire po tical life has been filled, by such experience, and it is not surprising that he should have met such queries now, just as he had always met them before, on the stump und the floor of Congress." This is the exact truth, and exhi? bits a phase of the Southern character ?which speaks volumes in their honor. They are always frank and honest, prompt and direct, sincere and cou? rageous. In this respect they are also pect?iar. In no other country, and in no other section of this coun? try, is this quality, which springs from ca'uses both natural and educa? tional, so marked. In the entire his? tory of the country, we remember but one approach to this severe cate cheticnl mode' of discussion in the North, and that was in the Senatoria1 contest in illinois, between Mr. Lin? coln and Mr. Douglas. It would be interesting to trace this mode of in? struction through its derivation and history, and style logically, but the space is not at our command just now. It would be better if it were more universal. In the political affairs of a people, engaged in widely diversified pursuits, it is the most certain and admirable method of con? veying information as to tho views, feelings and intentions of those who represent them. It has been a mark? ed feature of the hustings of the South throughout their history. The rostrum has been the people's tri? bune, and they have called it to spe? cific declarations from time imme? morial. Its responses have been prompt, direct, positive and gene? rally honest. So it is to-day, and so we hope it will ever be. Honesty, frankness, fairness, are the three ele? ments of the Southern political cha I racier, and all aspirants to popular favor must possess them, or have an exceedingly short career. We would it were so everywhere. Andrew Johnson was educated in this school, and we are sure he will never avoid its requirements in any position. His whole career has been i a tribune of the people. Now, more than at any other time, the voice of the people in the affairs of Govern j ment is required. Nothing should be left to construction and interpreta ! tion. In this last speech, the Presi ? dent has fully met the demand. He ! has shown that the most obscure, as I well as the functionaries of Govern? ment, are entitled to the mind of the Chief Executive, and as such he is ready, on all occasions, to give them his. He lia? thus endeavored to r?e.??c liie Government and the people one and the same thing, and in this he is right; all place-holders, trick? sters, politicians and schemers to the contrary notwithstanding. [Nashville Union. THE FRANCO-MEXICAN TROUBLES. Having all along maintained that we should have no war on the Mexican question, we were somewhat sur? prised by Marshal Forey's recent speech in the French Senate. The New York Tribune explains that speech in a very happy manner, thus: "Men who have figured in certain events think that they ought to let their voices be heard when those events are discussed by the public. Now Forey, having been the General commanding the original force sent out by France to Mexico, thinks that this is a time for him to speak, and his words are, that the French force ought not to be withdrawn for some time-that its work is not yet done, etc. If this speech-which met with only a few words of approval in the French Senate-shall have any effect upon the Government, it wrill be only to lengthen a little the stay of the French in Mexico, for it is not at all likely that the Emperor will change his decision after announcing it to the world. Besides, he has taken steps for the execution of his deci? sion. The fact is, Forey has only given vent to the wounded feeling of the French army." EMIGRATION TO TEXAS.-The Texas journals represent the tide of iuimi gration to that State as continually flowing and increasing. Texas has suffered less than any of the other Southern States during the war, and has a vast extent of public domain available for new settlers. Being less expose I than her sisters to the incur? sions of the Federals, she became a place of refuge for unfortunates driven from their homes; her mate? rial wealth was increased thus, and a.t the cessation of hostilities she was, financially, in a far better condition than could have been expected. With di these advantages, and a salubrious ?limate, she needs only "reconstruc? tion " to give to her development au mpulse which will be irresistible. [New York News. RE-ARRESTED. -Mr. W. S. Williams las been arrested again, and will, we earn, be sent on for trial. The charges [gainst him have not been made >ublic. His son, Herbert, made his :scape. Mr. T. P. Wilhams, who was bsent from home, was likewise not .rrested.-Picken$ Courier. SEIZURES OF PROPERTY BY GOVERN? MENT AGENTS.-We have been in? formed by Governor Perry that, -whilst in Washington, he had a con? versation with the Hon. Hugh Mc? culloch, Secretary of the Treasury, in reference to the conduct of the Treasury agents in South Carolina. Mr. McCulloch assured Governor Perry that ho had uever authorized any of his Treasury agents in South Carolina to take from the possession of the citizens, horses, mules, saddles, bridles or leather, or anything else, except cotton belonging to the Con? federate States. He expressed him? self as deeply mortified to hear that his agents had been running about over the country and annoying the citizens by taking horses, mules, sad? dles, bridles, wagons, &c, which had been captured, or which had belong? ed to the Confederate States 01 United States, and bona fide in thc possession of the people. He had given no such orders or instructions to any of his agents. He further ex pressed a determination to ferret on' the frauds which some of these agent; had perpetrated, and briug them tc justice. We deem this information very im portant, and hope our brethren of th press will give it free circi?ation fo the benefit of all concerned. It seem to us that every instance of a viola tiion of the rules established by tb .Secretary of the Treasury should b reported to headquarters. Our citi zens Buctild certainly claim all th protection o? the United States au I thorities, and vhey will realize tha t ley Uve under * Government botl < ipable and willing to shield them i ' ie peaceable enjoyment of thei ? ights of person and property. [ Greenville Mountaineer. EDISTO AND ASRT?EY CANAL Coi T i NY.-By the notice of arrivals i * t r paper this morning, it will t se m that the steamer Monekabrougt 1 < > this port, from New York, a larg l imber of steerage passengers. O inquiry, we learned that they were tb first arrival of a large number of li borers, who have been engaged 1 work on the Edisto and Ashley Cana and that this first instalment will t followed by an equal or greater nun ber every week, until enough ha-* been procured to finish the work. On their arrival, they were tran ferredtothe steamer General Bennet which was cheerfully tendered to tl company by the military authoriti for the purpose of conveying them c rectly up the Ashley River to tl scene of their future operations. Tb prompt action on the part of the mi tary, shows that they appreciate tl importance of such additions to o laboring community, and are rea( and willing to do all in their power aid such laudable enterprises. We are pleased to be able to chr nicle this event, as it is, we belie\ the first successful attempt made this State to bring out laborers for public enterprise, and augurs well f the success of til is most importa undertaking, and proves that we we correct when we asserted, soi months ago, when the company ma the selection of our esteemed fello citizen, Capt. C. E. Chichester, a3 perin tendent of the work, that th had chosen the very man to cai their work through to completie His energy, perseverance and skill managing men, is well-known and ? preciated in this community. [Charleston Courier. THE SOUTHERN NEWSPAPER PRE A correspondent of the Memp Appeal discourses as follows on 1 mission of the press : "The press of the South has great responsibility resting upon at this time. If ever there was period in the history of the coun when it moulded public opinion, tl period is the present. The peor, whatever may be their political o nions, look to the press of the coi try for advice as well as informath This is the time in which it can incalculable good for the cause civilization and humanity. Wisdo moderation and kindness, shoi mark its course. Denunciation o vituperation cannot do good to o cause. I regret to see so much vi peration in some of the Sonthi press against individuals. It cam do any good, but really does no hui A candid mind, though it may dil from a writer, can read his prod tions with pleasure when he discus subjects with candor, dignity ? moderation, and does not desct from the consideration of measu to the denunciation of individui i>nt vituperation and bitter aspersii ire disgusting, and always dam him who deals in them more tl hey do his adversary." WHAT IS IT?-A Mr. Cross, American, is advertising, in Engla t mo.it mysterious addition to nen's menagerie, in the person of inonymous animal, which he icribes as being of a most non cript description, as follows: It is of amazing size and lenf eems endowed with a greater port >f intellect than almost any of .rute creation. The head is v arge, the hair on the forehead ria o a peak. The nose, forehead i hin, a beautiful red color. ' heeks, which are very prominen lale blue, with a beard of a li range. The color of the bod; peckled brown. Hands and a erfectly human. The tricks it een taught, such as smoking a pi mich it does with a degree of ance, are truly remarkable. Looal Items. CASH.-Oar term? for subscription, ad? vertising and job work aro cash. We Kcpe all parties will bear this in mind. We call tho attention of those interested in Southern cotton and woolen manufacto? ries to the advertisement of Millward A Winobrener, in our paper to-day. LIES.-Wo find the following in & Stou benville (Ohio) paper: "A despatch from Columbia, S. C., Bays that there is a perfect carnival of crime in that city. Robberiea and murders of Union men are of daily occurrence." This is simply and palpably an untrnth. We venture to assert, that there ia not a city in the entire South where better order is maintained. THE WASHINGTON STREET METHODIST CHURCH.-An effort is being made to re? build this old edifice, and the Rev. Colin Murchison has been appointed a general traveling agent to solicit subscriptions for this purpose. Tho necessity for immediate re-erection of this church is apparent to all. It has a very largo congregation, the majority of whom, unfortunately, are in very reduced circumatances. Thc selection of Mr. Murchison for this office is a very happy one, as it is generally known that through his exertions the neat and substan? tial Sabbath School building connected with the church (and which was also burnt at the time ot tho destruction of the church) was erected. A humorous inci? dent, although of a somewhat grave cha? racter, occurred to the reverend gentleman when he waa on one of his collecting rounds. Ho applied to a Mr. P. for a con? tribution in aid of the erection of the Sun? day School building, and argued tho matter so clearly and forcibly, that the gentleman had no loop-hole of ?scape, and finally consented to subscribe, if Mr. M. would grant him the privilege of putting the inscription on his tomb-stone. This was agreed to, and Mr. Murchison was inform? ed that it would be: "And the beggar died." Wo sincerely hope he will be spared and be enabled to pursue II?H works of use? fulness and charity for many, many years to come; for wo know of no minister con? nected with the Methodist Conference who is more generally liked by all elasaea, or whose death would be more universally regretted. We trust tl. it Mr. Murchison will be successful in his mission, and that the church will bo speedily rebuilt, on the same plan as thc old one. NEW ADVERTISEMENTS.-Attention is call? ed to the following advertisements, which are published this morning for tho first time: Browne A Schirnier-Hay. A. R. Phillips-Tin and Woodenware, &c. E. S. Keitt-Horse Stolen. Richland Lodge-Meeting. Millward & Wfnebrener-Supplie^.. Tampering with the teeth is madnesss. Avoid tlie corrosive dentifrices, submit to no scraping, use nothing but Sozodont. Orient herbs are its ingredients. It pre? serves the enamel. It removes all impu? rities. It strengthens the cums. It de? odorizes a tainted breath. It is harmless aa water, and more valuable than its weight in gold. t A TEXAN WOMAN KILLS A ROBBER. The Austin Intelligencer says: One night last week, about 12 or 1 o'clock, a man named Robert Howie was shot by Mrs. Caroline Wahren berger, at her dwelling on Congress Avenue, near the river, from the effect of which he died in a few hours. From the statement of Mrs. W., it appears that the deceased came to her residence and attempted to enter through a window into her sleeping apartment by raising the sash. Howie came here with the Federal troops some time since, as we hear, in the capacity of teamster, and has been connected with the army in one way or another all the while. Very re? cently he was arrested by the military on a charge of stealing a horse from an officer, and, we are told, was re? leased from confinement under this charge only two days before his death. The remarkable presence of mind and bravery exhibited on the occa? sion speak well for Mrs. W. Alone and unprotected, she is threatened with violence at the hour of midnight by a powerful man, for such he was. She quietly walked to a bureau drawer, took out a six-shooter, walked up to within three feet of him and Bred. He immediately fell back mor? tally wounded. ' ALEXANDER H. STEPHENS.-The St. Louis Dispatch thinks the presence of Alexander H. Stephens at Washing? ton and his participations in the de? liberations of the Senate would ma? terially improve the character of its proceedings and be a benefit to the national legislation : "It is true, Alexander H. Stephens vas a rebel, and Vice-President of j .he late rebel Confederacy; but he ' vas an insurgent against his convic ions. He is again a citizen of the Jnited States, and one of its ablest md most honorable citizens at that. Ie is an experienced and capable egislator, possessing a knowledge of mr history, our iustitutions and ouri iconomy, that few men, either North >r So?th, possess. Why should not lis capacities be devoted to and ii'Jft epted by his country? His prescMK oyalty to that country is unqufl^ ioned. There is not a doubt thatrW rould seek the highest glory and them xeatest good for the Union. Were here twenty such men as Alexander I. Stephens in the Senate and a hun red in the House, the country would ave reason to be proud of their ser ices. The\peach crop for 1866, in the , ruit growing region of Ohio, has een hopelessly destroyed by the cold eather!