Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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COLUMBIA. Wednesday Morning, Feb. 5.1868. The Came of All Oar Trouble*. Severo as is the depression prevail? ing throughout the country, and gloomy as tho prospects may seem, there is only one real and substantial obstacle to a vigorous and hopeful effort to resuscitate our condition and recover our prosperity. All our other difficulties may be" surmounted and repaired with time and patience, and the people would ?ird up their loins with the resolution and perse? verance of our race and enter hope? fully upon the task of conquering adversity. Bat a great incubas rests upon their spirits and paralyzes their energies. There can be no hopeful effort to regain what has been lost until this incubus is removed. This incubus is political uncertainty. Oar people have confidence in their own powers and in the vast recuperative resources of the country. If they could know under what laws br poli? tical institutions they are to live and labor for the next decade, they would cheerfully set to Work vand rapidly retrace the downward 'course of the last eight years. On whatever basis or in whatever form this certainty could be seoared, the result would be the same. But of all evils by which a people can be afflicted-far worse than despotism or an oligarchy-un? certainty as to their law? ia the great? est Arrangements for the future are interrupted. Titles and contracts are unsettled. Even the personal and political status of the citizen is unde? termined. The Government is in the hands of a desperate faction, which boldly avows that it is inde? pendent of the Constitution, and which has set to work to inaugurate new institutions, without oven a de ? fined charter or programme. Some half a dozen conventions, composed of the most ignorant and incompe? tent persons in the States, have been empowered to make constitutions to govern a people who have no repre? sentation in their bodies, and who yet own nearly all the property and pay all the taxes, and in tho dis? charge of functions for which they are utterly unfit, these self-constitut? ed law-makers are attempting all sorts of experiments and evolving novel sohemes and ideas, many of them directly opposed to the cardinal principles of the system and admi? nistration whioh have prevailed in this country from its settlement, and whioh embody the conclusions of long years of study and research of the profoundest minds of this civil? ized world. It is this extraordinary state of affairs, suggests tho New Orleans Times, which is producing such great uncertainty and hopeless? ness in the minds of the people, and is so seriously disturbing our finan? cial, commercial, industrial and social relations. People who have money are afraid to lend or use it. Those who desire to buy laud and cultivate it, have no assurance that their rights will be protected and their contracts enforced. The rich? est land in tho world is running to waste, not from the want of labor or capital, but from a lack of confidence in tho protection and security which a just administration and certain laws alone afford. People who have skill, enterprise and industry, are either idle or looking to other coun? tries for employment. No class has suffered more from this con fusion and uncertainty than our freedmen. Never were a people so cruelly de? ceived. Deluded with promises of the benefits to accrue to them from the exercise of rights which they were utterly incompetent to exeroise intelligently, nrul with vague hones of some great advancement in their social condition, they find themselves ' - :- - . I tho prinoipal viotims o? the disorders j produced by thoir pretended friends. ?Whilst those who have heretofore ! given them employment and liberal compensation, have been impoverish? ed by the policy of the champions of the equal rights of the freedmen, nothing has been done to supply new sources of support for this unfortu? nate class, and they are left now with? out friends, homes, shelter, clothing and without hope for the futuro. This is the truthful and unvarnished picture of the present state of the country, to -whioh it hse been reduced I by the desolating policy of the most reckless party which ever swayed the destinies of a free people. Tte? Reconstruction Convention. SIXTEENTH DAY. CHARLESTON, February 3.-The Convention was called to order at 12 o'clock M. Prayer by Rev. Edward Edwards. I The fellowing committees made lengthy reports, which, without being read, were made the special order for Wednesday, viz: Committee on Bill of Rights; on tho Legislative Part of the Constitution; on the Judiciary, and on Education. B. O. Duncan offered a resolution, which -vus adopted, that a committee of two from each Congressional Dis? trict in the State, as they existed prior to tho Act of Secession, in 18G0, bo appointed by the President, to inquire and report to this Conven? tion tho number of representatives which will be proper, according to the present law of tho United States, for this Slate to elset to the Congress of the United States, and that it shall also report the suitable con? struction of Congressional Districts, according to tho number of repre? sentatives allowed them. The same momber also offered a resolution, with a preamble, that os a large proportion of tho executors, administrator.), guardians, and other fiduciary agents appointed in this State prior to and during the rebel? lion, oither actually did or fraudu? lently pretended to have invested tho funds confided to their care in tho securities of the rebel Government, or of some one of the rebel States, for the purposo of carrying on tho war, Seo.', and tho investment thus made was not only treason against the United States, but a fraud upon the rights of tho persons whom they were appointed to represent, and who were legally incompetent to protect their own interests, Resolved, That all investments of the funds of estates of infants, mar? ried women, idiots, lunatics, ?c., in the securities of the late rebel Go? vernment, by tho executors, adminis? trators, guardians, Masters and Com? missioners in Equity, trustees, and other fiduciary agents, are and shall forever after be absolutelytheld to be null and void, and under no plea or pretence shall any such investment avail in any court of law or equity in this State to bar or hinder recovery in lawful money of the United States. Referred to the Committee on the Judiciary. R. G. Holmes, of Beaufort, pre? sented a petition from citizens of Beaufort, praying the transfer of the court house from Gillisonville to that place. Referred to tho Committee on Petitions. J. K. .1 il Ison offered a resolution, defining tho qualifications of voters in all elections in the State. Referred to tho Committee on Franchise. J. II. Rainey, from Georgetown, offered a resolution, whioh was adopted, that this Convention dc hereby declare to tho people of South Caroliha, and to the world, that they have no land or lands at their dis? posal, and, in order to disabuse the minds of all parsons whatever in tho State who may be expecting a distri? bution of lands by tue Government of the United States, through thc Bureau of Freednibn, Refugees and Abandoned Lands, do further do> clare, that no Act of confiscation hat been passod by tho Congress of the United States, and it is the belief ol this Convention there never will be and that tho only manner by which land can be obtained by the landless will be to purchase it The same delegate also offered f resolution, providing for the pu bl it sale of property only in the District* in which the same is located, and that all titles, warrants and othei papera i-? tei?t?aeo to ?uid traust ei shall be recorded or deposited onbj in the proder office in said Districts. The special order, th? ordinance - - . -?jj reported from the Committee on the Judiciary, invalidating all contracts, the consideration of "which vas the purchase of slaves, was then taken up. B. O. Duncan took the floor and proceeded to read a speech in favor of the measure proposed. J. J. Wright, of Beaufort, favored the ordinance decidedly, and he argued that because slaves were men, or ?ree versa, thero being no property in man, whenever a bond was given or a debt contracted, the considera? tion of whioh was a slave, there was no consideration received. Conse? quently the law of "value for vnlue" fol' to the ground. .1 M. Ruilasd opposed tua mea? sure, contending that the Convention had nothing to do with tho question. It belonged to the courts. Slaves unquestionably had been property, and were so recognized by every court in the country, and he who in? vested his money in slaves was un? questionably entitled to recover. B. F. Whittemore, of Darlington, also spoko forcibly in opposition to tho ordinance. Tho South, he said, went into tho war prepared to sncfi fice lifo and property, and when they came from the field of carnage all save honor had been lost; yet tho attempt was now made to deprive . the people even of this, and to force them, by an Act of this Couventiou, to do that at which their natures re? belled, namely, to repudiate honestly incurred obligations contracted in good faith, and to bo settled or com? promised hereafter, according to tho disposition of the respectivo parties. L. S. Langley, lt. B. Elliott, B. F. Randolph and W. J. Whipper, all colored, followed in defence of the ordinance; F. L. Cardoza, opposing. Tho New York Tribune says that "the South was never before so well or so cheaply governed as she is to? day." The T?ntes retorts: "Will oar neighbor bo good enough to tell us, if thia is true, what necessity there is for being iu so much basto about re? constructing the South? Why not lot the Southern States profit a your or two longer from tho efficiency and economy of military rule?" FRENCH VIEW OF TUE ABYSSINIAN EXT EDITION.-The Puris papers insist that the object of th? English expe? dition to Abyssinia is not simply to chastiso Theodore and release the English held in captivity by him, but to establish themselves permanently in that country, as an offset to the French establishment in Africa. And they further say, that Annesley Bay is, of all places on the coast, the most desirable for their purpose, if snch an establishment in that country is contemplated. ON and after tho lat instant, persons purchasing MEAT at either cf B. T. DENT'S stalls in tho market, must PAY CASH. Fob 4 Cl nco ra Base Ball Club. AREGULAR meeting of your Club will bo bold THIS (Wednesday) EVEN? ING, at 7 o'clock. Bv ordor. Feb 5 1 D. B. CARRINGTON, 8cc'y. _ FOR SALE/ tftv AT Charles Logan's Lot, a fine HE? lol of young KENTUCKY MULES. l-Jf- Feb 5_4? Richland Lodge No. 39, A. F. M. A A rognlar communication of this >a-f\WLodgo will bo hold THIS (Wednes /\f\day) EVENING, tho 5th inst., at 7 o'clock, at Odd Fellows' Hall. By order of tho W. M. Feb 5 1_R. TOZER, Secretary. TAX NOTICE. MY BOOKS will be opened on MON? DAY, tho 3d of February, for re? ceiving roturna and general taxes for tho year 1867. Oilice hours from 9 A. M. until 2 P. M. Persons from tho country can call from '.) A. M. until 4 P. M. THOMAS H. WADE, Feb 2 4_T. C. R. D. CLOCKS, WATCHES AND JEWELRY. I HAVE on hand ono cf tho best assortments of tho above LINE _RARTICLES, and am detormined to sell at greatly reducod prices. WATCHES AND JEWELRY NEATLY REPAIRED AT SHORT NOTICE. P. 8. Al?o tc dianocr. r.f a .jbsap io: ci FORFEITED WAT?HE8. At ISAAC SULZBAOHER'S, Sign of the Green Spectacles, Ono door South Phonix office, Feb 2 Main street, Columbia, S. C. SxjPKRcrssaioK.-J. M. Wilder, the sheriff of Sumter, has, by order of General Canby, been superseded by Samuel L. Place. About thirty pri? soners reeently made their escape from the custody of Sheriff Wilder, bat it is not stated whether this is the cause of bis removal. [Charleston News. Irish newspapers have been prose? cuted for an advertisement consist? ing simply of three numbers, without note or comment-these were " '98, '48, *68." The Hartford Courant (radical) wants Congress to do "moro for eco nnmv ?"d le" "beni A ?J >? John? son." Another woman hus voted at Man? chester, England. ACKNOWLEDGMENT. r' is but proper that I shonld thns ex? press my thanks to a generous commu? nity for the vor y liberal patronage received, ana that I may givo some substantial proof cf gratefulness, from this dato I will ondeavor to give still bettor bargains. Feb 4_HENRY H. B1.EA8E. STOVES! STOVES! NONE but tho best; all warranted to givo full satisfaction, and at such pricos that, though thc "times arc bard," all can buy from Feb 4 HENRY H RLE ASE. TINWARE ! TINWARE ! OF all kind?, at prices to suit the times. Mcrchauts will do well to call on Feb 4 HENRY H. RLE ASE. JOB WORK ! JOB WORK ! OF all descriptions-in my lino-attend? ed to promptly and done iu a superior style of workmanship, at tho lowest possi? ble figures. Storo in Ehrlich's building, Main street. HENRY H. RLEASE. Feb 4_ NOTICE^ \ LL CONTRACTS and AGENCIES herc jf3L tofore existing with A. R. COLTON have been abrogated. HORACE L. EMERY A SON. Jan 31 G Flour, Flour. itd BARRELS Hocker's Sclf-raisiug ??\J FLOUR. f>0 hags Choico Family Flour. 100 bbls. Northern Super. Flour. Ou hand and tor sale uv Jan 28_J. AT. R. AGNEW. Onions, Onions. BARRELS Northern ONIONS. 60 bbls. Pink-eye Planting Potatoes. On hand and tor salo bv Jan 28 J. AT. R. AGNEW._ Trace Chains, Trace Chains. >C>f\(~\ PAIRS Wagon and Ploughing OV/V7 TRACES. On hand and for sale by J. & T. R. AGNEW. _Jan 28_ Dissolution of Copartnership. THE firm of J. C. SEEGERS A CO. has been dissolved hy mutual consent. JOHN C. SEEGERS, G. DIERCKS. All persons indebted to tho late firm of J. C. SEEGERS A CO., either by account or note, aro respectfully requested to como forward at onto and settle with either of tho undersigned, as it is absolutely neces? sary that the debts duo tho late firm of J. C. Seegers Si Co., be promptly paid. JOHN C.8EEGERS, G. DIERCKS. Tho undersigned would hereby givo ex? pression to his gratitude to his many and kind friends for their patronago, while he was a member of tho timi of J. C. SEE? GERS A CO., hoping also that tho same will bo oxtonded to Mr. G. DIERCKS, who continues tho business ou his own account, and will do his utmost to render satisfac? tion to all who may favor him with their custom-while I intend to give my entire attention to my Brewery. An ample supply, sufficient for tho city and country, of pure BEER, always on hand. Prompt attention will he given to all orderB left at Mr. G. Diercks' fatoro. JOHN C. SEEGERS. Tho undersigned will continuo tho busi? ness at tho old stand, whoro he will always keep on hand a select stock of GROCE? RIES, WINES, BRANDIES, TOBACCO, 8EGARS, Ac. ALSO, WATCHES and JEWELRY repaired in a workmanlike maimer, promptly and cheaply. The "LAGER BEER SALOON will be rc opouod in the basement. Tho HILLIARD ROOM will bo CLOSED until further no? tice G. DIERCK8. Feb 2_ EATING HOUSE AT ALSTON. PASSENGERS on tho Greenville and Columbia Railroad, can get BREAK? FAST and DINNER at Alston-ample time hoing allowed. Dec 27 MARY A. ELKIN A SON. Administrator's Notice. THE creditors of the lato JOHN NEAL are hereby called upon to present their demands to mo. dulv attested, aud tboso indebted will come forward and pay np. s. w. MCKENZIE, Jan 18 swC* Admr. Cum test annox. Steam Engine for Sale. ASTATIONARY STEAM ENGINE, 35 horso powor, in complete order; with Flue Boiler, containing 32 Flues. Also, a CIRCULAR PAW =I.'LL. To be sold singly or together. The En? gine can bo eoen at the Oongaree Iron Works, foot of Lady street. Apply to R. MCDOUGAL, NOT 15 Columbia, S. C. Liocal retenu.?. ^ CASH-PAY UP.-From and ofter January 1, 1868, the cash Bys te m will be strictly enforced. Persons -who are now indebted for subscriptions, and who wish their papers continued, ? will confer, a favor by paying up at once. Those who fail will have their papers discontinued. Cash will also be required for all advertisement?. Persons forwarding advertisements from a distance, must send a remit? tance. Job work onah ntl delivery. Hoi FOB LEXINGTON.-We ase in? formed that, through the courtesy of the railroad ofP~ials, an excursion train will be run Over the Columbia and Augusta Railroad to Lexington Court House, this morning-leaving, the Charlotte Depot at 9 o'clock. Those desirous of taking the trip must bo on hand at the hour men? tioned. MISCEGENATION.-We are informed that a soldier belonging to a regiment formerly stationed here, became ena? mored with a colored girl, and find? ing that the adage, "absence conquers love," was not applicable to his case, returned to this oity, and on Sunday night tho twain were made one, and yesterday departed on a bridal tour. Reduction of wages and "strikes" aro the order of the day at the North. The employers, in many instances, prefer to suspend operations, rather than carry them on with loss at tho old rate. We of the Sooth think times particularly hard and business awfully dull; but from these state? ments, it is clearly proven that the disea.se is universal throughout the country. Misery, it is said, loves company; but whether or not there is any consolation in knowing that tho money-pressure is wide-spread, we will not stop to argue-but merely chronicle tho fact. BENEFICIARIES OF SOUTH GAROMNA UNIVERSITY.-It is usual for the Le? gislature to appoint one beneficiary of tho South Carolina University from each Congressional District in the State. As the Legislature is not in session, the News states that *$rov. Orr lins been authorized to ranko the appointneut in its stead. A modern philosopher, having in mind the motion of the earth on its axis at seven miles a second, says that if you lift your hut in the street to bow to a friend, you go seventeen miles bare-headed. MAIL ARRANGEMENTS.-The post office open during the week from S% a. m. to 6 p. m. On Sundays, from \)i to 2?? p? m. Tho Charleston and Western mails are open for delivery at 2 p. m., and close nt 9 a. m. Northern-Open for delivery at 101 j a. m., closes at 1 p. m. Greenville-Open for delivery at 3 p. m., closes at 8 p. m. NEW ADVEKTISEMENTS.-Attention in cab? ed to tho following advertisements, pub? lished this morning for tho firm time: Mules for Salo at Logan's Stable. Meeting Chicora Daso Ball Club. Mcoting Richland Lodge No. 39. Columbia and Augusta R. E. Co., fl SUPERINTENDENT'S OFFICE, COLUMBIA, S. CL January 33, 1868. IN a few days, this Road will be ready to receive FREIGHTS and PASSENGERS at Lexington Conrt HOUHO. Wood, Lum? ber and all kinds of Merchandize will be shipped promptly, and anv information will he furnished by EDWARD B. DOR? SEY, Transportation Agent. O. BOU KNIGHT, Superintendent. Jan 81_t3 IMPORTANT. PLANTERS and GARDNERS will find ELLKRBE'S PLANT TRANS-PLANT? ER, (Patented 16th of October, 1866,; at JOHN C. DIAL'S; by which surplas plants of oom, cotton, or of any plant, may be trans-planted in tho samo time that the soil can bo replanted, without dlsfctrrbing the fibrous roots. J. C. DIA Jan 19 fSmo_General Agent. ? Ilelnltah'ft Crimson Tetter Wash, for Totter, Ringworm, Pimples, Worm Spots, Roughness of the Skin-a enre for Tetter and Ringworm.