Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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COLUMBIA, 8. C. Saturday Morning, February 21,1874. The Spartanbnrg and Ahl? vlllc Rail? road. Too success of tbia cutcrpriae is of vast importance to tho whole State,,aud especially to the cities of Charleston nod Columbia. Draw a line on the map from Charleston by Columbia andSpar tanburg, S. C, Asheville and Paint Bock, N. 0., thence to Cumberland Gap, thenoe through Kentucky, con? necting with roads leading to Cincin? nati and Louisville, and on to Chicago, and yoa will be surprised to see how near an air-line it will be. The' propo? sition is first to build from'Spartan burg to Asheville, a distance of about eovou ty-four miles, crossing tbo Blue Bidge at Butt Mountaia'fcap. This route has twioe been aeatrralely surveyed?first by Major MoNeif, in 1836 and 1837, which was adopted as the location of tho Louisville, Cincinnati and Charleston Railroad, which route Gon. B. Y. Huyne, in-his address to 'the stockholders, pro? nounced tobe "withoutu parallel in tho topography of the world," lb was surveyed again in 1859 by Muj. MoCnlia, fully sustaining tho former survey, proving that tbo route by Butt Mountain and the valley of the French Broad was by far the cheapest and shortest Hue by which tho great produce country of the West can be connected by rail with the Atlantic Ooeau. A table of distances carefully prepared proves this boyond a doubt. One very remarkable feature in tbis line is that from Ashevillo, N. 0., to Sparenburg, S. O., there ia no grade coming -South over forty feet per mile, and very few miles going North over that grade. It may truly be said that qatnre has pointed oat tho true route, and it only remains for man to do bis part.' Banning, as it does, dircotly , through the centre of the State by Co? lumbia aud on to Charleston, gives it the importance of a State enterprise. But we do not expect any aid from the Stute. The prospective benefits of tbis line of communication to Columbia can? not be over-estimated. Located as this city is, in the centre of the State, it would become a distributing poiut for the vast products of the West, which the cutt?n plauter mast have, and its magnificent water power would give it unsurpassed manufacturing advantages* Tho health and agreeableneBS of tho climate, with the various railroads centreing here, would attract capi? tal und labor, both of whioh are greatly needed. With skilled labor, mechanics of all kinds, manufactures and inereased ruilroad facilities, Colum? bia would rise irom her asJies, aud be? come the Atlanta of South Carolina. It is also to be remembered that this route will tap the extensive coal fields of Ten? nessee and Kentucky, and briug to our doors an inexhaustible supply of coal, both for fael and manufacturing pur? poses, at a very cheap rate. No one who surveys the whole premises can fail to bo convinced that, notwithstanding oar present embarrassed situation, the objects to be attained are of immense importance to the future of the city. Every man who will look to his own in? terest and the prosperity of the whole people, should oome forward aud aid to the extent of his ability. Much more ' might be said in favor of immediate action. It is enough to remark, that delays are dangerous. If we fail to tuke advantage of the present opportunity, it will pass from us forever. Others more enterprising will step in and take tho prize. -!????? Tbc Tax-Pityera* Convention. This body, composed of tho leading citizens o! the Stale, adjourned yester? day, after a four days' session. Tho proceedings have been marked with u dignity and force whioh will, doubtless, bo produotivo of much good, We have presented full reports of the proceeding's" from day to day, thus keeping oar rend? ers folly nbreast of the action of tbo convention. The memorial to tho Gene? ral Assembly was presented yesterday, and was made the speoial order for Tuesday next. Offing to tho length of tho report of the proceedings in our i^sue of this morning, we are compelled to forego editorial review for tho preseut. ?-????? United States Counr?Charleston, Fobruary 14.?A rule was grau ted against Thomas J. Gibson, on petition of Win. G. Childs, compelling him to show cause, on the 2Gth inutant, why ho should not be declared a bankrupt. Tho petition of F. Lambert, assignee of I. Sulzbaoher, to soil property, was re? ferred to Begistrar Jaeger to call iu.lien creditors and report. The assignees of James MoElevee, bankrupt, wero al? lowed to compromise a claim of B. B. Miller conditionally. Tho report of the assignee of Adam Ivy, bankrupt, on ex? empted property, was confirmed. Tho petition of Charles Bird, of Lauo istor, for dual discharge in bankruptcy, was roforred to Begistrar Claweon. Tjut'Payen' Convention. FOUKTH AND LAST DAY The convocation aB3ombled at 10 A. El., Hou. W. D. Potter, President, in the ohair. Gen. Cbeanut, on behalf of the Ex eoutive Committee, submitted a report on tho resolutions offered by Mr. P. S. Felder, of Oruugoburg, iu reference to tu nit ion and tho proper government of the. State, stating that tho subject mat? ters had already bueti considered, uud tho committee wore discharged from their further consideration. Tho Mime report was made uud like action taken ou the resolutions introduced by Mr. O. W. Dudley, or Marlboro. Mr. Charles H. Moisc, of Sumter, in? troduced the following resolutions, pre faoed-'by appropriate remarks on the Ufa, character and services of tho de? ceased, which were adopted unani? mously: Resolved, That in the deulli of W. II. MuUaw the tax-payors of South Caro? lina have sustained the loss of u brilliant und fearless champion, whose reudy pen was always wielded in the cause of right and justice. Resolved, That, ns a murk of respect to tho memory ot tlu: deceased, this aonvontiou will attend his funeral us a body. Resolved, Thit these resolutions bo entered upon tho journal of this con? vention and be published iu the papers of this city. Mr. Richard Lathers, of Charleston, introduced the following resolutions, which wero adopted: Resolved, That tho Executive Com? mittee, with the President, shall have it in charge to proteot the interest repre? sented by this convention, in tho inter? val of adjournment, to keep iu view tho onrreut legislation of the Legislature, and to call tho convention together at such time as.they may deem expedient. Resolved, That the President be au? thorized to fill vacancies iu this commit? tee oooasioned by resignation or other? wise, and add members to the commit? tee, if he think proper to do so. Mr. Maurice, of Williamsburg, intro? duced the following resolution, with the statement that it was intended as an amendment to the report of the Com? mittee on .Immigration, which was adopted yesterday; that the report had devolved the duty of electing County Commissioners of Immigration upon the convention, bat that this resolution pro? vided a more feasible uud acceptable plun. The resolution was adopted: Resolved, That tho County Commis? sioners of Immigration, us provided for in the resolution:-, from tho Committue on Immigration, already udoptod, bhall be elected by the delegation from euch County respectively. Mr. Chesuut, of Kershuw, culled for tho report of tho Executive Committee ou the resolutions of Mr. Woodruff, of Spartuuburg, which was under COUfiide evening! The substitute ofl\?red by til* committee was udoptod, and is us fol? lows: Resolved, That a eommitteu of five bp appointed to represent the Tax-Payers' Convention in presenting to tho General Assembly mich grievances arising from the operation of laws heretofore passed by that body, or growing out of an in? adequate protection for the minority by legislation not adapted to our real wants, and, among other things, to urge the ac? complishment of the objects named be? low, to wit: 1. To uiCiiwt kuc mutation ol tho General Assembly to the requirement of Soction 3, Article 8, of the Coustitution of this Statu, which dec'arcs that "it shall be tho duty of the General Assem? bly to provide, from time to time, for tho registration of all electors," which provision has been totally disregarded iu the past. 2. That proportional representation would tend to remove much of the dis 8atisfaotion now existing, whereby com? plaint is most reasonably urged that a t largo proportion of property-holders and tnx-payers of the State aro practically debarred from representation in the General Assembly, and that the adoption of the cumulative system of voting would tend to secure a fair reprcHcntu-1 tiou of the minority; uud to this end in roke the General Assembly to give an early and earned consideration to this subject, with tho view of applying this system iu the conduct of the Stute elec? tions next fall. 3. That the provisiou of the Cousti? tution, Section 21, Article i, iu relation to the election of Justices of the Peuce and Constables by tho people should be complied with by the General Assembly, and that iL should bo urged to give the election or these officers to the qualified electors at the earliest day practicable, instead of the appoiutmeut of Trial Jiistioos bv th.e.Exeoutivo. . iffrrTJbesuut, of Kershaw, called for tho report of the Executive Committee on the resolutions as to investigating the allairs of the Bank of the State. The report was read, the amendment offered by the committee insertod as a third re? solution, and the wholu adopted, as fol? lows: Whereas, the assets of the Hunk of the 8tate constitute a fund in court in the 0BB6 of D*bney, Morgan & Co. vs. the President and Directors of tho Dank of the State etui, which is to be dis? tributed among tho creditors us soon as the floal decree of the Supremo Court of the United States in said canyo, already argued before thorn, is made, by which payments the liability of the State for past due debts will bo to that extout diminished, to the relief of the tax-pay? ers of the State, and the tax-payers ure, therefore,, directly interested in tho h?hest preservation and management and proper appropriation of said assets umong tho creditors entitled thereto, and have tho right to bo fully informed as to the past administration and tho present condition and value cd said fund so to be applied; for their reliof; and wboreas, it hojf b'een repeatedly alleged, and is geuorally believed, that proceod rutiou at the hour of .--yf.-?-, ings have been had and orders made in said cauBo, without notioe to the soli? eitors or partioo in the cause entitled to the said fund, under which the said fund has been loaned out on insufficient and unavailing hocurities, and loans which wore sufficiently secured have been paid in bills of tho said bank at their par value, whereby the said assets have been wasted and tho valne of the said fand very greatly diminished, genera) suspi? cion and distrust have been created, and the action of tho oourt, the receiver and tho borrowers of said fund huve been generally aud publicly impugned; and whereas, tho Legislature has appointed a j?iut committee to thoronghlyinvosti gate the condition of tho said fund, and report the Harne at the earliest practica? ble moment, und suid joint committee has already taken testimony us to the management and tho present condition of." the said fund, but bus uot yet made any report; but pending the suid inves? tigation, ouo of the suid joint committee has been nppoiuted receiver of the said fund, against tho protest of those rrprc iieuting the creditors untitled to said fund; aud whereas, it is the duty of thl* convention to the tux-payers of the State thoroughly, impartially and fearlessly t;? investigate all tho proceedings had in relation to the said assets of the bank, to the end that the unjustly accused or suspected maybe vindicated, that just censure and tho reprobation of the country shut I, regardless of political opinions, party affiliations, official posi? tion or t-oeiul btuuding, fall upon all who bnvo contributed to, connived at, or beuctlti'd by the improper adminis? tration of said fund aud wasting of suid assets: Resoled, That a committee of five bo appointed by tho President, whose duty it shall be to confer with tbo joint oom mittee appointed by the Legislature to investigate tbo condition of the Bank of the State, and obtain their report and the testimony taken by them; to confer with the representatives of the creditors entitled to said assets, and to inukesticb other aud further investigations as may be necessary to discover and disclose whatever of corrupt practico, miscon? duct or fraud may have been commit? ted iu relation thereto, and how and by whom committed; and to obtain and report all such information aa will enable this convention and the people of the State to kuow whether the said assets have been wasted, by what means, and wbo are responsible therefor. Resolved, That said committee do also obtaiu aud.publish, with their report, a statement of tho changes of iuvestmeut of said fund which have been made, the reason and consideration thereof, aud under what authority, iuoludiug changes iu the securities taken as collaterals lor investments, loans or deposits, aud under what authority; tho total amouut of cash loaned out, invested or deposit? ed, to whom loaned, how invented or with whom deposited, when, upon Vjffiut terms, bow secured, aud by what authority made, and when and how the same, or any part thereof, bus been paid, and by what authority received; and the present appraised vulue of the suid assets. Resolved, That tho said committee, before publishing tbeir report iu the official proceedings, submit tbo same for the sanction of this convention, or that of tho Executive Cummittoo of this bo ly, if the convention bo uot theu iu session. In pursuance of the foregoing resolu? tions, the President appointed the fol-! lowing goutlemeu as the committee: Messrs. C. It. Miles, Armistead Burt, John Brutton, Cudwullader Jones and Johuson Hagood. Tbo convention took a recess for ouo hour. Upon re-assembling, the Presi? dent read a letter addressed to him by several bond-holders. Iu reply to the letter, Col. F. W. MoMaster, of Bich laud, offered a resolution, to the effect that when the honest people of the State get possession of the government, they will do what is just, fair and equi? table amongst the creditors of the State. Mr. Manning, of Clarendon, offered the following preamble und resolutiou, which woro unanimously adopted: Whereas, this convention has, by re? solutions this day passed, put upon re? cord its seut.e of the loss tho tax-payers of the Stato havo sustained by tho un? timely death of tho lute W. H. McCaw; and whereas, the welfare of tho family of one who rendered in bis life such ic estimnblo services is a s leniu charge upon those for whom ho battled so ably ! and so faithfally; be it Resolved, That each delegation in this convention be, and is hereby, consti? tuted a committee for the purpose of raising n fund to be presented to his family as a testimonial due to those ser I vices. The above resolutions were advocated I by Messrs. P. W. Dawson, F. W. MoMaster, M. C. Butler and M. W. Gary, in feeling tributes of respect to the memory of tho deceased and earnest appeals in behalf of tho living. The President announced the follow? ing gentlemen as the committee to pre? sent the memorial of tbe oonventioa to the General Assembly of South Caro? lina: Messrs. J. A. Hoyt, P. YY. MoMas? ter, J. H. Soreven, A. B. Woodruff aud D. S. Henderson. The President announced the follow? ing gentlomon as tho committee of fifteen to present the memorial of tbe tax-payers of South Carolina to tho Congress of the United States: Messrs. Armistead Burt, M. C. Butler, B. H. Hutlcdgc, James Chesnut, M. L. Bon bum, W. U. Wallace, T. W. Woodward, B. C. Chatfiuid, W. E. Uoicomhe, John L. Manning, C. H. Simonton, J. G. Thompson, T. Y. Simons, J. B. Ker sbaw, J. U. Screven. Judge Aid rich presented the report of the Committee on tbo Organization of Tax-Payers' Unions, which wac adopted, aud is as follows: That they have considered tho sub-1 jeot, and concluded that the most effect-1 uul modo of action is that^uggested iu I the resolutions referred?that is, to col? lect the proofs and conduct the prose? cutions that will put on record the evi? dence of tho frauds and spoliations which have made this convention a ne? cessity. It may be that, nndor our pre? sent system, it will be difficult to secure convictions, but at least the ovidonce will be put on record, and may be used to convince the Congress and the Ameri? can peoplo of the wrongs and outrages to which wo nro subjected, lleuco tho necessity of an earnest effort to make a case that will provo to the country how great uro oar wrougi, how porfcot has been our euduruuee, how just is our ap? peal, and"how neoesnnryit-'iH that Con? gress shall interfere to preserve tho character and vindicate tho civilizi tiou of the Sti\to and tho Union. To do thi?, each man iu tho community must lend his aid. Public meetings and conventions can do litlle more than direct public opinion and suggest modes of redress. If the necessity which calls tho convention into being is not of suf? ficient importance to arouse the people to a constant effort to carry out their r<commendations, cither the evils arc not eo great as they arc represented, or the peoplo uro not worthy of the efforts made in their behalf. x'our committee are fully convinced of tho deep feeling which uow stir.-* the public heart, and believe that it only ro quires judicious effort to keep ulivo and put iu active operation all the energies of tho tax-payers uud honest eitizaus of both races and it!! parties, to relievo the Stute from the burdens and humiliations which threaten to destroy not ouly her prosper!y, but her very existence. This is not a question of party and race, bnt of ?tute preservation, appealing to the pride uud patriotism of every citizen, aud iu which all good uieu cun work to? gether. Nothing, however, can be affected without organization, and the mode suggested in the resolutions up pears to tie tho most simple aud effect? ive. The suggestion as to tho formation of Tax Unions appears to your oommittee to bu tho most efficient plan und is heartily recommended to the favorable consideration of all honest and virtuous citizens. We earnestly hope that till the citizens of the State, white and colored, withont refereuce to party, who are willing to co-operate iu tins movement of reform, will join those unions und actively use their influence to restore an honest administration of the Govern? ment and relieve the people from the crushing burden of taxation under which they now groan. To do this re? quires earuebt work, and each citizen must outribnto to the necessary ex? pense of effecting this much needed re? formation. It will take but a small per ceutago of the taxes annually collected aud used by tho corrupt Government that oppresses us to perpetuuto their power, to carry out the purpose under consideration. If the tax payers are really in earnest, they must not only be linn and nctive, but prompt aud liberal in furnishing tho supplies. Prosecutions iu the courts cannot be conducted with? out money, aud unless the means be supplied, tho whole object of the organization will bo a failure. . ioiir committeo cannot undertake, at this time, to draft constitutions und rules for the eflicieut working of tho Tax Unions, and have, therefore, com? mitted that dnty to n sub committee, who will distribute tho same when com udoptinn of tho following resolutions: Resolved, That tho Executive Com? mittee be empowered to prepare a hvs tem of organization of Tax Unions throughout tho State, with authority to take all necessary steps for carryiug the same into effect. Resolved, That, the delegations from the several Counties represented in this convention he constituted committees for their rcspcotive Counties, and charged with tho duty of organizing Tax Unions therein, iu accordance with the plau to bo promulgated by the Ex? ecutive Committee of this convention; that tho said delegations have author? ity to till any vacaucies that ruiy occur, and to elect Chairmen thereof, whoso names shall bo reported to the Execu? tive Committee. Resolved, That the Executive Com? mittee be authorized to continue its sessions after the adjournment of the convention, uutil it shall have com? pleted the organization aud purpose* contemplated in tho foregoing resolu? tions. _ _ ?? TiTc President was authorized to enro municata with tho delegations just nominated, and till any vacancies that may ocour. Mr. l?\ W. Uawsou introduced the following resolution, which was adopted: i Resolved, That the committoo ap? pointed to address tho General Assem? bly, under the resolutions reported by tho Executive Committee, be instructed to report within thirty days, through the public priuts, the result of their efforts, especially upon tho qucstiou of cumulative voting. Gen. Kersbaw, from tho Committoo on Address to tho People, submitted tho following, which was nuaniiuoufcly adopted: Tho committeo to prepare au address to tho people of tho State respectfully report tho following address to tho peo? plo of South Carolina: Fellow-citizens: The representatives of the tax-payors to whom has been en? trusted tho high and solemn duty of ro commending measures cf protection against tho corruption and rapacity that rales the organized-hand of wicked and unscrupulous adventurers who, under tho guise of government and iu tho name of party, have persistently de? spoiled you of your property and out? raged your most sacred rights, deem it becoming and proper to lay before you io this form certain considerations iu connection with their action and deli? berations, which they suppose worthy of your earnest and thoughtful attention. It would be unnecessary and painful * to recite yonr wrongs; the sense of these is not the least poignant of the Buffer? ings you have been called to endure during these ?vo years of unparalleled outrage npon a refined and Ohristian people. We would have onr words speak of courage, of hope, of pntienco of faith, of work and of duty. He who has rightfully pondered tbo deulings ol an ull-wiso and beneficent Providence with tho affairs of men, cannot fail to havo disuoverod an unvarying and inevi-j table Rociul law, that all great wrong tend to their owu correction, aim work out in the end a sure compen? sation for tlio ills tbey iniliot. Thufr tho ebb aud flow of human ideas, obeying the divinely implanted prin? ciple of perpetual gravitation to-' wards tho right, always returns from! tho widest deviation, aud recoils most! violently and with accelerated velocity j from tho greatest errorH. This truth ha.*] impressed itself upon tbo thoughts of tho world with tbo force of nu axiom: upon which may be based tho soundest| propositions of tho statesman. It has! been aptly styled "the fanaticism oil justice, which the stars, in their courses, I sustain, and against which no attribute1 of tho Almighty takes part." It is vain! to suppose that the enlightened Ameri? can people are exompt from tho applica? tion of this universal social law. We feel justified in stating our conviction, that, breaking through all tbo "barriers of prejudice, political strife and the ro seutments of internecine war, tbo re? flux of tbo great tide of opinion and sympathy is already moving with over? whelming force, bearing with it the promise of a restored nationality, based upon the brnail and enduring principles of liberty, justice and truth. We would uot be understood as encouraging tbe thought that what has been swept away in tbo past can ever be restored. This great country has taken a now departure; has engrafted upon her system of go vernment new principles, and deals with new elements. Tbo returning eense ot justice will And its task in the adjust? ment of tbeBO now factors of power into harmonious accord with the trne princi? ples of republicanism, and in providing ample protection for tbe rights and liberties of the people. It will proba bly deal not with organic*laws, but with I faithless, corrupt aud oppressive; ad? ministrations. While we present theso cheerful antici? pations, which wo feel justified in doing by many and great, changes in sentiment aud opinion, manifested among even the most extreme of tbo great political lead? ers and high officials of the country, and still more in recent popular movements, it is iutended to invite to earnest and hopeful effort and action, rutber than to lull into a false security. No help can over reach a people who suffer themselves to fall into apathy or de? spair. Tho energies of men set king re? lief from wroug and oppression mast bo vitalized, organized und united. Every accessible position of power must bo seized, held and utilized, and the tight carefully, vigilautly aud faithfully fought from place to place, until tbe citadel be won and the right restored. The convention looks to your action as tbo most prominent and essential ele? ment of the success to bo achieved. In order to procure a restoration of an honest administration of affairs, tbe reins of government must pass into'the bands of honest men. Hitherto, politi? cal issues have controlled ail elections, SUw LUu Riuui iuicic.ua Ui tuu ouietj ilUVU boen subordinated to the schemes of corrupt nnd evil men, whose insatiate avarice and rapacity have brought us more of ruiu and desolation, of wrongs and sufferings, than the fiercest ravages of war. The comiug ideas will sweep away party lines and destroy the trade of buugry political adventurers. Go? vernment mil be made once moro tbe agent of tho people, not their muster, and the great industrial interests of the country, commerce aud agriculture, be como the prime objects of its protection, rather than its prey. To participate iu these benefits, wo must bo placed in a condition to receivo them. There must be an organization upon n basis wholly independent of political parties und issues, based upon tbe fundamental principle, that tbo rights and interests of the people require au honest, faith? ful and economical administration oi poblio affairs. Nothing but premedi? tated villainy, blind ignorance or total depravity, can prevent this self-evident truth from controlling the government. Our work ij to meot and overcome every influence that would bar its re cognition. Public opinion is created by agitation, and no community can long resist the pressure of a great truth, con? stantly, earnestly and honestly urged. To do this, association is essential. The individual is ns powerless as a single twig in the faggot, but nothing can re? sist the great power of combination. Let the honest and well-meaning oiti zons, one by one, be brought into the Tax-Payers' Union, and made to work for the cause of good government, until the State is redeemed. The eclat that attends the clash of arms is wanting to such a struggle, bnt no cause can be moro worthy of tbo earnest, faithful and patient labor of ono who loves hie people aud his State. A triumph like this is not to bo won by a single deci? sive battle, nor, it may be, by many toil? some campaigns, but patient, enduring nnd honest work, sooner or later, will bring victory to your standards. No laurel wreaths may crown the victor's brow, but a ransomed and #redeemod Oarolina, a free, prosperous and happy people, will attest to future generations, that worthy of your ancestry and true as they to duty nnd honor, you have taken up tho fight in the darkest bout of adversity, and faithfully and success? fully fought it out to victory. Wo con? jure you, then, at onco to organize, eompact and work np the Tax-Payers' Union, until you anchor tho State safe in the harbor of assured peace and pros? perity. Iu concoction with this great move merit, ft is desired to appeal to ouf fel-" low-citizens, who, despairing: of relief, are contemplating the thought of aban? doning the homes of their childhood and the graves of their fathers, to seek in othor lands and among strangers a more hopeful future. Stand bj the old State. . Desert not your people in their extremity. Laave not the field while tho battle rages. Take new cou? rage and try again. Wo believe this to he the very turning point in the for? tunes of tho Stattj. Stay with ns and share tho coming good. The same en? ergy, labor and means that wonld suffice to establish the emigrant in a new home, wonld rehabilitate the old in abundant blessings. It appears to us that duty und patriot? ism alike demand that the citizen re main at hi* post, unless called away by 'more important and exceptional consi? derations. Whenever it cuu bo done, wo urge upon tho people to offer such 'aid aud assistance to any citizen whcfee I necessities may impel him to leave the State as may induce him to remain 'among us. To retain our old citizens is of moro value than to introduce new. Every effort should bo made to this end. j rhosu who have left tho Statu in these latter years-of advor?ity aud trial have luot generally prospered. Many have ? returned to their old homes, poorer than they went out, and many, disap? pointed and ruined, look back in vain 'regret upon n fatal mistake. Let us re? main at home and be buried iu the Uoinb of our ancestors. A fertile soil, isalubiious climute, valuable staples, mines and water powers, a kind and !hospitable people, commercial facilities, {railroads aud telegraphs, and vast areas of unutilized and most valuable lands, 'cleared and ready for tho plow, at prioes greatly less than the cost of clearing the {primitive forests, present here tho most linriting field ever offered to the immi? grant Our people yearn for the com? ing stranger of every land and nation. We will introduce him on his arrival into the midst of an advanced Christian civilization, with an assured return for j industry and thrift.. .This convention has instituted certain 'modes by wbieh your earnest desire to 'attract hither the people of America land Europe may most readily be grati? fied. From these and other agencies to 'be established, the happiest results may be expected. Let your hearty and libe? ral support of these schemes be con? stantly accorded, and Sonth Carolina will soon achieve a career of prosperity7 'utterly unprecedented in her history. This convention has not taken coun? sel from despair, nor heeded that voice of the past that would awaken the pas? sions and prejudices engendered amid the storm of contending issues buried on fields of blood, which stand as monu? ments of American valor, devotion and faith. Whatever may have been the range of its discussions, its results are before you, evincing a spirit of self Irestraint, forbcarauco and conservatism, to the emulation of which tbey would earnestly commend you. They have left nothing undone that promised re ? lief, or that any could Fay should have been doue. While they have memorial? ized Congress on the subject of your wrongs, iu langnago of simple but burn? ing eloquence and emphasis, they have not omitted a proper appeal to the State Government for necessary reform. In this they feel assured that they will stand justified by your approval and the oun&uicucu upiuiuu ui mu Mrulill, i'io shall not in detail attempt to recapitu? late the entire action of this body, but 'earnestly invoke yom attention' to all the measures proposed, and "a united action in their support, from the moun? tains to the sea. \ In conclnsion, imploring Almighty God to bestow upon all the people His Ibest blessing, His wisdom to guido and His strength to achieve, we commend ?yon to this noble work of doty and pa? triotism. I J. B. KERSHAW, Oh'n, Kershaw. C. R. MILES, Charleston. 1 JOHN BRATTON, Fairfield. JOHN S. RICHARDSON, Sumter. . F. A. CONNER, Abbeville. \ /T.REDELL JONES, York. WOODRUFF, Spartanburg. rtfrTj. G. Thompson, Chairman, sub jmitted tho following report of tho com? mittee appointed to wait upon Treasu? rer Cardozo: i The committee appointed under a re? solution to request the Hon/ F. L :Cardozo for the vouchers under which ? 'ho paid ?331,000 for public printing in ? i 1873, waited upon Mr. Cardozo, who ?had already prepared a reply to the re ;[quest of the convention. The main portion of the reply consists of a per? sonal attack upon the character of the i chairman of the committee, in which > the convention is not interested, and which has no bearing upon the infoi ma tion which it desires. The attached party is entirely able to take care of ? himself iu this matter, and will donbt . j less doit. Your committed, therefoie, report, that the only material matter of tho reply is embraoed in the following >; closing paragraph: i "I have no right to permit any one :o .inspect my vouohers, except those who i are legally anthnriznd to do so," y i The chairman requests the privilege*' of making a report, which shall be sub? mitted to the Executive Committee; and mat, if they so decide, it shall be incor? porated in the published proceedings of > this body. On motion of Gen. ? on ham, the con? vention went into Committee of the {Whole, when a resolution was unani? mously adopted, tendering tho thanks of ) the convention to Hon. W. D. Porter 11 for tho able and impartial manner in ? which he had presided over its delibera? tions. Tho committee rose, when Gen. ? Kershaw conveyed the resolution in ap? propriate terms to President Porter. 'I President Porter replied in eloquent -terms, reviuwing the action of the Con? vention and expressing great hope for {good results. His remarks were lis - tened \o with rapt attention, and were