University of South Carolina Libraries
COLUMBIA,-8.- Cr Saturday Horning;, October 24,1874. Secretary of State Htkya* 1? a New ?Bd S&ngorsas Role. At a late boor last evening, we learnt that Secretary of State Hayne bad re f used to sign the commissions of the Commissioners of Election appointed by the Governor. We tbiuk Mr. Hayne ill-advised in this matter, and assumes a responsibility which is pain? ful to contemplate, and which may en? tail consequences of the most weighty and fearful character. We have not had time to examine the statutes which define his duties and responsi? bilities, bot we remember none which confer upon him such a power as ho now is said to claim. What ground he takes we have not heard, bnt it seems to as that there is none npon which he can stand securely. Possibly, he thinks that the appointments just made are in violation of the require? ment that Commissioners of Election shall be appointed sixty days prior to tbo election. If that were so, it^is hardly Mr. Hayne's business to take exception to it. He is merely a minis? terial officer, keeping the records and furnishing necessary evidence of ap? pointments, &o. As wo understand it, the Commissioners were appointed regularly, and at the proper time. Up to this date, no action has been taken 'which looks to questioning their strict validity. Changes have been made, of coarse, but the removal of an officer and the appointment of a successor are incidental to the original appointments, and oarry its date bo as to save the statute. The intention of the Legisla? ture always rales in interpreting sta? tutes, and the intentions of the Legis? lature in requiring the appointments of eleotion commissioners to be made sixty days before the eleotion is, mani -fustly, to give fall information to the public. This oannot be questioned. But to deduce from this requirement the enormous oonseq-ienoe that the up i>.nuten cuuld not be removed at all, even for good ciuse, would be in direct violation of the intention of the Legis? lature, and, indeed, in absolute contra? diction to common sense. To contend that the consequence of the requirement is the sole, absolute Tight of the appointee to the function, would result in the most monstrous and absurd conclusions. One of these oonolnsions is, that' if an epidemic .should kill all three Commissioners for any County within the time required, then there could be no eleotion in that -Co&nty. The people of the County thus visited by nature, woald. be de? prived of a voiee in the choice of every State offijer, and would be without representation in the Legislature. How, then, oonld they be taxed con ?eisteutly with our institutions? A hundred equally monstrous conclu? sions would follow such a monstr?se proposition The only sensible inter? pretation of the statute is, that the re? moval and the new appointment are incidents of the original appointment, and refer baok to its date, so as to bring them within the law. In the next place, there is no spe? cial requirement ia the statute that the Secretary of State shall countersign these commissions, nor is there any general statute requiring that the Sec? retary of State shall countersign any commissions at ill. The sea! of the State is merely evidentiary, and is not necessary to reader any publio instru? ment valid, unless by special enact meut to that effect. Is it possible that the entire maohinery of the Govern? ment is at the mercy of a single officer, to move, or to be oheoked entirely, at tois uncontrolled will, or even whim? It follows conclusively that under the statute, all that is nooassary to render these oommisaious valid ia the signature of the Governor. The ouatom of seal? ing all oommissiona is, at the utmost, nothing but a custom, and anyhow, is merely of the nature, aa said beforo, of the recording of a paper. It may be that the Secretary will say that he is not absolutely refusing in every case, but only refusing to act until he is instructed in his duty by the Courts. Bat this oourse would re salt in a complete stoppage of the en tiro State Government; and the Secre? tary any gravely consider whether he is willing to take upon his individual shoulders the harden of so tremendous a rospousibiiity. It is manifestly his daty to countersign the commissions of tho Governor, and to leavo it to the Courts to say afterwards whether the officers chosen by this method or under this system are properly or improperly exercising tho functions to whioh they havo beon chosen by tho people. Tho Secretary has no right to review the acts of the Governor, and incurs no rospousibiiity in obeying his order iu countersigning any commission he may issue. Of one thing we take leave to assure Secretary Hayne, and all others who may have counselled him to take this rash step- The people of Bo nth Caro- j Una intoud to have a fair elootioo, and do not mean to be cheated in it. He may refuse, if he likes, and thinks he is equal to sustaining the responsi? bility, but we foresee consequences likely to flow from 41 of which be little dreams. The Governor has only done a wise and just thing, and it is n i for Mr. Hayne, or any one else iu a i -bor dinate position, to seek to thwart him in the ezeroiao of his proper preroga? tives. He baa but to stand Arm, and he will be sustained by the strong arms and stronger will of the people. Aud if Secretary Hayne continues to refuse, he will have to take tho legal oouse quenoes as to himself, and become re responsible for the other possible aou !6nQ6s?69 of disorder and civil com? motion which his action will invite nnd provoke. Iu that case, let the Gov? ernor send tho commissions directly to tho Commissioners whom he has ap? pointed, as he has a right to do under the law, unless we are greatly mistaken. Boing right, let him go ahead, and he will be sustained by the whole coun? try. Sinue writing tho above, we leurn that the Governor has notified the new Commissioners of their appointment, under his own signature, and transmit ted them by mail, last eveniug. ThiB oourse of formal individual appoint? ment on the part of the Governor will, we have no doubt, satisfy all the new Commissioners, and bo cordially ap? proved by the people-. The Two General?. Oar Conservative candidates for Congress, iu the Third aud Fourth Congressional Districts, havo been re? ceived by all classes of citizens with the warmest favor. Wherever they have addressed the people, they havo won goldou opinions for tboir wise, prudent and conservative seutiments. The middle wall of partition, which baB so long divided the people into white and black, into Conservatives and Democrats, is crumbling beneath the earnest and honest efforts of those who advise harmony, peace and una? nimity in political aotiou, as well as in business relations. On last Tues? day, in Anderson, General MoGowan won all hearts and many suffrages by a speech in which he recalled the past gories and piotared tho present wroags of the State. He earnestly pleaded that the ohasm should not any longer be kept open; that it was better to be the architect of a new creation of ooncord in all classes than to patch up and keep alive tho old ruin and dis? cord. To the colored voters be mud: "My friecds, we are aii in tho same boat now. You are free men, and your, liberty ia firmly established. You are interested iu the ballot-box, and should not trust those men who tell you your white follow citizens are your enemies. It is not true, and we will never be prosperous until we vote together, and, iu making up your mindB, be governed by the fitness of the men." Oa the same day, Gen. Kershaw ad? dressed at length and to the eminent satisfaction of all, a large audience, nearly one-third of whioh was colored, in the Court House at Yorkville. It was a masterly effort, covering all the points of interest iu our current polities. Wo uau, however, only follow him in a few of them. Ia answering the common objections that the white people of tbe State did not take tbu hand of the oolored people with any cordiality iu the oarly stages of recon? struction, while admitting that it was partially true, he gave the following reminisoenoe of his own honest par pose to meet tho colored people half way, and of the modo in whioh it was baulked: "In bis own County, in 1867, an bo nest effort was made by Gen. Ohesuut, himself and others, in public spcoohes, to reeonoile the differences between the two peoples, and to bring about a conciliatory state of affairs. In a pub lio speech in Oamden, Gen. Kershaw told the blacks they were enfranchised ?od equal before the law in every re sppotto tho wbite citizens, and invited their confidence. A few days lutor it was the speaker's privilege to address 2,500 colored people at Swift Creek, in the same County, when ho told them, in all honesty and eiuccrity, of the dangers before them?dangers of which they did not dream; that the destiuy of both raoes depended upon wiso administration of public affairs; that as yet they oould havo no policy,' no sagacity nor political trainiug adapting thorn to the great tusk of framing a State Government, and iu their then abnormal condition they must bo led by some ouo for their own good and tho good of tho other ruce. lie thou pledged his word on the honor of a South Carolina gentleman, that if thev would entrust the leader? ship to himself," Gen. Chesnat and others, not one letter should be altered of all the Aots and lavs giving them foil recognition to citizenship in the fallest eeoBe ever enjoyed by the whites. He, then, from the mani? festations of his hearers, saw signr for hope, ond felt that the welfare of South Carolina depended noon tho whites gaining and deserving the con? fidence of the blaoks. At the same meMiup, Benjamin Rmdolph, a co? lored man from Ohio, was present. He followed Gen. Kershsw in a speech, and said that in the interest of bis r>o<^, be could not refrain from ex pressing surprise at the liberal senti? ments expressed by the former slave? owners, and if tho whites would ccme up to the promises then made, he ad? vised his people, as their friend, to take them by the hand. "But one, 0. C. Cowen, a Democrat and ex rebel, was present. Ho com? plained that Randolph was oil' the track, and, addressing the crowd, after Randolph had concluded, he showered his eloquence in abuse of slavery, aud labored to show that the colored peo? ple would again be brought to boud uge if they followed the lead of suoh men as Chestnut and Ksrshaw. Ou that uight, under the auspices of Bowen, was inaugurated the first Uniou League, in Kershaw County, and, uutil quite recently, the manipu latora of the League had full posses? sion of every colored ruin's vote, which he regretted to say had been used for the worst of purposes. "Of course, with such influences to contend with, the whites, who were willing to lead to honest government, wero powerless. They bad houestly tried, and, if they were afterwnrd com? pelled to stand aloof, the fault rested not with tbem." A plan to introduoe good govern? ment was couveyed in u few words, and could not be improved if elabo? rated upon reams of puper. The whole secret lies in securing confidence be? tween the two races, uud this, we are happy to believe, is rapidly coming about: "It must be admitted that we are two peoples. The colored people, too, have the majority, and will have it for years to come. It is also a recognized fact that tbo State Government, by their votes, has been plaood iu bad bauda. We are now culled upon to ask, bow cau we better this condition? What shall we do to rescue tbo good old State? What shall we do to intro? duce good government, iu order to en? joy its beuents? Wo must secure the co operation of nil good citizens. It wo make a race line, we necessarily put it oot of our power to help ourselves, l'hero is but one way, and that plan I have over advocated. "The colored people of South Caro? lina ought not to claim the exclusive right to govern the State. The whites possess the property, sagacity, experi? ence and all other qualifications to en? title them to be permitted to assiat in a wise administration. The oolored people ought not to arrogate -o them? selves exclusive rights. Nor should tho whites arrogate to themselves the exclusive right to govern the blaoks. Henoe, you must establish confidence between the races ns the only means of securing fair and honest government." A Oooil Example. The coiuujitte? o" eleven appointed at a mass meeting of the Conservative oitizens of Chester, on tho 5th inat., have made a report through Giles J. Patterson, Esq., embodying some good advioe, protesting against listless in? difference in elections. It will not do for citizens to fold their arms in de? spair of aohieving any good result. Invaluable benefits may be achieved by a struggle against corrnplion and incapacity, even if it bo unsuccessful. Tho vindication of character and man? hood in the appreciation of the prin? ciples of common honojty, demands that thG voters should properly erert tbemselvea, go to the ballot-box and oast their votes for good an 1 true men. It is worth while to put on record a protest, if nothing more, against the shameful practices which have heeu too long prevalent in this State. The committee the more urgently recom? mend that the people shall not forego one of their most oheri?hod privileges; that they learn that the groat body of tue honest, hard-working Republican voters of the Coouty are siuoorely de? sirous of reform in the administration of the State and County affairs, and are dissatisfied with the nominations made by their party. Good officials can uow only be prooured by the united and hearty co-operation of all good citizens, irrespective of race, or color, or political affinities. This excellent advioe they enforoe by tho exprea-tiou of their belief that tho people havo not had stuco 1303 a more favorablo prospect for au honest elec? tion aud fair count thau now, and tho signs of tho times are propitious, aud should encourage all good citizens, and even the most irresolute, to join 1 in au earnest und united effort to co jcuro better government. This view of these sensible and earnest citizens ap I pears even moro just aud cogent since tho Governor's reappoiutmeut of tho Commissioners of Election upon a priuoiplo of fairness as between all the political parties iu the field. There are ten vacant offices to be filled in lb at County, viz; one S?uMor, three members of tbe House of Repre? sentatives, ooo Probate Judge, one Sobool Commissioner, tbree County Commissioners and one Coroner. Tbe Conservative citizens, acting through this committee, reoommend to tbe ac? ceptance of all the voters two candi? dates for the Hdsss of Representatives, namely, T. C. QaBton and J. J. littojp hill; and two County Commissioners, Gen. W. A. Walker aud Mr. Henry MoiTitt, being four out of the teu va? cancies; aud they leave it to the honest Republicans to supply from their ranks the persons to till the other six vacan? cies. It is claimed that by this method tbo honest Rnpublicans will be able to retaiu the political control, aud will have the intelligence, experience ^tid integrity of the parties thus nominated to aid them iu administering tbe af? fairs of both Stute and County iu a m inner equitable und fair to all par? ties, soothe asperities aud oalm the violence of party fooling, restore con? fidence aifTl re-eatablia'.i prosperity. This example of fair dealiug, this effort to put a>.idi mere patty conside? rations and to uiukn active factors iu public affairs of the long disused prac? tice of couimou honesty und good un? derstanding, and through their pre? dominance au improvement in t e office-holding class aud iu the geuoral condition of the people, has struck us so favorably that we have gone a little out of our way to cordially recognize aud recommend it. ?? Tue Canvass in tue Forum Cox OKUSStONAL Disinter.?A private let letter, received Irom Chester, yester? day, from a distinguished gentleman thoroughly luformed on the sut ject of which he writes, says: "You may rest assured that the Hou. A. S. Wallace is destined to de depart to where the woodbine twiuetb, with the free consent of the voters of the Fourth Congressional District. Greene and Delany will poll tbe full white vote iu tins District, aud divide the colored vote, to some extent, iu every County. Delany makes a great impression wherever he speaks. He is destined to be the leader of his race here, beoause of his sincere devotion to the race aud because be is an origi? nal thinker aud speaker." Pcblic Condemnation.?At a mass meeting of tbo citizens of Newberry, held on the 21st, Mr. John S. Hair was called to tbe chair and Mr. H. C. Moses requested to act as Secretary. At the request of the chair, Mr. Y. J. Pope stated the object of tho meeting, and uttered the following resolutious: In view of the sorious aud bloody disturbance of tbe publio peace, which occurred iu the towu of Newberry on yesterday, the 20th instant, we, the people of Newberry, in meeting assem? bled, seize this, the earliest moment, to deplore uuoh au occurrence as a public calamity, und to denounce the conduct of all persons iu any way oonuected with it. To more distinctly declare our views and purposes, it is p?i_* t mi. _ l_1_tl_ ji:.v/itcu, x. luub au j u u in n i m i uuu duat, especially when the same is cal? culated to lead to the shedding of bumau blood, meets with our unquali? fied disapproval and condemnation. 2. That the perpetrators of tbe foul deed committed iu our midst on yes? terday, whereby the life of Henry Bluford, a polioeman of the town of Newberry, was taken while iu tbe dis? charge of bis official duties, should be held to u strict accountability before tbe law, and we call upon the Solicitor of this Circuit to use his utmost efforts to briug tbe guilty to speedy punish? ment. 3. That we view with serious dis? pleasure tbe action of certain parties, whose oondue* during yesterday seem? ed only calculated to set tbe law at defiance, by taking its exeoutiou into tbeir own bands. 4. That we pledge ourselves to sus? tain tbo County aud town ofiioials who are charged by law with tbe preserva? tion of the publio peace. 5. That these resolutions and the proceedings of this meeting be pub? lished in our County papers. Mr. Pope spoke in support of tbe resolutions, aud was followed by Mr. W. H. Thomas, Mr. George John slone, Mr Joseph D. Bcstou aud Mr. Tho9. S. Moorman. Ou motion of Major J. K. G. Nance the resolutions were unanimously adopted. Mr. Silas Jobnstone offered tbe fol? lowing resolution, which was unani? mously adopted: Resolved, That tbe Town Council be requested to open a subscription for tbe benefit of the family of Honry Bluford, the policeman who was killed while iu tbo diecbargo of his 1 duty. Ou motion of Mr. W. G. Mayes, it was Resolved, That tho thanks of this meeting bo tendered to the Town Council of Newberry for defraviug the fuueral expenses of Henry Blu? ford. The 11 av. Felix Torrence, in a few well-timed remarks, addressed the meeting, fully sustaining its action. A most heart-rending tragedy oc? curred in tho upper part of Liurens, on last Saturday, tho 17th iust., re? sulting in tho drowning of a little sou, aged tivo years, of Cid. A. W. Burn stile, which brings deep grief to the community where it occurred. Subscribe for tbo Pikesix. ..... Cjrx JUaxjc?bs fsr,Sohflciibe Jot., the PHcamx?don't borrow. Preferred creditors aro tboso who do not don. v Judge Carpenter is continuing to im? prove ?n health. When does a man have to keep bis word? When no one will tako it. How to atop a oock fight?Lot all parties present claim a fowl. We aoeidently omitted the Columbia cotton market in yesterday's issue. It appears this morning. Carters with monogram clasps are now all tho fashion with pretty girls. The stylo is said to be convenient and elegant, and we hope to see more of it. Messrs. Hoffman & Albrecbt are in receipt of fresh Wilmington oysterp, and have other thinga to match, and other things besides. Tho usual fine lunch will bo found, to-day, at the establishment with the sign of the "Big Barrel." That good looking man who practices behind the bar will see you. Another Richmond in the field, with oyttera?Mr. Obid Jenkins, on Plain street, between Main and Assembly streets. Give him a call, and try his oysters. A nomination by acclamation every? body endorses?Dr. Heinitsh's medi? cines. His Blood and Liver Pills are the best to regulate tho liver, aud to adjust all the disturbed conditions of tbo body. Tho Governor has granted a requisi? tion from Jarnos M. Smith, Governor of Georgia, for the arrest of Henry Nixon, Frank Nixon and James Nixon, charged with assault with intent to commit murder. We were presented, yesterday, with a package of delicious fruit, including a sample of tho various kinds which he bus constantly on baud, by Mr. C. J. Lanrey. His establishment is nearly oppositu tho PbiEXIX ofhee. '1 lie Governor has pardoned Simon Furmau, of D.irliugton County, oou victed of manslaughter and sentenced by Judge J. M. RutUnd, October term, 1872, to teu years' imprisonment iu the penitentiary. Francis Nipson, sentenced to impri? sonment iu Charleston County jail for four mouths, by Judge Macon B. Allen, for abandoning and neglecting to provide for his child, has been par? doned by the Governor. Judge Montgomery Moses is recov? ering from the effects of the injuries received u short timo since, and is daily gaining strength. He has had no stroke of paralysis, as has been said, nor any other serious attack. The down passenger train of the South Carolina Railroad was delayed Thursday evening in consequence of a smash up of the up freight train, about thirty-eight miles from Charles? ton. Fivo of tho freight boxes wore annihilated. If the tim?s are hard, stop yonr paper, but do not shorten your allow? ance for whiskey or tobacco. A good paper in a family is a great comfort to the wife and children, but that is no reason why yon should provide them with a weekly luxury at the expense of a daily necessity. Remember that the eclipse of the moon will commence to-night, at 11.45, and will cud at 1 18 on the morning of the 25th. The eclipse will be visible here, provided there are no clouds to interfere in the matter. A good op* portuuity for promenading until a late hour; and when you go home, tell the old folks you waited out to see the eclipse. A horse broke from a wagon yester? day about 1 o'clook, and ran at great speed down the pavement of Main street from the Wheeler House to the State Houso. The harness on him struck bim at every jump, and urged him on. Fortunately, there were few persona on that side of the street, and no ladies or children, at the time. Two porsons only made narrow escapes. Go and See ron Yourself.?Stand back while we think about it. It is a sight not easily forgotten. It makes the lips smack, the eyes sparkle, and the appetite grow brisk. We have seen all tho varieties of tropical and other fruits that are seasonable at Mr. McKeD7.:e'a confeotionery. Grapes, bananas, apples, raisins, figs, nuts of : all kiuds; iu faot, anything iu the fruit line that ono can possibly wish for. Gaudies of all kinds, French ond do I meatic, with spots, specks, stripes aud 'colors, rouud, llit, thin, thick, long, 'short, largo aud small. This is tho ! season of the year when fruits, nuts : aud candies are enjoyed at home by adults and children, aud to-night, tho I long looked for Saturday night, ia tho ? time to lay iu your supply for tho next 'day. Read Mr. McKouzio's card, aud !.select from his complete list of good I things. .-Saturday,nighiia-alwaya ahuay. and ... cheerful one in onr city. And why not? It is the last night of the week? ftatsbipg op night. The business man leaves hie; counting room with a good bye to doll oare for one day at least? a farewell to musty ledgers and per? plexing Agares. Tbe laborer blithely handle? his tools, for he knows that reat will oome with tbe morrow. Tbe professional mau gathers his papers together and prepares a cash score for Monday. The clerk looks forward'0 his Sunday dress, his Sunday dinner, hi* Sanday walk, bis Sunday evening ohat with her. And the minister goes over bis Sunday sermons, touching them here and there a bit?wondering how it will take! for lol men be mortal, and miuiatera are but men. Supervisors of Election.?In the United Stutes Circuit Court, Thurs? day, tho following Supervisors of Election were duly appointed: ^ Richlantj County.?Colombia, Ward 1?Conservative, W. H. Gibbea; Re? publican, W. R. Jone9. Columbia, Ward 2?Conservative, W. C. Swaf field; Republican, Henry B. Johnson. Columbia, Ward 3?Conservative, J. Q Marsbull; Republican, J. E. Jilisou. Columbia, Ward 4.?Con? servative, Geo. Copers; Republican, W. H. Wigg. Acton?Con jervative, Richard Singleton; Republican, Allen Green. Gadsden?Conservative, Ed? ward MoC. ClarkBon; Republican, S. E. White. Hopkins?Conservative, Henry T. Yates; Republican, C. D. Luwudes. Treu holm's?Conservative, James Campbell; Republican, Daniel Davis. Camp Ground?Conservative, Preston Bookter; Republican, John Fubt. Ki I linn's?Conservath e, Levy Sharp; Republican, W. W. Enzminger. DaviB'?Conservative, Edward Perci val; Republican, S. E. Stratton. Gar? ner's?Conservative, Samuel G. Hen? ry, Republican, Andrew Davis. Taxable PpOFEOTY in Riculand Count*.?The following is a statement of tbo assessment of tbo real and per? sonal property in this County, as made by the County Board of Equalization for the year 1874: taxable personal property of rich land county, july 1, 1874. 975 horses, value.3 92,295 4,677 cattte, value. 61,558 1,121 mules, value. 97,425 1,740 sheep, value. 2,695 3,658 hogs, value. 8,272 660 gold aud silver watohee and gold and silver plate... 48,112 194 piano fortes. 27,231 416 pleasure carriages. 40,760 1,231 dogs. 6,814 Average value of property ap? pertaining to merchandise.. 395,409 Average value of property ap? pertaining to manufacturing 39,824 Averege valae of machinery, tools and manufactured arti? cles on baft. 65,896 Average value of money, in? cluding bank bills and circu? lating notea. 44,905 Average value of credits over indebtedness. 129,450 Average value of stocks, corpo? rations, &o.101,287 Average value of bonds not exempt from taxation...... 168,558 Average value of all other pro? perty, inoluding household furniture.815.989 Total personal property .$2,145,970 taxable real estate of rich land county, july 1, 1874. Acres. Value. Arable lands. 43,244 $470,294 Meadow and pasture lands. 13,198 61,638 Wood, uncultivated and marsh lands. .258,856 837,276 Total.315,289 $1,369,201 Buildings, number Y 3,174. . 222,716 Total value, lands and buildings.$1,591,953 city of columbia. Number. Value. Lots .. .15,007 $1,663,257 Build'gs 1,892 1,974,812-83,638,069 Total, city and County.. .$5,230,022 recapitulation. Total real estate, city and County.$5.230,022 Total personal property_ 2,146,970 Riilroad property. 468,000 Grand total taxable pro? perty,, .$7.843,992 Last year's total.$8,744,022 Hotel Arrivals, October 23.?Co lumbia Hotel.? Prank Miller, N Y; J T Settle, BaltimorejG HTrenholm, S C; Jas H Walker, Norfolk; J A Peebles, N C; Alfrod Poon, Fla; John W Bruff, C C Bristow, Baltimore; Samnel Losb, Cinoinnati; Edward J Gage, Charles? ton; G W Thames and wife,1 Wilming? ton; Wm Muuro, Union; J M Morgan, j city; John E Thames and wife, ?B ' Seabruok, Charleston; J S Land, J M Seiglor. G ?fc C R R; W T J O Wood? ward, E T Woodward. S C. ?. ?- - List of New Advertisements. Jobu McKenzie?Just Received. John Agnow & Son?Groceries. Obid Jenkins?Oysters. Witoofsky Sc Baxter?Fruits, &a. Ditsou a Co.?Music. C. J. Liurey ?Fruits, Sz<s. ' ??I would not be a woman, for then j I could not love her," saya Montaigue. i Lady M. W. Moutngue says: "The j only objection I have to be a mau is that 1 sbould then have to marry a woman."