Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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Saturday Morning, Deoembor 12,1874 <Jsd*Xfi kynoh?Wlia.1 is L.y tacb.lngl The Union-Herald insists that there i is a difference in the emotions, of the hangman who "walks off" a man, and in those of the man so "walked oil." Perhaps so, bat who knows? These things are roeondite and bard to find oat. One man's meat is another man'B poison. We have a sort of pleasure in South Carolina, which we enjoy so s&neh that we should iiko somo cf our | professed friends to take their turn at it. Sorely they oonld not complain, if in deed and in troth, as they practi? cally say, "The ploaanro Ib as great Of "being cheated aa to choat." Charles Lamb wrote glibly of "the inconveniences of being bangod," but a trial might have made him better satisfied with it, and wo hope theso friends will not regard the inoonve nisi!o?3; hut try it on. We remember a 1 oar nod quarterly review dissertation I on tho delights of drowning, the ex? qaisito sights and Hounds, tho delicious I ?treams of thought, memory, &o., &o. Wo should bo glad, again, if some of our friends (over the loft) should try to realize some of this peculiar sort of ? enjoyment. Howover, leaving thorn refinements, which thu uupbilosophi oal speculations of our noighbjr on the difference in tho pleasure of walk? ing oil and being walked off have suggested, wo oome to sterner stuff. He thinks lynchiug moans death, aud cannot, therefore, be considered as a mild punishment, at least by tho lynchoe. But doath itself is miidor than scalping, say,or prolonged torture, or being fliiyod alivo like Maseyas, or tho sleepleusccss cau-.ed by tho steady ap? plication of the knout. But does lynching moan death? It may c:i3uo irom it, but not necessarily. The word ? 30nveyH tho idea simply of a lawless kurooeeding by u mob or crowd, tho punishuiout of a person without, regu? lar !og-il trial. But the lawlessness tt&y stop short nf taking life. It is usually understood to apply to oastiga tion inflicted summarily on tho bare back. Tho custom prevails iu all fron? tier sottlemcnts. It comes back some? times to communities where the law is overthrown and jnstico denied. By a sporadic effort they throw off the inca bns, and through violence-, and somo times blood, establish, a sort of wild -j nut ice iu place of that which was lout, uud restore order, rid themselves uf pests, agitators and troublesome rings. The circuit of tho original Capt. John Lynch was at the foot of the motu;, tains, in tbo upper part of the Pendk ton district, in this State, where, a .long timo ago, tho eettlementa were -thin and turbuleuoe prevailed. Iiis administration of justice was shaped -by bis BurroundingB. Ho was tho au? thor, us Mills informs as, of "tho fa? mous law called by his name, of very notable effect," and his name, with those of Qen. Andrew Piokens and Gon. Robert Anderson, placed among ?tho eminent men of his section. We suppose that he is the original Judge Lynch. Ho waa afterward known in Mississippi, and perhaps in Tennessee, and his soul still hovers about and, like John Brown's, keeps marohiug on. A Bold Step. Wo loft the Republican canons a little soon on Thursday evening. The best part of the entort&inmout came afterward. In response to repeated calls, Goveiuor Chamberlain appeared apon tho stand and delivered aa effect? ive and significant speech. He avowed his purpose uufliuauingly to stand by tbo p!odg3s made during the cam? paign und repeated in his iaaugur.il message. Whatever others might dn or adviso, whatovcr cvon his party might do, he wub emphutic iu declaring that ho was uuultcrably committed to a reform pob'oy, aud would lollov/ out the liuo which ho had tdroady traced, bo the consequences what they might. In rcferonco to tho office of Judge for a district embracing the chief com? mercial oity of thcStatc.it was im? portant that a true Republican, a man of superior parts, large attainments iu tho law, aud of undoubted integrity, should bo chosen to fill it. Hu was not batie.fied with thu qualifications of oithcr of the candidates. Mr. Whip pec was incompetent to discharge ito duticu, us be knew from porsoual obicrvatiou, having practiced at the same bur with him. Besides, ho lay under imputations in oounectiou with tho operations of tbo Sinking Bund Commission. As to Mr. Baker, bo sup? posed him to be a man of average ca? pacity, and perhaps of rcBpeotublo knowledge of law, but that was all, and WRS not enough. Tbo Republicanism of these two he did not ia any way qnwriowi'-^bty-w?r?=bor?- andbred to it like himself. In this respect, Mr. Rsed bad an advantage over them, aa he had boon compelled to brave tho duplenBu.ro of old friends and assooi atea in the abortion of his Republican creed. He was ulso their superior in legal attainments and general oharac tor. llo was, therefore, hia candidate for Judge; not uuexceptionnblo by any means, cot coming nn to the require meuts of the office, but preferable to eithor of the others. Tuia wad bold and frank conduct on the part of the Governor. We do not refer uo mnob to his choice of one man over another, ai to the reaeous for his ohoic.', (except always the political, which he makes too promiuunt,) and to the ideal which ho bus iu his utiud of qualification for high position. Ho evinced moral oouraga in stigmatizing tho corruptions of his party, and iu in? sisting that thoy shall eoaso. Ha guvo the beet practical proof that ho ia iu earnest in what ho has demanded. He placed himself directly in the path of incompetent men, of doubtless charac? ter, of auspicious uutecedeuts, and ar- j raigning them for these defects, dis- j pntod their title to preferment. This | is tho spirit of reform, and wo heartily commend it. It is tho wuy to win tho confidence of the country, and Go? vernor Chamberlain is successfully pur? suing it. Uo will be warmly euatuiutd while ho follows this .straight and nar? row, but just and honorablo path. i.ths l'oinici uutl More Pcnve? The most sensible uud most hopeful action wo havo scon taken by any body of tho colored people ia that of tho various colored societies of Mam phis, Tennessee. The principle which lies at the bottom of i; new orgauiza tion into which they have entered is liberation from nil old political tion, uud the cultivation and muiniainauce of permanent peaco with all men. It is a s;igm!jcaut fact, that before they oau enjoy and cuitivutc friendship, they ?::v; themselves compelled to abjure their party au'l political rela tious. Tbc corner-stone of the Re? publicanism of the Africans iu the Souti; i.s hos'iiiry to the people among whom they were reared, resulting, us wo havo seen, iu iuj prostruMou of some S:ato*, und iu the injury of ail. Iu the incorporation of this hurtful spirit into their policy, the colored people were tho dopes uud victims of men smarter than themselves, and in? finitely their superiors iu malignity. It is to their credit that here an?! there they begin to opou their eyos to this truth. A good number oi them iu this State have ?hown that they soo to what vile nses they have been put. But independent opposition to tho rings which havo encircled them is more frequently s^ou iu other States thau in this. Tho "Kuights Brother hood and Monumental Association" of Memphis havo u dorr disccrnmeut of the deadly embrace of their psendo political friends, and havo extricated themsolves trjm it in or iur that they may enjoy peace, und henceforth en? gage io ouiy peaceful pursuits. Thin is progress iu thu right direction. Kin (Ion or Judge. J. P. Heed, Esq., of Anderson, was elected, yesterday, by tho General As? sembly, on tho first ballot, Judge of the First Judicial District, for tho uu expirod term of thu 'at; Judge R. F. Graham. The vote stood: Reed 103; Whippet 10; Baker ID; uud scattering j 3. Tiiis election was regarded as a tost of tho power and iuiluonco of the Ad? ministration, which hud warmly taken up air. Reed as tho most unexception? able of tho candidates who were prt st i.led, judged by tho standard of tho rofiTtn policy marked out in tho Go vftrnor'.'i iuungnral message. Thu First Judicial District and tho city of Charleston are to be congratu? lated upon tho electiou o." this rjculic man. While ho may not be alto gcthcr tho Jadgo of their choice, jet amongst tho men who e.iu be pro? moted to office in the present condi? tion of .South Carolina, he stands amongst tho ?rtit iu talent, character, attainment and general lituess for thu pobiliou to which ho Lias boon chosen. Ho i:i in the vigor of life, uns for oighteer. years tho Solicitor oi the Northern Circuit, is kuowu ior his assiduity iu business and devoted to the prolesiion of tao la\v, aud is possessed of gootl talents und frank, earnest manners. Elected on tho reform pro? gramme of tho preBcut administration, ho will havo tho incentive of the task of recomtneudiug it to tho acceptance of (he people, und currying out its behests practically in his Circuit. Wo trust, as wo hope, that ho will make an acceptable magistrate, vigorously sustain the reform policy, and add to hia own reputation. Friday, Deoemder 11, 1874. i 1 j SENATE. i.'ft^l Mr. Smalls presented annual report of P. Tj. Wlggln, Solioitor Second Ja t dioial Circuit, for year 1874.' I Mr. Jeter presented claim of B. G. McOlare, for publication proolama J tione of tbo Governor. Mr. Bowen introduced bill to regu? late rate of interest. Mr. Myers?Bill to amend Chapter OXXU, Titlo 4, Section 40 Revised Statutes. Mr. Maxwell ? Bill to amend Section 2, Chapter XXXIX. Title X, Part 1 Goceral Statutes, relating to School Trustee. Mr Jeter introduced a resolution relating to amendments, etc., ou third reading of bills and resolutions. A joiut rosolutiou pmposiug an amendment to the Constitution of the S;nt?: relating to jurisdiction of Justice of the Peace, received its third read? ing aud was agreed to. Bill to make appropriation for pay? ment of salary und mileage of meujur.v: of Guueral Assembly, and sul.try of vubordinatu officers und omployics, aud other espouses incidental thereto, was read third time. Salaries of ?he olerks aud assistants were reduced 31,000 each. An auictidmont relative1 to pay of Chnpluins wes ?trickou out. Joint resolution to ratify the amend? ment to the Constitution relatives toiit creuiso of debt of Counties, cities und towus, was ordered to !i? ou table. A resolution to adjourn to Monday, 12 M., was agreed to. At 1 P. M., the Senate proceeded to tho hall of the House of Representa? tives and balloted for n Judge of the First Judicial District; after which they returned to their hall aud shortly afterward-? adjourned. I HOUSE OF REPRESEN NATIVES. Mr. Hirsch, from tho Committee on Privileges nud Eiectious, submitted n report relative to testimony, etc., iu j contested election cases, which wis or? dered for future consideration. Mr. P. Siinkins, from tue Ways and Means Committee, reported ou rteverui bills, etc.?unfavorably on j >int reso? lution to app untucommittee *;i inves? tigate financial affairs of Kern I raw j County; petition of F. \V. MoMustcr, to redeem lands and for u new usses-" mout, and they were rejected. Mr. Wideman introduced bill to in? quire tho Auditor ot Abbeville County to attend at !-t nil polheg ptacetttor; assessment of property. Mr. Davis ?So confirm, air- : and modify charters of iucjrporiuion ? Carolina Liumlx'r Manul 'during <.? :?! pany ami Taylor lrou Works Alana facturus Company, of Chorlc-tou, established under the Ac! entitled "An Act to provide for the grunting tif cer? tain charters," approved February 20, 1874. Mr. Melchcrs?Bill to incorporate Ashley River Riihoad A bnl to am etui an Acl to provide for redemption of forfeited lands npoti certain conditions therein mentioned, and to extend provisions ui same, v,as rejected. Mr. Treu bed iu ? Bill t-.i provide lor redemption o: certain obligations ui the State. ?dr. Sloan presented petition oi C. J. lredell, Cashier Carolina National 13ink, of Columbia, asking un appro priation to pay claim of said bii:k; also, presented claim of Dr. M. Li Borde, for services as Professor o: the University. Mr. Westou presented claims of Mesers. Cooper & Taylor, of Columbia. Mr. R. M. Smith?Bili to incorpo? rate the town of Limestone Springs, Spartuuburg County. Mr. Davies preeeuted report of County Commissioners of York. Mr. G. H. Holland introduced reso lurion, that when this House ad? journs, it stand adjourned until Tues? day next, at 11 A. M. Not agreed to; but a resolution was afterwards adopt? ed to adjourn uutil Monday, at 11 A.M. Tho Seuate^seut to tbo llon^e, Joint resolution proposing an amendment to the Constitution relative to tba juris diction of Justices of the Peace; to relieve H. L Buck, of Horry, of cer? tain taxes ou property destroyed by tin : bills to repeal Section 2, Chapter 535,of tho Revised Statutes, relative to ar? rests; to make nppropriutiou for pay? ment of Balury and mill age oi mem? bers of General Assembly, salaries oi subordinate officers aud employees, aud other expenses incidental thereto. Mr. Leslie?Bill to nine ltd Sections 31 aud 3-1, Chapter XXV, ct General Stutute*. Mr. Harriott presented protest of L. A. Hirpor ngiiust the right to a scat oT E A. Brabham, member from Col letou; also, introduced bill to protect i employers und 1 iburera ou plantations. I Mr. Ferguson ? Bill to amend an Act entitled "An Ast to alter aud uincud charter of town of Greenville und for other purposes," and au Act to alter and amend said Act. Mr. George?Bill to repeal S- ctions 53 und 5G, of Chapter CXX, Tille IV, of the General Statutes. Mr. Gary introduced concurrent re Bolutiou, v. hieb was ordered to lie ovt r, that u committee of iivo on part ol the House and-on part ol* tue Senate, be appointed to investigate the linuuei.il affairs ol tbo Slate, with power to send for persons and papers, and who shall repot t as soou as pructi cable: Provided, Thi.t said investiga? tion shall not be the menu.-; of any ex? pense whatever to the State. Mr. Wolfe?Bill to authorize mid require County Commissioners of Lan? caster to represent stock Cheraw and Chester Railroad Company held by said County. Mr. Crews gave uotico of bill to in? corporate Eastern and Western Trans? portation Company. Mr. Hooter?Bdl to prohibit all per? sons from bearing or carrying con o?lad deadly- weapop?,on any oleotiou day, at or within oae mile of any poll? ing; place. Mr.. Mailer gave notice of a bill to ?horten the sossion.and reduce pay of members of the General Assembly. Mr. R. G. Howard presouted peti? tion of A. J. Shaw, lato Solicitor Fonrth Circuit, praying aPProPr';lt'?? to pay arrearages of salary. Mr. Johnstou presented report County Commissioners of Marion for 1873 and 1871. Mr. Weathorlv?Biil to amend Sec? tion 117 of Title IV, Part II, of Code of Procedure. Mr. Botitou?Joint resolution rela? tive to past indebtedness of New berry Couuty. Mr. A. Simmons?Bill to repeal an Act entitled "An Act empowering the City Council of Charleston to elect tin Inspector-General of Timber and Lumber and for other purposes. Mr. Curtis?Joint resolution to al? low J. B. Gourtliu, Frank Guardin und Jas. Hiwkins, of Itichl.tud, to rc dcetn certain forfeited lauds. At 1 o'clock, tijo Senate joined the House. The President took the Chair, and announced that, iu accordance with a resolution previously adopted, tho two Houses wero row met iu joint assembly for the purpose of electing a Judge ot the First Judicial Circuit tu fill vacancy occasioned by tho death of Hon. 1. F. Graham. Messrs. Eiiiiu C. Baker, W. J. Whippet and J. P. ltccd were nominated and balloting commenced. The Senators who voted'or Mr. J. P. Reed uro Messr- Andrews, Bowcn, Carter, Cochran, Corwin, I> ?tmldson, Duucuu, Daun. LV.mii-, G uiiard, IIa} tie, Uollinshead, Hope., Jervey. Keith, Martiu, Maxwell, Meyers, 'J. .^mili- \ id J 51. Smi'h?20. Fur Mr. W. J. Whipp?! ? Messrs. Cain. John? ston Jones, Ivasb, S'tulU, Walker, Warlov and White??. Mr i: C. Oakcr?M???srs. Is, Owen?, Clin tun and Whittntaore?-1 Mr. W. F. Colcoek?Mr. Jeter. Tho Representatives, who voted for Mr. J. P. Ii?e<; are: Messrs. Austiu, Barker, Burn well. Bales, Beatty, L5o eaur, Boston, Brabham, Bradley, Bray ton, Bright, JJ irckm? yer. Cannon, Coil, Cnictartn, Copes, Co-grove, Crews, Critt? tuten, Couch, Cur is, Da v!",. D.ivi-, Doiliy, Farrow, Ferguson, Frcotuu::, Gail! .r.:, Gury, George, Gibson. Goggtns, Grant, llamiilon, Ii on . A. 11. Upward, it (i. Howard, 11 u< i;??: ..!, Humbert, ? '. M' -rsou, Johus< in, j ohm-ton, Jones, Jordou, Leslie. Lewis, Liviugslnn, Mcetac, Melckers, Mailer, Myers,M Cnil..ngh, McLungh liu, Ne-dnU, '>):r Puickiiey. it ?-ii.-o, Redtcurue, Llicha:dsou, Rieltmond, Robertson, Russe'.', Sessions, 11 .->n:i I mens, Simons, A. Simknis, 1'. .Sim kins, Simps".;., Sh*an, it. M. ^>i:111iiT I SnetiCcr, St?"?Thoiapsou, Tiusley, Tretholm, Vaudiver, Yaudorpool, Wal? lace, WciiMicriy, Woldou, W:ilis, j Woodrull. Wolfe and Wright?81. For Mr. VY. J. WLinper?Hon. 11. B. Blliott, Speaker, and Messrs. Bamp field, Bridges, Coker, Collins, Duucau, Gaithcr, Cant', Graham, C. S. Green, S. Gre.-ne, Gnflin, Henderson, Harri? ott, G. U. Holland, W. M. Holland, j Hunter, Jackson, P. E. Jones, Miller, Milton, Morgau, Peterson, Ramsey, Bash, A. SisumouH, Snmpter, Thomas, Wesberry, Widamnn and Young?32. For Mr. kl C. Baker-Messrs. Allman, Hirsch, Keith, Scott, J. A. Smith, Williams?G. For Mr. C D. Melton Mr. Androws. For Mr. H. D. Lesesue ? Mr. Kice. The President declared that Hon. J. P. Reed, having receivod a majority of the whole number of votes given, was duly elected Judge of the First Judicial Circuit. The Joint Assembly was then dis? solved, the Speaker resumed the chair, ami the House shortly afterward ad? journed. luroitTANT Supreme Court DE</t 8ioN, Relative to Confederate Cox ton CoKTUACTS ?The Supreme Court of the United States has just rendered a decisiou in which for tho firot time the question oi the power uf the Con? federate Government to make a valid j contract has been adjudicated. The i plaiati? had kuowingly purchased cot? ton of an ageut of tho Confederate States, 'litis cotton was subsequently seized by the United States, and their proceeds covered into tho treasury, i Plaintiff brought suit in the Court ol Claims to recover. The Court rejected j the claim. Tue Supremo Court affirms this decision of the Court of Claims on two grounds: 1. Because tho purchase of the cotton and tho payment of thu consideration necessarily tended to givo aid to tiie rebellion, and that ail j and. contracts ore void as contrary to J public policy. This was concurred iu j by the whole Cocrt. 2. Because the so-called Government <>f the Confede? rate Stutcs had no cxistauco except as a conspiracy to overthrow lawful an tbority. Iu support of this second position of tho Court, the Chief Justice und si:; Associate Justices concur. Two?Mr. Justice Clilibrd uud Mr. Justice Davi.i?dissent on the ground that its iiunonncemei.t was not neces vury to thu decision of this case. I [Special to Cincinnati Commercial - ?*? ? A Lid: Insi-raxct. Case.?In Tre n? ton, N. J.. the jury in tho case of j Stewart rs. the New York Mutual Life Insurance Company, aft r being out jail night, came in next morning, and j said it was imposiublo t-..r theui to agree. Tho jury stood four for the I plaintiff uud tight tor the defendant. The claim (.?3,0U0) ia ret-i .led on the ground that the insured violated a con? dition oi thu policy by contracting a habit which tended to shorten his hie. It is said that the Carolina Central Railroad?connecting Wilmington nud Charlotte, N. C.?will bo completed to? day. Phoenix?don't borrow. Boading matter on every page. Compared with previous seaaona, business appears to bo quiet, notwith? standing tbe approach of the holidays. Tbo best of oysters and fluid extracts, which are to be found anywhere, are obtainablo at Fine's Stnto Capitol Sa? loon. Keep your doors well looked and your shooting irons iu good condition in these piping times of sneak-thieves and poultry-raiders. Job printing of every kind, from a miniature visiting card to a four-shoot poster, turned out, at short notice, from Phoenix ollice. Trv ns. Mr. Epstin know* what's what. Ili6 ?v-tahlishment is open early and late, to accommodate und keep up with tho rush of customers. Uncle Joe Crews is so elated at tbo idea oi tho early completion of the Liurens Railroad, thut he is preparing "passes" for his friend-; and the mem? bers of tho Legislature. We are authorized to tduto that Mayor Alexander bus appointed Geu. C. J. Stolbrand in pla-.-e of Capt. U. J. Iredell; and L. C. Northrop, Esq., in place of Clerk Richard Jouus, on tho committee of twenty. Cigars aud tobacco nre disposed of at wholesale and retail at tue establish? ment presided over by the Indien tnaiJ. This establishment has achieved a deserved reputation, and tho pro? prietors propose to keep it up. What's the use of going to Florida, when Columbia can present stich charming weather us wc have been blessed with during the greater part of this season. Yesterday was no excep? tion to the rule. It is stated that an application lias been made by the Carolina National Bank to Judge Carpenter for a mmidn mttii, requiring the C'-'y Conuci! to levy a special tax to pay past due cou? pons on city bonds held by that insti? tution. The application will have n hearing on Tues lay tost. A number of the. members of the House, desirous of carrying >nt the old "Saturday night wife houae" arrange? ment, attempted, yesterday, to get u motion through to adjourn until Tues? day; but i call cf the yeas and nays killed it. Good?let them get through and adjourn sine die. Later in tbe day a motion v..:? adopted to udjourn until Monday, HA. M. Tho Seuate also decided to adjourn until Monday. We inspeuti d a map oi the uew town "Westover"?which Col. Badgers, of the Wilmington, Columbia aud Aa gasta Kiilroad, has caused to be sat veyed und laid out into squares, etc. Westover is located in Bichland Coun? ty, ou each side of the railroad, about twouty-two miles from Columbia and two miles from Acton. The surveys, map, etc., were prepared by Capt. S. G. iieury, ot Rioblund. Among the new styles of bats which Messrs. Kinard & Wiley have intro-> duoed is tbo "Pilgrim"?taper crown, 6*.j inches, deep-set brim, softblnck fur hat, very nobby, aud worn by wealthy profefsioual gcutlemuu?such as ed? itors, faro dealers, members of Con? gress aud tbe Legislature. Also, the "Suow Fluke," for children?some? thing entirely new; tho band and binding are of velvet, and tho ear-tabs I correspond with tho trimming?in black, brown aud blue colors. See them and try them. ! At a meeti?g of tho Committee of Twenty, appointed by the tax-payers, (he'd on the 10th,) i'. was rosolved, that as tbo Mayor und City Couucil havo signified their willingness to allow lau examination of their books, that n ' Bub-committeo of live bo appointed to j make the necessary examination, with power to employ tho services of ce-m I peteut accountants to assist them iu j their work, and report progress to the j Committee from time to timo; nud that tho Chairman of this meeting : uolify tho Mayor that they will bo ' prepared to commence tbo examiua j tion on Monday next. Tbo following is tbe sub-committee: Messrs. W. B. ? Onliek, W. H. Gihbes. W. C. Swaffleld, i J. 11. Sawyer and E. W. Wheeler. "Tili: Puodigal's Retubh."?Tho ii_i.it of a lady friend?a former resi? dent of this city?was made glad, a ? day or two ago, by the return of her ; only ton, who, nearly six years ago, took it into bis bead to lc.vo hia wi? dowed mother's home, aud Btriko for himself, lio is perfectly tatis?ed with his experience, nud returns borne wiser than when bo deported. Tbo despatch transmitted by tbe loving mother, when tbe telegraph informed her thut tbo truant bad arrived in Columbia, was: "Come by first train; will meet yon at the depot." Iota of.toys to. make the little ones tap i py and comfortable. ' If you fall'to call QD Kingelaud & Ueatb. yoa will mm 0 goo a thing, for tboy are soiling all sorts of things cheap.' ? ? MAIL A tUt ANGK1IEKTB.-ftortbort. mail opens 0.30 A. M., 3 P. M.; closes 111 A. M.,0 P. M. Charleston opens8 1 A. M., 5.30 P. At.;3lo?efc8 A. ?I..6P. M. Western opens 6 A. M., 1 P. M.; closop 0,1.30 P. 31. Greenville 1 opens ?. i? P. SI.: oIohos 6 A. M. Wil ! miugton opens 4 P. M.; closes 10.80 I A.M. On Sunday open from 2.30 to 13.30 P. M. List of Nr.w Advertisements. John il. Oatkcart?Notice. Indian Oirl Cigar Store. Musical (lilt Books. E. H. Heinitsh?Pure Extracts, etc. HoTBii Akuivals, Decemueis 11.? Ihwlrix House?W II Jones, Sumter; P 11 Hauet;, Winston; G L Kennedy, Charleston; W D lograham, Chester; W B Thompson, Blackstock; J B Towers, Borne; F W Daauick, M H Witt, II E Wages, Loxiugtou; ? G Brown, York; II W Dosporles and iddy, Wiunsboro; C P. Holmes, Doko; A G JBookman, Fairfield; Dr H W Kenned}', J J Hooker, Orangebarg; H A Gibson, Fairfield; C C Montgomery, L C Montgomery, Richland. Mit. Editor: The Union-Herald in? forms tho citizens of Colombia "that an application has been mado by the Ca? rolina National Bauk to Judge Car? penter for a mandamus, requiring the City Council tu levy a special tsx to puy past duo eouponB ou city bonds held by that institution." It is a fact weil known to the tax-payers of the city, that a special tax of eight mills bus been levied for the past two years on tho real and personal property of tbo citizens for this purpose. The real ami personal property within the corporate limits, subject to taxation, amounts to fuliy 80,000,000. This, if all collected, would realize 811,000 per annum. If au ullowauco was made for delinquents, (unless by favoritism of the city fathers there should be no delinquents.) this special tnx should realize 840,000 per year, and would be iu excess of the current interest. Now, while there must have beeu an excess for special iuterest tax collected for tbo past two years, the money has beeu diverted from its proper course by the City Council and useJ tor other purposes, leaving the coupons uupnid; and now u m mdamus is threatened to compel the tnx-payers to pay tho inte? rest a secoud time. This course will uodoubt meet tEe approval of Council, as it will relieve them us individuals from the responsibility for misapplica? tion of the special interest fund, which has been placed in their bauds for a specific purpose. No doubt but they will acquiesce in an order of Court to relieve them from this responsibility. To the tax-payers, however, it is a very grave question, and one which they should not permit to bo decided without a hearing on their part. The City Council have limited powurs in the matter of taxation. Tbo Legisla? ture prescribes a limit to thu taxing power, and a limit to the debt of the city. The latter they havo already greatly exceeded, and now that tho citizeua take a stand against this egres? sion in taxation, the Carolina National Bank comes to their aid and endeavors I to assist them by an order from Court, to do that which they aro prohibited by the city charter to do. It is hoped that the committee of twenty take this matter iu band, and see that tbo tax? payers be represented before Judge Carpenter. If this principle be estab? lished that, through misappropriation of the funds collected by Council, the citiz-ns can be taxed twice to pay the samu debt, and an order of Court can be got to compel a levy for this par pose, then any debt contracted by Council, no matter how much in ex? cess of the power conferred on them, is a lion ou the property within the city limits. Council can go on to con? tract debts; County Commissioners can do so likewiso, and an order of Court cau compel or levy to pay a claim contracted by fraud ou the part of our representatives. The same prin? ciple would compel a special tax to pay certificates issued by Moses, or the debts of tbo Luuatio Asylum and the State Penitentiary, and would event? ually lead to confiscation of the pro? perty of tho tax-payers, It is hoped that tho committee appointed to ex? amine the legality of the late issue of bonds by the City Council, will aid in this matter and determine prompt? ly as to their legality. It is believed that this portion of the city debt was illegally contracted, tho bonds not having beeu issued in conformity with the Act of Legislature authorizing their issue. If this belief is truo, ami these bonds should be de? clared invalid by the courts, theu it follows that the bonus held by the Carolina National Bank uud the cou? pons for which tlicy ask on order of Court to compel at-x levy to liquidate, are invalid also, aud uo part of either should bo paid. Tbe Carolina No? tional Bank hold these bonds as colla? teral for money loaned, and as Council had no authority to hypothecate them, the bonds are worthless, aud are no debt agaiust the city. I would saggeet that tho committeo who represont tho tax-payers apply for a mandamus to restrain the collection of a tax to pay interest on these doubtful bonds, until tho question of their legality is deter? mined by the courts, and that prompt aotion be taken by the representatives of the tax-payers to proteot their rights. TAX-PAYER.