University of South Carolina Libraries
? ftlisrellniifOHS lirins. ?nnn?n?.ql .1 <1 it Ikf 61 OVl'l'II ft fl* AUUU||U?UJI - ? _ JAMES II. ADAMS. Qjatlemzn of the Senate and He use of Representatives I appear before von to to take the oath and assume the responsibilitiesof the office to which ^ you have elected me To be deemed by the Representatives of South Carolina worthy to occupy the elevated position of Chief Magistrate of the State, and to have had conferred on me so marked n manifestation of your confidence and esteem, not only enhances the lienor and responsibility attached to the position, but excites within me mingled emotions of J gratitude and pride, which I should in vain attempt to express. Holding no service to be so honorable as that of my native State, and seeing within her confines ample scope for the exercise of all my patriotism, I obey with cheerfulness but unfeigned distrust, your summons j to the Dost of honor and duty I know that I Jo not possess the ability to illustrate tlie station,! but I am sure that I bring to the service of the j State a heart that has never felt a pulsation in-, consistent with her best interest and her high-, est honor. That interest and that honor you ; are now about to commission me for a brief: period to watch over and defend. It is a high j and sacred tru<t. 1 feel to the fullest extent all 1 its responsibility. 1 can only promise you, j that with the aid of Providence, I shall labor most earnestly to discharge my duty without "fear, favor or affection." None of us are exempt from the frailties of humanity, and no one feels more sensibly this truth than myself. The errors I shall commit, I am sure your generosity will incline to ascrtbc to their true origin. I shall rely with confidence on your intelligence and patriotism to sustain nie in all .... I.^l.l i.011,i proper euons iu hjmiwiu mc uuuu> Vance the prosperity of the Commonwealth whose destiny lor the time living, has been committed to our joint care and keeping.? With these remarks were I to consult my own inclination, I would here close, but the usage of the occasion would seem to require something more of me. The powers with which the Constitution invests the Executive are few in number, simple in their character, and apparently not difiicult of execution. In ordinary times, the most important of these, that with which the well-being of th3 Commonwealth is more deeply concerned than with any other is the power to reprieve and pardon. The impossibility of framing laws to meet the endless varie/y of circumstances under which crime may be committed, suggested the necessity of lodging this power somewhere. Its legitimate application! f- : was only intended to reach those peculiar ca | r ses, wherein the law, by reason of its utiiver-1 Sf. . sality, might operate harshly or cruelly. Unl der this construction of the constitution, it; ? ;would be unwise to lay down any precise rule by which I slnll be governed, i can only indicate in general terms, the course I shall pursue. Our criminal code was instituted lor the Security of society and 1 believe, if faithfully administered, and firmly executed, that it will j? --V' be found to be fully adequate to that end. An ' inconsiderate exercise of the pardoning power is, in my judgement, not only a mockery of public justice, but a crime against society itself, and would I fear, increase the number of those in our State who are ready for the establishment! of the Penitentiary system, t am tree to coiness that I have more faith in the present sanctions of our criminal code, and should deeply regret to see them superseded by such a system. I see nothing in the statistics of crime in the States where this novel mode of punishment iias been adopted, to commend the example to our1 imitation. No system, however severe in its ! . - penalties, and ri^id in enforcement, has yet I been devised, equal to the legitimate end of all punishment?the suppression of crime. In j one section of the Union men stab and kill i each other in hot blood, to revenge an insfllt or an injury. In the other they lie in ambush _ b!..l ? */? ?! *111/1/.|? ntwnp /if* IIM>'lit i on uie uiguwiij-, vu .^iv.u uiiu.. .. p.... , into the peaceful domicil and murder f/r gain. ! Neither capital punishment nor incarceration i has been able to suppress crime. So long,! then, as the penitentiaries of our neighbors are i crowded, and in some instances, demand enlargement, and our own jails are comparatively tenanlless, let us adhere to our existing code, and faithfully execute its provisions. My own observation authorizes the assertion, that juries rarely,if ever, convict the innocent while the guilty are too often permtted to escape the punishment clue to their offences. 1 trust, for the peace and good order of society, that during my administration, the applications fur Executive clemency may be few, for it will be only under such circumstances as are demanded by the public good, that I shall feel at liberty to exercise it. 'I'l.z* nnntvnl ?nsl CIllinpiMvl.in f,f milihlfV fir. M liC tVIUlUI ituu cuj-v io.v.. ? ? j ~. | ^ ganization of the state are especially confided j to the Executive. Our present system is the I result'of a well founded conviction of its iiu-j portance and neccessity. I shall endeavor to j foster and keep aiive that degree of military pride and enthusiasm so essential to its preservation and efficiency. If its practical operation shall be found to bear hardly upon that portion of our fellow citizens least able to sus tain the burden, it wili be your duty to remedy the defect. I fear, however, that much of j aL... .. i'n"eru 1 .irr.iinvt tlm vi-vlnni I tllC UlttHJVi ICtClHIJ luiwu tiijunK* v..*, . j.-vv..., , emanates from that class who owe most to the Commonwealth, ntid should be the last to mur mur at the sacrifice iuvolvcd. It is a bad omen when the owners of slaves grudge to the state the trouble and expenco incurred in a few days devoted to training mid use of the musket. If any people on earth are deeply interedted in preserving a complete and thorough military organization, it is the people of the Southern States. The Constitution imposes the further duty the Executive to collect and lay before you such information in relation to the condition of the State as he may deem important. Upon you it devolves the higher duty, with a Jknowleilgo or tlie wants aim ueccssuus vi me people, to | rovide the required legislation.? i'ha leg islatiou of the State has heretofore been imbued with the conservative character of our people. Thus far South Carolin t litis been exempt fronj the baleful effects of that wild spirit of progressive democracy, which has run riot over the North, ignoring all the lessons of experience and setting at defiance the clearest dictates of reason. It is the offspring of an impatient, restless principle in the human hreast ? - which, if unrestrained and nm-nll-lite ir.l. i- at fcv jvar with man s i?es>t interest , hot it in |, * ,mji vidua I and social capacity. It li?*s at the l? >tton f those vagaiios. which in these modem days, seek to npioot the I nt/!i?:og? Ot v-icnty And to blur and destroy all that is symmetrical and useful in well organized govcrnient. Rebuked by the words of inspiration, in madness it mocks them to scorn; and "because ; ( there is a spot on the face of the sun, would j strike it down from the heavens.This desire j? forchange, this restless spirit of innovation is | 1 spreading over the country. In the Southern j ' portion of the Confederacy it has mainly dovel- ! ' oped itself in frequent calls of conventions to i alter and remodel constitutions under the delu- ! f sive idea that a change in government would ' 1 1.. . III.. ,1..., Ie " Our Sij.ro 1 | lUIIll'UJ Ult' imiimi aucu ?o ..v.. I has not as yet been materially injured l?y its I | influence. Let us shut it out as we would litlie j 1 | pestilence that walketh in darkness," and "the : 1 destruction that wasteth at noonday." It is I 1 the Moloch which, asking a morsel at the out- ! ' set, will in the end demand the Constitution of: I the State, that it may devour it also. It is a . mistake to suppose, that to the extent yon arm I 1 man with unlrntmncled power, you contribute ] ' to his prosperity and happiness. The posses- j( sion of unchecked power by the many is as oh- j 9 jectionahle and dangerous as its absorption in . t ie hands of the few. Our ancestors were no . bunglers in the matter of organizing govern-i J tnenf. They drew their lessons of liberty and constitutional law from a country of checks and ? balances. Their devotion to popular rights , will hardly be quc>tioned, and it certainly was ^ subjected to a severer practical test than that j of the lilutninati of the present day. They thought the surest guarantee for popular rights e was to be found in such a distribution and iini e itation of the powers of government as would rliooi-ix ill,. I".,,, rtf ftm nnu'oi' fn nnnress and at . . V/. ...v. , the same lime curb the licentiousness of the j ^ many. The absolute rule of' the majority con- j , stituted no part of their political creed, and time ' has fully vindicated the faith that was in them. They sought to secure for themselves and their . posterity the blessing of well regulated liberty, 1 and our present system of internal policy is a monument of their wisdom and sagacity. It protected them and it protects us?protects us in life, character and property. It has been found equal to our past, and if honestly admin* j, istercd will prove adequate to our future wants ^ as a people. Under its stable influence, we have made sure and steady progress. None j of our neighbors, however in advance of us in . the march of progressive democracy, have out stripped us in the race of true greatness and solid prosperity. In proportion to our area, in works of Public Improvement, we have accom- ? plished as much for the development of our internal resources as any one of our Southern sisters. and this has been mainly done by the in dividual energy and enterprise of the people.? *l Public justice is no where more honestly or ^ more ably administered and as an organized . 0 community, we exhibit the noble spectacle of a law-loving and law-abiding people. Our efforts in the cause of popular education, if not com- , mensurate with our wants, evince a deep seated conviction of its vital importance, and it is to be hoped, that in the fullness of time they may ^ be crowned with their legitimate fruits. Oar living statesmen will not suffer by comparison with those of our neighbors, and if you unroll the scroll of the past, no State lias inscribed on it sterner patriots, abler statesmen j/ or more gifted orators. Weak in numbers and j' small in territory, we have always exerted a (onimancling iiiliuence in the national councils. We owe it all to our high intelligence and mo- . ral characteristics, and tbc>c have been preserved and kept alive by the conservative clu C"' nieiit at the foundation of our institutions. 1 appeal to you tin n, by the glorious reeollec tioiis of the past, and the encouraging hopes \ of the future to stand to your ancient landmarks. Begin not the work of pulling down and patching up. The first step you take in that direction may be fatal. The watch-word jj will be reform?'be shout will be change, mi til y< u hae pulle ! down over your heads the be?.t letl uicetl system of government that the world has vet looked upon. . Upon tiie subject of our relations with the general government, I have but little to say. I have no new opinions to announecand no specific remedy to propose to meet the dangers which are before us. The signs of the times ^ are as open to your vision as they are to mine, .j \\*c may interpret them differently, but to my mind they indicate a settled purpose on the part of the Northern States to assail and degrade, or ruin the Southern States. IIow or J"j when the South shall meet to redress the perils ul her condition. I win not venture to anticipate. Time will demonstrate whether our jinstitutions tend to lift us up as a people, promptly to protect our rights and perpetuate our liberties, or whether they will sink us down to the level of degraded and ruined provinces. And now with fervent prayer that I'rovtdence may guide your deliberations and bless ^ your efl'irts for the common good, I am ready to take the oath prescribed by the constitution. ? J. II. Adams. j A hill is before the North Carolina Legisla ., turc to incorporate the Charlotte and Wiluiing- j ton Railroad Company, by which a connection is to he formed between Wilmington and ;1 Charlotte, via Wadosboro, Lumherton, Rock. t ingham, &?\ The capital of the company is to ., l.o ii-l Jflll ndfl- .m?l vvlioii Imliviilii'ils slidll IlilVl! subscribed ?800,000, one-third, the State is to r endorse the bonds of the company for the remaining l\vo-iliiids, retaining as security a ^ moitgago upon all the effects of the company. The North Carolina railroad has just been fin- ; ished from Goldaboro to Raleigh, and by Christmas it is expected it will be completed to Our- j hams,Orange county, 75 miles from Gnldsboro, | and 20 from Raleigh, making in all 118 miles ( in operation, and leaving 100 miles to be con- } strucled next year. The Journal of Commerce says that during t iIm last, few vears there have been annually t built in England nbotit six Iiundred sailing and < one hundred steam vessels, with a collective c tonnage of one hundred and seventy thousand. Her shipwrecks have exceeded this number of t vessels; but notwithstanding the constant de- ! maud which exists for more ships, the American I competition is such that the English shipbuilders find it difficult to bear up against it, and f they are now making a loud complaint against the continued imposition of heavy duties upon foreign timber suitable for their purposes. < Nuw York, Dec. 13.?Cotton declined one ' i eighth ol a cent to day. Flour was firm, and 1 I iriiml Olnii u*?au wm fli iVnm o O". h?h I I v???" "Vim *.'? 1'V/. ? */ II VI' |/V I ' blil. Spirits of Turpentine was wortli fVtmi ( 17 a 17 1 2 cent* per gallon. Crude was hoa- ' \v Wilniiiitilun Rosin coiiitiiatidiMl 81.85 per 1 1.1.1. " 1 Tlir !; " 'H v'ii i* iioni Creyt.n\vi> stat s : I i!nt tii" ' a i u< ioy im| idly i i.uilt. i ->. x'zv --"--vf:t ~~j.aiwl n?SCi >' . SOUTH-CAROLINA LEGISLATURE. House of Representatives.?Monday, Dejember 11.?The following bills were returned o the House from the Senate, viz : A bill to imend the law relating to the duties of Ordinaies, in taking administration bonds, which eceived its first reading; also a Bill to punish issanlts made bv concealed weapons. Mr. McGowen, from the Military Committee, eportcd unfavorably on a bill to exempt Minsters of the Gospel arid other persons from parol duty. Mr. MeGowcn, from the same Committee, nade fm tlicr reports on a bill to exempt cernin persons from ordinary militia duty, and ceommeiided its passage; also on certain bills rnd memorials to exempt Ministers of the Gos)ol from patrol duty. The report deprecated the idea thai all Minsters of the Gospel should be exempt from ?atrol dirty, and recommended all regular li ctised Ministers, not owning more than fifteen I'avcs, be exempted. Mr. Mitchell, from the Committee on the udiciary, reported on a hill to revise the crirnnal code of the State, but did not recommend he passage of so much of the hill as referred o the establishment of a penitentiary; also, a ill to separate the election District of Clarenlon from the Judicial District of Sumter; and leclare Clarendon to he a separate and distinct udicial District. The bill provides for the rcction of a Court House, Jail, &c., and the lection of all usual District officers. urns /hi I In/1 /tlio l.i'.l m 1 ilL* IIIUVI U(ia tiuuo ?w? , ^...v ... reduced by Mr. Tucker, for the improvement co., of the Common School System) :uul taken p by the Mouse, in Committee of the Whole, dr. MeGovven in the chair. Mr. Middleton advocated ably the adoption f the amendments ofi'ercd by him, when the ill was last discussed. Mr. Middleton also stated his objections to overal sections contained in the original bill, as t now stood. Mr. Middleton's argument contained much ound argument, and a practical knowledge of he history ol the Free School system of this State, which was very interesting. Mr. McKnight replied, and with an unusual egrec of earnestness, advocated the. bill, and i conclusion, begged the Committee to pass bis or some other bill by which the masses of ur State might be educated. Mr. Wilson, from York, followed Mr. Mcknight, and in some eloquent remarks, advoated the passage of the bill. lie showed the xtrcmc necessity of the passage of the bill, nd submitted estimates of the many adults nd children now in the State, who could nei icr write or read, estimates, too, which was, r should be galling to every South Carolinian. Mr. Sullivan obtained the fioor, and in his sual pleasing si vie ami ability, objected to the ill under consideration. Mr. .Sullivan is Chairman of the Committee a Education, and lias for years past, been eeply interested in the education of the niasss of South Carolina. Mr. Thompson also objected to the bill, and ilvocated the present system. The present >-sttm had been called a failure; it was no tilure, and two-thirds of those who now heard is voice, received the first rudiments of their ilucalion in the very schools pronounced to e a failure. The present system was decidedthe best one that could be adopted. The [location given in these "free schools" was a oiiinioii one, but it was of that kind which ti.de tbio Rtniu what it now Is. Mr. Thompiii was listened to with much marked aticuoil Mr. Tucker replied, and mot with much canor and spirit all the arguments urged against if bill l fhe. ronlv of Mr. Tin ker will be pub ? \ * - IV -- - 4 shed.) Mr. Tucker, in conclusion, moved that the ammiltec do now rise, report the hill to the lou>c, and recommend that the hill pass, with ic following amendment, (the amendments ere read) and were ruled to he out of order. Mr. Middleton's amendment as well as the meiidincnt of Mr. Tucker were afterwards vo?d down, and on motion of Mr. Simmons, the 'ommiltcc rose and reported to the Mouse that ic hill do not pass. The inaugural ceremonies of the Governor led will take place on Wednesday next at 1 . tm. and committees were appointed to make lie necessary arrangements. The House adjourned at a very late hour. IIotse of Representatives ? Wednesday, )cc. 13.?The Mouse met this morning at il 'clock, a. m. pursuant to adjournment. The Senate returned to the House a hill to Iter and amend tlio Constitution oft lie State, i relation to the mode of electing of members f the (General Assembly; which was read the irst time and referred. Mr. Head, from the Committee on Colored 'opulalion, made a report on so much of the 'resentment of the Grand Jury of Williamsburg s referred to the opening of the Slave Trade, ml begged leave to be discharged from the fnrher consideration thereof. Mr. Middleton, from the Commit tee of Ways aid Means, reported on the petition to increase he salaries of the Judges of Law and Lquity, tnd recommended that the salary of any Judge, vho shall hereafter lie elected, be 84000 per iniiuin; ordered for consideration to-morrow. A '-a M/xnA.drt.l n I??I! mien cnnnlioc fnr Hl/> i\l5U It'JIUIlVU tt l/lll l" ruidv ?u|ri/(.vw aw. a..v roar, commencing in October, 1851; also, a bill 0 make appropriations for the year commcncng in October, 1851. Mr. Cunningham, from the Committee 011 .Vivi legos and Election, made a favorable rejort on the Senate Bill, to alter and amend the ^institution in regard to the election of iiiemicrs of the Genera! Assembly. Mr. Spain offered a resolution requiring the mmmittee on Ways and Means, to enquire into lie expediency of increasing the per divm of lie members of the General Assembly; inlineiiatc consideration was called for, and the resolution agreed to. Mr. Toomer, pursuant to notice, introduced 1 bill to disqualify all officers of banks from lolding seats in the General Assembly; read Llie first tune. A joint resolution to adjourn sine die on the 21st inst. was adopted. Senate?Dec. 12.?A hill to alter the Constitution of the State so as to provide for the ideetioii of members to tho General Assembly nf the State, was next among the General Oilers. This hill was iutrodneed by Mr. Allen front l>am well, and provides for Init one day of ideetion throughout the State. The hill designated that the election he held on tiie 2d Moult .V ..I' ( I ?*?! !1? ifieri therein. t)n mo I inn of Mr. Marlins, I lie* \vt?r?l "Tnosday" was (il>stilnlnl llioivfnr; tin* liil! mad l!>r? ntfli a oroiid timo. and on tlio cjin-stinn of agmriii" llu-iof ?, il lioinn a *?iiivliintinnal <|ii?*stinn, (In* : - '1 , yeas and nays were taken and are yeas 35, | nays 4?and ordered to the House of RepreI sentatives. Wednesday, Dec. 13.?Tlie Senate met at 12 o'clock. A bill to improve the system of Free Schools in this State, sent from the House of Represcn tatives was read a first time and ordered for a second reading to morrow. A message from the Houso of Representa tivcs, asuing me senate 10 a menu uieir nicesage in reference to the adjournment of the General Assembly, by substituting the words "Thursday the 21st," for "Wednesday the 20th," which was concurred in. IIousk of Rkprkskntatives? Thursday, Dec. 14.?The House met at the usual hour. The Senate returned to the House a bill to exempt Ministers of the Gospel from ordinary patrol duty; read the first time. Leave of absence was granted to Mr. Cauthen, for the remainder of the session, owing to illness in his family. Mr. Rice, from the Committee on Roads, Bridges and Terries, made a report on the bill to alter and amend the License Law of this State. Col. II. P. Ila vno, of Charleston, a di tingnished and venerable veteran of the war of 1812, whose presence was noticed in the House, ' - ,i?!,..i ..ii ii.? was, oy <1 resoiuuuo, iiuum ivu iu <m mc jmivi leges of the floor. Mr. Cunningham called for the special order; a bill to alter the Constitution of the State, iu regard to the manner of electing members of the General Asscmnly, and, upon his motion, the order was discharged and made the special order for the second [Monday in December next. A bill to repeal the laws now existing against usury, was taken up for a second reading and afterwards sent to the Senate. Sknatb.? Mr. Chosnut, from the Committee on Federal Relations, submitted a report on a bill to provide for the election of electors for President and Vice President of the United States, which on his motion was postponed to the first Wednesday after the fourth Monday iu November next, and that it be made the special order for that day, at 1 o'clock p. tn: The Senate now took up the General Orders of the day, and proceeded to give a second reading to a bill to amend an act more elfectu ally to prevent free negroes and oilier persons of color from entering into this State, and for ntlior nnrnnsps. This bill was onoosed bv Mr. Mazyek and advocated by Mr. Chosmit, Chairman of ihe Committee on Federal Relations, to whom it had been referred. After some time spent in debate, on the question of agreeing to the bill, the yeas ar.d nays were called for, and the bill agreed to, and ordered to the House of Representatives by yeas 24 nays 14. -40^ The Tampa JJiroltl invites emigration to South Florida?says there is no danger to be apprehended front Indian hostilities, and closes thus: " We are anxious that our country should he settled, and we know no reason why we should not encourage all who desire to move to the plcasantest climate, and healthiest country in the world?where the uniformity and beauty of our tropical clime makes the most affectionate wives?the finest children?the black est ncuroes?the fattest deer, turkeys, ducks and other varmints?the greatest quantity and variety of No. 1 fish?the most delicious ??\stor* tlmt nny country can boast of. Tllell come and find u settlement just to your liking in Hillshoro' county.'' -- ? IXutiNG UoiiRRitv.?As the Augusta papers never visit tis now until they are nearly a week old, we are indebted to the Columbia Times, of yesterday, for the following information. Col. .i. W. M. Jierrioii, of Koine, (hi., in conipanv with a portion of his fainilv, savs the ? " /' : 1:... c. i> i t:.'. ?..i. Aiigusui v.uifiMuii'Miiiii-i iv ji' i'iiuiiv, 11>i^1 ?.- ? 1 iii u very singular liiiL adroit manner on Friday last, oil board the cars between Canoe ami Herzelia. lie bail a large ainuuut of money about bis person. lie was seated on tbe back seat, bis daughter and another young lady, a relative, were on tbe seat in front, and bis son, an intelligent lad of twelve years of age, and a servant occupied tbe tbird sent. Hclweeii tbe two points above design a toil, tbe lamp near tbe eolutr.I was extinguished. JIH sou took notice of it, but though it was done by tbe Conductor or some <uie connected with the train. Shortly a stranger took bis seat by Col. IJerrien, .ami after some conversation, succeeded in admiuistring to liiui chloroform until lie became insensible lie then cut tbe buttons off bis overcoat and extracted from bis side pocket a package of Hills amounting to five thousands one hundred and sixty dollars. Not content with this be took from tbe pantaloon pocket the Colonel's wallet, containing about ?1,000. Had be known that in the other pocket of tbe pantaloons there was a jiaeage containing ?2000, be might have taken that. also. Tbe money stolen was mostly South Carolina bills. In tbe large package there twenty one hundred dollar bills anesoine fifties. l"p to last evening, Col Herrii-n was laboring under the ('fleets of the chloroform administered, and was confined to bis bed all day. As soon as be is able, he will publish a list of the bills stolen, and request us to state that lie will pay ii handsome reward lor the recovery of the money, or detection of the bold robber. Washington* Dee. 11.?In the United States Senate, today, Mr. Stephen Adams, of Mississippi, introduced a bill to change the naturalization laws, fixing the period ut twenty-one years, to take effect on those who arrive in this country after the passage of the act. lie avowed himself a Know Knothiug as far as he understood the doctrine, but said that lie was not a member of any secret order, lie thought fur eigucrs dangerous, as allies, and that abolition immigration should be discouraged. The Bill was read and referred. In the House, Mr. Clinginan asked leave to introduce a bill empowering the President to ' otter a mediation uonvcen nussia aim me .Allies, which was refused. Mr. (Jiddings opposed the reference of different parts of the President's message. Washixerox, Dee. 13.?in the Li. S. Senate to day a hill was introduced in extend three years for the payment of duties on Kailraad Iron imported by Companies. In the House of Representatives, Mr. Mace ' introduced a bill to prohibit slavery in NoI brasha and Kan/as, gave rise to an exceedingly hot debate. The Intondant of Columbia lias nth-red a re ward ofsr.OO ('... the di.-rourv and pioot'to 'conviction of the jier-ou or persons who >el file to the building on Ilii-haid-nii -'n el. "ii the right 'o l.i--! f -yg Cljf (Cmitkn lUcehly Jonrmil. TiioMluy, December 19, 1N34. THO. J. WARREN, Editor. -A iu:- r\?E^? Wanted at cms uiutc, A JOURNEYMAN PRINTER. One who understands Job and Press work, will receive a permanent situation from the 1st of January next. Christmas. To afford the workmen of our office an opportunity to enjoy the festivities of thescason, our next paper will be issued on Saturday the 22d inst. instead of Tuesday the 20th. Advertisers will please hand in their favors as early as practicable on Friday. Our Governor. On the 12th inst Gen. James II. Adams, of Rich; land was elected Governor, and R. DeI'reville, Of Beaufort, Lieut. Governor of this State for the ensuing two years. On Wednesday, Governor Adams was inaugurated in the presence of a large assembly. His address on the occasion will be found in our columns to-day. U. S. Senator. The Legislature lias re-elected the Hon. A. P. Put. Icr U. S. Senator, for six years, from the -4th of March next. Ifc received 180 votes. Editorial Correspondence. fjoI.UJtniA, Dec. 15, 1854. The Legislature, in admirable good taste, have disposed of two important and perplexing questions, and at least for the present, we shall hear but little upon some of the popular reforms of the day. The Klcctoral Question will bo discussed at the next session, and by that time it is hoped some may bo able to discover the error of their way, and be content to let our ancient and venerable landmarks remain in statu quo. The friends of the Common School System have cause for considerable exultation at the conclusions to which our Legislature have arrived. Mr. Tucker introduced a bill which was amended and altered, with the excep. tion of a single clause authorizing the employment of a general supcrintendnnt. As this is a very important matter we subjoin briefly the gcucral features of this bill as we see it reported. The amendments wero offered mostly by Mr. Middleton and supported with much ability by that gentleman and Mr. Kershaw. The Militia System will not be seriously disturbed for some time to come, and the Chairman of the Military Committee, Gen. McGowan, in his report, recom. mends that the whole matter be referred for future consideration to a committee appointed with special reference to this subject. The inauguration of Governor Adams took place on Wednesday last. The House was densely crowded, and the ceremonies were of a highly interesting character. We were pleased with the Governor's speech, and heartily subscribed to nearly all he said. We think however, with due deference to the opinion of his Excellency, that a Penitentiary is demanded by the exigencies of the times, and that many a guilty violator of the law escapes with impunity under our present severe regulations. Laws ought always to be of a reasonable character, and so constituted as to insure their justand perfect administration. Under our present system it is impossible to execute the laws wi h that degree of fidelity which is always desirable. We are gratified to learn that our friends of the Carolinian are making all necessary arrangements for an early publication of their excellent paper. We sympathise most earnestly with them in their heavy loss, and trust that their late disaster may stimulate their patron^ to renewed exertions on their behalf. Our friends of the Carolina Times, with commendable liberality have extended promptly the right hand o( the craft; a half sheet is issued daily at that oflicc Ibr the Ctifulinian, such evidence of friendship are peculiarly gratifying and speak volumes in favor of the high tone and character, of the Carolina I'rcss. May such a state of feeling ever exist. The election of Pank Directors for the Dank of the State will take place on Monday next, and will cause considerable disappointment to some of the candidntcs| as there are many aspirants for the same. The nomination made, will in all probability be elected with one or two exceptions. The new State House will, if ever linislied, occupy a different site from that upon which the present one stood, extending immediately across Richardson street, the hTi wing where the present cnpitol formerly stood, and the right wing across Russell's Garden, or upon the ground where the Palmetto House stood. It is sad to look at the wreck caused by the tearing down and uprooting of the new edifice commenced. It will be, in all probability, live or six years, if not more, before the Capitol is finally completed. To-day Judge Butler was re-elected United States Senator for the next term. The crowd in Columbia is not so large as it was a week ago, or during Commencement; such is generally the ease towards the closing up of the session, and the Legislature are meeting one hour sooner and hold ing evening sessions. The discussion on the Itabun Gap or Blue Ridge Railroad bill came up on Thursday and was continued on Friday. Quite an animated and interesting debate arose upon the proposition to allow additional State aid to the enterprise, and the matter was finally disposed ofin favor of granting the aid asked for. A resolution has passed both Houses fixing Thursday. 21st, as the day of Adjournment, consequently there is but little tunc left for the ballance of the business which must necessarily coinc up before the final adjournment. We see that pickpockets have been at work in this place, and we learn that a gentleman was relieved of ! his port monia in which lie had some $25 besides notes, | Ac.; this occurred in the House of Representatives, or in the gallary during the ceremonies of Inaugurating the Governor on Wednesday last. Mr Werner, of Charleston, has recently erected his iron Pulinotto tree, in front of the Stalo House. Wo understand lie places a high cstirnaro upon its voluo) and his object is evidently to induce tho State to make nn appropriation for tlio same. The State lias its hands already quite full, and there is no more room for ornamental arrangements which must draw heavily upon the State for material aid. [ William C. Morngtic, esq., is nominated for tho office of Superintcndant of Common Schools in tho State. The office will bo a laboriousone if the Superintcndant discharges his duty properly?the salary is lixed at $'.1,1)00. The nomination is made through the columns of the Carolina Times, and strongly advocated by that tinner. We have heard the names of Col. Lelnnd. ol r**f - - , Charleston, and Major MeCnlly, of Chester, suggested in connection with this office. Wc expect there will be many candidates for llie office, as the custom nowa-days is to have any number of candidates for every office worth having. It is hard to loll who will be elected. Mr. Ih'iiion. in a recent lecture at Baltimore before the Maryland Institute, staled that between Missouri atnl California, there was territory enocgh for the formation of live Mates well udaptodt'isctilcmeniaiid euliivati. .v. More New States. .According to information said to liavo been derived J from the delegates of tho Western Territories to Con! gress, there will soon be eight or ten applications from suia Territories tor admission as sovereign States into tho Union. In addition to these, we are likely to have an immediate application of the same sort from the Sandwich Islands. Tho Cherokccs, who own a large body of land in Kansas, have offered, throu igh a nephev r of John Ross, who is now in Washington, the wholo o^h^ir lands, u, uuuj ui eigut iiuuuicu uiuusauu, auiV9|;iy^?K?iv-|iv *??v government. Centennial Anniversary of the Grand Ito4f0k~ % of 8. O. The Centennial Anniversary, says the ^Charleston* Mercury, of the organisation of the Provincial tjfand . Lodge of South-Carolina,. willVbe celebrated in thai:'."? a city, December 27th, with impodng ceremanieSk spacious and beautiful hall of the Soutb^^!^iha> In>"r stitutc, will be appropriately inaugurated ft^the'it^. v ; vice of the public on that occasion, by the^d^wwd^ the Address by Professor 8. HBXRrDiCKSCjif, we may anticipate, will be every way worthy oftbe occasion. In the evening there will be- a bancjuofc at the Masonic IlalL For the information of the fraternity at a distance, wo would stato that the Hailroad and Steamboat Companies of this and udjca&iiyt States, will charge but one fare for coming to. nod-' re- * c turning lrom the city on this occasion. ? ? Montgomery, Dec. 8.?'fie'Convention of the Directors of the Southern Pacific RuilrCfad is now In session in our city, ha ving been de- ' [, layed from the non-arrival u n t i I. y es terdny_ of * $K some of the members of their body.*^inWng ' those-arrived we bplieveare Messrp. Rlis^'Wig- ,, fall, jind others of Texas, Hon, Butter Kiny, Ex-Senator Walker, and distinguished gentlemen from Louisianna, Mississippi, Georgia and other Slates of the Union. We learn that Messrs King/, WalkerVftSd- other gentlemen of the Convention wilfjicjdress ' v a public meeting of the citizens this day or tfl<morrow on important subjects connected with the enterprise. Tho time and place of-widely will he announced in a bill as soon as arranged^ Journal. The city of Columbus Ga., has maderA ther subscription of ?150,000 t<^ the' and Giiaid Railioatl, and of ?50,000 to Montgomery and West Point Railroad, , 'y m Firm.?\ esterday, at 1 o'clock, we werestartled by tho alarm of fire, and folio crowd, we soon ascertained that: the ^ Branch Mint was in a blaze. The fire "was dfe- . covered before it had made much progress, and . . . ? . r - . by the active exertions ot those who W.ef^earW.-, at the place ,wns extinguished before ft bad $> done any serious damage. The Ore is suppos- * ed to have originated hv a spark from the?hiO|^..-7i? ney falling iipun the shingles?Avhicfi" ft re and very dry.? Charlotte Lemocfat.<'-.-A The Philadelphia Ledger remarks thai it^is a curious fact that the blockade o'PtTie Rdashw^^ harbors, so far from reducing the exports -CHfijtej Russia, has only diminished the capacity dfii? England to pav for those'exportJ'otherwis^^? than in gold. This extraordinary resrrft? been brought about by the Russians.fibifVpiug. their hemp, hides, tallow, &o;, frphy-I^t58laif '"k^ ports, while they have not received in.exchange, & as formerly, their raw cotton/coffee andsfifiSp^fi from tlie Loudon merchants. l*hus while^Engv land has received thirty five million. .dollarsworili of Russian produce since the <comthehcement of the war, she lias given Russia hut sifc J5 millions worth of goods in return. For all these-articles from Russia England has b?en v, hliged, of course, to pay double prices, so that besides being unable to barter off her own or- /'"*< dinary share of tropical products for the pro? duel ions of her enemy, she is compelled to con- e* tract nearly twice as great a debt as usual in^ <n order to obtain the quantity of Russian articles she requires. She is therefore obliged to idisl.ni'v'/i trill.I t r* 'ill ItlHAroooflonto/) nmAi*t*4 ??/J "UM'V i'/ H"|?-vvw?.vmvu aniuuui) ail" ilius furnishes I lie Czar with those very sinewy nf war in which lie is most deficient. The o Ledger says: cw=~., "This condition of affairs is attracting the ?t? * tention of the British press. Many journals are even calling for a return of the old practice of seizing enemies' goods in neutral bottoms. The large quantities of lead shipped to Prussian poits, and thence carried ir.to Russia to be manufactured into musket bulls, has particularly exasperated the British press. Yet. what is to be done? It will scarcely do for England to retract from her late decision, with respect to free ships making free goods, especially as the treaty between the United States and Russia pledges this country, in a measure, to enforce that doctrine in regard to our own marine. It will answer but little better to make war with Prussia, for other avenues for Russian hemp and tallow will open. 'Ihe truth is that England is in what is technically called "a fix," in reference to this matter, and will probably have to pay Russia, as long as the war lasts, from twenty to twenty.five millions of dollars iri specie, for necessary tallow, wheat and hemp, ? In other words, the Czar will get out of her every year enough to keep a small army in the field. Such arc some of the odd results of war when waged between a military and commercial power." %*96(L Ancient Inhabitants of Nebraska.?On the Upper Missouri there exists a tract of country known by the name of Mauvaises Terre^ or bad lands: at one time, probably, the bottom l* l l-j j ui an iiniiiciiac iwuu, in which jjensucu iuuuhiius of animals having now no representatives on eartl). It appears thntthe waters of thisimmense pond were removed by some convulsion of-na~ turc or other; and the sediment at the bottom became indurated. The portion of the valley thus excavated forms a surface of ninety miles in length and thirty in breadth. The remains of animals which have lived and breathed long before the advent of man on earth are here Found in such abundance as to form of this tract an immense cemetery of vertehrata. The bones ere said"** * to be completely petrified, and their cavities filled with silicious matter. They are preserved in various degrees of integrity, some most beautifully peifeet; and others broken. Two remarkable species of rhinoceros?ibo first ever found in America?wcro discovered here, and also a sort of panther, smaller than the present variety, and likewsse u number of strange animals with long names; unlike any. , tiling which man ever saw alive. We know. ihcn, that thero^wero once inrlividnnU hi NeI l>rn>ka as curious ami as strurgcly shaped, find a< |iu<;iiaciiius as anv squatter whom the pftii i t it-cat rush < !'iinin?;iratiun will carry thither