The Manning times. (Manning, Clarendon County, S.C.) 1884-current, December 23, 1891, Image 6

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OF LIFE AND DEAT H. We'talked of life and death. She said: "Whichever of us two first dies, Shall come back from among the dead And teach his friends these mysteries." She died last night, and all this day I swear that things of every kind Are trying, tryinm to convev Some message to my troubled mind. I looked up from my tears erewhile; That white rose dying in the cup Wa gazing at me with her smile. It blushed her blush as I looked up. It paied then with an agony Of effort to tell me aught That would, I think, bring peace to me Could I but guess; aid I cannot. And when the wind rose at my door, It clamored with a plaintive din, Like some poor creature begging ore To be ler in: I let it in. It blew my light out: round my head It whirled, and swiftly in my ear Had whispered something ere it iled; It had her voice, so low, so dear. The lookirg-glass this live-long day Has worn that curious, meaning air. I feel it when I look away Reflecting things that are not there. For hours no breath of wind has stirred, Yot bends the lamp's flame as if fanned; The clock says o'er and o'er a word, But I! 1 cannot understand: -:0: A STORY OF WESTERN LIFE -BY THOMAS F. MONFORT. CHAPTER XXVL THE SERPENT IS THWARTD. As Pearson rode into town on his re turn from Green's, he saw the train from the east approaching, and he also saw Scraggs and Doctor Bascom walk ing down in the direction of the depot. He did not attach any importance to the fact of these men being together, but when a moment later they were joined by Paul Markham, he began to suspicion,that something was wrong, and he was seized with fear. "They'za plotting against me," he mused, "and like as not old Scraggs has telegraphed for Blatchford, and they are goig to the train to meet him. .By George, I believe that old doctor is in _Scraggs' employ, and his keeping me in bed all those days was a put up job to gain time on me. I was a fool not to know that sooner. Well, if Blatchford is coming I've got to be going. This town ain't big enough to hold us both." With that Pearson quickly dismount ed and running down through the stable turned down an alley and crossed the railroad track just before the train passed. Taking a position on the opposite .side from the depot he watched , the passengers as they left the cars. First a traveling man came out, then a woman and two children, and it seemed that that was all, and Pearson began to con gratulate himself again. But his con gratulations were short lived, for di rectly another passenger emerged, and Pearson knew only too well who it was. There was no mistaking Blatchford, although he was so aged and bent and so woefully changed from what he had been when Pearson saw him last. "Curse the luck," Pearson muttered, "and old Scraggs and Bascom. The jig is up for me. I've got to fiy from here, and' I've lost Louise; but I've got Blatch ford's money." -- So saying he slipped on board the train as it moved out, and was whirled away from Magic City forever. Blatchford was conducted without de lay to Scraggsoffice where everything was explained to him. He listened quietly to the whole story, but as Smeraggs revealed to him the sufferings of John Green's family and the villainy of Harry Pearson, the old msn's face grew ashy and his gray head dropped low on his breast, while ever and anon a heartrending groan escaped him. It was a minute or two after Scraggs fin ished his hurri6d account before the old man moved or spoke, but at last he raised his head and cried:. "My God! my God! how I have sinned. My child dying of want, and the'viper I have warmed to my breast betraying my child's child to ruin. This \ In4re' than I can stand, men; I can '-.ot bear it another instant. Show me this scoundrel, and I'll put a bullet through his black, vmlainous heart. Come, I must see him." It was all Scraggs and the doctor could do to get the old man quieaid down, but at last they succeeded in inducing him to listen to reason, and Scraggs unfolded his plan of procedure. "Pearson is going to Green's to-night after the girl, and we must arrange to get there before him. We can never see hi here, for he will be in hiding, but we can 'hea him off there. For fear he may get there before us and miss us on the road, I will have men on the watch; for him at the depot with in structions' to detain him if he comes back there. In that way everything will be safe, and we'll catc'h him some where in the round." This. proposition .was readily agreed to'byall, and then Scraggs continued: -"We- want ton. et away from here without attractin~g attention, so while Dr. .Sasoom conducts Mr. Bllatchford to-bis house to await us, Paul and I will -secure a carriage and drive out that %Way.. From the doctor's house we will proceed to Green's. Now, let's get out Sof here and begin to move." ~Within a surprisingly short time Scraggs had completed all his arrange ments, and with his- companions was A ITEo ON-IDD moving rapidly in the direction of John Green's place. It lacked but a few minutes of eight o'clock when the carriage rolled down the long slope in front of the cabin, and Louise from her position at the window hearing the rumnble of the vehicle and the clatter of the horses' feet, felt that the most trying moment of her life was at hand. She had no other thought than that Pearson was comning, and at this near approach of the climnax of her sacrifice, she found herself unable to bear up longer. Her fortitude forsook her and she laid her hea<I down on the window sill and wept. But quickly recovering she left the house and ran to the place of meet ing P earson had mentioned, and there waited for the carriage. A moment later it drew up, stopped, a a man sprang out. lHe was at Louise's side in an instant and had his arms about her, and she felt her senses receding- when a wvell-known voice spoke her name. "Oh, Paul, Paul:" she cried, "is it vou?" "It is. darling." Paul replied, "and you are safe, thank God," and again and again he strained her to his breast and kissed her. "See here," cried the old doctor as he came tumbling out of the carriage, "it seens to mne like that is a little too one sided. You have no right to monopo lize things, Markham, and by your leave I'll take one or two of those kisses." "Take them and welcome, doctor, if Louise is willing, for you saved her for me." "Ah, you blessed old doctor," Louise cried as she flew into his arms. "How much I have to thank you for." "Tut, tut, chiid," the old man said, quickly, as he drew his hand across his eyes. "Let's not be foolish. Here, Markham, she's yours; take her and clear out. Here, Louise, come back here. There's another here who wants to see you. Here's your grandfather, Blatchford. And here's Scraggs. Con foud it all! Scrazgs is the man for you to tiank. It was hin that saved you frota Pearson; but you mustn't kiss Scraggs, for lie's bashful." "Am I really free of that man?" Lou ise asked, as she nestled in her grand father's arms and supported his aged head on her shoider. "Free of him?" the doctor repeated. "Well, 1 reckon you are. Just let him come here to-night and we'll make the world free of him, too." "And papa?" "He's all right. We'll attend.to tut, won't we. Scrag'gs?" "I guess we'll be pretty apt to." "That's what we will. But here, confound it all, we're keeping B3latch ford waiting here while we're running on like a pack of fools. and he -wants to see his daughter. Come, let's go on to the house." So talking away as excitedly and happy as a boy over a new toy, the good old doctor led the way to the house, while Scraggs and Blatchford came after him. and Paul and Louise folowed a little further behind. arm in arm, as happy as ever two young souls AA "GOD BLESS YOU BOTH." ere. When they .approached the door the old doctor stopped, saying: "We must be careful not to excite Mrs. Green, so if you folks will wait otside here just a minute I'll go in and break the news to her." "For God's sake don't be long, then," B~lathford pleaded. "I have been too long away from my child already, and must see her qukly." "All right, all right," re'plied the otor as he bustled away. "I'll not lose a second." Comiing into the room he tried to hide his joy and assume a grare air, 1.ut the reat happiness; that filed his kind old eart to overtiowi.ug surged up to the surface and show'ed itself in his eyes and face in spite of him. John and M ary both saw at once that the doctor was overjoyed, but they never dreamed f its cause bearing any relation to hem, so they said nothing. The doctor approached Mary's side, saying: "Well, how is my patient to-night?" "Some better than when you were last here," Mary replied. "Hum. glad to hear it. Guess your father will be glad to know- it,'too., Don't you think so?" "I don't know, doctor. He seems to have forgotten me entirely.". "No, he hasn't, though. I've heard from him since I was here." "Have you? What did you hear?" Mary cried eagerly. "Oh, not muchi. He lovesyou, though, as well as he ever did, and I think we'll get him out here before long." "Oh, doctor, do you think so, indleed?" "Yes, I do. In'fact I know it." "When will he come?". "Why, pretty soon, I expect. . Next week or to-morrow, or he might come to-night." "Oh. doctor, he's here now. I know he is from- your looks. Where is he? Let me see him quick." At that moment the door opened and the old man entered. Hie tottered across the floor and with the words, ~My child," sank on his knees by the bedside and laid his head close by his aughter's and in silence wept. The doctor motioned them all from the room, and with noiseless step they obeyed him, leaving father and dhild alone together. It was a pitiable sight to see the once proud, cold old man, now kneeling in deep contrition at the side of the one he had so deeply wronged, and it was a beautiful thing o see how readily the wronged child's eart went out in forgiveness and love o the aged parent-forgetting in a mo net all her sufferings, and all his nteg Lect and coldness. It was a sight that touched every one present, andl even scrggs, who was considered adaman tine at heart, was seen to withdraw a ittle to one side and mop his eyes vig orously several times. A fter awhile they all went back into Lhe room to find the father and dlaugh ter more calm and colkected, and a iter John had welcomed Blatchford and h had shaken hands and buried the past, the doctor said: "'ei, Scraggs, we have done all the harm we can, so we may as well go. I expect our room would be more valu able than our company." "You must not go, doctor," cried Mary, "until I have thanked you for what you have done." "Pshaw, pshaw, Mrs. Green, I haven't done anything. It was Scraggs who brougit this about." "It wasn't,",said Scraggs, "it wasfBas "Come, Seraggs, you k-now better than that. It was you who sent the ele'ram." "Well, it was you who did the rest. It was you who managed the broken imb, and without that what wvould the balance have amounted to?" "Well, we won't quarrel," said the octor. "So you may thank whom you please. Mrs. Green. Now we'll leave ou, promising to call again to-morrow. %od night." "Good night, and God bless you," re plied Green, rising and taking the doc Lor's hand. "And you, too, Scraggs. od bless you both." John and Mary had not been in rormed of the full' import of Blatch Gradually the remembrances of those old I itter days, when they contended agaii st drouths, pests and mortgages, fade. out, and they could look back on the p ist without a shudder. It -:as a long time before they knew of tl.- great sacrifice Louise proposed mali tg for their sakes in those old, dark days, and when finally the know ledg,. came to them they could only prize her a little more highly a, a pre eou: jewel. the brightest and best pos sess -n of their lves. Ser. ;gs continuel< in his old occupation of s. liig real est.te and booming his tow. . and much ered-t was due him for the W.onderful growth of Magic City in the- arsthatfollowed. The-personwho goe:, to Magic City now may see a little old ian wiry and nervous, sitting at his (.-sk in his offlice surrountied by a fine display of agricultural products, bus'. at work on some scheme for ad van; ng his town's interests. That ma-: Sera gs. Ife is always at work, and 'is work is always for his town. To -, r.gs, and men like him, the west owe, much of its pro;perity. It is such as I , who make booms and cause tow; and cities to spring up like mange. They turn waste places into gar( as. and deserts into prosperous cor.mniti-s. It : ranspired after Blatchford's death that he was indeed broken up. All his westrn securities were carried away by 1,arson, and into these he had, upon Pearon's recommendations, turned near:y all his wealth. His property in the east was heavily mortgaged for morey to send west, and when the news of his death and his western loss-s became known, his eastern cred itors closed in, and everything, includ ing his residenqe, was sold at trustee's sale. Mrs. Blatchford was thus left penni less, and suddenly she awoke to the re alization of the fact, and came up face to face with the most abject poverty. Sarah is a sadly disappointed woman, and full often she sighs for her fallen grandeur. She often recalls the days when she was mistress of Blatchford's house and when she with all her rela tives lived in great plenty and comfort on Blatchford's bounty. She is, indeed, receiving the just rewards of her actions, and is tasting the bitter draught she poured out to others. Rev. Wheed 1er has long since forgotten Mrs. Blatchford. In fact he lost interest in her when she lost her position in so ciety and became unable to contribute to hia salary. Mrs. Blatchford has never forgotten nor forgiven Aunt Mitchell, and it is probable that she never will. But that matters little to Aunt Mitchell, and she goes her way quite as well satisfied as though Mrs. Blatchford was her beat friend. And now, having disposed of all the other characters, nothing remains but to account for Harry Pearson. He went to the mountains beyond Denver, and though Scraggs made every effort to apprehend him, he was not heard of for some months after his escapade. The report that came then was to the effect that he had drifted'into the mining regions, and after gambling away all his money undertook to raise a stake by robbing a mine. He was caught in the act and after a hearing before an ex temporary pioneer court, was taken out and promptly hung t the nearest tree. And now our story is done. Years have elapsed since the events recorded, and the great state of Kansas has out grown its early disadvantages. The fertile soil of its great plains produces wonderful crops, and its people are ama(.g the first to respond with their rich products to the calls of other suffer ing lands. It has become one of the first states of the union, and but for one thing its people would be the most prosperous on earth. It has escaped the curse of pests and drouths; but, alais, the farm mortgage still has its deadily fangs buried deep in its soil. Whvra this curse is abolished and the homes of the west become free of the greedy Shylocks' grasp, then will the land blossom as the rose and the struggl mng people enjoy the full fruits of their labora, May that time come qunicly. Bettr Tan is ove NASHVLEETenn., Dec. 12.-A Knox vile, Tenn., special says: Last May one Dr. J. L. Young was arrested here charged with having obtained a divrorse from his wife illegaly, she knowing nothing of his proceedings. The wronged wife, Mrs. Ella Young, ap peared against him and he was sent to jail. The divorce had been secured in Chattonooga, and there he was taken fortnal. It was alleged that he had been seduced from his wife by Mrs. L. Dor a Woodward, a grass widow and a good looking milliner of this city. In the meantime Mrs. Young, the true wife, sued Mrs. Woodward for damages,. for having alienated the affection of her husband. Yesterday the case came to trial and Mrs. Young recovered a verdict for $10,000. the full extent of the law. The jury was out but a few min utes. Dr. Young and Mrs. Woodward were married secretly here some months ago. Spicy allegations were made as to their conduct previous to .their mar riage, and Young secured his so-called divorce. Young previously stood high. No Place Like Horn,. Yaw YORK, Dec. 16.-Among the steerage passengers arriving in this city to(day on the Hamburg-American line steirnship Dania were two families of colred people from Liberia. They cosist of Mose and Warren Davis, broters, and their familhes, mn all eleven perons. six of whom are children. The latter wore scarcely any clothing while that on the woman was tattored and scant. They tell a tale or woe. Until May of last year the brothers were well todo farmers in Gainesville, Ga. Hear in of the ex -ellent prospects of their rae in Liberia. they sold everything they owned and traveled to Momrovi, Lieria. Their rosy expectations were not realized. Their money dwindled and thieir families almost starved. Theze w. no work to be done, and the much laded farming opportunities they found to be a myth. T'hings became so bad t:. Warren wrote to friends whc assist ed t he brothers to rsturn to this c >untry Te~ party leave to-day for their old homoe mn Georgia. A DIabouc~al OairaX. a c. Lol:Is, Mo., Dee. 1.--A Riepublic sp- :ial from Vicksburg, Miss., sayi: Ti' wife and infant child of AlbeAt Coem an, colored, were victims last ni;.t of ai most diabolical outrage. She ad her children were asleep when sorme ur:nown person entered and poured me1 en le'ad in her ear and spattered a Itrge quantity on the child. The wo ma's ear was burned out and physi cin;s think she will die. The child was terribly burned but may recover. ioN. GILES J. I'AT TERSO i, a distiP gushed citizen ot Chester, S. C., died las Monday. to his daughter with a repentant and for giving heart, and they had no suspicion of their child's narrow escape from a terrile fate. The doctor and Scraggs thought it best to keep that matter se cret, and accordingly agreed to say nothing about it. They arranged to call on the morrow to further eonfer with Natchford on matters of business, and then drove away. "Th s is a nice piece of business for a onder to be engawed in," re narktd( the doctor as they drove back to 'I Iae City. "1You have forfeited Your ri-zht to your occupation, Seraggs, and br.e disgraced your calling, by showinig at you have a heart. I shall rpryr.sir."I dr doctor," said Scraggs, "tan 1'I1 ro-taliate by reporting you to the me.Iiprofession." - : :e-? What have I done?" I shall luform th world that you kept a p.tierit in bed a week under the i that he had a broken limb h' e had only sustained a slight spr:..1: t. Im i o. those old fellows laughed im men:*..> their witticisms. and kept up c :-:t *ndl their mirth until they dest ination. They were in g - rits that night, as v.-ll they mig it be, for they had witnessed a word of happiness, and joy is always contagious. They were not only greatly pleased with their work so far, but each had mental ly resolved to carry it on farther, and this rerolution was another well spring of j-y to their hearts. I):-. 1;ascom had decided to take Paul into his practice. which was enough for the:a both. and Scraggs had decided to sell Green's farm and get John settled in business at Magic City. Ile knew of t good opening for a man of Green's honesty and ability, and he resolved to get him into it. CHAPTER XXVII. T 1 -rE CJN CL oN. The flight of Pearson was discovered by er::gs at an early hour the next morning. and a little laterupon making & vi:it to the bank he learned of his em bez;:enient of Blatchford's money. Ile mnx'diately telegraphed in various di rect i'rs hoping to apprehend the rascal, bnt it proved all in vain. Pearson made good i escape. Upon returning to Green's as agreed, Serag and the doctor found Mlatch ord in a critical condition. The ex :itemcent of the last few days, together svith the mental suffering it had brought him, had been too much for him, and now they found him weak and railing. Dr. Uaseom examined the old man closely, and though he made no re port on the case his face became grave nd thoughtful, and those who saw it felt sure that there was something seri us in his patient's ailment. Seraggs would have avoided telling mvhat he had discovered that morning, bvt lilatchford insisted on hearing ,erything aboutPearson, and asked so nany questions regarding him that 3crggs was erentually forced to reveal 11 he knew. The old man groaned and gnashed his teeth, and for a long time said nothing. At last, raising himself in bed, he spoke, tooking steadily at his daughter. "Marv," he said, "I have come to you it last. but, I have come as a pauper. I omc empty handed, and with nothing but my poor love to give you. That vhich I have slaved for, and which of right was yours, has been stolen from ne by the one I took to my heart in your steadl. I turned you from my door and took Ilarry Pearson in. I left you to starve while I lavished money on him. And now he has robbed me and eft me penniless, with no roof but 'ours to shelter my head. My punish rent is great, but it is not more than I :leserve." For three or four days the broken earted old man lingered on, growing weaker hour by hour in spite of all Dr. Basomn could do. an~d at la st it became ippare'nt that dea:.h wor:L soon claim uim. The Greens exer-d themselves to the utmost to ma.e his last aours as pleasant as possible, but ~i THE EKD DREW NEAB. - :heir kindness and unselfish attentions Lgmented rather than diminished his orrows, since they only too plainly re ninded him of the great sin of his life. Le never spoke of his wife during all ais illness, and it appeared that he had ~orgotten her. All his talk was of his laughter and her mother, and over and ver again he accused himself of his aeglet of them.' '-Thank God, thank God," he said one lay, "I have been spared to meet my :hild and win her forgiveness. Thank od that I am permitted to die under aer roof and with her face near me." At last the end came, and the poor >ld man who had wrecked his life hrough a terrible mistake, slept the leep of the dead. Whatever his re ward beyond the grave, we know not. Le went into the hands of a just God Lnd his reward was in accordance with ustice and right. Ile had suffered the ortures of a thousand deaths in those ew days following the terrible awak ning to the wrongs of his life. There is not much more to tell, and a ew more pages will end this story. Paul and Louise wer2 married short y after the scenes just described, and set up housekeeping in a home of thei own next door to Dr. Bascom's. Pau went into the old doctor's practice, an. being a kind, sympathetic man, sue ecedd from the first in makcing him self a popular physician. To-day he is one of the most successful physicians in the ecst, and has succeeded in laying by enough of this world's wealth to place his wife and two children, a boy and a girl, above any danger of want.: Dr. Bascom does little practice now, but he still takes a great interest in Paul's work and often speia's the even ings with Paul's family, and he and Bascom Markham, Paul's boy. are great friends. Paul and Louise are always lad to have the old doctor come, and no matter how often he calls he is sure f a smile of welcome from both of them. Scraggs, true to his resolve, soon found a purchaser for Green's landi, and with the proceeds, which was a neat ittle sum, John set up in business at Iagic City. John was anxious to leave the farm, for though the seasons became more regular and crop frailures ilmost unknown, he felt that he was 2t designed for farm work, and as past experience with it gave iim a thorough distaste for it. [n iis new occupation he sue eeded fairly well, and was in ime quite well to do. Ie regained his ld time life 'and energy, and Mary A SPICY DEBATE IN THE HOUSE _VER THE CON STITUTIONAL CONVENTION. Some of the Members Think that the Peo pie 'Should Vote On the New Constitu tion and Others Think they Should No; How rhe elcn1bers Voted. CoL .:.31BA, S. C., Dec. 14.-Tbe con stituLiMal convention resolution con sumed much of the morning session of the House Friday, and a very lively de bate was precipitatea. There was op positi-n to the calling of such a conven tion, ad very decided objection to pass ing th-) joint. resolution without a pro viso that the :iction of the convenion to be called should be submitted to the people for ratideation. The resolution came up for a second -eading aud Mr. Abney, of Richland, offe 'ea the following amendment: Pro:ided. however, that no Constitu tion fo-rmed, or which may be formed, by such convention shall be binding or go ilto effect until it shall have been submitted t-> thepeople of the State for raticatio >, aid shall have been ratided by the: votes of a majority of the quali ded v oters of the State voting upon such question. Mr. Evans of Aiken, said that there might be political or other reasons why the questiou should not be submitted back, and he moved to tab e the amend ment. Mr. Abney said that the fundamental law should he decided upon by the peo ple in their individual capacity. Under the bill as it stands the elector would have no incentive to vote for calling a constitutional convention, as he would have no assurance that he would have .anything to say about the new constitution. Te would be in the same position as be is now. The people want a Constitution- that they themselves make. Mr.Buist opposed the amendment He said that the people wanted the con vention and that their views would be expressed by the representatives they sent to the convention. Mr. Fowler favored the amendment. He declared with great emphasis that whenever the Reform movement under took to take away the right of the peo ple [to vote for themselves the sooner its political sun set the better. To de feat this amendmen, would be taking away from the people the very rights a Republican form of govement gave them. Mr. Watts hoped the amendment would prevail. He believed in remand ing the action of the convention to the people. Mr. Blease tackled Mr. Fowler on his inconsistency in declaring that prohibi tion must be decidedlby the Legislature, and then wheeling about and declar ing in the next breath that. the people must decide this question. Mr. Blease thought it would beinjudicious, "at this time,' to cripple the bill with this amendment. Mr. Burn believed in referring this action of the) convention back to the people. Mr. Fowler retorted in answer to Mr. Blease, that he, Blease, was in a posi tion similar to'that he was trying to put him in. Mr. Blease had appealed to have the prohibition question sub mitted to the people, and yet now he refused them the right to ratify a con vention's action. Mr. Evans said that he could see no wisdom in referring the action of the convention back to the dear people, as they would knowingly elect representa tives to the convention for the purpose of carrying out their wishes. He said that there were several reasons why the action of the convention should not be submitted to the people. He tried to impress upen Mr. Fowler that the "dear peole" had all the rights they were ex titled to in simply having the question of b olding a convention submitted to them. r. Hazard, of Georgetown, was op posed to holding a constitutional con vention. Every member who voted for it wonid rue the day. The political coni~tions of South Carolina were such as to warn us not to approach the brink of this yawning chasm. The amend ment was an attempt to -preserve the rights of the people and if the people were bent on having a convention they should insist on the right to ratify its acton. Mr. Youmans opposed the amend ment and said it would defeat the ob ject for which the bill was drafted. Mr. Hughes, of Charleston, said a constitutional convention was a very grave thing. Its a.ction should be re ferred back to the people because the result was a heterogeneous mass of new laws that the people knew nothing about. Nobody could be sent to the convention who would exactly or even nearly represent their wishes on these mulitudinous matters. Mr. Patterson favored the amend ment. Once adopted; the people were bound by its provisions. He would not vote for any mant to go to a constitu tional convention and make laws that would bind him without his having an opportunity to review his action. He warned the Legislature that the defeat of the amendment would defeat the convention as the people would not vote for holding it without tbe right to review its action. Mr. Youmans said that the amend ment was an attempt to bind the action of some future Legislature, which, ne held was unfair. Mr. Abney discussed the argument that the amendment was premature. He said that if the question was left to the next Legislature the people would have no guarantee, the election coming be fore then, that they would have any right thereafter to ratify the action of the convention. By the terms of the resolution the next Legislature would be prevented from so doing. Was it possible that the Legislature wanted to make it so that a few men, dressed with brief authority, should in their great wisdom and patriotism frame the thous and and one rules to which all the acts and laws of the 1,200,000 people of South Carolina were to be adjusted, and which would be unchangeable for many years to come ? Mr. Evans submitted that the resolu tion was premature and unconstitution al. He quoted the Constitution as giv ing the Legislature the right simaply to submit to the electors the question of holding a convention, and the insertion of this amendment was going beyond the power prescribed by the Constitu tion. He disclaimed trying to steal away the rights of the people. lie as serted that it would be stealing the rights of the members cZ the convention to prescribe that they should submit their action to the people. Mr. Haskellisaid there was no objec tion that could be shown to the amend ment save that it might subject the ac tion of the creature to the revision of the creator. It was no new thing to submit such all-important matter back ttote people. Could any of the opposi tion point to a single instance where it had not been dode? Mr. Finley: Has any Legislature ever prescribed in calling a constitutional coventon that its action be ratified by the people ? Mr. Hasrell: Yes. Kentucky is an in stance. I ask, when we stand here seek ing to guard the rights of the people, wat is the meaning of this objection ? Do they hope to override, as a constitu tional body, the cool will of the people ? De-s the apparition of fleeting power come so clear on their startled vision that they will not allow the people to sweep out any unsavory action that may b done ? Do they so dread their tenure of power that they fear it will be wiped out? In every State the Constitutions have been submitted to the people. A wise provision has always directed that the local prejudices and excitement of the hour shall have had time to die out, t hat thepeole shall have looked upon their work and said whether it is good or bad. The people are the last jury to decide every question. We hope, believe we cannot keep in our seats and allow these rights to be shaken one jot or tit tie. Let it be put on record who it is that is trying to muzzle their mouths. Mr. Evais: Do you mean to say that this amendment is not unconstitution? al? Mr. Ilaskell: I do think that the Leg islatnre has the right to pass this amendment. Whether it is necessary or not, whether tha intention is as we fear or not, ao harm can come from it, and lie who votes against it votes to still the voice o: the people and to curtail their rights. Mr. lazard controverted the argu ment th.at tne Legislature went beyond toe Constitution in passing this amend ment. This was merely a verbal quib ble, Mr. Finley said that in voting against the amendment he did. not feel he w s assistirg in throttling the voice of the people. Neither this Legislature nor the one that would call the convention would i:ave any right to fix the limita tion ezbodied in tne amendment. Mr. Parrisbn did not see the neces-i ty for e-illing a constitutional conven tion. Jfe favored the amendment. Withor t it the action of the convention would .e dictatorship that should be put do wn. On moticn of Mr. Blease the amend ment t'* g.ve the people the right to ratify or reject the now constitution was tabled by a vote of 56 to 48. The following members voted against submitting the new constitution to the peo ple for ratification: Speaker Jones, Alder man, Elease, Bowen, Powden, Breazeale, Brice, Browning, Buist, Ca-penter, Car wile, Chandler, Connor, Cox, Dukes, J. E. DuPre, Earle, Elder, Evans, Finley, Folk, Fox, Fuller, F. B. Gary, T. A. Graham, Gregory, Hardy, Hart, Harvey, Holman, Jeffries, Kinard, McCall, McFaddin, Mc Intyre, McWhite, Moseley, Norton, Patter son, Rast, Riley, Rowland, Russell, Scott, Shanklin, Stackhouse, Stanland, Taylor, Todd, Townes, Traylor, Wolfe, Woodward, Yeldell. Youmans, Zimmerman. The following members voted to submit the new constitution to the people for rati flcation: Abney, Attaway, Anderson, Barkley, Bissell, Blake, Boozer, Brennen, Brown. Burn, Crum, Daggett, Dean, Du Bose, Eaddy, Ficken, Fields, Folk, Fowler, Glover, Goodwin, S. A. Graham, Gunter, B. L. Hardin, Harrison, Haskell, Hazard. Hicklin. Hutto, Hughes, Mears, McMillan, Miley, Mooney, Moses, Patton. Rutledge, Sarratt, Simons, Stokes, Sullivan, Tupper, Ulmer, Von Kolnitz, Wigg, Watts, What ley, Wilson, Whyte. The following amendment, offered by Mr. Haskell, was tabled, on motion of Mr. Evans, by a vote of 71 to 32: Provided, That in the call of such convention it should be with the dis tinct understanding and upon the ex plicit condition that any constitution to be formed by the said convention shall contain a provision securing a homestead to the people of this State not less than the amount now prescrib ed by section 32 of article 2 of the pres ent constitution, and that the voteof the people of this State.as prescribed in this joint resolution shall be considered and held as calling such constitutional convention with this limitation upon its powers. Fnrther, provided, That in the call of such convention it shall be with the disinct proviso that any constitution to be framed by the said convention shall contain a provision securing the tax of two mills for the common schools as now provided by law and by the present constitution. To get a test vote Mr. Evans then moveato strike out the enacting clause, which motion was lost by a vote of 39 to 64. Knoek-Down Argamats. AUGUSTA. GA., December 1.-An unpleasant and regretted set-to be tween two prominent lawyers in the City Court this afternoon Is a topic of considerable talk here to-night. The parties to the affair were Solicitor C. Henry Cohen and Mr. Marcellus P. Fos ter. Mr. Cohen was prosecuting Mr. Ed Batrnett for assault and battery upon Mr. Leo Schwars. Mr. Foster represented Burnett. The trouble grew out of a statement made by Mr. Cohen in his argument to the jury. Some say Mr. Cohen said that scme lawyers some times take advantage of their privilege as attorneys in abusing opposing wit nesses. Others say Mr. Cohen used the word position instead of prIvilege. Mr. Foster, it is said arose and asked Mr. Cohen if he meant to say that he (Fos ter) took advantage of his privilege in saying what he had about opposing witnesses. Mr. Cohen answered him that Le did, and that he had measured it words before he gave utterance to them, and that he meant exactly what he satid. Mr. Foster thereupon told Mr. Cuben hie was a liar. Mr. Cohen quickly advanced to Mr. Foster and struck at him. Mr. Foster returned the blow, when ofiicers interfered and stopped the difficulty. Judge Eve will have both Mr. Cohen and Mr. Foster appear before him on Monday to an swer to a rule for contetopt of Court. No further trouble Is apprehended. News and Courier. Increased to a Eltion. SAANNAH, Ga., Dec. 11.-The South Bound Road is to be completed into Savannah and Columbia at an early day. That is the decision arrived at yesterday at the meeting of the stock holders of the Savannah Construction Company. The meeting was largely attended by the resident stockholders and by several from South Carolina. President Denmark of the Construction Company and President Corner of the South Bound reported the results of their conlerence with the Northern stockholders. It was decided to increase the capital stock to $1,000,000. The new issue will be readily placed, and as soon as it has been the work of com pleting the road as designed by the pro jectors will be carried out. The meet ing was an enthusiastic one, and the backers of the Magnolia Route showed plainly that they are determined to make it a success. Many of the large stockholders here, it is stated, will double their subscription and the bal a~nce will be taken by the South Caro lina and Northern members of the com Gov. Tiillman and the Tazes. CoLmBA, S. C.. Dec. 15.-A joint re olution, extending the time for tax payment to February 20, passed the ouse and the Senate. Dr. P'gpe, clerk f the Senate, after the ratification of I he joint re.solution, sent it to Governor rilman at 10 o'clock on Friday mern ug. Goyernor Tillman was asked shout it on Saturday morning, and what ae had to say about it was published in rhe Sunday News, to wit, that he had 0t ap proved it and would not approve .t. in accordance with instructions he was asked about it again to-day, and 1erely repeated what he sald on Satur-1 lay. ~Dr. Pope says that the Governor las until to-morrow (Tuesday) night to sign the document. If he does not sign .t the poople conversant with the rules iay it will become a law. If he vetoes .t it will go back to be passed or not assed over the veto. Governor Till nan has not said whether or not he vi veto it. A Mariae $isaster. Gasva, Dec. 12.-The ltalian steam r Clabria left here tnis morning for ~aples. She had proc-eedeud but a short listance when her boilers exploded and he sank in a short time. T'here were hirty-three persons'en board including he crew. Tweiity-one were drowned, he other twelve being saved by the 2alabra's boats and boats from other C ressels near by. Tui PEOPLE sHOULD BE allowed to rote on the new constitution If one is 1 iramed. Unless they are given thi I 'Ight, we believe they will vote down C ;he proposition to hold a constitutiona t nentin. The people can be trusted I THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY THE SESSION DRAGS ITS WEARV LENGTH ALONG. The More Impos taut Matters Considered Since Our Le *t Issue-No More Frei Passes-Seaator Stokes Presides Ovei the Senate. COLZUBT, i.'. C.. Dec. 15.-Durinp the past week the Legislature has beet quite busy in passing and killing bills In the House -m Wednesday the bill compelilig railroads to provide seper ate coaches for white and colored peo ple passed it second reading and en grossed for a third ieadinr. Representat*ve 0. H. Buchanan, of Chester, sent in his letter of resignatior to the Jlouse or Wednesday morning Mr. Harrison presented the Housi with the battvilag of the 16th S. C. V The letter of Col. McCullouch, present. ing the flag, was couched in the most atrioti: language, Mr. Harrison, itho it may bs mentioned, marched under the colors of the 16th, made a brief but eloquent speech, giving a short sketch of the regiment, which served principally in the Army of the Tennes see. On his motion the letter of Col McCullough was ordered to be spread upon the journals of the House. Mr. Fliey, of York, presented to the House in behalf of Samuel L. Campbell, a blind Confederate soldier of York County. a handsome gavel which will hreafter enforce order in the House. Mr. Campbell was voted $200 at the last see-sion. Speeches were made by Mr, Finley and Speaker Jones. The testi monial was received by a rising vote of the members. In the Senate on Wednesday Senator Stokes introduced a bill to provide for the election of cotton weigher. The bill provides that on petition of twenty fye voters adjacent to a marketing place for cotton an election shall be or dered for weigher or weighers. one for 5,000 bales or less weighed the season before, one for each additional 8,000 or major fraction thereof above the 5.000. The weighers are to giye bond in 830 each. They are to charge not exceed ing ten cents a bale for weighing. The supposition is that competion, where it exists, will reduce the price, or where there is none the candidates for weigh er can arrange the matter with votere before election. When the bill providing for a World's Fair commission was reached Senator Strait moved to indefinately postpont it. He said the amount appropriated ($15,000) was not enough to do any good and would be only a useless addi tion to the burdens of a people already sorely pressed. The Senate refused 17 to 13-to indefinately postpone and the bill passed its third reading. The ladies of the State watched with great interest the hard fight over the prohibition bill in the Ifouse. They were gratified by the noble and earnest Aght made by Mr. L. D. Childs to secure the passage of the measure which means so much to the wives, mothers sisters, daughters and sweethearts 01 South Carolina. Thursday Mr. Childs'i desk was decorated with a basket of rare and lovely flowers. On a card at. tacked to the basket were the following words: "From the ladies of Demaree Lodge Independent Order of Good Templars, Dec. 10,1891, Columbia, S. C. to a knight sans peur et sans reproche.' The bill to provide for a return to the old system of a State board of medical examiners, instead of the County board system which has been in practice for a year, and with which there is -much discontent, was the subject of a lively discussion. Mr. Burn attacked the bill witu much bitterness. Messrs. E.Gary and Evans led the defense. The most potent argument in favor of the bill was that it was, recommended by the Governor. A motion to table a motion to strike out the enacting clause was arried by a vote of 55 to 35. The bill passed iits sectond reading. The Heuse received tne following Message: "I bog to trt.nsmitt herewith the re port of the Attorney General on the claims of Edwin R. Wesley and othere with accompanying documents. Hay ing eny one copy I send that to the House, and as the facts set forth are of importance, and have a direct bearing on the State's credit, I suggest that 500 copies be printed for the use of the Leg. islaturs and for use at the financial cen tres, to show that the claim is not ale. gal one. "Respectfually, "B. R. TiLLMAN, Governor." The report of the Attorney Genera] is unfavorable on the claims of the hold ra of the Blue Ridge bonds. The re port with accompanying documents, transmitted to the House by the Gov ernor, was referred to the Ways and eans Committee, whl::h will consider t~he advisibility of having the papers printed in accordance with the Gever. nor's suggestion. Mr. Riley introduced a measure of great Importance Thursday. It was a bill to provide for election of cotton weighers in the several Counties of this State and to fit the fees for weighing :otton. This bill was referred to the ommittee on Agriculture. The Senete did an act Thursday which will be commended all over the country, nd especially In this State. Among he first bill that came up was Senator Abbott's bill to establish and maintain a home for Confederate soldiers in this State. There was an attempt made to ndeinately postpone the bill, but Sen ator A bbott came to the rescue in an el quent and forcible speech, which car ried the bill to a third reading with rush and enthusiasm. The closing hours of the long session of the House Saturday were enlivened by the passage to a third reading, after s lively skirmish, of the anti-free rail road pass bill, which came over from he Senate. The bill was not only passed ver the unfavorable report of the [louse railroad committee, but it was passed with sundry iron-bound amend rnents which are calculated to make it still more binding. In its present shape It prohibits the receiving or using of ree passes over railroads by any m~em er of the Senate or House, State or Na :ional, or State or county oflicial, or rudge of any Ceurt of Record in the state.. A prevision excepting the rail oad commissioners and the superin :endent of education was stricken out. ?he penalty provided in the bilt Is tiye iun dred dollars line er six months' i ,risonment for any officIal accepting inch free pass and a similar fine for y railway official offering such pass During the discussion which was led y Mr. Hastell.. that gentleman said hat up to the Reform canvass no one ad thought that the acceptance of a ee pass on a railroad by a legislator r a Governor could be construed into bribe, but that sInce this had been harged it would be as well for the Leg slature to pass this bill so as to prevent he bribing of otlicials by the railroads. he bill passed by the astonishing vote f 75 yeas to 11 nays. The Admimis ration was n at "in It." Mr. Fowler's perennir bill to reduce lie salarie.s of circuit judges fromn 3.500 to 82,000 came up. It took but few seconds for hoar frost to fall on his quintesc:ence of economy, and it ra sowed under to the tune of 64 to 5. Those who voted for it were: uist Brown, Conner, Fowler, T. A. 'raham, Gunter, Harvey, Moseley, last, Shanklin, Stackhouse, Taylor, igg, Zimmerman. The Senate was presided over Satur ay by Senator Stokes, Lieutenant Gov rnor Gary being unwell, and President iro tern Meet ze keing absent from the Ity. The business of the body pro eeded with customary smoothnoss and *ispath. There was an unexpected and breezy tle debate over the bill to prevent the emoving, destroying or leaving do wn f fences, bars or gates. Senator Smythe hought it was going too far to make a onanhsujet to thirty days' imprison ment for leaving a gate , pe . Senator Jenkins said such legisl-.iioi was need ed, as some persons in Ite i w-country frequently took revenge -:n r'rsons who offended them by leavin - ga >s open or pulling down fences, so 'tat -ackcould escape or have access to ro;-. Senator Woodward opposed the bt.i. Senator Dozier said that whe ai. e .-ohibition law was passed this bi- w.uld be un necessary, as he thoug. t .ost of the leaving open of gates :n breaking down of fences was ca isea by liquor. He added that he hAd :noi.fht of de vising a measure by wh. -h vil Courts in this State would be d. ne -way with. Everything would -w pu. on the crimi nal side and comm;yio .' 1l(i be Ap pointed to inquire irto tht conduct of individuals and infli-:t u!. hments as tney were found to I. recuired. Senator Timwerrn-xn r- vcd the bill, and Senator Donaklsono thl .ught that, with some changos, it rr-ul:! be a valu ble measure. Senator Sican said it woul. simply pile up .. mas of new petty cases in Trial J -stcs' Courts. Tbe bili was assassinad )y a large majority on irvision. H. A. HOYT, [Successor to C. I. H >yt t Bro.] Largest and Oidest .L wIU7 Store a SUMTER, S. 0. A very large stock of Br: tannia war e, the vely best silver plated goods made. 550 Gold Rings on hand. Fine line of Clocks Wedding Presents, Gold Pen, and Specta cles. A big lot of solid coin silver just re ceived, at lowest prices. My repairing de partment has no superior in the State. Try around first and get prices, then come to me. You will certainly buy from nie. The Bailey-Lebby COMPANY. 213 Meeting St., Opposite Charleston Hotel CHARLESTON, S. C. ' Manufacturers' Agexts. Machinery, SUpplies, Oils3 Attention mill men! We are now offer ing the best and latest improved SAW HI~LS 1IIS AND BOILE -AND Gijst M"l1sa. Iron, Steel, Pipe, Nails, Fitting, Belt Lacing, and a full line cf Phosphate and Mill Supplies. State agents for THE SCIENTIFIC BRINDINO MILLS, pr8end for our new illustrated catalogue and lowest prices. Agent e wanted in every county. EAT AND DR INK! I have opened a first-clasxs liquor saloon in the city of Sumter, in the Solomons building on Liberty street, where I will keep the choicest brands of LIQU ORS, TOB A00, CiCARS and all kinds of smokers' artieies. My sa loon will be managed by as urst-class bar tender, who will prepare all the latest in fan cy drinks at the shortest toticr-. I have also gorie to considerable expense in preparing a First-class Restaurant in the rear of mysaloon, My tables will be filled with the very best the mneket affords, and this branch of my business will be un der the supervision of one who has served as chief cook in several fine restaurants. The trade of my' Clarendon Friends xs respectfully solicited. Come to see me, take a drink of something: good, and then sit down to a meal that wiil serve as an invi tation to call again. WOLKOVISKIE & CO., Sumte r, S. C. FERTI LIZERS! PIEMONT GUANO CO., CHARLESTON, S. C. ZmPon-ras, mU ertnasT37R, an& n D.Lr5 Safest, High Grade, and Guaranteed Kainit, Blood Acids, Dissolved Bone, Solubles, and Ammnonl ated Manipulatod. Handled by Mr. M. Levi, Manning, S. C. Get prices before buying. WM. BURMESTER & Co. Hay and Grain, WE 0AA 7ER O? & M!AL Opp. Kerr's Wharf, and 23 Quieen St., CHARLESTON, S. C. OTICE OF REclSTRATIOt( State of South Carolina, COUNTY OF CLARENDON. I N ACCORDANCE WI":H T HE PRO VIS - ions of an act of theC General Assembly, ratified on the 9th day of Febrnary, 1882 1, will be in the court hous e in Manninglin the office of the clerk of :he court, the first ~onday of each toonth, for the purpose of llowing persons cotuing of age since the last general election to r .gister, and to at. tend to any other busine-s perttainingto my oicial duties. ij. P. HULL ADA ', Supervisor Registraticn~ Cu.~endon Co. P. 0. Address: Panola. .'. C. -EST1ABLISHlED 1836i. arrington, Thomas & Co., -DEALERi IN-. WVA.TO.'KEM. EWELRY, SIL.VERWARE AND FANCY GOODS No. 251 King St cet, CHARLESTONJ, S3. C. 30LLMANN LROTHERS, Wholesale Grocers, .157 alnd 1C0, last Bay, CHARLUSTON. S. C.