Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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VOL. XI. -MANNING. S. C, WEDNESDAY. SEPTEMBER- 18,1 THE STATE CONVENTION. THE WORK OF MAKING A NEW CON STITUTION BEGUN. Governor Evans Elected President--He Makes Some Valuable Suggestions as to Needed Change.-The Work Most Aus piclously Begun. CoLrMBIA, S. C., Sept. 10-The State Constitutional Convention assembled today at a few minutes after 12 o'clock. As the hands of the clock pointed to five minutes past 12, Secre tary of State, D. H. Tompkins, rapped the convention to order and announc ed that it was ready for business. - Congressman Wilson of Spartan burg arose and said that he had the honor to nominate as temporary chair man of the convention, representing the whole people of the State assem bled for the purpose of framing its organic law, one whose eloquent voice. forceful pen and lofty abilities had al ways been employed for the welfare of the State. whose great heart beats in sympathy with the masses of the people-Col. Robert Aldrich, of Barn well. No other nominations being made Col Aldrich was unanimously elected and in taking the Chair he said in part: I deem it a high honor to -be connectel with this august body in any capacity, but I desire to make ac knowledgement for the honor con ferred upon me. This is the most im portant convention that has assembled in South Carolina in a century. It is the second time in the history of the State that the people have assembled to frame and adopt the oroanic law. There has been other so cled consti tutional conventions, but with one ex ception this is the only one that has ever met as the exponent of the un trammelled will of the people. We have what is known as the constitu tional convention of 1776-78, but their acts were nothing more than the acts of a General Assembly. Then came the convention of 1790 and that of 1860 which passed the ordinance of secession and made such otherchanges as suited the changed conditions. The convention of 1S65 was called by the proclamation of the provisional Gov ernor appointed by the President of the United States and who had no more authority than any other citizen to call such a convention and it itself had no more authoritv than a mass meeting of citizens. the convention of 1868 was called by reason of the Re construction Acts of Congress, which were notoriously without constitution al warrant and were consequently null and void. This Constitution was de signed to humiliate the State, degrade her peopleand subvert her civilization, and to the shame of South Carolina her people lived under that instrument eighteen years after they reoained con trol of the government. .To the last ing honor of the people they have now assumed charge and intend to right that grievous wrong. Col. Aldrich said that the Constitution of 1790 was made by the people and under it the C i d and gl of * olthCaolnadeveloe ad izrhi . judgment this convention could do nothing better than take it as a basis. It has been bred in the bone, blood and sinew of the State. We could not do better than follow i- its foot steps he said, making such changes as -iferent conditions demanded. He -congratulated the delegates that they had assembled in the peace of God and -trusted that their deliberations would -be guided by wisdom from above, for they were to make laws that we must live under, work under and enjoy to the remotest period of our existence. He then announced the convention ready for other business. *On motion of Lieut.-Gov. Timmner 'man two temporar secretaries were aCo ine of Richland, and Mr. P. .K. Bryan, of Charleston. *Then began the call of counties and 'presentation of credentials, which, if continued through all the counties, would have conisumed an immense amount of valuable time, and on mo ton of Mr. Stanyarne Wilson the call of counties was dispensed with and delegations were instructed to hand in -their lists later. QCA LTNG THE ROLL. The roll of the Convention was then r-ead bySecretr Jones and showed -the fo -wn duly elected delegates: Abbv- Wm.- C. McGowan, I. ~H. McCalla, J. C. Klugh, R. R. IHemphill, Frank B. Gary, R. F. Mc Aikea-John Gary Evans, F. P. Woodward, R. L Gunter, D. S. Hen derson. Anderson-J. P. Glenn, L. 0. Har rison, J. E. Breazeale, D. H. Russell, G. E. Prince, J. M. Sullivan. Barnwell-Robert Aldrich, G. D). Bellnger, C. M. Hires, W. C. Smith, -A. g', Patterson, G. H. Bates. Beat fort.-Robert Smalls, James Wig.,Qhomas Miller, Isaiah R. Reed, Berkel --Jpe. B. Morrison, J. B. EJ.Dennis, William Hen 'derson A. N. DeHay, H. H. Murray. R. C. McMakin. Charleston-T. G. Barker, J. P. K. BrynJ. N. Natans, A. S. Farrow, Jul'a Mitchell G~ '-F Von Kolnitz, Jr., W. M. Fitch, , Toseph L. Ohiver, W. St. Julien Jervey i Chester-T. J. Ct '"" "ingham, J. Lyles Glenn, G. W. G ~age, RO. At hesterfield-E. N. Ret -fearn, F. P. Taylor, E. J. Kennedy. JS.Cn Clarendon-J. M. Sprott, - .Cn tey, D. 3. Bradham, J. W. Kenned . Colleton-M. P. Howell, C- - Garris, D). H. Behre, M. B. Co o)per, L E. Parler. Darlington-H. C. Burn, J. N:Pr efied-B R.Tillman, W.- J Talbert, G. D. Tillmian, W. H. Tim merman, J. C. Sheppard, B. B. Wa 't Fairfield-R. A. Mears, W. L. Ros' borough, G. W. Ragsdale, T. W. Brice. Florence-B. B. McWhite, R. M. McCown, W. F. Clayton, 3. (O. Byrd. Georgetown-J, H. Reed, E. F. Mat thews,'R. B. Anderson, colored. Greenville-J. W. Gray, J. T. Aus tin, Hugh Harion, H. B. Buist, H. J. Hansorth, Capt. G. G. Wells. Hampton-W. 3. Gooding, A. J. Harrison, C. J. C. Hutson. Horry-J. P. Derham, J. A. McDer mott, Jeremiah Smith. Kershaw-C. L. Winkler, J. W. Floyd, J. Hay. Lancaster-Ira B. Jones, J. N. Es tridge, J. W. Hamel. -Laurens-J. L. M. Irby, A. 3. Smith, J. H. Wharton, R. L. Henry. Lexington-C. M. Efird, J. L. Shu ler, E. L Lybrand. M,.io-W_ J. Montgomery, E. B. Berry, J. E. Elkrbe, J. D. Montgoin erv. Marlboro-W. 1. Evans, T. E. Dud ley,. . H. Iodges, T. I. Rogers. Newberry-J. A. Sligh, J. L. Keitt, G. S. Mower. George J ohistone. Oconee- -J. C. Alexander. 0. M. Doyle, W. J. Stribling. Orangeburo---J. W. Stokes. I. W. Bowman, L. S. Connor, E. H. Hous er, A. K. Smoak. 0. R. Lowmau. Pickens---W. T. Field. IV. T. Bow en. R. F. Smith. Richland --J. T. Sloan. II. C. Pat ton, J. J. McMahan, Wilie Jones, J. B. Dent. Sumter-R. D. Lee. J. I. Scarbor ough, T. B. Fraser, G. P. Mc'Kcagen, Shepherd Mash, R. 1'. Stackhouse. Spartanbur---Stanyarne Wilson, C. A. Barry, WV T. Bobo, M. 0. Row land. A. S. Waters, T. E. Johnson, W. E. Carver. Unicn--J. T. Douglass, V. A. Nich olson, C. H. Peake, J. C. Otts. Williamsburg-T. M Gilland, S. W. Gamble, W. R. Singletary, G. J. Graham. York--A. H. White, J. S. Brice, J. F. Ashe, W. B. WVilson, S. E. Wilson. PERDLANEXT ORGANIZATION. It was then decided to go into the election of permanent officers. Ex Governor Sheppard moved that the permanent officers be a president, two vice-presidents, sergeant-at arms and readig clerk. This motion was adopt edz. Mr. Patterson rising to make a nomination, said that he took pleasure in nominating the Chief Executive of the State, John Gary Evans. Though young in years, yet, the eminent man ner in which he has filled the exalted position and his six years experience in the Legislature qualities him to pre side over this august body. Congressman Talbert said lie desired on the part of Edgefield to second the nomination of Gov. Evans, whoseser vices eminently fitted him to preside over the convention. Gen. Gray also seconded the nomination. On motion of Mr. McCown, of Flor ence, the Governor was elected by acclamation. When the chairman put the question as to his election all the delegates arose, to all appearances. Nobody expected any vote in the nega tive, but when they were called for, Bob Smalls. with glasses on his eyes and his woolly hair parted in the mid dle, arose amid general laughter, Smalls was not disturbed and took his seat unabashed. A delegate remarked that that vote was a great compliment to the Governor. Congressman Talbert moved that a committee of three be appointed to notify the Governor of his election. Gen. Hemphill wanted to go on with the permanent organization first, and it was decided to do this while the committee of notification was out. The Chair appointed Messrs. Talbert, Jones and Patterson on the committee. Mr. Wilson nominated Messrs. W. J. Talbert and Ira B. Jones for vice presidents and they were unanimously elected. Mr. Wharton nominated Mr. S. W. Vance for clerk and Mr. Cooper sec onded it. Mr. Vance was elected. Mr. W. C. Smitia nominated Mr. Stansel for Sergeant-at-Arms and he was unanimously elected. It was next in order to elect a read ing clerk and Delegate Prince, of Anderson, wanted to hear samples of their proficiency, but the matter was dropped-for the time as the commit tee with Gov. Evans had appeared at the door. As the committee escorted the Governor in, the convention arose and Col Aldrich formerly introduced him as president of the convention. Gov. EVANS'S ADDRESS. In assnming the Chair, Gov. Evans made an address, in which he out linedseme changes that he thought would be wise in our government. H said in part: I thank you, gentlemen, for the honor you have conferred upon me to preside over your deliberations. People live under different forms of governmrnt-monarchical, despotism or a republic, and you represent the sovereign power of the republic. To be called upon to p reside over the sovereignty of South Carolina is an honor any man ought to be proud of . In thanlang you for the honor, I sim ply do what goes without saying. I will not review the history of former conventions, which has been so ably done by your temporary chairman; suffice it to say that this is the first time her sovereignty has been repre sented by the will of the people hon estly expressed at the ballot box. The people have delegated that sovereignty to you, to make an or ganic law which is supreme and can not be reversed in future years ex cept in a similar manner. From the poition I occupy, I will be precluded frm having a lre voice in the delib erations of the convention, but being in a position where I am intimately connected with every branch of the government, I have some thoughts that I wish to present to you. In the first place we have the Ex ecutive department. You are to say. what power the Governor shall exer cise and that power should be well guarded. It is your province to throw around it such precautions as will pre serve the life and liberty of the citi zen. The present Constitution was framed by people who had not the in terests of the people at heart and I recall the words of Gov. Orr to that convention, when he said that no law could stand unless it was framed by the intelligence of the land. We have come here to bolt out that Constitu tion and perpetuate the reign of intelli ence. As to the chief executive there is one power that should be given him. There is now no provision for the re moval by him of dishone'stor incompe tent officials. He should have such power .in such case and if necessary you can specify in what cases that power ought to be exercised. As to the Legislative department there is no use to go into an extensive discussion of that as I see before me many who have been members of both houses and of Congress. But the Legislature has too many elections ta attend to. Wherever an officer is to be elected by the Legislature, change it ;o the election can be by the people. ' is an unwritten law that the Legis ta ture must adjourn by Christmas and with so many elections on hand the worke of that body is seriously inter fered with. Let there be annual ses sions anid for a certain number of days. Then -we have the charter curse for the Legislature to contend with. Cor poratioL's should be created, but let them be under some general law em powering the Secretary of State to rant them. By this means one-half f the time and annoyance to the Lei'lature will be obviated. The safety of the republic rests getly upon the judiciary. It has ben said too that the greatest dan ger to this country is the transgres sion of the Federal iudicay A ut this we have rothing to do. but we may learn a lesson from it. The j udi ciary should be well guarded. See that it is placed on so high a pinnacle that it will remain spotless so no one can dishonor or disorace it. It seems to me that it would & best for the peo ple to .elect the judges. This has proved a blessing in a majority of cases where it has been tried. As our county courtsare at present constituted they are almost a farce. They are expensive and fail to meet the requirements of the people. With counties large enough to support them (and counties should not be too small) monthly county courts with juridic tion to send convicts directly to the chain-gang would give justice and at the same time as good roads as can be found in the world. The question of educatio-: is the most serious one to deal with. It is of more importance than the suffrage, be cause by education our best citizens are obtained. The beginning of a citi zen is made at home but after lie leaves it for the school, the schoolmas ter becomes the most important per sonage in the government. The hap piest people are those educated. See that to the masses is preserved the privilege of education. Ifigher educa tion is as important as common school. One is a part of the other. A common school education makes a demand for higher and it is your duty to support institutions of higher learnin-. See that no lights are put out. Ratlier see tlfat more- are established. The great mass of the people will never quarrel over taxation for education because they know they will derive a direct benefit. Tnere must be some educational qualification for the suffrage if white supremacy is to be preserved. Only intelligence must rule and itis no injus tice to the black man to have such a qualitication. We must do our duty in this matter. Let not the censure of foreigners and aliens affect you in performing this duty. You have ex perienced what ignorant rule means. On this question there should be no factional differences and he who does not deprecate such is unworthy to stand in this hall. Fix it as in your judgment appears wisest, but fix it so that the blessing of white supremacy may be enjoyed by your wives and children. Guard well the suffrage. It is expected of you by the outside world. Some provision must be made to protect the people .against the en croachments of corporate wealth against a plutocracy. Corporations in South Carolina are becomiug power ful. Your laws offer special induc ments for them to operate in the State and while you owe a duty to them you owe it to the people as well. The people in our factories are not anarch ists, socialists or foreigners, but are native born. You should see to it that in their poverty they are not op pressed. Whether a special officer should be appointed to look after this is to be considered and I think the small salary he would be paid would be fully compensated for by the good he would accomplish. Esnecially should some provisions be made against corrupt influences in elections. In municipalities there is generally courruption and dishonest means used in elections. It is your duty to see that municipalities have as honest and fair elections as you have in your State elections. C With these reflections I leave the uestions with you, asking your par on for giving you my opinmons. I give them to you as a duty and not to influence you. Looking at the per sonnel of the convention no man can say the people have not acted wisely in sending .you here. A lmighty God send you wisdom and imbue you with justice and moderation. Let your work go forth not as the work of a faction, but as coming from the soveeignty of the State around which all can untie and say "this is our con stitution" and then yo.u will receive the "well done faithful servants" of the whole people. ORGAN~IZATION REs!2tED. The work of electing permanent of ficers was resumed and the following were nominated for reading clerk: G. Walt. Whitman, of Union; A. H. Dagnall of Darlington and J. S. Withers of Chester. The three took turns at reading portions of the pres ent constitution. By a viva voce vote Mr. Dagnall was elected, receiving S4 votesto Whitmans' 11 and Withers 54. Gov. Sheppard reported what the special committee on committees had agreed upon. It was to this effect: In order to expedite the business of the convention the President is authorized to appoint standing committees, con sisting of eleven members each, on the following subjects, and said commit tees shall report to the convention on matters referred to them: Declaration of Rights; Legislative; Executive; Ju diciary: Jurisprudence; Eminent Do main; Impeachments; Right of Suf frage; Finance and Taxation; Educa tion; Charitable and Penal Institu tions; Municipalities and Police; Cor porations; Militia; Printing; County and County Governments; Amend ments to the Constitution; Engrossed Resolutions and Ordinances; Current Accounts and Expenses; Miscellane os Matters, and, also, a committee on rules to~ consist of five mem bers, of which the President shall be exofficio a member. The re port was adopted, and the following committees appointed : Deelaration of Rights-J. L. M. Ir b, chairman; J. E. Ellerbe, J. 0. B-d, J. F. Cantey, J. M.-. Sullivan, . H. Timmerman. Geo. S. Mower, Geo. Von Kolnitz, F. P. Taylor,. W. T. Bobo, W. R. Singletary. Legislative Department-J.A.Sligh, chairman; John C. Sheppard, B. B. McWhite, S. E. White, H. B. Buist, W. L. Rosborough, J. N. PTarrott, T. M. Gilland, Geo. D. Tillman, G. W. Gg, J. D. McDermott. IExecutive-C. M. Efird, chairman; J. Walter Gray, M. P. Howell, J. C. Klugh, L. S. Connor, J. N. Estridge, J. T. Douglass,R. D. Lee, A. J. Smith, G. W. Ragsdale, J. H. Scarborough. Judicial-Stanyarne Wilson, chair man; Robert Aldrich, J. E. Breazeale, Geo. Johnstone,L. W. Bowman, Theo. G. Barker W. 0. McGowan, C. L. Winkler, '0. H. Peake, G. W. Gage, W. J. Stribling. Jurisprudence-G. Duncan Bellin er, chairman; E. J. Dennis, Frank h. Gary, A. S. Farrow, C. H. P~eake, R. D. Lee, J. Lyles Glenn, NV. M. Fitch, J. C. Klugh, T. I. Rogers, George Johnstone. Eminent Domain-D. HI. Russell, chairman; H. H. Murray, J. F. Ashe, Geo, P. McKagin, Jos. Oliver, C. H. Peake, J. B. Dent, F. P. Woodward, E. J. Kennedy, D. J. Bradham, John Reed. Impeachment-M. R. Cooper, chair man; J. T. Hay, G. J. Graham, R. P. tnachu, . L. hnler, .T. A. Mc Dermott, E. H. Houser, A. S. Waters, Geo. Von Kolnitz, G. W. Ragsdale, R. B. Anderson. Rights of Sutfrage-B. R. Tillman. chairman: A. H. Patterson. J. P. K. Bryan, R. H. Hodges. C. W. Garris. D. J. Bradham, 11. J. Haynsworth, L. E. Harris, W. C. McGowan,C.J.C. Hutson, M. 0. Rowland. Finance and Taxation-W. D. Ev ans, chairman: G. E. Prince, W. J. Talbert, J. P. Derham. J. H. Whar ton. F. P. Woodward, Jos. L. Keitt, 0. R. Lowman, T. J. Cunningham,C. A. Barry. E. J. Dennis. Education---Julian Mitchell, chair man: R. B. Watson. E. H. Houser,R. L. Gunter. Geo. S. Mower, H. C. Pat ton, A. H: Patterson. John J. McMa han. T. I. Rogers. E. L. Lybrand, E. J. Kennedy. Charitable and Penal Institutions W. J. Gooding,chairman.J. P. Glenn, T. J. Cumminghan, 0. M. Boyle. H. G. Burn, WN. T. Bowen. .1. IL Read, J. M. Sprotts, Sheppard Nash, W. S. Gamble, Jeremiah Smith. Municipal Corporations and Police Regulations--D. S. Henderson, chair man: W. C. SmithW. F. Clayton, J. N. Nathans. W. A. Nicholson, G. G. Wells, Wilie Jones, J, D. Montgome ry, J. T. Hay, J. Perry Glenn, R. A. Meares. Corporations- J. W. Stokes, chair man; G. D. Bellinger, ,1. L. Shuler, W. 1. Wilson. Geo. ). Bates, L. E. Parler, Ira B.-.Jones, J. ). Montgome ry, Hugh Barton, Jeremiah Smith, 1'. E. Dudley. Militia-J1. W. Flovd. chairman: J. C. Otts, J. B. Wiggins, Jos. Oliver, D. H. Behre. .1. P. Derham. (. R". Low man. A. J. Smith, .f. W. Gray, Rob ert Smalls, Sheppard Nash, Printing-R. R.Hemphilchairma n: D. 11. Bebre, W. F. Clayton, John B. Dent, .. W. Hainel. Contingent Accounts and Expenses W. F. Field, chairman: A. H. White, W. A. Nicholson. J. N. Nathans, R. L. Gunter. R. C. McMakin, H. B. Buist, E. P. Taylor. J. L. Keitt, W. M. Fitch, J. J. McMahan. Amendnients--J. B. Morrison,chair man: J. M. Hiers. N. .1, Perritt, G. J. Graham, A- S. XVaters, J. S. Brice&R. F. McCaslan, E. F. Matthews, I- 0. Atkinson, R. M. McCown. W. J. Whipper. Miscellaneous Matters---John T. Sloan, chairman:W. H. Timmerman, W. E. Carver, J. C. Alexander T. W. Brice, A. IL DeHay, V. St. J. Jer vey, A. I. White, James Wigg, R.F. Smith, E. H. Berry. County Government--J. T. Austin. chairman: Geo. D. Tillman, F. B. Gar-, E. H. Redfearn, A. K. Smoak, T. P. Johnson, J. W. Kennedy, J. 0. A. Moore, J. C. Otts, A. J. Harr-ison, R. R. Stackhouse. Engrossed Resolutions and Ordi nances-W. J. Montgomery, chair man; R. M. McCown, Wim. Hender son, A. S. Farrow, M. P. HIowell, I. W. Bowman, T. E. Dudley, H. H. Murray, L. E. Parler, T. 'X. Gilland, Thomas Miller. Order, Style and Revision--T. B. Fraser, chairman; B. R. Tillman, Stanyarne Wilson, C. M. Efird, J W. Stokes, Julian Mitchell, D.. S. Hender son, J. L. M. Irby, Robt. A ldrich, C. J. C. Hutson, J. E. Ellerbe.. I. H. Mc Calla, R. R. Hemphill, Ff. Cowper Patton, W. J. Gooding. Rules-J. G. Evans, ex-otlicio; Ira B. Jones, J. C. Sheppard, C. W. Gar ris, J. E. Breazeale. SECOND DAY. CoLUMBIA, S. C., Sept. 11.--The sec ond day's sesson of the convention started ~off with a rush and a great deal of business was gotten into shape for action when the proper time comes. Twe principal features of the- day were the refusal of the convention to increase their salaries to $4 per diem; the appointment of various commit tees and the infroduction of a number of measures which their advocates wotild like to see incorporated in the organic law of the State. The convention was called to order a few minutes after 11 o'clock and the session was opened with prayer by Rev. J. C. Abney. President Evans then announced the appointment of the standing commit tee. President Evans also announced the following appointment: Assistant C lerk, P. L. Melton; Jour nal Clerk, J. T. Gantt; Doorkeeper, R. M. Jo>11y; Assistant Doorkeeper, JosepWithe on; Gallery Door keeper, WV. J.Shelton; Postal Clerk, E. P. Jenkins , Pages--Glenn Smith, Joseph Robinson, J. B. Hugrhes, Drafts Caughman, J. W. Mc6'alla, U. R. Brooks, Jr. After a number of routine resolu tions were adopted a number of ordian ces were introduced which were re ikred to the proper committees. The question as to whether the mem bers should not take the Constitution al oath was next brought up by Mr. Ragsdatde, of Fairfield, who was of the opinion that it was necesary in order to make the action of the con vention legal and binding. After much discussion the matter was refer ed to the judiciary committee, which decided that it was not neccessary for any oath to be administrated to the members of the convention. Mr. Prince of Anderson in~troduced a resolution to the effect that the con vention form no new counties, but de termine: what there area and other conditions shall be and allow the Legislature to act. Mr. Pince said the objsect of the resolution was to relieve the convention of the importuities of delegation from counties waiting new court houses. A number of such. dele gations are here and the question ought to be settled art once. If we go into the new county matter we may as well prepared to stay here until Christmas. After debate the mother was referred to the proper committee. The proposition to elect a chaplain was voted down, and the president of the convention was requested to make arrangements for prayer at the open ing of the session. A resolution that Mr. Calvo be elect ed torinter for the convention was vot ed dlown, and the matter referr-ed to the committee on printing. After a running debate it was re solved that for the present the conven tion would meet at 12 and adjourn at 3 o'clock. The body then adjourned for the day. THIRD DAY. Comm~Ia, S. C., Sept. 13.-The convention was only in session an hour and a half yesterday. After transacting routine business the con vention was called on to consider a complete constitution for the State, which was offered by Col. Robt. Al drich, of Barnwell. It covers every subject in the present constitution and makes some very radical and sweeping changes. Among other things his plan provides for the election of mem VOTED IT I)OWN. THE MEMBERS OF THE CONVENTION NO SALARY GRABBERS. A Motiou to Increase the Pay of the Mem bers from Two to Four Dolars Voted Down by a Handsome Majority. COL.mBIA, S. C., Sept. 12.-One of the livliest and most interesting de bates during the session of the Consti tutional Convention so far occurred yesterday when the members refused by a larae majority to pay themselves four dollars per diem instead of two, the amount fixed by the Legislature. The subject was brought up by the introduction of the following resolu tion which was offered by Ex-Gov. Sheppard: Resolved, That the members of this convention shall receive as compensa tion two dollars a day during the ses sions of the convention and fve cents per mile for each mile traveled com ing to and returning from the conven tion. It was moved that the resolution be referred to the proper committee, but Mr-. Sheppard insisted on its immedi ate consideration, holding that there ought not to be any delay about it. Tae Legislature in its wisdom had fixed the salary of members and he thought they were to accept it wheth er they thought it was enough or not. lie facetiously remarked that the con vention would have a chance at Legis lators salaries and might return the compliment, but he thought the mat ter could be disposed of as well now as at any other time. Mr. George Johnstone said that we did not know yet what the expenses of the convention would be. The appro priation may or may not be adequate, but so far as our own compensation is concerned we owe it to ourselves to speak out now. We ought to accept the decision of the Legislature. Mr. Breazeale didnt think the reso lution carried out the terms of the Act of the Legislature, but Mr. Sheppard said it was in the identical words. The immediate consideration of the resolution was then ordered by a vote of 116, the negative vote being so small it was not counted. ECONOMY RULES. The discussion of the subject w as continued at some length, but in the end the $2 people won. Mr. Rogers of Marlboro, while con sidering economy a good thing, thought $2 was entirely inadequate and he didn't believe in that sort of economy. He moved to amend the resolution by making the per diem $4 and he believed that was little enough. Mr, Clayton moved to lay that mo ti6n on the table as the members were morally, if not legally, bound by the action of the Legislature. He with drew the motion temporarily in order to:permit other members to express their views. Mr. H. C. Burn walked into the middle aisle and made a roasing speech in favor of $2 althoug-h he thought it was not enough. He did not think the Legislature had any right to bind the convention, but it was a patriotic duty to abide by the result as the people expected them to get only $2 per day. He considered L'at the Legislature had got too "big gity" in arrogating to itself the power to bind the sovereign people of the State, and although $2 would make them stay in cheap boarding _houses, yet from patriotism he was willing to accept it. His remark were loudly applauded, IAt this point Col. Aldrich moved that as no rules had been agreed upon that for the present a motion to lay over shall not act to cut off debate. Mr. Ellerbe said that last winter he had not favored the $2 salary, but it was passed by the Legislature ared the ppropriation for the expnses of the onvention was made on tht basis ani t should not be changed. He believ ~d hat if members got $4 per day it ould have a tendency to prolong the ession, whereas if they only got $2 hey would hurry up with the work hey had to do. Mr. McCalla of Abbeville favored conomy, but he didn't believe that $2 as enough and he didn't believe the people wanted them to serve without amo their expenses paid. Mr."P'rince of Anderson said while the convention was in no way bound y Lecislative action, he thought $2 houI be accepted because the people xpected it. Let the convention fix the salary at $2 simply because the eople expected it to do so. Mfr. Rogers again speakingr to the ubject said that he did not believe the cnvention to be either legrally or mor lly bound by the action of the Legis lature,, but this thing of $2 per diem~ as setting a race to carry economy to n extreme that made it ridiculous. his cry of economy had served dema gogues in years past and he was will-1 ing to fix the salary at such a figure as 1 o rid the State of this demagogism. e believed that the people were wil, ing to pay fair salaries. Lieutenant Governor Timmermian said that the Legislature only made the suggestion as to0 $2 and he thought this body was willing to make sacri lees for the common good of the peo ple. He thought members owed it to] heselves to pursue a wise and just policy and accept the $2 per diem. Mr. Berry said that when members cepted the position of delegates they< did it under a tacit contract that they( ccept the $2 per diem. Members] should not involve themselves in an ] nconsistency by accepting $4 when 1 they were here to make a constitution so that the administration of the gov ernment could be economically done in the future. Senator Watson of Edgefield said< that $4 wouldn't pay a business man to< quit his business and come here. We are here as patriots, he said, and he hoped that a $4 per diem would not < be insisted upon. He could get good board here for $5 per~ week-just as ood as at home. He hoped the Leg-2 ~slature of the future would not de-< niand more than $3 per day.< Ho0w THEY VOTEI). There were several calls for the question and the ayes and nays were ] emanded and resulted as follows: Ayes-Gov. Evans, Aldrich, Alex- ( ander, Ashe, Atkinson, Bates, Berry, ] 3owen, Bowman, Bradham,Breazeale, t Brice, J. S., Brice, T. W., Bryan, < Buist, Burn, Byrd, Cantey, Carver, < layton, Cooper, Dennis, Dent, Der- t ham, Doyle, Efird, Eillerbee, Estridge, Evans, Field, Floyd, Fraser, Gamble, I Garris, Gary, Gill and, Glenn, Good ing, Graham, Gray, Gu~nter, Hamel, t Harris, Harrison, Ylay, Haynsworth, a enderson, D. S., Henderson, W, E Henry, Hiers. Hlodges, Hutson, Irby, < Johnstone, Jones, ira B., Jones,'Wilie, eitt, Kennedy, J. W., Lee,Lowmnan, Mahan. McWhite, Matthews, Meares, Mitchell, Morrison, Mower, Nash, Na thans, Nicholson, Oliver, Otts. Parler. Pattersou, Patton, Peake, Prince, Bags dale, Roseborough. Rowland, Russell, Sheppard, Shuler, Singletary, Sloan, Smith, A. J., R. F.. J., W. C..Smoak, Stackheuse, Stokes, Stribling, Sulli van, Talbert, Tillman, G. D. and B. R., Timmerman, Watson, Wells, Wharton, White, A. H. and S. E., Wiggins, Wilson, Stahyarne and W. B.. Winkler-109. Nays-Anderson, Austin, Barker, Barry, Bobo. DeHay, Dudley, Far row, Fitch, Gage, Glenn, Hemphill, Eowell, Jervey, Johnson, Kennedy. E. F., Klugh, McCalla, McCaslan, McGowan, McMakin. Montgomery, J. D. and W. J.. Murray, Parrott, Per rtte, Read, Redfearn, Rogers, Scar borough. Sligh, Smalis, Taylor, Von Kolnitz,Waters,WiggWoodward -39. CROP REPORT. Figures Showing the State of Cotton in Different Section:. WAs-HINTo%, SepL 11.-The Sep tember cotton crop report for the De partment of Agriculture shows a de cline from the A ugust condition of the crop, whi.:h was 77.9 to 70.8 per cent., s.decline of 7.1 per cent This makes the lowest condition since ISSI, when it was reported at 70 percent. The next lowest since 1881 was the condition of 1893 when it stood for the same month at 73.3 Cotton suf fered severely during the month of August from the drought which char a(rterized the early part of the month and excessive rain which succeeded. The presence of boll worms has work ed great injury by shedding aid rust. TIhe causes mentioned by Texas cor respondents for the deteioration in lhat State are as follows: Drought, hot weather, floods, boll worms, sharp shooters, Mexican weevil, caterpillers., army worms and weeds. There is a striking unanimity in the pressimistic tone adopted by corres pondents throughout all of the cotton raising States. The State averages are as follows: Virgina 84, North Carolina 79, South Carolina S1, Georgia 81, Frorida 79, Alabama 74, Mississippi 77, Louis ana 75, Texas 56, Arkansas 79, Ten nessee 76, Kentucky 85. THE WEEKLY BULLETIN. The following is the weekly weath er crop bulletin issued by the weather bureau: South Carolina-Hot and dry week; growing of cotton practically stopped, bolls opening rapidly and picking general except in the western portions ?ew boll worms reported. Georgia-Favorable week for crops and farm work; rainfall scattered, but generally suflicient; cotton opening rapidly and packing becoming gener al, except in most northerly counties; s1edding and rusting still reported. but no insects. Florida-Rainfall deficient and week favorable for harvesting; cotton still ravaged by rust; is generally in uasatisfactory condition it is opening rapidly on highlands. Alabama-Temperature high and showers frequent, though conditions more favorable for cotton than for some time past; lower crop of cotton opening rapidly and picking becom ing general but slow on account of damage by worms, rust and rot; top crop backwar. Mississippi-No material improve ments in condition of cotton. Pairs green and other stuff being successful y used in some section to check rav ages of worms and other insect pests. Louisiana-Week hot and sunshiny with showers on the third but on ly scattered showers since; opening rapidly and picking general; some damage from worms; poisoning con tinues. Texas-The weather has been favor able for cotton picking, which has progressed rapidly; worms and other isects are damgmg cotton in some localites; rain is needed for late cot ton. Arkansas- Condition of cotton re mains unchanged except in northeast section, where it has improved ; com plaints of rust, shedding and boll worm has appeared in localities; cot Ion opening fast and picking will be :ome general within two weeks. Tennessee--Drought in extreme western portions seriously affected otton. ________ BLOWN TO DEATH. I Horrible Accident to Soldiers in Louis. villec. LOU IsVILLE, Ky., Sept. 11.-Four nembers of Louisville Legion were nstantly killed this morning, by the ~xlosion of ammunition in the cais on of thegun which was being driven *o Phoenix Hill for service in connec- t ion whith the G.- A. R. parade. 1 The victims were Corporal A. L. lobinson, 2233 Gravson street: ( rivate C. Woods, 10'31 Vine; Private L. McBride, 425 West Chestnut.< illiam Adams colored driver. The oldiers killed where members of bat ery A., and belonged to a section of ;ix in charge of one of the guns. Capt. )avis Castlemen was in command. he four unfortunate men were seat d on the cassion. Sergt. Fred. Conn Ld Private E. M. Hobbs were injur-3 d though not very seriously.c jonn's left hand was lacerated and t eft eye and face, powder burned.( iobbs's back was sprained, eye brows >urned and eye slighted injured. Both I .e suffering from the shock. Anothery nember of the battery, whose name ise tot yet learned, is reported missing. japt.~ Davis Castlemnan who was in,~ harge, was riding at the side of the( .etel. He escaped injury. s The contained sixty pounds of pow- c er, enough to fire forty rounds. Thet auseof the accident is inexplicable. z he report that one of the men was ( moking, i~s denied by Capt. Cast~e- s aan. Capt. Castleman said it was one t f those unfortunate accidents that t annot be guarded against. The ac ident happened about 5:51 o'clock. s ~he battery section was proceeding to s 'hoenix Hill, to fire forty salutes in tonor of the G. A. R., and had reach- .ti d a point between the Avery and c all residences for Broadway, be- t3 ween Third and Fourth, when the ac- a ident occured. The legion hospital a orps was notified and hastened to the cene. Gov, John Young 13rown ras stopping with Major George B3.i aston was asleep in bed. The explo- ja ion stanned him, and it was some a ime bafore he revived. is. Easton p ras in the bath room at the time. o ihe sa v the f1ash, and was knocked a ' her' feet by the explosion. Shle c: ras badly stunned, but as soon as she o ras brought around, began minister d THE NEW CONSTITUTION. SOME OF THE PROPOSITIONS THAT HAVE BEEN SUBMITTED. The Regulation of the Suffrage- The Ad. mission of New Countles--A New Jur3 System--Municipal Elections and DL vorce. COLU3BIA, Sept. 11.-Here are thE important propositions that have beer offered for the serious consideratior of the people of South Carolina, through its delegates in the conven tion. The most important of the batch sutmitted comes from Senator Efird, one of the recognized Reform leaders of the State. It was Mr. Efird who introduced the Convention bill in the! Senate. His plan of regulating the suffrage is as follows. THE RIGHT OF SUFFRAGE. St etion 1. All elections shall be by ballot. Sec: ion 2. Every male citizen of thE United States and every male persor of foreign birth who has lawfully ex pressed his intention of becoming s citizen of the United States, who ha. attained the age of 21 years and wh< shall have resided in the State foi three years and in the county and pre cinct in which he offers to vote for twc years next preceding the election al which he offers to vote, and who shal] have paid all State and county and poll taxes legally assessed against him for the two years next preceding the election at which he offers to vote, within the time allowed by law foi payment without penalty, shall bE permitted to vote at any e'ection in this State, provided such elector, as v further qualification, possesses either one of the following qualifications: First. lIe shall be able to readin the English language, and give a reason able interpsetation to any section of this Constitution, or Second. He shall be able to copy it a legible English writing any section of this Constitution. Third. Or he must pay taxes or three hundred dollars worth of prop erty, real or personal, or both. Fourth. Or he must own in fee sim ple for life, in trust, or as tenant for years, a lot or piece of land in th< county in which he offers to vote. Fifth. He must have been entitled to vote under the laws of this State on the 1st day of November, A. D. 1860. Section 3. It shall be the duty of thE Legislature from time to time to pro vide for the registration of electors, and such registration shall be conclu sive evidence to all election officers, Judges and Courts of the qualifica tions of the electors to vote under this Constitution. Section 4. The General Assembly shall never pass any law that will de prive any of the citizens of the right of suffrage, except for treason, mur der, burglary, larceny, perjury, forg ery or any other infamous crime or duelling, whereof the person shall have been duly tried and convicted, excepting as also above provided in this article; also the following classes of persons shall not be allowed to vote in this State: 1. Persons under 21 years of age. 2. Idiots, lunatics. 3. All paupers supported by any county. 4. All soldiers, mariners and sea men employed in the service of the army or navy of the United States. Section 4. For te purpose of voting no person shall be deemed to have lost his residence by reason of absence while employed in the service of the United States, nor while engaged upon the waters of this State or the Unmted States or of the high seas, nor while temporarilly absent from the State. Section 5. No soldier, seamen or marine in the army or navy of the United S-:ates shall be deemed a resi dent of this State in consequence of having' been stationed therein. Section 6. Electors shall in aleases, except treason, felony or breach of the peace, be privileg-ed from arrest and civil process durmng their attendance at elections and in going to and re turning from the same. Section 7. Everyr person entitled to vote at any election shall be eligible to any office which now is, or hereaf ter shall be, elective by the people in the county where he shall have resid Id two years previous to such election, except as otherwise provided in this onstitution or the Constitution and laws of the United States. Section 9. Presidential electors shall be elected by the people. Section 1'). In all elections held by ;he people under this Constitution the aerson or persons who shall receive ;he highest number of votes shall be leclared elected. NEw COUNTIES AND) CoURTs. Mr. Efird, of Lexington, also offered Sresolution which will prove vital to hose who have new county schemes mder way. The resolution also deals vith the county otlicers and County Turts. The resolution reads: Section 1. Each county shall form >n election district. *Section 2. The present boundaries >f the counties of the States shall re uain as now established until other vise provided by law. Section :3. In each county shall be lected by the qualified electors thereof, in the first Tuesday after the first dionday in November, A. D. 1896, and n the same day in every fourth year hereafter, a clerk of the Court of Xmmon Pleas and General Sessions, sherit, a county Judge, who shall old their of lices for the term of four ears and until their successors are lected and qualified, and such other flicers as many be provided by law. Section 4. -The clerk of the Court of ommon Pleas and General Sessions hall, by virtue of his onfice, be the lerk of all other Courts of record held herein, but the G-eneral Assembly say provide that the Judge of the k-unty Court be his own clerk. The aid clerk shall also be ex-officio regis er of mesne conveyance for his coun v unless otherwise provided by law. Section 5. The General Assembly hall prescribe the duties and compen ation of all county officers. Section 6. In case of death, resigna oor removal of any county oflicer, r of a vacancy from any other cause, die Governor shall appoint some suit ble person to fill out the unexpired Irm. Section 7. The re shall be established 1 each county a Cot'uty Court, with irisdiction in all matters testamentary nd of administration, in business ap ertaining to minors and the allotment f dower, in cases of idiocy and lunacy nd persons non coimpos mentis, in all riminal misdemeanors, in all matters f contract, debt, fines, forfeitures and amages, when the amount involved in all actions for die partition of real estate only, in actions between land lord and tenant when the title to the land is not in dispute and such other matters as the General Assembly may designate: Provided, that this Court shail not have jurisdiction in actions involving the title to real estate. Section 8. That a sufficient number of committing magistrates may be ap pointed by the Governor in each for the convenience of the citizens in hav ing criminals apprehended and com mitted for trial. Section 9. The General Assembly shall provide by general law for or ganizing new counties, locating the county seats temporarily and chang ing county lines. But no new county shall be formed unless it shall contain within the limits thereof property of the valuation $2,000,000, as shown by last preceding tax returns, and not then unless the remaining portion of the old county or counties shall each contain property of at least $3,000,000 of assessable valuation by the last as sessment; and no county shall be or ganized, nor shall any'organized coun ty be so reduced as to contain less than one-sixtieth part of the inhabitants of the whole State, both to be determined by the last national or State census, and in case any portion of an organized county or counties is stricken off to form a new county shall assume and be holden for an equitable proportion of the indebtedness of county or coun ties so reduced. No county shall be devided unless a majority of the quali fied electors of the territory proposed to be cut off shall vote in favor of such division. Section 10. No new county shall be formed of less than five hundred square miles; nor shall any organized county be reduced in area bilow five hundred square miles and no county lines shall be run nearer any existing Court House than ten miles. Mr. D. S. Henderson, of Aiken, comes to the Convention with a num ber of prepared resolutions, which will be the most important among all the resolutions to be submitted to that body. To-day he offered the following re solutions: A NEW JURY SYSTEM by which the numbersof j en and their votes are to be change: Be it resolved and ordained by the people of the State of South Carolina in Convention assembled and by the authority of the same, That the follow ing provisions shall constitute Section -of Article-of the Constitution of this State: In the Court of General Sessions there shall be a grand ju and such petit or trial juries as the neral As sembly shall direct; the grand 'ury shall consist of eighteen memb twelve of whom must agree on a mat ter before it can be submitted to the Court. Each petit or trial jury in the General Sessionsshall consist of twelve men, all of whom must agree to a ver dict or it shall not be binding. In the Court of Common Pleas the juries shall each consist of twelve men and a verdict shall be good if agreed to by nine members thereof. The term of the grand juries shall be for one ear and the General As sembly shall provide that at least one third of the members of the outgoig grand jwy shall be members of the in coming grand jury: Each juror must be a voter qualified under the provi sions of this Constitution. between the ages of 21 and 65 years 'and men of good moral character. THE3IATITER OF DIVORCE by which the door to plural marriage is left slightly ajar. Be it resolved and ordained by the pole of the State of South Carohn, in Cnvention assembled, and by the authority of the same, That the follow ing provision shall constitute Section -of Article-of the Constitution of this State:. Divorces from the bonds of matri mony shall not be allowed but by the judgment of a Court rendered upon the verdict of a jury, and no divorce shall be granted except for adultery, and the guilty party shall not be per mitted to marry agamn. This, Mr. Henderson thinks, will suit the demand of Carolina for all time. MXUNICIPAL ELECTIONS. Be it resolved and ordained by the pole of the State of South Carolina in Cnvention assembled and by the authority of the same, That the follow ing provisions shall constitute Section -of Article-of the Constitution of this State: Section 1. In all elections held by the people in incorporated cities, towns and villages of the State for officers thereof electors shall vote by ballot and every male inhabitant of such cities, towns or village 21 years of age and upwards, except idiots, inane persons and paupers, and who shall have been a resident of the State for twelve months and of the city, town or village in which he offers to vote for six months, and of the voting pre cinct or ward for one month, and who has never been convicted of treason, murder, robbery, duelling, bribery, bura-lary, arson, obtaining money or go~ under false pretence, perjury, farceny, embezzlemenit2 forgery or bigamy, and who shall oe able to read any article of this Constitution, or any section of the Statutes of this State, and who can write his own name, or who, in his own right, shall be possess ed of taxable property in such city, town or village of the value of one thouand dollars as appears on the tax books, and who have paid all of his taxes to said city, town or vlilage, shall be deemed qualified as a voter and on registering as provided by.law shall be entitled to vote at all elections by the people for the officers in such city, town or village. Section 2. That in all elections in incorporated cities, towns and villages of this State for the purpose of bonding the same, or for raising revenue, the voters of said cities, towns or villages who are quzali fied accordinvr to the preceding section and are realI estate owners in such cities, towns and villages, or author ized agents of real estate owners there :>f, shall be deemed qualified to vote in such elections.. Section 3. The General Assembly shall provide by law for the registra tion of all electors or persons qualified to vote in the elections to be held in incorporated cities1 towns and, villages and suitable remedies by appeal or oth rwise shall be provided for the cor rection of improper registration and for securing registration to any who may be improperly denied, and no pr son shall be allowed to vote who shl not have regist.ered according to law; registration by the pro~ officer is hereby declared a conion prere quisite to the exercise of the suffrage