Xll. MANNING, S. C., WEI)NESDAY, JUNE 16, 1897. NO. 4
A TAX ON RAW COTTO.
SOUTH'S STAPLE PRODUCT PLACFC
ON THE DUTIABLE LIST.
Bacon of Georgia, Eepouibie for the N v
Departure, Assisted by Clay, T1h1msU.
McLaurin, McEnerv and Rawiirs-31ocb
Feeling Manifested io the Debate.
By the decisive vote of 12 to 19 the
Senate Wednesday adopted an amend I
ment to the tariff bill placing raw co.
ton, the great product of the South,
on the dutiable list at 20 per cent. ad.
valorem. It is the first time in the
history of taritF legislation that a duty
on cotton has been incorporated in a
bill The amendment was proposed
by Mr. Bacon (Dem.. Ga.,) on his in
dividual responsibility, and without
the approval of the finance committee,
which thus far has been requisite to
the success of every amendment, ex
cept a minor one which went through
by default.
The amencdment led to a spirited de
bate, Demccratic Senators disclosing
a wide difference of views and at times
exchanging sharp personal criticisms.
On the tinal vote six Democrats-Ba
con and Clay of Georgia, McEaery of
Louisiana, McLaurin and Tillman of
South Carolina and Rawlins of Utah
-voted with the Republicans for the
Bacon amendment, while the negative
vote was solidly D-'mocratic with one
exception-Kyle (Pop)
The debate on cotton took up the
most of the day,and but little progress
was made on the bill. Early in the
day the sugar schedule was passed
over and the agricultural schedule
taken up. Less than two pages were
disposed of during the day. The pir
agraph on cattle went over, but the
balance of the agricultural schedule,
up to and including paragraph 22$.
was agreed to as reported, all amend
ments except that of Mr. Bacon being
rejected.
When the tariff bill was taken up
at 12:20 p. m., Mr. Allison of Iowa
requested that the sugar schedule be
passed, stating that it would be con
sidered tomorrow. The agricultural
schedule being next in order, a num
ber of amendments were offered by
Democratic Senators, but all were re
jected until Mr. Bacon offered his
amendment,to be known as paragraph
225k, placing a duty of 20 per cent. ad
valorem on raw cotton. Mr. Bacon
said the omission of this article from
the dutiable list was a violation of the
principles of the Democratic platform
that tariff taxation should be so im
posed as to discriminate against no
section. The tariff as a whole fell
like a dead weight on the producer c f
cotton, raising the price of all articl s
essential to his use, yet on his article
of production, raw cotton, he was left
in the lurch. Last '-ear the statistics
showed that 55,000,000 pounds of cot
ton were imported into the United
States, valued at $5,000,000. The ar
rivals of foreign cotton were increas
ing constantly. Mr. Bacon said he
addressed himself particularly to his
Democratic associates. Why should
cotton be excluded from the benefits
of a revenue duty if all other agricul
tural products were to have the benefit
of such duties? Under the rule of
consistency, there should be a unani
mous vote in favor of a duty on cot
ton.
Mr. Platt, of Connecticut, who was
in charge of the bill pending Mr. Alii
son's absence, indicated a readiness
for a vote favorable to the amend -
ment, and Mr. Chandler (Rep. N. H )
added: "We are just dying to support
the Senator's amendment."
Mr. Chilton (Dem. Tex ) said the
amendment would not raise t be price
of cotton. According to the Georgia
Senator (Bacon), there would be no
diminution of the importation of
Egyptian cotton, so that the only ef
fect would be giving additional reve
nue on cotton, without taking away
the competition from foreign cotton.
Mr. Chilton said it was impossible
to increase the price of cotton by a
tariff so long as it was necessary to
find a market for the surplus of Ame
rican cotton, as was now the case, in
Liverpool or in any cother foreigu
market. It was with cotton as with
wheat-the foreign price would fix the
domestic price. Hence the only result
would be to increase the price 01 cot
ton goods.
Mr. Vest said the amendment would
be adopted, as it was in the line of in
creased rates of duty, and would re
ceive Republican support for that rea
son, and because it was calculated to
cause dissension in the Democratic
party. He claimed that the a ddition
of the 20 per cent. provided would
supply that amount to the finished
rreduct. He took issue with Mr, Ba
con on the contention that the amend
inent was in line with the plttform
1dopted at Chicago. "If," he said, "I
-'ad thought the platform meant w nat
he Senator from Georgia says it does
t would not have touched it any
taore than I would have touched a
attlesnake knowing there was no1
.hiskey within a hundred miles. Go-d
elp us if the ne w evangelism is to
revaii !" He expressed surprise at
[fr. Bacon's staten ent that the cotton
~anufacturer needed assistance. H'
- id it had generally been understood
mat the cotton manufacturers were
sceptionally prosperous.
In conclusion Mr. Vest said that he
ad, as a Southern Drmccrat. alway s
-inted with pride to the fact that cot
n was admitted free of duty, as
Lowing the Democratic cons istency
'supporting free raw materiAl.
!ence his disappointment that tis
Qendment should be proposed by a
>uthern Senator, as it -wojld justify
- .d open the way :or a duty on wool,
. mber and all other articles clase
raw material. *Itndeed," ne ex
iimed, "it leaves us naked, without
aument."
.'r. Jones of Arkansas also opposedP
e amendment, in an iucisive spee-ch.
-e agreed with Mr. Yest that the Re
blicans would support the amead
:nt in the hope of creating dissen
.a in the Democratic party, and ad
I that they would all support it for
a purpose of securing an excuse for
:reased compensaitory duties on cot
imanufactures. He argued :a
small importatiorss could not atie I
:price of the ent;re domiestic crop,
.1 said that the duty would only aod
the price of cotton gods. .
-ies said that the cotton growers
aid not be misled and deceived by
ropositioni so palpably ton as inis
Ir. Bacon answered oritly that if
,itiveness of asseruion ara vceem
:C were to control in this su->@ct,
a the Senator from Missouri (\ est)
ai have his views prevail. But
- Senate was a forum of argument,
i. no Senator was to be put down
the mere vehemence of the Senator
. n Missouri howeve long and em
iort his service rnieh be.
Mr. Bacn ecatue impatient at one
point over frequent interruptions, the
isst rne coming fromi Mr. Catfery. "I
Pik :he Senator has enouah to do to
nswer the questious addressed to nim
vesterd1 by the Senator from Massa
causetts as to sugar," answered Mr.
Bacon, sharply.
The Senator went on to say that the
objectionable feature of the tariff in
tlhe past had been its sectionalis'i and
its discrimination of one part of the
country against the other. But the
Democratic platform, recognizing a
revenue tariff. insisted that it be free
from sectional benefits and that there
be perfect equality in burden or in
benit. Thi was the only "new
evangel' to which the Senator from
Missouri had referred.
Mr. Gray asked if Mr. Bacon be
lieved in a tariff for revenue only.
Mr. Bacon answered that he believ
ed in a tariff "for revenue," but not
for a tariff "for revenue only." He
insisted that the tariff platform of the
Chicago convention did not contem
plate revenue duties which utterly ig
nored the question as to the justice or
injustice of the duties toward sections
or classes. He insisted that the fun
damental principle of the Democratic
party was to restrict the tariff to reve
nue purposes and imposing it for that
purpose to give equal benefits and
equal burdens to all sections.
In closing Mr. Bacon referred to the
statement that his tariff views were
shaped by the interests of his own
State. He was not, he said, indiffer
ent to the fact that his people might be
benefitted or injured by the chiracter
of the rates imposed. As it was re
cognized that the country was to have
a revenue tariff bill, he intended to
see to it that his State received an
equal share of its benefits, for, in the
words of the Bible, the man who does
not care for his own household is
worse than an infidel.
Mr. Stewart of Nevada created
amusement by dec'aring that the hair
splitting and distinctions between a
revenue tariff and a protective tariff
was all "tweedledee and tweedledum."
de had followed this subject for thir
ty years, and he did not understand,
this new language relating to the tar
iff. The Georgia Senator (Bacon) was
right, Mr. Stewart said, in seeing that
his State should receive the same ben
efits as other sections. "What are we
here for?" asked for Mr. Stewart, ve
bemertly.
"To get the office," suggested some
Senator, jocularly, in a stage whisper.
"No, not all of us," continued Mr.
Stewart. 'We are here to represent
our constituents and see that oar States
have eqal rights under the tariff and
ail other laws." Mr. Stewart insisted
that it was time the raw materials of
the South and West received equal
benefits with the manufactured pro
ducs of New England.
The discussion had evidently arous
d much feeling among Senators, and
this was given expression too soon af
ter Mr Caffery began to speak. He
said the position of Mr. B Icon had
been clearly exposed as one of the
voidable to protection for interests of
his own State, with revenue as a mere
tacidint.
-'How about sugar?" inquired Mr.
Bacon, mockingly.
Very deliberately, Mr. Caffery an
swered: "The Senator declined to an
swer my question, and now I decline,
peremptorily, to yield."
"I accept that status between us,"
answered Mr. Bacon.
"You made the status yourself,"
said Mr. Caffery.
"It is a very great deprivation,"
continued Mr. Bacon, in mocking
tones, "but I will endeavor to bear it
with equinimity."
Mr. Caffery was soon interrupted
with another inquiiry as to the sagar
this time fromn Mri. McLaurin (Demn.,
S. C.) The galleries were much
amused, and Mr. Caffery said: "I. see
that the bad precedents set by the
Senator from Massachusetts (soar) to
put me in a hole is being followed by
my associates on this side of the
enmber."
Tne vote was taken on Mr. Bacon's
amendment placing raw cotton in the
bill at 20 per cent. ad valorem. There
was great interest ini the vote, as it be
came evident that Republican Sena
tors were voting in the affirmative.
It resulted: Yeas 42, nays 19.
Paragraphs 226 and 228, inclusive
(macaroni, oats and oatmeal,) were
agreed to as reported.
When the rice paragraph (229) was
reached, Mr. Allen (Pop. Neb.) took
occasion to speak sarcastically of the
differences among Democratic S na
tors as to what constituted Democratic
doctrine. These Senators, he said,
should go into caucus and endeavor to
arrange some line of action on which
they could proceed together. Through
out this discussion the tendency on the
Democratic side, he said, was to aban
don the tents of Democracy and adopt
the plan of "Every man for himself
and the devil take the bindmost."
Mr. Allison stated that the House
rates on rice would be retained, out
that pa.agraph went over without fi
nal actioQ.
At 5:20 the Senate went into execu
tive session and soon after adjourned.
A Farmer's Da~y.
The Washington correspondent of
The Columbia State speaiting of put
ing 20 per c-mt duty on cotton says it
was a farmer's day. The tax ameud
ment wakened a spirited and acrinio
alous da-cussion on the Democratic
side. T iere were crimination and re
*.rimnaion, bold assertion, and
promn Pt atd vig'orous denials. For in
s:ance, Jones of Arkansas said cotton
is portatioris to this country were coa.
dued to E.:ypt. Senator McLurin
promnptly denied this, a&serting tijat
i.0000 pounds of short staple cotton
;as imported last year from Mexico.
He also pointed out the danger of in
ce'ased importaticus fromn tnat cottn
tr;. Later on in tae debate n~e calied
Gailton of Texas, aad Vest of Missou
ri down in their stateut as to the
cLracter of Ezy ptian cotton, showiug
snt i s free importation was dists
tr-ous to the upland or Allen long sta
cie i. Scuth .Carolina. W hen first
iported, he said, the Ezyptian cot
a - w-s used as a sulstit.ute for long
-api- iU making finie thread. Of late
er thas been extended to the man
aare of the c arser yarns, wnich
e*rm used in mnakinig cotton w arp and
A oelen goods, to the exclusion of tne
AlP a luna stcaple. Itis almost imapos
sibe, he said 1o distinguish the two
stpls. but the use of the paupe
made Ezyptiau cotton is driving the
uptarna conoo farmer in South Uaro
una out of the ousiness. Throughout
the discussion Senmator McLturin prov
ed himself a ready an~d wemiequipped
debater. The adoption of th~e Bacon
amendment by a vote of as to 19
showed the utter futility of further
SOAP FOR THE TRU:T.
The Republicans Taking Care of the Cam
paign Fund Raisers.
The first test vote.on the sugar sched
ule was taken in the senate late Friday,
resulting in the adoption of the Re
publican caucus amendment, chang
ine the house rate to 1.95 per pound,
by the close vote of yeas 32, nays 30.
The affirmative vote was made up of
29 Republicans and one Democrat,
McEaery of Louisiana; Silver Repub
lican Jones of Nebraska and one Pop
ulist, Stewart of Nevada. The nega
tive vote was made up of 25 Demo
crats, three Populists and t io silver
Republicans. It was the closest vote
thus far taken on an issue of import
ance and was accepted as showing
that any amendment having the sanc
tion of the caucus, was assured of
adoption. The vote was taken after
a day spent in speeches on the effect
of the sugar schedule. The main
speech of the day came from Mr. Alli
son, in charge of the bill, and was in
the nature of an answer to the charges
ni. de against the sugar schedule as a
wiole, and a defense of it. Mr Gor
man of Maryland spoke against the
schedule and the entire bill, pointing
out that its effect was to burden the
people without opening up to us new
foreign markets. Mr. White reviewed
the record of the Republican senators
on the sugar schedule during the de
nate on the Wilson bill, arraigning
them for inconsistency. Mr. Caffery
of Louisiana and Mr. Stewart of Neva
da also spoke, the former against and
the latter for the pending schedule,
after which the vote was taken. Tne
first paragraph of the sugar schedule
was not finally disposed of up to the
time of adjournment. In defending
the bill Mr. Allison pointed out the
change in the condition since 1S45
when sugar earned a duty of 30 peri
cent. In those days, in the days of
his boyhood, very little pure white
sugar was seen. Now, no sugar came
on the table of rich or poor that had
not gone through some process of re
fining. The reilaing industry of this
country was entitled to some protec
tion. He then explained the house
and senate schedules.
"Do you believe in protection to la
bor or to capital?" interposed Mr. Till
man of South Carolina.
"That is a generality," replied Mr.
Allison, "to which the senator well
knows my answer. I believe in pro
tection to American labor, but I be
lieve in protecting American capital
fro a foreign capital."
"Mr. Havemeyer in his tes'.imony."
said Mr. Tillman, "said that only
25,000 men were engaged in the sugar
refinery industry. Yet you propose to
give the refiners a differential which
amounts to between $10,000,000 and
$20,000,000 for the protection of 25,000
men."
It was the policy of this bill, said
Mr. Allison, to do what Europe had
done-establish the production of su
gar in this country and keep the $100.
000,000 annually paid for sugar by
our people, at home. Were it not for
that he would advocate a revenue duty
of 40 or 45 per cent. Recalling the
criticism of the Republicans for their
abandonment of the bounty system,
Mr. Allison said that system had been
adopted to encourage the sugar indus
try,. It had failed, first, perhaps, be-.
cause of the rapid and unexpected
strides made in both the beet and cane
growths, and second, because the
Democratic party decided to do noth
ing to encourage the system. This
was an agricultural industry. The
schedule would su:.ceed or fail, as it
succeeded or failed to establish the
beet sugar industry in this country.
The schedule might not be arranged
precisely as it should be, but i~t was
confessedly within a fraction of other
schedules. If senators on the other
side could sho w that there was an in
justice he would, he said, try to deal
with it in a spirit of justice.
Mr. Hoar of Massachusetts called
attention to the fact that the transfer
of the sugar industry to foreign coun
tries would take from the United
States the large agricultural industry
in beets and cane.
Mr. Berry of Arkansas reverted to
the containatinlg iniflaience of the su
gar trust, and urged that the senate,
by its vote, put an end to the scandels
surrounding this subject.' Now was
the opportunity, he Qeclared, for the
Republican senators to make good
their professions of four years ago
against the trusts.
Mr. Stewart said that he did not ex
pect this tariff bili to afford any mate
rial relief to tne country, as there was
a cancer of financial contraction which
was eating at the vitals of the coun
try. The senator a-:ed that he was
for the bill because he wanted the peo
ple to know it could not bring pros
prity "any more ttnan a bread an~d
nlik poulhice could bring prosperity."
Mr. Caffery replied briefly to Mi.
Allson. Tne vote was taken amid
great expectation, resulting, yea-. 32,
an '30, as follows:
Fes-Aliison, Burrows, Carter, Cul
lomn, Davis. Deboe, Eikins, Fair banks,
Foraker, Frye, Gallinger, Hlanna,
Hnsborugh, Hawley, Hoar, Joss
f Nevada, Mclride, McEnery, Mc
Tili-in, Mason, Nelson, Perkias,
Vlat of Coun- cuieut, Pritchard, Proc
tor, Se sail, Shoup, Spooner, sLewart,
Wehngton, Wetmfore and Wilson
Nays-Bacon, Bate, Berry, Butler,
Cary, Uniiton, Glay, Cockrell, .Jan
e, Faulkner, Gorman, U-ray, Heit
:eld, Jones of Arkansas, K3 le, Lind
sa, Maulory, Mantle, Mills, Mi~enell,
Mran, Pasco, Pettigresv, Pettu~s,
iamn anid W ilte-30.
An Original Packsg-, store Opened.
Tne Cnariesrton correspondent of the,
Caium bia Regisier says the drt-s "orig
al ipaesage" econ~isument was opeai
d in t.rat city WYeanesday, at the c-r
r of Meeting and Maraet Streai, by.
Welbrook Bros. Tne firm wiLl onis~
s -1 a case as a whole, and wil not
venture for the present to break a
cse. The constaoulary are weli aware
fnat tne Welibrock Bros. had received
a stoek of liquors, but say tha. t'-e
uct not intenU to seize them as tous' as
the cases were not broken. The lies?
are very car'dai and are feeling th-i
Wa'- along. They will Lot seui half
pints unui they are assairea in is not:
against tne la4s. Weilbrock Bros. are
said to represent S. Caugenheiater &
Co. of Savannah. It is reported that
another 'origmtal package" store wdl~i
be opened on King strat tomorro w.
I Wull Know ihtter.
That Jersey farmer who tied a calf
to his bicycle and tried to lead the ani
mai in that fashion will kno w better by
the Lime the hospitai surgeons are;
through with him.
TILLMAN TALKS TARIFF.
FAVORS AN EXPORT BOUNTY ON AG
RICULTURAL PRODUCTS.
The South Carolina Senator Makes a Esd
Hot Speech and Criticises His Democra'
ic "Iarlif for Revenue Only' A -cc ait.s
In the United States Senate on Tues
day while the tariff bill was up for
consideration Senator Tillman took
the floor on the pending amendment
of Mr. Cannon of Utah providing an
export bounty on agricultural pro
ducts. He said he desired the atten
tion of his associates, and as the at
tendance was meagre he noted the ab
sence of a quorum. The call disclosed
fifty-four Senators present. nine' more
than a quorum, and Mr. Tillman pro
ceeded. He said the tariff debate had
disclosed a nebulous condition in the
minds of Senators. The Republican
Senators sat quietly, apparently con
trolled by the caucus, refusing to dis
cuss the iniquities of the bill and
unanimously voting for action in be
half of trusts and monopolies.
"On the other hand," proceeded Mr.
Tillman, "the Democrats are in a pe
riod of transition. They don't know
where they are at. The older, more
experienced, proclaim their allegiance
to the old time-honored doctrines.
We had an impasssioned speech yes
terday (by Mr. Mills) in behalf of the
Walker tariff principles, brought for
ward at this late day as Democratic
doctrine. Secession, nullification and
other issues which have passed out of
the minds of men might as well be
brought here. The tariff is merely a
question of policy as to how the gov
ernment will raise its revenue. I say
without hesitation it is to the best in
terest of the American people that the
articles consumed by our people should
be produced by our people. If that is
Republican doctrine well and good.
If that is not Democratic doctrine, it
ought to be-"
Mr. Tillman went on to show that
diversified industries gave diversified
means of labor. As to the farmers. the
need was not for more farmers, but for
a tariff which no longer would rob the
farmers we have. The farmers stood,
his skinny, bony hand outstretched,
asking this export bounty to overcome
the roboery of the present system; and
yet Senators sat in stony silence, ex
pecting this idiotic farmer, with the
mortgage gnawing on his home, not
to know that they refuse to give him
relief. Mr. Tillman vehemently
pledged his word to his colleagues
that they would not deceive the farm
ers, and that :he nine million follow
ers of the plow "will settle with you
at the ballot box." Referring to any
bill not giving adequate relief to far
mers, Mr. Tillman exclaimed: "I am
prepared to throw some rocks that will
stagger some of you men."
Tne Senator analyzed the extent of
agricultural interests throughout the
country, iacluding the South-"the
Ishmaelite, the section that has had
no rights since the war." While that
section had labored under the ban of
secession, paying billions as a result
of its attempt to secede, it was still
face to face with the demand of the
borseleach, cryir-g more, more, more.
This section and the agricultural in
terests always had been at the mercy
of tariff bills which found their gene
sis in the benefits conferred on New
England.
As Mr. Tillman spoke the galleries
filled in anticipation of a lively time.
While speaking with his usual vehe
mence of voice and gesture, the Sena
tor adopted an argumentative style,
to show that the farmers were receiv
ing the burdens, without the benefits.
of the tariff. When he referred at one
point to the Chicago platform declara
tion on the tariff, he brought Mr. Vest
to his feet in explanation. He voted
in the Chicago convention amid great
er uproar and confusion, said Mr.
Vest, for the long and in part nebu
lous platform. He never knew, until
it had come out, that the word "only"
had been left out of the declaration
for a " tariff far revenue."
"If I had known it," proceeded Mr.
Vest, "I would have risen in my place
and moved to insert it, for it is the
creed of the Democratic party. And
I believe a maj rity of that conven
tion did not know of the omission, as
all our attention was concentrated on
the money issue.'
Proceeding, Mr. Tillman turned to
his Democratic associates and said they
now had a chance, with the votes of a
few Republican Senators '-not oast to
all sense 0: shame and decency," to
give some measure of relief to the far
mers. They would receive little or no
benefit from the duty on the cotton
and cereals. They asked for bread and
were given a stone. They asked for
some relief and Democratic senators
set un a mummy and labelled it a
'tariff for revenue only."
'Great God! such Democraevy!" ex
claimed Mr. Tillman, witn dramatic
eiipnlasis.
"Democratic Senators had spoken
of a new evangel," ne said, "and had
twitted him and others of leading the
Dmocratic p irty ir to the Re a blican
esmnp. Taese Senators, instead of of
feriug the cardinal Democratic princi
pies of quality, gave the sodom apple
of "tariff for revenue only" to tneir
constituents.
" Y1u are holding the telescope with
the big end to your eyes," dec-lared
air. Tillman,addressiug his -associates,
"and at tue little end you s-e the le
gend, 'Tariff for revenue only,' in
.tead of taiat great doet~rme of Danc
racy. 'Equat rights for all, and spec
al privilt ges for none"
In conclusion, the Senator said he
belevea in securing for the Soutu as
many beLnefits as possible. Hle arraix:
eu Repubolcan Scuators for the mr~e
g adues of their I-islation a.nd for;
- eeping Cuoa unner the heel u
WNeyier." T!ey ciaimned, he said, to
be folowers of Lincola, "but y ou are
unworthy to tie tne shoe-utenes of
tiat great man." The Democriatic
~Senators claimetd to be followers 0:
Jhfrson, while they were abandon
.g Jetferson's cardinal principle o:
equal rights to the people.
After the Canuon amndment b-ad
seen further debated by Mr. Ailen ol
Neraska, Mr. Pe.rkius and Mr. Una-I
?cn, a vote was taken Ou it.
The atlirrmative was given by Mes
srs. Allen, Butler. Stewart, Harris anid
Heitield, Poputlists; Cannou. Mantle
and t::ttigrew, Silver Republicans;
Roach and Tillman, Democrats. Mir.
illman announced tnlAt his coueas e,
Mr. McLaurin, would nave voted for
the amendment.
This closed the consideration of the
cereal paragraphs of the agricultural
schedule, and Mr. Allison, in charge
of the bill, asked that the further con
sideriation of the agricultural schedule
be postponed, and that the Rciate go'
back to the s'izar scoedule. There
was no oppcsitioi. and the Senate
th- reupon Entered o pon the consider
ation of tie sugsr scha-cule.
COMP" ROLLER GENERAL DEFIED.
The Si -krg Fund Agent Will Proceed to
Act in Past Due Taxes.
The attention of County Supervis
ors and Sheriffs in the State is respect
fully called to the subjoined opinion
of the Attorney General on the Act of
1892 and 1896, regarding tax claims
past due and unpaid for twelve months
As traveling agent for the Sinking
Fund Commission, I am personally
charged with the execution of the law
under these Acts. under their imme
diate directon. In this special work
I have had, and still have, the most
violent opposition of the Comptroller
General of the State, which has result
ed seriously in the hinderance of the
prosecution of my duties under the
law. It has transpired that county
treasurers and sheriffs, who are under
the direction of the Comptroller Gen
eral, have continuously since the pas
sage of the Act of 1896 in many of the
counties in total disregard of the law,
proceeded to collect and are still col
lecting past due tax claims which,
under tnese Acts, are made assets of
the State in charge of the Commis
sioners of the Sinking Fund, collecta
ble only by them. This the Attorney
General says they have no authority
to de. This flagrant violation of the
law is attended with serious results,
and as they come in conflict with my
duties affecting my individual work
and interest of the State, it becomes
me to speak in my own defense.
If I am to continue to be the agent
of the Sinking Fund Commission, to
execute these Acts, this state of things
shall not continue. The Comptroller
General and county officers haveno
right to disregard the laws of the
State and move in their official capac
itr in absolute violation to them. The
purpose of this communication is to
put county treasurers and sheriffs in
nr'ice that any further violation of
t:.e let of 1896 will be promptly re
rnorted to the Attorney General under
;.ffidavit as official misconduct or
etbererise for such action against
such officers as the law directs, as
suggested in the said opirien that the
interests of the State may be protected
and the laws of the State respected and
executed. I regret the necessity of
this communication, but I see no way
to avoid it.
The Comptroller General has been
urged and entreated for a year and a
half tostop this unlawful proceeding.
He has declined to do it and sustains
it, and as I see it, is responsible for
the whole of it. This opinion of the
Attornev General has been obtained
and published for the information and
guidance for the the county treasurers
and sheriffs. The Comptroller Ga
eral has been requested by the Gover
nor to conform to it, and issue in
structions to the county officers accor
dingly. He has not done so, but on
the other hard has published in an
interview with a newspaper reporter
that the opinion does not effect him;
thai be is opposed to tue ia,. The ef
fect of this interview unor his subordi
nates cannot be mistaken. "A word
to the wise is sufficient," so that there
is nothing left now but to take issue
and the consequences. I will not be
obstructed longer in my lawful, offi
ial duty to the damage of the State's
interests.
The public taxpayer may as well
take notice that when taxes are past
due and unpaid for twelve moths their
collection by county treasurers and
sheriffs is unlawful. Consequently
such collection does not discharge the
State's lien for taxes and in all such
cases which have been paid to the
county treasurers and sheriffs since
the passage of the Act of 1896, the
property is still subject to the State's
lien, which cannot be discharged ex
cept by the Commissioners of the
Sinking Fund.
I do not intend to be harsh in this
announcement, but only to be under
stood. The Act of 1896 is doing im
mense good, and it is here to stay.
The originator of this law-one of the
soundest j irists in the State, now
judge, has said that "it will never be
repealed." No committee of the
Legislature has recommended its re
peal, and none ever wilL. The law
will be enforced.
N. W. BROOKER,
Travelling Agent Forfeited Lands.
A Slick swindler.
A special dispatch from Greenville
to the Columbia Register says a slick
swindler, calling himsel? W. G. Har
ris.has been doing the towns in North
Carolina and upper South Carolina
He is passing along as drummer for a
Baltimore drug house and fancy gro
cery. He registered at Greenville
Saurday and applied to several livery
stables for teams, getting one from
W\yatts stable and at tne same time
getting a draf t cashed for $22.50. He
weot to Easley from Greenville. In
Easley he got the bank for $30, the
Wyatts at thast place for $95 and a
drummer for a railway ticket book
rith coupons for 800) miles. He then
boarded a train for Atlanta. Mr. Doby
of Greenville, N C., and Kerr of
Rock Hill were here hot on Harris's
rack. He played the draft game in
otti those cities. Harris is a polished
s windlr.
Five Hundred Perish.
Meogre parti. ulars have reached
this counvy by late steamers of a dis
sier 'hic-a b-s-11l the tisher aao
''u aaC ciulazo, otT tae coast of
to. O~ i' M.ay 6th, when all, or at
ou Onl the fishjie baiiis, a terrible
des. u-u. O0 the several i'un
d d ocats out at th timne, very few
eturcea', and it is es::mated that
s.,:ne tire nundred men lost their
lies.- Th?e sto.rm was one of those
udden ones fLr whien. the coast of
?ghi4 is noted, and the ashnermea had
uochance to seek shelter. Their
tight~ boats were smasted to atoms
a--d they' were left to tight a hopeless
attle '-ith thie merciless waves. Tue
sormi s vept over ti] entire archipela
go, w.'.:ea extends across the mouth
of iLacaowv Bay on the eastern coasi.
ofti..a. Seer l-ar-e jaaks were
lost, liu which scores perished.
Th man' bkspneary i~eointIon.
The &2ate judiciamry crunmittee has
e->nid-red tiue resalation of Senator
Tiel nan conc'erning the $uth Caroli
ca Dispensary decision by J->!ge Si
m-ntonU. WXnile no deiinite c-)u
sion has been reached, the opinion in
the ecmmnittee was that Saun Caroli
na had recourse, first by app eal to the
Cou:t of Apueals, and then by appeal
to the Supreme Court. In committee,1
the opinion was expressed individual
ly by many members that the decision
might be reversd in the higher courts
PLEADING FOR HAMPTON.
Tillman, McLanrin, Latimer and Stokes
Working for the Old Hero:
The Washington correspondent of
the News and Courier says Gen. Wade
Hampton is to retain the office of com
missioner of railroads until he recov
ers his health, notwithstanding the
political pressure of Gen. Longstreet
and his friends to secure his removal.
Just before the President left the
White House Thursday to start for
Nashville he received a visit from Sena
tors Tillman and McLaurin. and Rep
resentatives Latimer and Stokes. of
the South Carolina delegation. They
called to urge the President to retain
Gen. Hampton in office.
Owing to the political complications
in South Carolina it happens that
every member of the delegation was
politically and personally hostile to
Gen. Hampton. They are not even
on speaking terms with the great cav
ah'y general of the late Confederacy.
It therefore occasoned considerable
surprise and comment in the South
Carolina colony when it became
known that Senator Tillman had
headed a delegation to go to the White
House in behalf of his old political
enemy, Gen. Hampton. Senator Till
man and McLaurin informed the Pre
sident that they called in the interest
of Gen. Hampton, without his knowl
edge. without solicitation from any of
his friends. They appreciate the fact
that Gen. Hampton is old and feeble,
and that he is an historical figure in
the State of South Carolina. In the
circumstances They felt justified in re
uesting the President to reappoint
him, if possible, or to retain him in
service until he recovers from his pres
ent indisDosition.
Presidei t McKinley received the
South Carolina Congressmen with his
usual courtesy, and heard all they
had to say about Gen. Hampton. In
repry, he said he could not promise to
reappoint Gen. Hampton at this time,
although it might have been possible
had the request been made in the same
pray at an early period in the present
administration. He assurred the dele
zation that he had no intention of re
moving Gen. Hampton at present, but
proposed to c-ntinue his services un
til he has ample opoortunity to recover
his badly shattered health. The Presi
sent said hp understood that Gen.
Hampton contemplated taking a long
trip to California and other parts of
the country. with the hope of benefit
ing his health. In the meantime no
:bange in the railroad commissioner
hip will be made. The President
further expressed the hope that this
assurance would relieve the General
iea his friends from further anxiety
)n the subject, and assisr. in restoring
aim to health.
This is very discouraging informa
don to Gen. Longstreet, of Georgia,
who is also old and infirm, who is said
;o have a positive promise of the place
Is soon as Gen. Homptcn retires.
there are several other aspirants for
the place, but the friends of Longstreet
nsist that he has first claim upon the
President's consideration, as soon as a
racancy is created. Gen. Longstreet
will hare to wait until Gen. Wade
8apanton recovers from his present
ndisposition before there will be a
:hangs in the office of commissioner of
railroads.
To South Carolinians and to politi
ans generally, who are familiar with
;he relations that existed for years be
;ween Gen. Hamnption and the faction
opresented by the callers to day, tne
nit is of deep interest. In 1890, when
3enator Tillman was elected Governor
>f South Carolina, after one of the
ost bitter campaigns ever known in
;he South, an intensely hostile feeling
mtween Governor Tiliman and (?en.
Esmpton, then Senator, was aroused,
-esulting in the defeat of Senator
Eampton for re-election, and the elec
;ion, by Tillman's efforts, of Senator
I. L. M. Irby. The hositily between
jen. Hampton and Governor Till
nan was further increased by the bit
;er attacks which Governor Tillman
md his faction made upon Ex-Presi
ent Cleveland at the Chicago Con
nention of 1892, Gen. Hampton be
ng a warm supporter of President
1eveland. There has never been a
-econciliation of any kind between
'illmana and Gen. Hamption, and the
isit to the President today was a
~raceful act upon the part of the
South Carolinians.
Senator Tillman and President Mc
inley are on wonderfully good
;erms for men of such wide divergence
f views, Senator McL turin is highly
-egarded by the President.
The Toad.
Its great value to the pomologist
md gardener has been fully establish-i
id, on account of its destroying in
ect~s, especially those inj arioas to
regetation. We should, therefore,
:altivate its friendship and assistance
is well as that of birds. E -ery tidy
sousewife detests the cockroach and
>ner vermin. T wo or three domnesti
ated toads will keep the coast clear of
hese. The toad is passessed of a tim
d and retiring nature, loving dark<
and shady places, but under kindi
~reatment becomes quite tame. Many I
.stance are cited 'of pet toads re<
naiig several years ini families and i
cing valuable service. All that ik
2ecessary to secure their co operation,
.ndoor or out, is to provide them cool I
mnd safe retreats by day, couveniect I
ccess to water, and Lfney go forth to
le performance of their noc-turnal
uties " withoiut money and vitacu:
~rice." In Europe toads are carr:edJ
o the cities to m~trket, and are par
baed by the horrcai.tuaits, who
hir aid are enabled to ke-to in check
.he muilipileationi of the irsset It-s1
which prey upon t wir :ruit~s. etc.
in Fall Blast.
The Charleston correspondent of ther
Dolumbia R .gister says the tiit "oi
nal packa~ge store" for selling liquor I
.n this State under the prov:sfous ..
;he recent decision of Judge Simn ow
tae United SLtte Court was openL:I
;here Tnursd y J. 8. Finku ssoun, as
gent of a Nev X ork tirm, mLpor9O
se thousand cass of liquor, via the
Diy de L'ne stea'n-rs. Tne goods were
au~ed inrougu tne streets, srnd, with
>? bein~g moh sted by the State con
itaoh s, were lodged in a store room
>n iut street, thle city's leading
noroufare. Tile estabaishment was
>ped at once and began seiling li-I
oin original packages. It cou' in
a busiteess tbrouguout the day with
>ut trouble. Witnin the next fev'
ys seg'eral other similar estabiisha
:ents will be opened here. All the
tuf sold today was in gallon pacen
ges, but in a siort time packages eon
aining pints and half pints of liquor
will be placed on sale. Exactly what
action is to be taken by the dispensary I
uthorities in this conneotion is not;
WAS WARNED OF DEATH.
A Curione Story that Comes from Jacksor
ville, Florida.
A curious story has obtained a large
circulation in Jacksonville, Fla., re
garding the murder of Lieut. William
E Gruber of the Jacksonville policA
force, who was fcully murdered in
Springfield on May 2S. Gruber, who
was an unusally intelligent man, was
a firm believer in spiritualism. He
was converted to his belief under very
curious circumstan'es, as follows:
There is a man nameu H. A. L~ng
shore who has a small upholsteringes
tablishment at 715 West Bay street.
Longshore is a firm believer in spirit
ualism and seeing Gruber ia daily
on his rounds finally becam %: quaint
ed with the latter and in tiame tae two
became good friends. Longshore sub
sequently began to talk spiritualism
with Gruber, but at first the latter
pooh-pooed this belief, but Langshore
seemed so earnest and conscientious
that finally one day, when Longshore
asked G ruber to come to a -seance,"
as a spirit named Dan Crowley was
continually asking for him (Gruber),
that the latter finally decided to go to
the seance and investigate. At this
meeting, which was held at the house
of a Mrs. Buchanan, near the corner
of Adams and Catherine streets, Gru
ber came away very much impressed.
What affected him more was the fact
that at ->ne of these seanes a spirit mes
sage was received from a little daugh
ter who lad died nearly 21 years ago.
This link of communication between
4ruber and his dead child made a
profound impression on Gruber, and
it was known among his friends and
the police force that the lieutenant
sed to go frequently to Mrs. Buchan
in's, and from a skeptic became a
arm and enthusiastic believer in
piritualism. So strong was Lieuten
ant Gruber's faith in this belief that
be frequently consulted the spirits in
regard to certain murders, noidble
among which were the George, Gato
and Soringdeld baby murders. N)w
here cimes a remarkable state-nent
which is absolutely vouched for by
ertain people. On Friday before
Lieut. Gruber was killed, Gruber and
ongshore paid a visit to Mrs. Buchan
n's to attend a "seance." At that
'seance'' were several other people.
During the evening Gruber asked some
ylestions of the medium, regarding
ne Gato murder, and was told oy the
nedium, who was in a trance, that if
3ruber wished to find the pistol taat
vas used in the Gato murder, it could
e found in the woods in Springteld,
2ear the place where he was killed.
Ihe spirits, however, warned Gruber,
that they saw danger ahead." and to
e very careful, and not to cro on tne
usst alone, and besides 'keep cut of
ne bushes,'and the spirit mysteriously
tinted that somebody was desircus of,
mnocking him in the head. This possi
)le chance, as Gruber believed to
ind the pistol, and thereby obtain
t clue to the murderer of Miss Gate
nade a deep impressioa on the
.ater, and he agreed with L->ngshore
or the two to get out togetner on the
ight of Thursday, April 28;h, but on
Wednesday night, April 27th, Gru
ter concluded to go out and investi
;ate on his own hook, and it was on
Wednesday night that he came to his
ntimely end. These partictuars
were not obtained from Langshore,
yut from a friend of Gruber's. Long
hore refuses to talk about the matter.
By Explosion of Fire Works.
A match carelessly dropped by one
f the vorkamen in the fire works fac
;ory of M. Shure, at the corner cf
WTesi: VanBuren and Halsted streets,
Jhicago, caused a terrific explosion
Wednesday night It was shortly af -
;er the closing time of the factory and
many of the workmen had gone home,
yther wise the loss of life must nave
seen very heavy. As it was a number
f the employees were badly hurt and
hie flying rockets and candles struck
everal people who were passing on
~treet cars and on the sidewalks. The
orce of the explosion was s> great
hat nearly all the windows in the
lock were demolished, and the Sharue
uilding, which is a four story struct
re was badly damaged. Immediately
ollowing the explosion trie building
was ablaze from cellar to roof and the
ire department had a desperate strug
gle bef,>re it succeeded in extinguish.
.ng the fiames. The building was al
nost entirely destroyed by the fire,
lowever, and such portions of the
.arge stock of fire works as had not
yeen scattered throughout the neigh
yorhood by the explosion were des
;royed, causing a h-eavy 3oss. Tne ex
>losion caused a wild panic in that
>ortion of the city for a tiae. The
treets were crowded with people go
ng to their homes and the street cars
which passed the front of the building
:very minute were packed w'itn pas
;engers. The flying missiles struck
Snumber of people on the cars and
mne man who was gazing into a store
vindow fully 400 yarda aistant nad
is attention suddeuly attracted to.
ther matters by a rocket wnica hit
iim squarely in the back. He fell to
he siaewalk uncou.acious and was
:arried to tae hospital before he was
sole to give his namne. The maj rir
>f those injared nave receve d but
rilng hurts and will be arund~ with
n a day or two. The loss to the b:nid
og at~a contents is estimated at 90,
The Duty on Ice*
In the U i"-d 'Rates S aic ri
eduod sv w tsi-h ti oi.i wa
oer adiss-ion on the rice t pargra'
liis.,, in C tar e of the ili, wi'.2
tre.s ta;e cc-al '1te ameniments re C
ucirg the r'ous: ra-s, thus i"i'
rke out the enjtuet ri0s pare rap
wa substitute a new one ptcn
~icrmn auty of4) pe e .c valo
-. on ali grades I ric. Lv ' r
eted, yeass 19, usy . Fiv d -
sa and ..i:man., and ret- poa~
rotd wvih the republicar's in he iN g
aavce. TkXe rice parag~rap 'es ei.e:
~greed to as it crue ;r-.the hom
as W. S. Nicoson o. R. ,.< hill,1
.4b asts tha: ttus -as he tir3 aaie
e had ev -r been over 25 mnile froan
oaie U is :3s years ol and wa
h ei: Ult, eight il~es fro.m hisO bith
>ixe. Hie never rode on a trau un
it1 he was 21 y ears old, and last Octo
er s-as the first time he had ever seeni
mn elephanrt. He called in The State
lihce to tell the things he dida't know
mud was as proud of them as a grea.
nany are of the things they thins
Jay krnow.
WEATHER AND CROPS.
THE CONDITION OF SOUTH CAROLI
NA'S FARMING INTERESTS.
The Regular Weekly Bulletin of the
Weather Bureau Issued Monday by Di
rector Bauer-The General Outlook.
The following is the weekly bulletin
of the condition of the weather and
crops in this State issued last week by
State Observer Bauer:
TEMPERATURE.
The temperature during the past
week averaged about normal, and at
most places the range was not great,
the nights having been seasonably
warm and the days comfortably cooL
The average temperature for the
week, deduced from 52 weekly means,
was 76, and the normal for the same
period is approximately 75. The
highest was was 99 on the 4th at Gilli
sonville and the lowest 52 on the 1st.
at Liberty.
RAINFALL.
The week began with showers over
the northern counties. On Thursday
showery conditions again set in, and
continued during the remainder of the
week, reaching the coast section by
Saturday, The rains were fairly well
distributed, except that in the south
central counties a few places did not
receive enough rain, and in Chester
and portions of nearby counties there
was in places excessive rainfall. Lands
were badly wasned in portions of
Chester, Anderson. Fairfield, Lau
rens, Lexington, Union, Sumter and
Kershaw, with injury to fields of corn
and cotton. The smallest amount re
ported was 0 12 in. from Blackville,
the largest 3 14 from Pinopolis, while
the average of 54 measurements was
1.19 in.; the normal for this same
time being approximately 1.12. Twen
tv-one measurements of less than an
inch were reported ; 26 of from I to 2
inches; and seven with more than two
inches.
There was hail cn May 31 at many
pilac-s, and again on the 3d and 4th
from Laurens to - Horry, but with a
rew local and limited exceptions the
damage to crops was slight. There
were a few short but violent wind
storms but no injury of any materi
al importance resulted.
The sunsi;ne averaged about 52 per.
cent. of the possiole and was consiaer
ably below the normal for the season.
caops.
The past week was the most favora
ble one of the season and crops made
rapid growth. The ground is now in
excellent condition in respect to mois
ture except in portions of Oconee,
Pickens, Aiken, Eigefield, Lexing
ton, Bamberg, Barnwell. Orangeburg,
Colieton, Dorchester, Hampton and
Cnarieston counties, but even over
those counties many places had
enough rain, all the entire country
some, with probably good rains since
reports closed. Tne temperature has
been more favorable with generally
warmer nights and no excessive heat
during the day. Insect pests, too, are
not as active in doing damage to crops,
and the entire crop situation is repro
sented by correspondents as being ex
tremely favorable now and likely to
continue so for some time.
The condition of corn is not satis
factory over the entire State although
it L as made good progress lately.
Star ds are somewhnat broken on bot
tom lands where cut worms continue
to injure that that is just comning up
after replanting. In the eastern
counties corn is being "laid by"
and here and there fields are 'in
"'silk and tassels." Fields are gener
ally clean and mostly worked out.
Some bottoms yet to plant.
Cotton has made rapid advance and
is generally in fine growing condition,
althcugh small for the season. Stands
are reported nearly perfect over the
entire State, and chopping out has
made rapid progress where not previ
ously completed The plant looks
healthy and is but little infested by
lice or other harmful insects. Fields
are generaliy clear of grass, with very
few contrary reports. Squares, or
forms, are noted over the eastern and
central counties. Last year cotton
was blooming at this time.
Sea Island cotton being damaged by
dry weather retarded its gro wth.
So'ne peas have been planted this
week, but a number of correspondents
report seed scarce.
Tobacco has improved very muen
under the more favorable weather con
ditions which have prevailed and is
doing well. Worms prevalent in Ker
shaw.
Rice has generally a good stand al
though a few complaints as to poor
stand of late so wn were received.
Wheat is about ready to harvest
and promises a good average yield,
the rust seemingly has not injured it
to any considerable exte at.
Oats har:est is in progress or is com
pleted but the showery weather has not
favored this work. Fall oats are
.urnng out very well.
Transplanting s weet potato slips is
in ac-iye progress and is favored by
trke mnoist condition of the soil.
Pea..hes are ripening, but the com
enercia.l crop is not of the finest quali
ty. 0 .her peacnes are quite plentiful.
.irapes fruiting well but in some coun
,ies are rotting. Wild berries plentiful
*ardens are greatly improved and
vegt~Ales plentiful.
8quis;a bugs it jlring melon vines
in l&amberg county. Pastures reviv
The enatire crop situation is encour
Fr~nte 2aional bulletin of May
" ",e w' k has been unfavorable to
orn .ru to:'t the cor-n producing
sae b i cx ce e r or germination
ad gr , waii' rmplaints of poor
" ie m's uafaor-able reports on
sa~mcaefromQ No.rth Carolina
- d -:m eein~ the latter State a
onid i res will be planted mn
*. Li tuorthe'rn Texas the crop is
rm t wo ttiree weeks late. O'ver
s anTxas it is fruiting nicely
diseerally w5~eri cultvaad.
Twenpty five Catholic Monks were
:.ectly roas.d bh natives of the
Pniilioiaa Ianids, against whom
Spi snow condlucting a merciless
war In consequence of cruelties
practiced by the spanish troops on the
rebeh or those suspect ed of being in
sy mpathy with jme cause, the rebels in
raeege perpeateda ;cts of cruelty on
the help ies mentfls who came in their
*lutches. The customary mode of
re-asurng pigs in the island is stickihg
a ba~noo to a pig and tuen fastening
it to an iron, roa.sting it over a slow
dire. This was done to the monks, the
Oamboo being thtust thr-ough them
white they were naii