University of South Carolina Libraries
FEAMIN? THE CONSTITUTION. THE 8TATE CONVENTION M.AKK8 A GOOD BEGINNING. v ..I, ,. Governor Kvniu Wna r.'ltoecu Presi dent?He Make? Valuable Su?u?m tlons an to the Chanitcs Needed? The Members Get to Work Prompt ly The representatives of the people met in convention at Columbia on the 10th inst., for the purpoto uf revising and ohanging tbe orgauie law of the State. The members came together In an orderly and dignified munner, and with a profouud sense of the re sponsibility resting upon thorn. Tho Koglstor says that "in a task of so great and far reaching importance it is natural that every oiti/uu should ex hibit the de3pest concern, and some time before the convention was called to order the galleries began to b'O fill ed up with spectators. Tnoro wore a number of ladies present besides muuy gentlemen from this city and other parts of tho State. There was no ox oitement or enthusiasm displayed by members as they tiled to their svats. In fact, there was a kind of solemnity about tho whole assomblage which be token tho deep responsibility folt by them in tho work in which they were about to bo engaged. Men prominent in State and national polities took their places besides those not kuown to fame and apparently attracted no more attention than their ColettgUcs There appeared to bo no place: for anj hurrah, but only for solid, substantial work. To get a full view was :o s ?0 at onoe that tho delegates were a line, sturdy, sensible, patriotio sot of men. Thoy are men of keen intellect, and calm, sober judgment, and the people of the State can hold up the represen tatives in this con volition as the peer of any over assembled in the country for a similar purpose." On the speakor's desk stood a mag nificent pot of lovely ilowors tied with yellow ribbon, to which was attached a card bearing tho name of Mrs. Viola Neblett, tho vice president of tho South Carolina Equal Kights Associa tion. Hon. U. H. Tompkins, Secrotary of State, called tho convention to order, and declared that it was ready business. Stanyarno Wilson, of tip tanburg, said ho had the honor nominate as temporary chairman the convention, representing tho whole people of the State assembled for the purpose of framing its organiu law, one whoso eloquent voice, forceful pen and lofty abilities bad always been em ployed for tho welfare of he State, whoso groat heart borts in sympathy with the masses ol the people?Col. Robert Aldrich, of Barnwoll. No other nominations being made Col. Aldrich was unanimously elected. In taking thechair, Col. Aldrich made abrief speech. Ho deemed it a high hon or to bo connected with this august body in any particular, and ho desired to re turrvjuis hoartfolt thanks to tho mem bers for caning upon him to act in the capacity of temporary chairman. This was tho most important convention that had assembled in South Carolina for a century. It was indeed but the Becond time that tho people over as sembled to frumo an organio law for tho State. True, other so-oalled con stitutional conventions had boon called and hold, but this was really the only convention ever called to oxpress tho unrestrained will of tbo people. They had two couveutions which had adopted constitutions that wero noth ing more than acts of tho Legislature, for tho Legislaturo had onaoted oach of tbe constitutions, or rather ap proved of them. Thon thoro came tbe convention of 1790, of which ho would have moro to say. In 1800 thoy had tho convention which was called to pass tho act of secession and remodel the constitution according to the changed conditiou of things. Then they had the reconstruction conven tion in 1865, which was called by the military governor appointed by tho President, who had no moro power to appoint suoh a governor than any one else, and a convention was hold which had no more authority than any other assembly of people over had. Then there came tho convention of 18118. It was not held upou a call based upon any authority of tho people. One member of that convention hud said that there were only two fools in America who believed the body to bo a constitutional one. That convention was designed to humiliate South Caro lina's people, and to tho shame of South Carolina it must be said that her people, though having reclaimed tbe government, had consontod to live under the constitution then formed for eight* n years, but finally, to tho lasting h aor of tho people in South Carolina, thoy went to work a short time ago to give tho pooplo an organle law draughted by her own sons, whom you are. The convention of 1790 was a notable ono. The constitution was formed by the intelligence of the State, and under It came our period of greatest prosperity and development. It Is a constitution that is understood ; the courts have construed it; its pro visions have been expounded. Wo could not do bettor, If wo do nothing else, than to follow in the footsteps of our fathers who were in that conven tion. He again thanked tho conven tion for the honor conferred Upon him, and ho trusted that their labors would be so guided by the hand of the Al mighty, and honor would extend to tbe convention even into tho remotest period of history. Tho convention, he said, in conclusion, was ready to pro ceed with Its temporary organization. The enrollment of delegates was called for, but this was passed over to allow the appointment of two tempo rary secretaries suggested by Dr. Timmerman. Tho chairman appoint ed Mr. J. P. K. Bryan, of Charleston, and Col. WUie Jones, of Columbia. On motion of Congressman Wilson the list of delegates was read, as mado up, and deolarod to bo the roll of dele gates to the Convention. All tho dele gates, withibut few oxer ptlons, answer ed to their names when called. It was deoided to do away with the appointment of a committeoon creden tials, as there were no contests. THE PERMANENT ORGANIZATION. On motion of Stanyarno Wllsdn tho convention deoided to proceed with tho permanent organization. Ex-Governor Shoppard made his first appearance in the arena with a resolu tion thai they elect a president, two v leo-prcs ldo n ts, a secretary, a sergean t at-arms, and a reading clerk, each to be elected by a viva voce vote. This resolution was adopted. Mr. A. H. Patterson, of Barnwoll, too..- the floor, Haying that ho took great pleasure In placing in nomination, the namo of his excellency, Gov. John Gary Evans. Though young in years. Gov. Evans was most pooullarly fitted for tho position. His six years' ex Cerlonco in both the uppor und lower on ho of the General Assembly gave him particular qualifications for pre siding over the del liberat ions of this Important body. Ho referred also to Gov. Kvano as the fathor of the bill providing for tho calling of the con vention, and said that no man deserved more oredit than did he for tho calling of this convention. Ho had ehamplon ed the convention on the stump, and had (ought for it from first #o last. Congressman Talbert said that he desired on the part of the Edge field delegation, to second the nomination of Gov. Evans, who was eminently fitted to discharge the duties of presid ing officer. J. Walter Gray, of Green ville, also seconded the nomination. On motion of Mr. MoCown, of Floronco, it was decided to elect the president by acclamation. A rising vote was taken, and every one so far as could be s?en stood up save the colored delegates. When tho call was mado for those opposed to Gov. Evane' election to stand, tho famed old "Gullah Statesman," Robert SmallB, slowly rose in his seat and stood look ing unconcernedly around him for a few moments, much to the amusement of tho delegates and the spectators. Evans was declared elected " with a single exception " unanimously. A committee of three, consisting of Congressman Talbert, Speaker Jones and Mr. A. H. Patterson, was appoint ed to acquaint Gov. Evans with his olection and conduct him to the chair. Tho convention proceeded with tho permanent organization. Stanyarne Wilson nominated W. Jasper Talbort and Ira B. Jones for vice presidents, and they were unanimously elected. Mr. Wharton nominated S. W. Vance, of Laurens, for elerk, and he was olected by acclamation. Mr. N. H. Stansell. of Barnwoll, was ohosen scrgoant-at-arms. The special committee to escort Governor Evans, tho newly elected president of the convention, returned at this time, and the convention rose to receive the president. GOV. EVANS' ADDRESS. In assuming tho chat.*. Gov. Evans mado an address, in which he outlined some changes that he thought would be wise in our governmont. He spoke substantially as follows : Gontlemon of the Convention: I thank you for the honor conferred upon mo by elooting mo to proside over your deliberations. Under tho dif ferent forms of govorninent, a inonar chleal, despotic and republican, you re present hero today the sovereign power of the ropublic. To bo called upon, then, to preside over the sovereignty of South Carolina is indeed an honor of which any man can fool proud. I shall not review tho past history of our con ventions. That has already been ably dono by our temporary chairman. It only suffices for mo to say that this is the first time in tho history of your State that her sovereignty has been ropresonted directly by the pooplo, elected by tho power of tho ballot fairly and honestly used. Your re sponsibility is indeed great. They huve dologatod to you that sovereignty which 1b supreme, which can only bo reversed by the same methods hore employed. 1 foel that I shall give to you, and you will pardon me, my viows as to some of the measures whioh In my judgment you should handle. I do this because naturally as your presiding officer, I will be excluded from having a voice in your deliberations. I foel that I should call your attention to tho executive departmont. You are to say what power your oxooutivo shall have; what power you are to delegate to him. That power should bo well guarded ; It should bo restricted. Safeguards should bo thrown about him. We do not desire a monaroty, ncr do wo do si re a despotism. Bo careful and throw every safeguard around this power. Our present constitution was not trained by pcoplo who had the in terest of tho w hole pooplo of the State at heart, nor was It framed by tho in telligence of tho State. I would hero recall to your mind tho prophetic words of Gov. Orr on tho lloor of that convention that no constitution not constructed by the intelligence, of the State eould endure. We have como hore to blot out that constitution and make a constitution that will perpe tuate the rule of intelligence. Wo are not against any class of citizens. Wo are hero to sustain the republic. Virtue and patriotism is what sustains any government. Tho happiest people are the best educated pooplo. Therefore, you should ^preserve your educational in stitutions and suo that the masses are given the benefit of every educational advantage. There Is no way at present for the executive to remove or suspend dis honest or defaulting officials. The con stitution shou'd provide for the re moval of sueh officials, or at loast for their suspension by the goveruor till their oases can be investigated. Spec ify the offense and provide the punish ment. As to tho legislative departmont it is not necessary for mo to go far into that, for I aee legislators hero. Tho Legislature has entirely too many elec tions. It is an unwritten law that it must ad journ at Christmas. The terms should bo unnual, as they are now. All the elections should be put in the hands of tho peoplo. No Legislature can do much with making law, when tho members are bo harrassod by candi dates for office. Relieve that body of this, cumbersome work. The charter curse is anothor thing. Nu special charter should be grunted. All corporations should bo chartered under one geueral law. It would save the Legislature half its expense. It would bring to tho State numerous cor porations. The safety of tho republic also de pends upon your judiciary. Tho dan ger to this ropublio to-day, it is said, is due to tho transgression of its power by tho federal judiciary. Learn the lesson from it. Place your judiciary on a pinnacle so high that it will over remain spotless. Guard It. And here, lot mo say, it would bo wise to have tho peoplo oloct the judges. This has boon done by States that are ahead of us in wealth, intel ligence and education. Your county governments and courts are a farce. Make some, provision for establishing county courts, sontonoing to ohain gangs, otc. Thus you give the best system of county governmont and road service known In tho world. Guard against too small countios. The educational question in this ' State is one, of tho most sorious, be cause in schools citizens must be pre pared for government. The school master is u most important porsonage. Tho higher institutions are as much needed as tho common schools. The latter mako a necessity for tho former. We cannot do without either. Don't tear down any, but rather build up more of the higher institutions. No tax that goes to auch institutions is j ovor unjust* or oppressive. Tho peo ple get it back manifold. You are to pass a qualification of suffrage. You are here representing tho intelligence of the Stato; you must perpetuate it. You must have an educational qualification. You must du your duty. Lot not consure of foreigners and aliens deter you. Yoj stand here as the whole people. You muat rocognizo no faetfonal differences bore. Tbe delegates must rise abovo lt. Wo must have tbe supremacy of intolligonce ovor Ignorance. It's no use to mince words, for it means white supremacy. There is no injustice to tbe blaek uiau. Now, another question?the ques tion of corporations. P to visions should be made to guard the people against tbe encroachments of corporate wealth ?a plutocracy. This is not demagogy, but democracy. Corporations como here. Our laws aro in favor of them; but we owe to our people this safo S'uard. The operatives are not oreigners, but South Carolinians. Special provisions should be mado preventing the influence of corpora tions on elections. Sueb an officer as an inspector would be valuable in the feeling of security to tho people, and suoh a servloe would be more valuable than the salary paid him. The question of corruption in munic ipalities needs your attention. Tbe only dishonest elections today, I ven ture to say, are In municipalities. Guarantee the State, city and county alike protection. With theso reflections I leave tbe question with you, asking your pardon for giving you my opinions. I givo them to you as a duty and not to in fluence you. Looking at tho personnel of the convention no man can say the fteople have not acted wisely in send ng you here. Almighty Cod gives you wisdom and imbue you with justlco and moderation. Let your work go forth not as the work of a faction, but as coming from the sovereignty of the State around which all can unlto and say " this is our constitution," and then you will receive tbo 11 woll done, faithful servants," from the whole peo ple. Upon tho conclusion of tho addross, tho following persons were nominated for reading olerk: G. Walt Whitman, of Union, A. U. Dagnall, of Darlington, and J. S. Withers, of Chester. The ballot resulted us follows ! Dagnall HI, Withers 54, Whitman, 11. A number of resolutions were offerod in regard to the appointment of stand ing committees, which caused a con siderable discussion, and tho resolu tions wore referred to a spocial com mittee, which subsequently roportod through Gov. Sheppard to this effect: In order to expedite the business of the convention the President is au thorized to appoint standing commit tees, consisting of eleven membors each, on the following subjects, and said committees shall report to tho convention on matters referred to them: Declaration of Bights ; Legislative ; Executive ; Judiciary ; Jurisprudence ; Eminent Domain; Impeachments; Rignt of Suffrage: Finance and Taxa tion ; Education ; Charitable and Penal Institutions; Municipalities and Police ; Corporations; Militia ; Printing ; Coun ty and County Govornmonts ; Amend ments to tho Constitution; Pngrossod Resolutions and Ordinances ; Current Accounts and Expenses ; Miscellaneous Matters, and, also, a committee oc rules to consist of live membors. of which tho President shall bo ex ofllcio a member. The report was adopted. This oonoludod the business session of tho opening day. SECOND DAY'S PROCEEDINGS. The second day's sossion of tho con vention started off with a rush and a gt eat deal of business was gotten into shape for action when tho proper t ime comes. The principal features of tho day woro the refusal of the convention to increase their salaries to $4 por diom ; the. appointment of various committees, and the Introduction of a number of measures which their advocates would like to see incorporated in tho organic law of tho State. Tho con vention was called to order a fow min utes uftor 11 o'clock aud the session was opened with prayer by Rov. J. C. Abney. President K/uns aunouneod tho ap pointment of tho following standing committeos, in tho selection of which much interest had been manifested. Declaration of Rights?J L M Irby, chairman. J E Ellerbo, J O Byrd, J F Cantoy, J M Sullivan, W H Tim mer man, Geo S Mower, Geo P Von Kol- I nit/., P P Taylor, W T Bobo, W R Sin- | gletary. Executive Department?? M Elird, chairman, J Waltor Gray, M PHowell, J 0 Klugh, L S Conuor, .1 H Estridge, J T Douglass, It D Lee, A J Smith, G W Ragsdalo, J H Scarborough. Legislative Department?J A Sllgh, chairman, John C Sheppard, B B Me Whito, S E White, H 13 Buist, W I, Rosborough, J N Parrott, T MGillaud, Geo D Tlllraan, G W Gage, J D Mc Dormott. Judicial ?Stanyarne Wilson^ chair man, Robert Aldrloh, J E Brea/.oalo, Geo Jobnstono, I W Bowman, Theo G Barker, W C McGowan, C L Winklor, C H Peake, G W Gage, W J Stribling. Jurisprudence?G Duncan Balliu Ser, chairman, E J Dennis, Prank B tory, A S Parrow, C H Poake, 11 1) Lee, J Lvleu Glenn, W M Pitch. .1 C Klugh, T I Rogers, Geo Johnstono. Impeachment?M R Cooper, chair man. J T Hay, G J Graham, R P Stackhouse, J L Shulor, J MoDormott, E H Houser, A S Waters, Geo Von Kolnitz, G W Ragsdale, R B Anderson. Eminent Domain -D H RufhoII, H II Murray, J *F Ashe. Geo P MoKagon, Jos Oliver. C H Peake, J B Dent, P P Woodward, E J Kennedy, D J Brad ham, John Rood. Right of Suffrage?B R Tillman, chairman, A H Patterson. J P 1< Bryan, R H Hodges, C W Garrls, D J Bradham, H J Haynsworth, L E Bar rls, W C McGowan, C J C Hutson, M O Rowland. Finance and Taxation?W D Evans, chairman, G E Prince, W J Tal bort, .1 P Derham, J H Wharton, P P Wood ward, Jos L Keitt, O R Lowman, T J Cunningham, C A Barry, B J DonnlH. Charitable and Penal Institutions? W J Goodlng, chairman, J P Glonn, T J Cunningham, O M Doyle, II C Burn, W T Bowon, J H Read, J M Sprott, Sheppard Nash, W S Gatnhlo, Joro miah SmHh. Education?Julian Mitchell, chair man, R. B. Watson, E H Houser, R L Gunter, Goo S Mower, H C Pattern, A H Patterson, John J MoMahan, T I Rogers, E L Lybrand, EJ Konnody. Municipal Corporations and Police Regulations--D S Ilendorson, chair man, W C Smith, W P Clayton, J N Nathans, W A Nicholson, G G W?lls. Wlllo Jones, J 1) Montgomory. J T Hay, J Perry Glonn, R A Mearos. Corporations?J W Stokos, chair man, G D Bellinger, J L Shulor, W B Wilson, Geo D Bates, L E Parlor. Ira B Jones, J D Montgomory, Hugh Bar ton, Jeremiah Smith, T E Dudley. Mtlitia -J W Ployd, chairman, J C Otts, J B Wiggins, Jos Oliver, D II i Bohre. J P Dernara. O R Lowman. A .1 Smith, J W Gray, Uohort Smalls, Sheppard Nash. Amendments?J B Morrison, chair man, J M Hier?, A J Porritt, O J Gra i ham, A. S. Walters, J. 8. Brlce, It. F. I MeCaslan, E V Matthews. K D Atkin son, R M McCown, W J Whippen 1 Engrossed Hoso'utions and Ordi nances-?W J 'Montgomery, chairman, R M MoCown, 'William Hendorson, A S Farrow, M P Howoll, I W Bowman, T E Dudley, H H Murray. L E Parlor, T M Gllland. Thomas Miller. Order, Style and Rovislon?T B Fr? ser, chairman, B RTillnran, Stanyarno Wilson, C M Eflrd, J W Stokes, Julian Mitchell, D S Hondorson, JLM Irby, Robert Aldrioh,G JO Hutton, J E FA* let-bo, I H McCalls, R R Hemphill, H Cowpor Patton. W J Good tag. Rules?J. G. Evans, ex officio; Ira B Jones, J C Sheppard, C W Garris, J E Broaxeale. Printing?R R Homphill, chairman, D H Behro, W F Clsyton, J B ?ent, J W Hamol. Contingent Accounts and Expenses? W T Field, chairman, A H White, W A Nicholson, J N Nathans, R L Gun tor, R C MoMakln, H B Buist, F P Taylor, J L Koitt, W M Fltoh, J J Mo Mahan. Miscellaneous Matters?J T Sloan, chairman, W H Tijninerman, W ECar ver, J CAlexander, T W Brico, A H De Hay, W St J Jorvey. A H White, James Wlgg, R F Smith, E B Berry. County Government?J T Austin, chairman, Geo D Tillman, Frank B Gary, E N Rodfearn, A K Smoak, T E Johnson, J W Kennedy, J O A Moore, J C Otts, A J Harrison, R R Stack house. President Evans* also announced the following appointments: Assistant Clork, P. Li. Melton ; Jour nal Clerk, J. T. Gantt; Doorkeeper, R. M. Jolly ; Assistant Doorkeeper, Josopa Wltherspoon; Gallery Door .koopor, W. J. Sholtou ; Postal Clerk, E. P. Jenkins; Pages?Glonn Smith, Joseph Kohinson, J. 13. Hughes, Drafts Caughman, J. W. McCalla, U. R. Brooks, Jr. Mr. Henderson introduced a resolu tion which was adopted requiring the committee on printing to report what would bo tho cost of having the pro ceedings stenographically reported and printed. Gon. Gray ou'orod a resolution whieh was adopted instructing the clerk to furnish stationary to members, tho sum to be spout not to exceed $100. On his motion, also, the State Printer was requested to print the proceed ings of tho convention at tho rates pro scribed by tho statute of 18113 until a permanent award of tho contract be made. A numbor of ordinances wore intro duced which woro referred to the proper committees. Tlio question as to whether the mem bers should uot tako the constitutional oath wtis brought up by Mr. Ragsdale, of Fairiiold, who was of the opinion that it was necessary in order to make tho action of tho convention legal and binding. Mr. Ira B. Jonos moved that the matter bo referred to a special com mittoe to. decide whether tho taking of an oath was nocossary. This mutter caused a long debate, and the roll call was begun, but the oath was administered to vory few until Senator Tillmau moved to sus pend the further administration of tho oath, whieh tho chairman ruled out of order. Mr. Klugh, of Abbevlllo, said that Senator Tillman had hit the nail on tho head. Ho had taken the oath under protest and ho moved that any man having scruples about taking tho oath bo excused. Before this motion was put, howovor, Gov. Shoppard spoko on tho stibjoct, holding that members of tho convention were not officers of the State and it could not bo shown that they woro by any logal authority, aud it was therefore entirely unneces sary that they should tako au oath. If tho chairman should tako the oath, asanoffieer, then by that act ho would vacate tho office ho had heretofore filled. He thought tho whole aetion of the convention in the matter should bo rosinded from beginning to end. The committee under Mr. Jones' resolution took tho matter iuto con sideration, and reported tho following resolution, which settled the ques tion : Resolved, That it is not necessary for any oath to bo administered to members of this convention, and that tho aetion of the convention heretofore had, whereby an oath was directed to bo administered and all proceedings thereunder, be, and thosamo are here by, rescinded and annulled. The following resolution was offered by ex-Governor Sheppard : "That tho members of tho conven tion shall receive as compensation *2 a day during tho sessions of tho conven tion, and 5 cents por mile for each milo traveled coming to and return ing from the convention." Governor Sheppard said thoro was some doubt as to what the convention would do about tho per diem. Tho Legislature hud lixed the amount, and they owed it to themselves to accept that figure. His resolution was in the words of the aet calling the conven tion. Mr. T. I. Rogers moved to amend by making it $-1 a day. Mr. W. F.Clayton moved to lay tho amendment on the table. A lively de'oate took placo over tho p -r diem, and it was insisted that tho delegates woro worth more than $2 a day, but there was an implied contruct to servo for that amount, and a large majority stood by tho act of tho Leg islature The roll call was demanded on tho vote to lay the. amendment on the. table, and tho amendment was overwhelm ingly dofoatcd by tho following vote : Yeas?Gov. John Gary Evans, Asho, Aldrich, Aloxandor, Atkinson, Batos, Behro, B?rry, Bowman, Krad ham, Broa/.eale, Brico (J. S.), Brlce (T. W.), Bryan, Buist, Burn, Byrd. Cantey, Clayton, Cooper, Dennis, Dent, Der ham, Doyle, Ellrd, Ellerbe, Estrldge Evans (W. D.), Field, Floyd, Eraser, Gamble, Garris, Gary, Gilland, Glenn, (J. PA flooding, Graham, Gray, Gun tor, Ilainel, Harris, Harrison, Hay, Haynsworth, Henderson (D. S.), Hen derson (Wm.), Honry, Hlors, Hodges, Tlutson, Irbv, Johnstono (George), Jones (I. B), Jonos (Wilio) Koitt, Kennedy (J. W.,) Loo, Lowman, McCown, Mc Dermott, McKagon, MoMahan, Mc Whlte, Matthews, Moaros, Mitchell, Moore, Morrison, Mower, Nash, Na thans, Nicholson, Olivor, Otts, Parlor, Patterson, Patton, Poako, Prince, Ragsdale, Rosborougb, Rowland, Rus soll, Sheppard,' Shulor, Singletary, : Sloan, Smith (A. J.), Smith (Jorumiuh), i Smith (K. F.), Smith (W. O), Smoak, Staekhouse, Stokos, Strlbling. Sul I livan, Talbort, Tillman(B. R.), Tillman (G. D.), Timmorman, Watson, W?lls, i Wharton, White (A. H.). Whito (S. 13.), Wiggins, Wilson (Stanyarno), i Wilson (W. B ), Winklor-101). Nays?Andorson, Austin, Barker, Barry, Bobo, Bowon, Doflay, Dndloy, ( Furrow, Fitch, Gago, Glonn (J L ), > I lc.uphill, Howell, Jervoy, Johnson (T. B.) Kennedy (R. F.J Klugh, McCalla, Met 'a lau, McGowan, MoMakln, Mont gomery (J. D.), Montgomory (J. W.), Murray, l'arrott, l'or ritte. Head (J. j If.), Hud "earn, Rogers, Scarborough, I Sllgh, Smails, Taylor, Von Kolnltz, , Waters, Wigg, Woodward?-38. I The original rosolutlon w?s then adopted as Introduced. THIRD DAY'H PROOHBDINOa. i Tho convootion to-day had nothing to disturb its work.' Tho mill is being very rapidly filled with material, ' which is intonded should be used in I the making of tho now constitution of the Stato. Altogether about twenty new and distinct propositions were presented to the convention to-day for consideration and Incorporation in tho reports ot tho various committees. Besides these Col. Aid rich presented the draft of a complete constitution to whioh he had dovoted much of his ability and research. This was distinctively a day of pre liminary work. The committees have all boeu arraLged and given clerks, so far as deemed advisaole, and the committees can hardly have any excuse for not going promptly to work. The various measures give a good idoa of the sentiments of some of the dele gates aud the multitude of schemes of those who are here. One significant, and, perhaps, the most important move of the day, was the introduotion of the two ordinances for the creation of new countios. It is clearly shown that Tillman and the friends of tho new county idea are going to make a fight for the creation of certain new counties by the convontion, and not to leave tho matter so muoh to the discretion of tbe Legislature as it was tbought had been generally deoided upon. Senator Tillman will find considerable opposition to doing uuything about new countios at this time except per haps to arrange for smaller countios. The convention was again taken in oharge by Presldont Evans, who in troduced tho Rev. Mr. Abnoy to offor tho opening prayer. Tbe old-time motion to dispense with tho reading of the journal was made with good motives, but President Evans sug gested that it would be well not to dispense with the reading on account of the importance of the work and tho necessity of having an absolutely cor rect journal. The reading of the jour nal consumed about fifteen minutes. A variety of corrections wore re quested, especially as to getting straight on the $2 per diem vote. Everyone wanted to have his initials and inline correotly spelled. After tho Journal had been cor rected Ex-Governor Sbeppard, who is taking a most active part in the pro ceedings, submitted tbe report of the committee on rules. Governor Shep pard had gone to great trouble at iioine, in his leisure moments to pre pare, a sot of rules for the government of the Dody, and thoy were adopted by tho commlttoo without much change. Mr. Sheppard, on the part of tho com mittee, moved the immediate consid eration of tho report. Mr. Ragsdalo, of Fairfield. said that tho convontion bad gone along smooth-' ly with its work thus far without rules, and that he saw no occasion for unnecessary hurry about the adoption of the rules. It would bo far better.to have the rules printed in order that tne members might bottor consider what they wore voting for. Tho con vention could very well atford to go a day longer without any fixed rules. Mr. Sheppard anticipated any further discussion by accepting tho suggestion, and moving that tho com mittee's report be made the special order for to-morrow after the adoption of the journal. This was entirely satisfactory to all parties, and so tbe rules went over until to-morrow. The rules aro quite explicit and de tailed, and so far as can bo seen cover ovory contigency. The time was occupied mainly with tho introduction of various measures, among thom tho draft of an entire con stitution by Col. Robort Aldrich, of Barnwoll. Tho following aro tho most striking parts, aud shows close study on his part as a constitutional lawyer : Tho House of Representatives shall bo composed of mombors choson by ballot, every fourth year. Each county in tho Stato shall con stitute ono election district. No now county^ shall bo formed of loss than, and no existing county shall bo reduced below four hundred square miles. All taxes upon proporty, real or per sonal, shall ho laid upon tho actual value of tho property taxed, as tho same shall ho ascertained by an assess ment mado for tho purpose of laying such tax. And the Legislature snail havo power to raise rovonuos other ways than by taxes upon proporty. ,\y;No person shall bo eligible to, or take or retain a seat in, the House of Representatives unless ho is a white man, who hath attained tho ago of 21 years. No person shall ho oligiblo to or take or retain a seat in the Senate unless ho is a white man, who hath attained the ago of 21 yoars. Tbo Legislature shall moot on tho second Tuosday iu January, bl-annu Tho members of tho Gonoral Assem bly who shall meet under this constitu tion shall bo ontitled to recoivo out of the public treasury for their oxponsos during their attendance on, going to and returning from the General As sembly live dollars for each day's at tendance and twenty cents for every mile of tho ordinary route of travel be tween the residence, of the raembor aud the capital or other place of sitting of tbe General Assembly, both going and returning; and the same, may bo in creased or diminished hy law if cir cumstances shall requiro, but no alter ation shall be mado to tako effect dur ing tho existence of tho General As sembly which shall make such altera tion. The Governor shall hold his oilieo for four yoars. No person shall bo eligible to tho otlico of Covornor unices ho shall havo attained the ago of .'10 yoars and hath been a citizen and resident of this State for tho ten years next preceding tho day of election. The Govornor shall bo commandor in-ohiof of tho army and navy of this Stato, and of tho militia, oxoopt whon they shall he called into tho actual ser vice of tho United States. Tho Govornor, together with the Secretary of Stato, Comptroller Gon oral, Adjutant and Inspector Gonoral and Stato Troasurcr, shall constitute a board of public pardons, and they un der such regulations as may ho pro vided by law shall havepowur to grant reprieves and pardons alter conviction, (exce.pt, in casos of impeachment,) in such manner, on such terms, and un der such restrictions as thoy shall think proper, and thoy snail havo power to remit fines and forfeitures unless othorwise directed by, law. It shall bo their duty to report to tho Gonoral Assembly at tho next regular session thereafter all pardons granted by thom, with a full statomont of each case and the reasonj moving them thorounto. There shall bo elected by tho quail-1 Hod voters of the Stato at every gen- | oral olcctlon a Socretary of Stato, a '"oniptrollor Gonoral, a Treasurer, an Attorney General, an Adjutant and In spector General and a Superintendent of Education, who shall hold their re spective offices for the term of four yoars and whoso duties and compensa tion shall bo proscrlbod by law. The judioiary powor of this Stato shall be vested in a Supremo Court, In two Circuit Courts, to-wit: A Court of Common Pleas having civil jurisdic tion, and a Court of General Sessions, with oriminul jurisdiction only, and in Probate Courts. The General Assem bly may also establish such municipal { and other inferior courts as may be doomed neeossary. No person shall be oligible to tho OfHco of Judge 01 tho Supreme Court or Circuit Courts who is not at tho time of his eleotion a citizen of the United States, and has not attained I the age of 30 years, and been a resident of this State for live years next preceding bis election, or from the adoption of this Constitution. In all cases deoidod by the Supreme Court a concurrence of throe of tbe Judges shall be necessary to a decision. In all elections to be made by tbe people of this State, or of any part thereof, for civil or political otlicos, every person shall bo entitled to veto who has tbe following qualideations, to wit: Heshall be a free man who has at tained tbo age of 21 years, and is not a pauper, nor a non-commissioned officer or private soldier of the army, nor a seama nor marino of the navy of the United States. He shall for the two years next preceding the day of olcotlon have boon a citizen of this Stato, or fo the satuo period an emigrant from Eu rope, who has declaiod bislntetnlon to become a oltizon of the United States according to tho Consti tution and laws of tho United States. He shall havo resided in this State for at loast two years next preceding tho day of election, and for tho last six months of that time in the county in which ho offers to vote, and who can road and vrlto in tbe English lan guage : J "ided, that an Act of the Legislatur, ueclarlng any person of sufficient i. tolligenco to oxorciso tho right of suffrage shall bo doomed tho equivalent of ability to road and write in the English language : Provided, further, that the Goneral Assombly may, by requiring a registry of voters, or other suitable legislation, guard against frauds In elections and usurpa tions of tho right of suffrage, may im po80 disqualification to vote as a pun ishment, for crime, aud may prescribe additional qualifications for voters in municipal elections. All .civil offlcors whoso authority is limited to a single judicial county, a single election d'strJot or part of either, shall be appointeO, hold their offlco, bo removed from ofHco, and, in addition to liability to impeach ment, may bo punished for official misconduct, in such manner as tho Goneral Assembly, previous to thoii appointment, muy provide. If any civil officer shall become dis abled from discharging the duties of bis office, by reason of any permanent bodily or mental infirmity, his office may bo declared to bo vacant, by joint resolution, agreed to by two-thirds of ttio wholo representation in each Houso of tho General Assembly : Pro vided, that such resolution shall con tain tho grounds for tho proposed re moval, and, before It shall pass either house, a copy of it shall be served on tho officer, aud a hearing ho allowed him. All other officers shall bo elected at each general election and shell hold their offices for four years. Tho trial by jury as heretofore used in this.Stato, and tho liberty of tho press shall bo foroyor inviolably pre served. But tho Gonoral Assembly shall havo power to determine tho number of persons who shall constitute tho jury in Inferior Courts, and may disponso with tho grand jury in such cases as to it may soem advisable. Tho Goneral Assombly shall impose a capitation tux not to exceed tsvo dollars on oaeh poll, tho payment of which shall bo a condition precedent to tho exercise of the right of suffrage; excepting, however, from tho opera tion of such capitation tax all such persons as from disability or otherwise ought, in tho judgment of tho General Assombly, to bo exempted. Tho laws now in force in relation to tho homostoad exemptions and the rights of property of married women shall! remain invio.ate. The public debt of this Stato oxcopt for tho ordinary and current business of tho Stato shall never bo increased oxcopt by a two-thirds vote of tho wholo representation. Ne person shall ho oliglblo to any office in tnis State unless ho possesses tho qualilieations prescribed for mem bers of tho Houso of Representatives by this Constitution. Tho following summary of miscel laneous propositions will prove in teresting : Mr. Dudley, of Marlboro, puts the divorce matter in a nutshell. It is about as short as could bo imagined. Tho resolution is simply: "That divorce from tho-bond of matrimony is prohibited." Mr. Ilutson, of Hampton, bus given tho married woman question mature thought and makes tho following pro position: '"Tho real and personal pro perty of a woman hold at tho time of hor marriage, or that which she may thereafter acquire, either by gift, grant, inheritance, devise or other wise, shall not bo subject to levy and salo for her husband's debts, unless by hor own ucts sho makes herself liable thorofor, but shall bo hor separate proporty, and sho shall havo all tho rights incident to the same to which an unmarried woman or a man is ontitlod. Sho shall havo tho power to contract and bo contracted with in tho same manner as if sho were unmar ried." Mr. Sullivan, of Anderson, has a sledge hainnior resolution in tho fol lowing : "No railroad or other cor poration or tho lessees, purchasers or managers of any railroad shall consoli date tho istock, property or franchises of such corporation with, or loaso or purchaso tho works or franchises of, or In any way coutrol any other rail road, owning or having under control a parallel or competing lino; and tho question whether railroads aro par allel or compoting lines shall, whon demanded by tho party complainant, be decided by a jury as in civil cases." Ml*. Gray, of Greenville, had ex perience with this matter: "That tho Governor shall havo power to rennt tines and forfeitures, to grant reprieves, commutlttions of sentence and pardons, except in cases of im peachment; but no pardon shall be granted nor sontonco' commutod ex cept upon tho rocommendation in writing of the Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of state, Attorney General, superintendent of tho Penitentiary, or any thrco of thom, after full hear ing, upon duo public notice and in open session, and such rocommendation, with tho reasons thorofor at longth, shall bo recorded and tiled In tho offlco of tho Secretary of State." Mr. G. ?. Tillman, of EdffOHeld, of fered . An ordinance providing for tho ostabllshmont of Saluda County j out of a portion of Edgoiield County."; Senator li. It. Tillman otTorod " an Ordinance to provido for tho establish- ; ment ol a eounty to bo known as Mart Gary County, composed of portions of tho present counties of Abbevillo and Kdgefiold". Tho proposed area Is not givon in oxaet terms, although the boundrv lines aro given. Mr. Buist of Groonvillo, olYored tho following : " That It shall bo the duty of thoGonoral Assembly to provido for tho support of tho Deaf, Dumb and Blind Institute. Mr. Sullivan, of Andorson, who is a successful business man, offered this scheme: " Tho Gonoral Assembly may tax incomes, provided that no income shall bo taxed wht n the prop erty from which the income 1h derived is taxed." Mr. McWhlte, of Florence, has this proposition : " That the General As sembly shall levy at each regular ses sion after tho adoption of this Con stitution an annual tax on all taxable property throughout tho State for the support of publio schools, which tax ?hall be collected at the same time and by the same agents as the general State levy, and shah be paid into the treasury of the Stato. There shall bo assessed on all taxable polls in tho Stato an auuual tax of $1 on oaoh poll, tho proceeds of whieh shall be applied to oducational purposes. No other poll tax shall bo loviod in the Stato, nor shall tho amount exceed the limit given in this section. Tho sohool tax shall bo distributed among tho several school districts, each taxpayer designa ting to what school said fund shall bo applied. No religious soot or sects shall have exclusive right to, or control of any part of the sohool funds of tho Stato, nor shall sectarian principles bo taught in tho publio schools. Separate schools shall be provided for the whito and eolored ohildren' of tho State." Mr. Bates, of Barnwoll, offers this conolso section: "All laws now in force In this Stato and not repugnant to this Constitution shull remain and bo in force until uttered or repealed by tho Legislature, or shall oxpiro by thoir own limitation." Mr. Buist, of Greenville, offered tho following resolution : " That no lot tery shall over be allowed or bo ad vertised by newspapers ,or otherwise or its tickets bo sold In this Stato, and the General Assembly shall provido by law at its next session for tho en force ment of this provision." Mr. J, C. Otts, of Union, proposed tho following: "No railroad company, oloe tric car company, tolograph company, express company, telephone company or other corporation, or tho lossoos, purchasers or managers thereof shall consolidate the stoek, property or fran chises Of sll eh corporal ion Witb, or lease, or purchase the works, franchise of or In any way control any other railroad, electric car, tolegrupb.-oxpress or tele phone company or othor corporation owning or having under its control u parallel or competing line, nor shall any olllcor of any railroad, olectrlc car, telegraph, exproBs or telephone eom pany or othor corporation owning or having control of a competing lino, and tho question of whether railroad, olcc tilc car, tolograph, express or tele phone companies or othor corporations or competing or parallel linos shall, whon demanded by tho party com plainant, bo deeided by a jury as in othor civil cases." Mr. W. T. Field, of Pickens, pro posed "a resolution to prevent tho State's lending its erodit except for certain purposes '. It provides : First. That tho credit of tho Stato shall not be pledged 01 loanod to any individual, compauy or ussoeiation, and the State shall not become a joint owner or stockholder in any compauy, association or corporation. Second. Tho General Assembly shall not authorize any county, municipal corporation or political division of tho State to become a stockholder in any company, corporation or association, or to appropriate any money for or loan its credit to any compauy, association, institution or individual, oxcopt for purely churitablc purposes. This re striction shall not operate to prevent tho support of schools by municipal corporations within their respective limits. Third The General Assombly shall not have power to delegate to any county or township tho right to levy tax for any purpose, oxcopt for educa tional purposes In instructing children in tho elementary branches of an F.ng. lish education only ; to build and re pair public roads, building bridges : to maintain and support prisoners, pay jurors, county olllcors and for litiga tion, quarantine and expenses of the courts ; to support paupers and to pay debts heretofore existing. Mr. Gage, of Chester, sont to the desk tho following importu.it resolu tions : "To prohibit tho creation of corporations except under general laws; that CO corporation, municipal Or private, shall hereafter bo created iu this Stato except under general laws, enacted by the General Assem bly." Mr. Buist, of Greenville, expressed himself in the following r'solution: "That intelligence and virtue being the safeguards of liberty and the bul wark of a free and good government, the State shall maintain a general, suitable and elliciont system of free schools, whereby all persons in the State between the ages of <i and -1 years muy receive gratuitous instruction : but separate schools shall bo main tained for children of African de seout." Mr. Otts, of Union, is the author of tho following ordinance : " No county, city, town or other municipal corpora tion shall hereafter beeomo a sub scriber to the capital stoek of any rail road or othor corporation or mako ap propriation or loan its credit in aid of such railroad or corporation. All authority heretofore conferred for any of tho purposes aforesaid by the Legis lature or by the charter of any cor poration is horoby repealed: Noth ing in this section contained shall affect tho right of any corporation, municipality or county to mukc such subscription whoro the same has been authorized under laws existing at the time of the adoption of this constitu I tion, and by a veto of the peoplo thereof I had prior to its adoption, and where i the terms of submission and subscrip tion have boon or shall bo complied with, or to prevent tho issue of re newal bonds, or tho uso of such other means as arc or may be proscribed by law for tho payment or liquidation of BUOh subscription or of any existing in debtedness." FOURTH DAY'S PROCEEDINGS. Tho convention spent three hours and a quarter In the discussion of the rules of procedure as compited by the committee on rulos. Tho report was adopted chapter by chapter and the reading on adoption of them was per? functory except whon tho matter of printing bills and resolutions wm re ferred. Upon this a considerable fight was mado, ox-Governor Sheppard leading tho opposition to having ovory resolution or ordinunoe printed whon introduced, contending that only tho committee report und tlic ordinance upon which the report was mado should ho printed. Mr. George .lohnstonc, Senator Elird, Son/'.?/or W. 1). Evans, Con gressman Wilson and others contended for tho printing of all resolutions forthwith in order that mombors might clearly understand what all , resolutions proposed meant, aud thus bo able to vote intelligently upon thom. Mr. W. '). Evans said that ho fully endorsed what Messrs. Johnstono and 1'atton had said, and ho moved to re commit Itulo 27 to tho committee on : rulos and otfored a resolution to tho ; effect that It was the sense of tho con i veatlon that each resolution, order or ' prayor bo printed at length in tho journal. He wantod tho views of every member of tho convontion on all matters placed before it and this could only bo done by having ull resolutions printed. Tho Evans amendment was adopted, 99 members voting In the affirmative, and no uogutlvo veto being .counted. So tho convention will tioTve every-* proposition printed lu full. A largo number of propositions were submitted, including tbe following : Mr. J. W. Stokes ottered an outline of a proposed now judicial system pro viding : 1. Taking tho existing system as a basis, to abolish the Supremo Court as such. 2. Substitute a court of uppoals to consist of all tho circuit judges save that ono whoso court is under review by appeal. .'1. J?o oloct in each county ono coun ty judgo to preside in all misdemea nors, and in eases involving less than ?100?oxcopt matters of probate, testa mentary and guardianship, of which ho shall havo original and exclusive jurisdiction. 4. In felonies, and cases involviug $100 or more, Other thau matters testa mentary, or guardianship, or probate, lot tho circuit judgo set with tho coun ty judgo. 5. In cases of an aggravated nature, liko rape and murder, provide by law for speedy trial of the cause at special sossion. <* (>. Elect ono county attorney iu each county to perform tho duties of solici tor and to act as State counsel to ull officers of tho county. 7. County courts to sit at least onco a month, and as often as the exigency may arise for a special session. Geo. 1). Tillman proposed tho follow ing In regard to smaller counties : 1. Now counties may bo formed, but iu doing it, no existing county seat shall bo abolished, nor shall any now county lino bo run nearer than live milos to an established court house. 2. No county seat shall bo removed unless such removal bo authorized by two-thirds of tho electors of the coun ty vot'ng thorofor: but when the pro posed seat shall bo towards the centre of tho county, it may be made when a majority of the electors participating in tho oleetion shall vote tiiorofor. 3. No new county sho/1 be formed Unless a ma jority OT-ttfe qualified elec tors votinir iu ouch part of tho county or counties proposed to bo disembor ed and embraced iu tbe new county shall separately vote therefor. The elections provided for In this and tho section next proceeding shall not bo hold in any county oftonor than once in four years. 4. The Legislature may provide for the consolidation of existing counties if a majority of tho qualified electors of such counties vote therefor. Senator Tillman introduced tho fol lowing : "The LegIslaturo may from time to time establish smaller counties in the following manner : " First?Whenever a majority of the qualified voters within the Area of a proposed now county shall petition tho Governor for the creation of a new county, the Governor shall order an election by tho qualified voters within tho proposed area, In which election they shall vote 'yes 1 or 'no' upon the question of creating said low county. " Second?If two-thirds ol tho quali fied voters within the area of the pro posed now county shall vote 'yos' upon such question, tho Legislature, at its onsuiug sessiou, shall establish said new county. "Third?That tho proposed new county shall not contain loss than the ono hundred and twenty-fourth part of the whole number of the inhabitants of tho State. "Fourth?That no proposed new county shall contain less than four hundred square miles. " Fifth No new county shall contain proporty of tbo assessed value of less thun one million dollars. "Sixth?No old county is to ho re duced below' tbo constitutional area. '* Seventh?That no new countios shall be formed by this convention, Mr. PattOll introduced the following suffrage scheme : 1. Every male citizen of the Stato of South Carolina of the age of twenty ono years of age, not laboring under disabilities named in this constitution, who shall havo resided in the State two years and In tho county in which he oilers to vote ninety days next pre ceding any election, and who shall have paid all poll or other tax duo by him to tho State for tho llscal year preceding that iu which bo sbuM idler to vote ; and who. in addition tliereto, (a.) Shall he able to read the Consti tution in English print and sign Iiis name ; or (b.) Shall own in his own name and return for taxation property in this State to the amount of $."100; or (c.) Shall I ave engaged In the. active ! military or naval service of tho late Confederates states of Araorice : or (d.) Shall bo tho lawful lineaj de scendant of a person who was engaged in such service and shall be alive at the time of the adoption of this Con stitution, Shall be a qualified elector of this State, and, when duly registered, shall bo entitled to vote for all officers that aro now or may hereafter boolcctod by the peoplo, and upon all questions .sub mitted to the elector.-, at any diction. 2. Tho General Assembly shall enact just and equal laws for the accurate registry of tho qualified electors of this Stato, and they shall also establish convenient, fair and impartial tribu nals to pass upon and d .?ermine tbe qualifications of persons offering them selves for registration usquulilied elec tors, II, Tho popular governtner.t cannot exist without a pure ballot; tbo Gon eral Assembly, therefore, shall onaot stringent laws for tho regulation of tho registry and elections of this Stato with BOVero pen attics for the violation of the same. Any porson who shall willfully violate such laws shall upon conviction, In addition to such penalties as the General Assembly may impose, 1)0 forever disqualified from voting and debarred from holding public offlco in this State,: and tho disabilities imposed by this section shall not bo removed by tho pardon of the Govornor or by act of the < lonoral Assembly. Mr. Bulst, of Groonville, offered tho following : "That the Gonoral Assombly shall provide for the maintenance of the Clomson Agricultural and Meohuncia College, and shall appropriate the iaiK. givon to this Statt: for the support of such a OOllogo by the act of Congress, passed July the second, one thousand eight hundred and sixty-two, or tho money or script, as tho catio may he, arising f'Om the .sale of said lands, ! or any money or lands whieh may hereafter ho given or appropriated for such purpose, for tin; support and maintenance of such COllogO, Mr. Buist also proposed "that tho Conoral Assembly shall provido for j tho maintenance of the Winthrop Nor? I mal and Industrial College und shall I appropriate or Invest ail moneys or other property given or that may here after bo givon in aid of said college." { Johnson's Oriental Soap imparts a dolleato odor and loaves the skin soft and volvoty. Sold by Carpenter Bros., Greenville, S. C.