The Camden weekly journal. [volume] (Camden, South-Carolina) 1853-1861, 1854-08-22
HHrRllatlRuua.
From the Charleston Courier.
FIFTY Years Ago.

~ From the Charleston Courier.
Fifty Years Ago.
{ The year 1904, like the present, was gen.
] feral election year in our State, and it has oc'
scnrred to us that reference tothe election
arrangements of that year would afford a salts.
factory and interesting criterion by which to
estimate the progress of our State in popula-
ton and in other, matters 1t is dinned into
our ears so frequently indeed from some quar-
ters, that we are behind the age, until many
have taken it for granted, not only as an exist
ainp truth but as general law of necessity
: n all the great elements of permanent pro
press aud healthy growth, we allege, on the
: 3. Contrary. that South Carolina may compare
rfaYorably with any Of her sister States. The
apparent progress in some quarters has been
greater the actual progress OF other States
nnder different circumstances has also been
more striking, but we repeat that under fair
and impartial consideration Of allcir circumstances,
favorable and otherwise, that have modified
our history, the progress of South Carolina has
been one of which we have no reason to be
ashamed. The State that is derided by some
as ever the hindmost in the race, can port to
.sfbe first rail road and the first canal, OF any
>eextent-the first employment of steam as
locomotive on roads-the first State college
and the first State lunatic asylum. If accl-
dental lepacies and accumulations OF private
IcapitaI drawn to other States, have done more
for them. in some respects, than we have been
ablesto accomplish, that does not detract from
the credit due to the far-sighted founders and
moulders of the institutions and establishments
aronnd as. If in the attrition and excitement
of a.dense population, collected chiefly in ci-
st;es towns and villages, other States and sec
lions NAV show q smaller ratio OF those unable
10 read and write, the fact does not detract
from the credit due TO that scheme CT legisla.
ton, which beginning with the flrst Caroilna
school system of ITO, has since been directed
towards the education of every citizen OF the
State. We should learn onrown shortcomings,
whether from friends or foes, with view to
s.lf;mproyement-bu nothing is to be gained
Inv n parrot,like repetition of the stale accusa-
,;on 6 behind the age" In some directions
tho narty behind is in the safest, as well as most
honorable position.
We recur, however, to the election OF lsO4,
rs showing the amount and arrangement OF
popalation. For this purpose we turn to the
faeneral report of the Committee on Privileges
and Elections, and look at the number and po-
s;ton of the election precincts, which OF course
are established with view to the necessities OF
population. ~ oe ,ho ro
mort so, far as relates TO the sections OF ehe
State which have been chiefly filled up since
that period.
For Abbeville there was but one "place OF
election''-that at the Court House.
For Chester there was also but onezpoll-at
the Court House.
For Chesterfield one--at the Court House.
For Claremont three-at Statesburg, SInSle'
TOMS store and Carter's Store
For Clarendon three places-at the Court
House. and at Richard Sngetons, by the same
managers on different days; and at Capt.
Witherspoon's muster field. -,
For Darlinstonthere was one pace-at the.
Court House. ~,
For Edge6eld three places-at Amos f'oh-
ardson,s Lewis Mobiles and Col. Martins mus
ter ground. ~ IT,
:. For Fairfield two places-the Court House
and tbe house of Ezekiel Wooley or "Sutton's
old place 'n. ~. IT,.
For Greenyle three places-Court House,
Jno. III. Harrison's store and Arrasmths;
For Kershaw at two places-Court House
: and Flat Rock.
For Kingston two plaees-at Court House
and Joseph Graham.s
For Laurens ive places-Archibald Young's'
BENJAMIN Adairfs, Young q Boyle's store
George Brooks store, and at the Court House
on the second day by any three of the mana.
.,ers annointed for the frst.four Places
For Lancaster-one place only at the Court
House.
= For Liberty three places-at Court House,
Jeremiah Browns and John Betheass.
For Marlborough-one place, Court, House.
For Newb ,rry Including the Fork between
ahe Broad and Saluda Rivers, two places,
Court House and Spring Hill. -,
For Pepdleton, four places-Mary Murphy's
Benz. Starret's, Robert Stensen's and at Court
House. w IL
For Richland, three places m. myers
M. Westou's, Columbia.
SaxeGotha, three places-Andrew he'sief s
Jos. Williams CRANKY.
Observation-Disclosures place, at the roour'
House. IS &. - e :,
Fer Union, three places Jeremiah Ham'l-
: tons, John Elst,s, Court House.
To sum pp the election districts, as then
: constituted, we2add
=. Grange, st. MatthemsSt. James Goose
Creek. st. Luke's, Winyah, st. Georges Dor
chester. had. each three places Of election !;
Wiuton Eve places; st. Bartholomew, four
nlases; Christ Church, ST. Johns Berkiey, st.
: Andrews, sts James Santee, st. Johns, Collie