The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1855-12-14

isl,cd lands would be increased to an extent
almost inconceivable. On the other hand.
it is difficult to estimate the advantages that
would result from the proposed change. A
stop would be put to the annual custom of
burning our forests for pasturage-a practice
dangerous in itself and injurious both to
the soil and timber. Liability to accidents
on our railroads would be lessened, and our
courts would be rid Of the petty, and fear,
deinoralzing litigation growing out Of the
killing Of stock by these roads. The land
now taken up by fences, and it is rich,
and embraces thousands of &C. es over the
State, would be at once brought into cult
vation. The time now wasted in the con-
siruction and repair of fences would be
devoted to the improvement of our farms.
Tho timber that is left in our forests would
become money to our people. Such a
law would infringe upon no mans right,
nor deprive him of single privilege to
which he is properly entitled 1t would
'mPart new life to agriculture, give new
direction to its efforts, and add largely to
the aggregate wealth Of the State ] know
that there are portions of the State that
do not, and perhaps may never feel the ne
cessity for this change Of our policy, but is
1t wise or just that the great permanent
interest of the State should be sacrificed in
mere defence to the mistaken and erroneous
notions of our people on the subject of stock
raising and its supposed privileges
AN application will be made to You for
aid, by the State Agricultural Society.
The Legislature has wisely contributed to the
medical association and the mechanics in
sti,ute. The basis Of the organization Of
tins society affords reasonable ground to
hope that it will be permanent; and l am
sure you cannot hesitate to give substantial
encouragement to an interest which is the
great source of our wealth, and which, with
out murmurring, pays two-thirds Of our annu-
al taxes. recommend that the sum of
hive thousand dollars be annually contribu-
ted to this society So long as it continues to
exist. 90
The administration of our laws in relation
to our colored population by our courts of
magistrates and free holders, as these courts
aie at present constituted, calls loudly for
reform. Their decisions are rarely in con-
tormlty with justice or humanity. I have
felt constrained, in majority Of the cases
brought to my notice, either to modify the
Sentence, or set it aside altogether. rec
ommend, in all cases involving life, that the
trial Of slaves and free persons of color be
held ut the court house of the district in
which the offence is commited-that the
clerk, ordinary, and sheriff of the district
constitute court to try such cases, and
that while thus employed they be allowed
the usual per diem. These officers enjoy the
CONFIDENCE Of the community, and would be
free from neighborhood prejudice, which
too often stands in the way of impartial
justice. The decisions of such tribunal
would give satisfaction to the public, and
afford ample protection to the master. It
would be court always at hand, and would
possess the requisite intelligence and lu-
nanity, qualities indispensable in those
armed with the power to pass upon tho life
and death of human being, whatever be
his condition or complexion. Should YOU
deem it proper to associate free holders;
then it might be the duty of these officers
to name six, from whom the defendant
should have the right to select three. Una
nlmity should be required in the verdict.
However you may regard these suggestions,
bring the matter to your potice, under the
strong conviction that reform is necessary.
The legislation of the State in relation to
coIored seamen has long been mater Of
complaint and, rcmonstrance on the part of
foreign nations. So strong, indeed, has
been the opposition to our laws on the sub
Ject, that at one time formal proceedings
were instituted by the British Government
to test their validity. That attempt to CO.
! cree the State into A relaxation IF a nol;cy
deemed to be unauthorized and unnecessarily
stringent: Was soon found to be an iIl-ad-
yised movement, and the proceedings were
abandoned as formally as they were insti,u-
tied. The right. Of the State TO enforce.
within her, limits, such police laws as she
may deem essential to the public safety. is a a
right which South Carolina will never sub
!, init TO the arbitramcnt Of any tribunal on
earth. = She does not hold this right by yir-
tue Of written parchments, and she fecoonTi-
zes no restraint ia Its exercise but such as is
4 imposed by her own sense, sof jiusticsa and
4 ipropriety. So long AS tbiis right S:was qiles.
tioned, and any disposition nanifssted % ia.
terfere with It's exercise, South CaroliDa res
j oldtely maintained her ground ;sand Both
] the principle and the law stand fully vindi-
Il Gated ID the public estinhation. Now that
the ssnb bjecs sia free from tie embarrassment
WHICH the proceed diGea asefsrssd 30 threw a.
round IL and onf III afos spSss the law is no
Il iongyr disputed, j sfhse ihsE tliA public mind
sspsspAfed io dts1 lbs sAi bieCt cairnlg
Il i AssicKet SIC Ill noE fssSessayyflist
5sgpf saiices ID OUT 81
M bIs g1g ssle aos &. 4 ts,hil 8