The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1858-12-15
The Legislature.


of this paper for a condensed summary of
Legislative proceedings, embracing notice
of all the most important matter that has
come up during the week. A mere men.
ton, or statement of facts, is all that we
can give this week, owing to the crowded
state of our columns, and we have found it
necessary 10 condensc closely in order to
give the general news of the day, Congress-
ional items, Conference matters &c. Com
ment. under the circumstances is simply
out Of the question.
Our correspondent ed" refers to bill
which passed the House, giving TO jurors,
in addition to the present compensation,
five cents per mile going to and from Court.
This bill, it is thought, will become law.
The bill asking further aid for the Blue
Ridge Railroad is perhaps the most impor-
tant feature Of the present legislature
We give elsewhere the vote on Wednes-
day rejecting it. The paked question Is
presented to the State, whether she will
sink forever the two millions and upwards
already expended in this enterprise, or go
on, adding millions TO millions for the COM
pletion of it. Our side Of the State can
do no otherwise than vote against the
measure, IS they have always done; we are
equally interested with other sections in
the paying part, but not so in the benefits
to accrue from the road if ever completed.
But here is one fact that concerns all Car.
olnians if the enterprise is now abolish
ed, the labor and money already expended,
remains a lasting memorial 10 the folly and
disgrace of the whole State. No doubt the
feeling Of many Of the members who voted
in the negative is with the measure and
they are restrained by the dread Of the
frowns Of their constituents. A lesson was
taught some of them, in respect of this
very project, two years ago. The measure
was 10 he reconsidcred at an early day.
The friends Of the measure are making
powerful eXer,iops and il is not improbable
that they will eventually succeed. The
whole of our delegation is strongly oppos-
ed to the measure, and in this position they
certainly have the support and sympathy
Of their constituents.
We have only room for short editorial
summary of the proceedings of Thursday
ard Friday:
4 bill passed the Senate TO give further
aid TO the North Eastern Railroad compa-
ny, and was ordered to the House. Mr.
Withcrsppon voted in the negative.
The Senate refused TO concur in the
amendment by the House TO the Report of
the Joint committee af both Houses, ap.
pointed for the selection Of Stale printer.
The Report was that the permanent work
he given TO DIR. Gibbes the amendment
provided that it be given TO DR.. Gihbcs the
present year, ard 10 Mr.. Pelham the next
On Thursday, tho question was put in the
House as 10 the original Report the Re.
port was agreed TO and DR.. Gibbcs elected
State Printer fog the next two years.
On Friday, the following resolutions
passed the Senate, in relation Ia the eighth
section of the treaty Of Washington
/. RssoLred That in the opinion of this
General Assembly, the eighth article Of the
Treaty of Washington ought to bc abroga-
ted, M provided for in the Jlth article of
said Treaty.
.. Resohed, That in the adoption of the
FIRST resolution this assen bly, does not in.
tend 10 express any opinion rs TO the expe
diency or inexpediency of re.opening the
slave trade.
The eighth article of the Treaty of Wash
iugton referred to by these resolutions, is
in reference to the keeping of squadron
on the coast of Africa, by the United States
England and France, for the suppression Of
the Slave i,ade. The resolutions elected
spirited discussion, and passed almos: u.,nn-
imously. Mr.. Witherspoon voted in the af.
iirmative.
In the House, the Report of the com.
mittee on Federal Relations on so much of
the Governors Message as relates to the 10.
fuence of Presidential elections, the effect
Of National Conventions, &c, were sub.
mtted. The cnmwttee did not agree, and
they leave tha propriety or expediency Of
entertaining national nominating conven-
tions an open question. The Report con-
cludes {; "As TO the policy Of sach course
on the part OF our eitiZens, your Committee
are not agreed, but they are Of opinion tha,
the Convention question is not one which
should provoke party feelings Or draw party
lines within the State, that Il Is NOT ques-
ton which should either divide our people
or distract the deliberations Of this General
Assembly, and to this end your Committee
would respectfully recommend ttal no ac-
tion bs taken on the subject"
Senator Chesn4ts Position.