The weekly pioneer and Democrat. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn. Territory) 1855-1865, 1860-12-28
SOUTH CAROLINA CONVENTION.
Caleb Cushing at Charleston.
CHARLESTON, Dec. 81

ington. There are various rumors as to
his mission.
The Legislature to-day changed the name
of the "Federal" to the "Committee on
Foreign Relations" and also appointed a
committee on the style of the state flag 1t
is rumored that the convention went into
secret secession to consider postal and Gus.
toms matters.
A grand minute-men procession is parad.
ing the streets. The iremen and military
joined. They serenaded Gov. Pickens.
Addresses were made by Gen. Jameson, W.
E. Porter, Gen. Simmons, and others.
Great enthusiasm prevailed, with music,
transparencies, &c. The flag borne in front
of the procession was that of the steamer
Columbia.
The following was offered in the conven-
ton yesterday by MIR. Durken
RESOLVED, That the Governor appoint Gus
tom officers; also, pOstmasters, unless the pre-
sent incumbents continue to discharge their
duties.
MIR. Brown offered an amendment that
the duties be collected at the existing rates,
the Governor appointing collectors also,
continuing the present postal arrangements
till others are made.
Mr.. Gregg offered substitute that the
importation of merchandise be free and un-
restricted, subject to such temporary regula-
tiOn by by the Governor, concerning the en-.
try and clearance, as are requisite; also,
that the Governor appoint postmasters, and
make temporary mail arrangements, with
due regard to mail contracts, with the exist
ing government.
MIR. Hutson offered substitute that all
citizens holding Office under the United
States government be appointed under the
government of this State; also, adopting
the revenue and postal laws of the United
States, excepting that no duties be collected
on the merchandise and products of slave>
holding commonwealth further, that all
monies collected, after deducting expenses,
be deposited in the Bank of the State of
Carolina, subject to the order of the Assem-
bly,; further, that said officers retain pos.
session and control of all the United States
property, for the disposal of the Assembly,
who will account for the same on the final
settlement with the United States.
Mr.. Middleton offered clause to Mr..
Durken's resolution, that the collectors levy
duties at half the rates of the late tariff.
CHARLESTON, Dec. %.
The House yesterday adopted resolu-
ton instructing the Military committee to
make provision for feeding and transporting
troops, and also establishing Telegraph
lines to all exposed points of the State, CIV
ing the Governor authority over all Tele-
graph lines in case of war or apprehended
invasion. 1t was made the special order
for to-day.
A resolution was offered making search
ing enquiry into the business of the banks
of the State, with power to send for persons
and examine the bank books, their transac-
tions, &c. The Convention will probably
take recess to-day until January 18th.
At the Secession celebration at Camden
yesterday cannon burst, severely injuring
several persons.
The SLAYER Bonita was not bound to this
port, but put in here from stress of weather
and with her crew exhausted. She is bound
to Norfolk, Va.
The serenading procession last night was
grand affair, and was kept up until after
midnight.
The Courier's special dispatch from New
Orleans says that Col. Rudler has been
positively pardoned by the authorities of
Honduras.
A special despatch from Washington says
that Maj Anderson has been ordered to
surrender the forts to the constituted au-
thorities of South Carolina, in case the forts
are attacked; but not surrender to irrespon-
sible parties.
CHARLESTON, Dec. %.
The Convention met at noon to-day
Several reports were read and referred. No
report has yet been made on postal matters
and the customs, but it is generally ccnced-
ed that when it is made it will provide as
follows:-tbat the revenue laws of the Unit
ed States be adopted; that the collector OF
the port take the oath Of allegiance to the
State of South Carolina, and that postal
matters remain unchanged.
Mr.. Deaussone on the committee to whom
was referred the communication from a
portion of the members of the Georgia Leg
islature, reported that the communication
asked that secession should not take place
until Alabama, Mississippi and Florida as
sembled their conventions for final state &C.
ton, but that the communication was now
of no avail, as the secession Of South Caro-
lima had already taken place.
Mr.. Magrath from the committee on such
portions of the Presidents message as re.
ierred to the property of the United States
in the limits of South Carolina, said be pre-.
ferred making his report in secret session.
The convention went into secret session and
continued so for two hours. 1t is reported
that very animated discussion took place
on the report.
Mr.. Rheit's address to the people of the
southern states has not yet been acted
upon.
Mr.. G. D. Melton was appointed to pre-
pare the credentials for the joint commits
sion to Washington, and was sworn to keep
the strictest secrecy in regard to them.
The accredited papers were delivered to
the commissioners to-day to 60 to Wash
ington with full power. The commissioners
took a secretary with them, who is allowed
ten dollars day and his travelling expens-