Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1868-02-19
TWENTY-SIXTH DAY.
CHARLESTON, Feb. !!

CHARLESTON, Feb. IA.
The Convention assembled at half-past III
A. NJ, and was called to order by the Presi-
dent, A. G.. Mickey.
Prayer was offered by the Rev. VIM. Dar-
rington, (colorcd.
The roll was called and quorum answer
ing to their names, the President announced
the Convention ready to proceed TO business
Mr.. C. e. Bowen moved reconsideration
Of the 9Th section, which is as follows:
Section 6. The Senate shall be composed OF
one member from each county, to be elected
for the term Of four years, by the qualified
voters of the State, in the same manner by
which members of the House Of Representa-
tives are chosen.
The motion was carried.
Mr.. Bowen said a proposition had been
made to change the names of the districts in
10 counties, aud Charleston would, therefore,
become county. Heretofore Charleston had
always been entitled to two Senators when
she was only an election district. Now the
Convention proposed to make the city coun
ty, and the section read, that each county
shall be entitled to but one Senator. No mat
ter how great population Charleston might
have, she would be entitled to but one Sena-
tor. ANY other district or county bavins
Sufficient territory could be divided and iri-
mcd;atcly obtain another Senator. 1t was
apparent to every gentleman upon the loor
that the City Of Charleston never can be di-
yidcd into two counties. Take the case OF
pickeus District which had been recently di-
vided. 1t now becomes two counties and gets
two Senators. He would make a motion,
Which, upon the principles of equity and JUS
,ice, he thought, when they came to consider
it, there would be no difficulty in adding an
amendment to the section. He moved to
add "Except Charleston, which shall be al.
lowed two Senators"
After this, followed long and elaborate de-
bate of the question, the most sensible and
prominent men in the Convention warmly ad-
vocating the amendment allowing Charleston
two senators and upon the ayes and lays
being taken, the amendment was adopted by
fifty five ayes to fifty one nays
The eighth section then passed to its third
reading. :.
The President announced that the hour for
the special order had arrived. The special
order being the report of the committee on
petition TO Congress for the loan of $1,000,
600 for the purchase oil lands, was taken up.
Mr.. w. f. RISE read the report which re-
commended that the prayer of the petition be
granted, and that the President be requested
to forward copy Of the preamble and resolu.
tiops to Congress at as early u day as prac;i.
cable. e.,.t,..
Charles D. Hayne moved that the report be
adopted,
Mir. Leslie obtained the G3or and opposed
the adoption Of the report on the ground tha
the memorial or petition to Congress for 6
loan in the present condition OF the treasury
and finances of the country, would be unsuc
cessful, and raise expectations among the
coIored people that would never be realized
r. II. Cain replied and said 1t was mea
sure which would give immediate relief to the
thousands of freed people who now have nc
lands of their own.
It will be means of encouraging them tc
industry if the petition be granted by Con.
oress. 1t will be the means Of meeting one
Of the great wants Of the present among the
moor. 1t will lay the foundation for the lu
tnre prosperity Of the country as no Other
measure will at this time, because it will bring
ohont reconciliation in the minds of thou.
sands Of these helpless people, which nothing
slsc can. This measure, if carried out, vii
bring capital to the State and stimulate tht
moor 10 renewed efforts in life, such rs theJ
never have bad before. -