The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1868-11-29
.LNaIsLATIvE PRoCMnpINas.
Friday, Novemiser 81. 1865.
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES,

/ lHOUSEO OE hERhBSENYAIl NIrS,
Pursuant to adjournment, the
House met at 10 M. Several mem
bers who had not previously attend
I ed, answered to their names. Prayer
| by Rev. e. Hayes.
The reading of the journal OF
Wednesday was, on motion of Mr..
Turner, dispensed with.
Mr.. Whipper introduced the fol-
lowing preamble and resolutions /:
Whereas, we have as individuals
been called upon to mourn the death
of two honorable members of this
General Assembly, viz: the Hon.
James Martin, member of the House
of Representatives from Abbeville
County, and the Hon, B. F. Ran
dolph, member of the Senate from
Orangeburg County; and whereas
this is the first meeting of the Gene
raj Assembly of South Carolina since
the sad intelligence of their death
has been received; and whereas it is
proper that we should give some
public expression of the regret SO
deeply felt by this body for their un-
timely and appalling deaths; there
fore, be it
Resoloed, That the General Assem-.
bly, of South Carolina meet in this
hall on Wednesday,, the I'd of De-
cember, at II NJ, to commemorate
the memories of the late Hons. James
Martin and B. f. Randolph, and that
q Committee of Five be appointed on
the part of the House and on part OF
the Senate to draft suitable resolu-
tions, and select member from each
House to pronounce eulogies on the
deceased members, and make such
other arrangements as they may
deem proper.
ReSolved, That copy of the fore
going resolution be sent to the Sc
nate, and that they be requested to
concur therein.
Mr.. Tomlinson offered the follow
ing as a substitute for thu resolutions
of Mr.. Whipper
Whereas, information has reached
this House Of the death of Mr..
James Martin, Representative from
Abbeville County, who was delibe-
rately murdered on the public road,
while travelling to his home from
Abbeville Court House, on the 5th of
October; and whereas, there can be
no doubt that Mr.. Martin was muir
dered solely because of his political
associations; therefore, be it
ReSoloed, That in the death of Mr..
James Martin, member from Able
vile County, this House loses one
who, though quiet and unobtrusive,
was always faithful and diligent in
the performance of his duties, and
that we sincerely mourn his loss.
Resolved, That regretting as we do
the loss of member so quiet and
unobtrusive and intelligent as was
Mr.. Martin, we cannot but regret far
more the existence in any part of our
State of q spirit which would seek to
serve party purposes by violence and
murder; and that the existence OF
such spirit is still more to be de-
plored and deprecated, and assumes
o more portentous appearance, when
1T selects as its victim one who, under
no circumstances, could have given
provocation that would Justify or
even palliate the conduct of those
who murdered him.
ReSolred, That while we would not
willingly believe that the intelligence
and respectability of this State, or of
any portion of it, does now give or
has at any time given it's sanction to
the outrages of which the murder of
MIR. Martin is an example, we cannot
blind ourselves to the fact that as yet
the citizens in whose supposed inter
est these outrages have been perpe-
trated, have done little or nothing
toward bringing to justice those who
committed them; but that on the
contrary, the attempts made by the
Executive to arrest the guilty parties
have been denounced in the commu-
mites where the crimes were commit
ted, as an arbitrary exercise of power
not justified by the circumstances,
and that in some instances the Off
GERS of the law have been threatened
and treated with violence.
Resoioed, That we would fain be-
lleve now that the excitement of q
bitter political contest is over, that
the people of our State will settle
down into quiet obedience to laws,
and respect for the rights of all; and
that however much we may regret
what has transpired, as members Of
the General Assembly of South Caro-
Il 4 r