Edgefield advertiser. [volume] (Edgefield, S.C.) 1836-current, 1868-12-23
FROM COLUMBIA.

FROM COLUMBIA.
We continue our synopsis Of the proceedings of
the LegIslnturc:
On Monday, the 14th, in the Senate, the Ap-
preparation bill was passed to its second reading.
The Lil to extend aid 10 the Savannah and
Charleston Railroad up for its third rcading'
and was ,ccommittcd to the Committee on Rail-
roads.
Mr.. Arnm introduced bill for the reception
and filing of bonds Of public officers.
Cnrne introduced bill to facilitate trials before
magistrates, which was read the first time. "A
IN THE HOUSE, resolution to take recess
from December % to January was adopted.
A message was received from Governor Scott
calling attention to acts of lawlessness in Lam
caster, aud asking aid for the Shaw Orphan Asy-
Jun IN Charleston. -s.s.
On the 18th, Bill was sent to the Senate from
the House, to increase tho lien of Magistrates ex-
ccutiona. It was read the first time and was or
lcrcd for consideration tomorrow and to be
printed. Also, Bill to punish Sheriffs for vio-
lnting the homestead wna acted upon, as the last
named Bill.
Mr.. Corbin presented the petition Of praclicing
Attorneys and Solicitors Of Marlboro County,
praying that the office of Master and Commissioners
in Equity be continued in existence until tho LIST
day of January, 1870 Referred to the Committee
on the Judiciury.
A Bill was introduced to regulate the Homo
stead in certain cases, which was rad the first
time, and was ordered for n second reading, and
to be printed also.
The following Message was received from the
Governor:
.4 STATE OF SourH CAROLINA,
EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT,
COLUMBIA, December IL, 1863
To. Me Honorable the President Of the Senate:
sIR:-The dolny in transmitting my report in
relution to the University of South Carolina has
been occasioned by my desire to avail myself OF
the ssiuIts oflthe deliberations Of The Board of
Regents, ut its recent annual meeting, on the con-
,diiliion- and prospects, Of tho institution.
y gather from the preSalcnt tone Of those dis
cussions and also from the opinions ofintclligent
c,izcns from various portions Of the s'atc, that
very general impression prevails that there
should be IN essential modification in the Consti-
tuition Of the governing body of tho University
the Board of Trustees. At present it consists of
thirty. eight members, of which eighteen are e1
oGcio, including the Governor and Lieutenant
Governorof the State, the President Of the Senate
and the Speaker 6f tho House Of Representatives,
the Chairman of the Committees~ef Education of
tho Senate and House of Reprosentatiye respec-
lively, tho Judges of the Court Of Appeals, the
Circuit Judges of the Courts OF, Law, and the
Chancellors, and twenty other persons elected by
joint ballot Of the General Assembly, to hold
their Office for four years, and until others shall
have been elected.
{ The cumbrous and unwieldly character Of the
Board as ut present stituted, dotracts materi-
ally from its efficiency and usefulness. Where
responsibility is divided aud dissipated among so
many, it is almost inevitable that it should be
lightly appreciated; and engaged as many of tho
Trustees are in othcr important public duties, and
residing at considerable distance from tho capi-
tai of the State it is not to be wondered at that
their obligations connected with this appointment,
often merely complimentary, should DO frequently
overlooked and neglected. To such IN extent has
this been carried that important meetings of the
Board have had to be repeatedly postponed for
want of n quorum, although but nine members of
the thirty-cight wero requisite for the purpose.
1t has been suggested that the remedy for this
evil IS the substitution of Board Of Eve or seven
Trustees, selected for their special capacity and
aptitude for the position, and who would bo will
\ y Z Z, :; I'd a..c:..:o' +,
the important trust confded to them.
It has, also, been suggested that the internal
regulations of tho University would bO moro sat-
isfactorily managed if the election of the Chair
man of the Faculty were left TO the members of
tho Faculty themselves.
The experience of tho past two years admon-
ishes us that some changes in the tuition fees are
necessary to popularize the University, and bring
its advantages within the reach of the grcatest
possible number Of students The present charge
of twenty five dollars por term for each academ-
cal school, with ton dollars additional for the Ii
brary to ench student, whether used by him or
not prevents many OF tho youth Of the State from
enjoying the educational advantages OF the instl-
tuition. It is deemed advisable, therefore, to re.
duce the tuition fees for each school to onc-hnlf
the present amount, and corresponding diminu-
ton in the charges for the library and other
extras
49, D-of yyaI
-stiGll be insured reasonable compensation for
their services, it is recommended that m appro-
priation be made by the State Of two thousand
dollars per annum for each of them, and also to
allow them the additional sum of FIVE hnpdEed
dollars per annum from the fees fortujfon, Should
sufficient amount be received fore that purpose;
and if not then the am can't SO received shall be
divided among ff6o Professors pro rata. All
moneys rcceivod for tuition foes, and other sources
of revenue, shall be deposited with the Treasurer,
and accounted for in his annual report or at any
time when called OH by the Board of Trustees.
The Board of Trustees have authorized Cam-
mittee Of tho body, if deemed advisable, to ar
range with the State for an increase Of free schol
arship, on the basis of annual >appropriation,for
the salaries of the Faculty
"A email apprOpration-say about six hundred
dollsrs-is required for necessary repairs to the
University lditdings.
IeAaFef submitted briefly such suggestions in
r6fareSce to the University MS deem important.
Etoits prosperity and the public1intercsts, and
earnestly invite to them your careful cOnsidera-
tion, plelging myself to cheerfully cooperate in
carrying out the policy which may be designated
by you -
There sc many matters of detail which will
appropriately come up for the action of the new
Board of Trustees, should the changes recon-